Their carriage pulled over at the Manor. The Grand Marquis's Resident at Avalon where he overlooked.
Avalon was a March (A state-like area overlooked by a Marquis) he overlooked which was located at the border territory of the Kingdom of Valencrest. A march at the frontier of the kingdom which was surrounded by wild lands of forests mountains and the likes. A good view per se.
It was basically the most powerful March in the Wild Kingdom of Valencrest. The kingdom which is ruled by King Edward who has his son in Crown Prince Elvis.
It was powerful because it was ruled by the famous Adrian. The only Grand Marquis in the kingdom. Famous for the achievements he got during his active involvement in the Royal Military as a Soldier. He had rose heights in position and got where he was through his hard work, leading the Royal Army to wars and always conquering. And he did that at a young age of 25.
He still had Military Powers as he was one of the Officials in The Royal Military.
But he was not only famous for his Military achievement and unquestionably skills. He was also an infamous playboy!
He was known as one with many ladies in his life. Although still unmarried, there were many ladies in his company. Changing ladies like dresses while drinking away his moments.
One would think of him as useless. But his high rank as a noble and a military official was enough to justify his lifestyle. No one dared question him.
And to Eden, he was one of the freaking Male leads of this novel!
A character who had a similarly huge fanbase as the Crown Prince. One the readers seem to love slightly more than the male lead.
Eden could guess it was because of his seductive and steamy ways. He was a lady's man after all. And his scenes with the female lead were always steamy!
So it was jarring to Eden to discover that he had just escaped from The Crown prince only to fall into the hands of The Grand Marquis.
Another Male lead who actively wanted him dead. Solely to obtain a reward from the Emperor who would grant a wish of anyone who brought his head.
"Let's go in" Adrian stretched out his hands to Eden who still sat in the carriage pondering over his pathetic fate.
For a while he stared at his hand. He wasn't willing to take those hands of one who wanted him dead. Neither did he want to step into that residence. That would be stepping into his death!
"Should I carry you down instead?" Adrian raised an eyebrow.
Eden stared into his face. His lazy eyes pulling him in and reminding him of why many fans were obsessed with him. He was gorgeous indeed.
Sharp nose and pretty eyes. A perfect face and all. He was indeed no less than The Crown Prince. All looking like they'd step out of comic books. But unlike the Crown Prince who had a more cold and distant look, Grand Marquis Adrian had a more seductive look to him.
"I'll come down myself" Eden said as he slowly jumped down from the Carriage.
He stared at the residence. Maids and servants were already out to welcome their master. Guards were standing at their positions.
"Let's go" Adrian invited as he took the lead.
Eden hesitated before following behind. He stared at Adrian from behind, wondering if he knew he was the wizard. And If he was intentionally luring him in here to trap and kill him.
Well, Eden wondered if he should be asking that? It was pretty obvious that he knew and was luring him to his doom! His posters were distributed around, most people who cared to know knew him!
Eden didn't have time to admire the luxurious build of the residence. All he could think about was the fact that he was stepping into his doom.
"She'll take you to your room" Adrian said as Eden stared at the lady that had approached. Eden could tell she was a maid.
"And remember to be a good boy while you're in there. I'll call you when I need you" Adrian smirked with a wink as he walked off. His personal butler followed him closely behind.
"Let's go get you to your room Sir" The maid offered. "You should get changed"
Eden hesitated, looking around for a while before following the lady off to the room.
********
"You bastard!"
King Edward was furious on his throne. He thundered at Elvis who quietly stood there receiving every shade of insults he threw at him.
"You had one simple task and you messed it up! You, useless bastard!" King Edward yelled.
"I'm sorry" Elvis could only say.
"Don't even dare apologise" He snapped "That won't help matters"
Elvis stood there. It wasn't his first time in such a situation. The King was always yelling at him and cursing at him. Even at the tiniest mistakes or so. He was used to it.
"Not only did you let that bastard off. You also brought shame to my name! What the hell was that about being his lover or what?!"
"It's all a lie. He made it up to fool his way out" Elvis explained.
"And you let him get his way?! You fool. You moron. You're utterly useless! I shouldn't have even bothered raising a fool like you!" The King was boiling.
He had lost his opportunity to make a request from the Emperor so he was losing it.
"Calm down Your Highness...." The Royal Advisor who stood by the side urged the king "You are not properly recovered from your illness"
The King slowly calmed himself down as he thought of what to do in this situation.
"You're going to be punished. So get yourself ready for it" King Edward instructed.
"But Your Majesty, The Prince isn't fully recovered from his illness" The Royal Advisor reminded.
Elvis was already looking so pale.
"I don't care. Sick or not. He will be punished and that's final. I don't care if he dies in the process" The Kings roared.
"I will accept the punishment Your Highness" Elvis said. Already knowing the punishment involved whipping.
"And..." King Edward said after a while of thinking "As part of the punishment. Prepare a Royal banquet as well"