"This outfit truly suits me."
Haku smiled, looking at the distinguished figure he saw in the mirror, hardly believing it was truly him.
"Yes, the dragon swallowing the sun is bright gold and red, yet it does match the Indigo blue perfectly. Don't you think? The trick is the ratio of colors,
I'm proud to say that I can make any combination look good.
By keeping it on the back, it does not overshadow the gorgeous indigo at all."
Tiberius puffed his chest as he spoke those words
The pride in his eyes told that it was one of his finest works yet.
'I can for sure pass as a noble with this, given the quality of this robe and the suit underneath, I truly feel powerful. No wonder Alex praised this man so much, he could work in a royal court with this much skill .'
"Glad you like it, so how long will it take to heal my daughter?"
Worried eyes showed on the old man's face.
"Give it time for now, have her go out more, and watch her diet a bit. I will come up with a cure before long, I still have a business to run after all."
Haku adjusted the dragon-embroidered robe, a smirk playing on his lips. "Don't worry, Tiberius. Elara will be fine. Just keep her spirits up, and I'll work on the cure in the meantime." He paused, tapping a finger against his chin. "Actually, while I'm here, I should probably get caught up on the local news. Any juicy gossip going around Oakhaven these days?"
Tiberius frowned. "News? Not much happens here, except… oh, that's right. I almost forgot. A noble is supposed to visit the shop this afternoon. Wants a new coat of arms embroidered on a riding cloak, apparently."
Haku's ears perked up. A noble? His instincts, honed by countless trashy web novels, tingled with anticipation. "Oh? Who is this noble?"
Tiberius wrinkled his nose. "Some whelp named Lord Aron. Son of Duke Maris. Heard he's a right handful, always causing trouble. His father sent him here with Ser Kaelen, his personal knight, to keep him out of mischief."
Haku's mind raced. A spoiled, trouble-making noble and his stoic knight chaperone? Classic story fodder. He needed to play this carefully. "And this Ser Kaelen? Is he any good?"
"Good?" Tiberius scoffed. "He's a swordmaster, they say he can cut steel like butter, and move as fast as the wind. The Duke sent him along, knowing his son would be a problem. Aron might be arrogant, but even he wouldn't dare cross Kaelen."
"Swordmaster who can cut steel? That screams high-level martial arts prowess. This is getting interesting." Haku hid his excitement behind a nonchalant shrug. "Well, I suppose a nobleman's visit will spice things up around here. Maybe I'll stick around to see the show."
He glanced at the window, calculating the position of the sun. "When is this spoiled brat expected?"
"Around midday, I reckon," Tiberius replied, fiddling with his tools. "Best be on your best behavior, Master Haku. Nobles don't take kindly to…eccentric company."
Haku chuckled, a glint in his eye. "Eccentric? Me? I'm just a helpful traveler eager to share my knowledge with the world."
He knew the appearance of the noble in the tailor shop was going to spell trouble, or at least, be a great source of entertainment. And with a swordmaster guarding the young lord, things could get very interesting indeed. Haku decided to use his knowledge to assess Ser Kaelen. Understanding his capabilities would be crucial for navigating this potentially dangerous situation.
"Tiberius, how about another round of that ale? I have a feeling we're going to need it." Haku said, settling himself more comfortably on the cushioned bench, a plan already forming in his mind. He would orchestrate this meeting, playing the role of the insightful observer, the wise mentor, and perhaps, even the unexpected hero. After all, what were transmigration stories without a little bit of chaos?
'This Haku guy truly is an alcoholic. How does he make money if he drinks all his supply?'
The afternoon sun cast long shadows through the windows of the tailor shop, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Haku, still draped in the magnificent dragon-embroidered robe, pretended to examine a bolt of silk, subtly positioning himself to observe the entrance. He could feel the nervous energy radiating off Tiberius as the old tailor busied himself tidying up, straightening already-straight displays and adjusting the angle of a hanging tapestry for the tenth time.
Suddenly, the sound of approaching horses echoed through the street, growing louder with each passing moment. Tiberius froze, gulping audibly. "They're here," he croaked, wiping his hands on his apron.
A moment later, the door swung open, revealing a young man with a sneer plastered across his face. Lord Aron, as Haku surmised, sauntered into the shop, his expensive boots clicking against the wooden floor. He was dressed in flamboyant colors, a jarring contrast to the simple elegance of the tailor shop. Trailing behind him was a figure that made Haku's breath catch in his throat.
Ser Kaelen.
The knight was a study in controlled power. His armor was polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the afternoon light. His face, though young, bore the marks of countless battles, etched in the lines around his eyes and the set of his jaw. He moved with a fluid grace that belied the heavy armor he wore, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his sword. Haku's instincts screamed. He could feel the man's raw power, a palpable aura of deadly skill.
Haku's gaze lingered on the sword. If the rumors were true, that blade was a terror.
Aron, oblivious to the tension in the room, surveyed the shop with disdain. "So, this is where my father sends me for a decent cloak?" he sneered. "It reeks of peasantry."
Tiberius bowed low, his voice trembling slightly. "Welcome, Lord Aron. It is an honor to have you in my humble establishment."
"Humble indeed," Aron scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Just get on with it. I want a cloak. Dark blue, with my family's crest emblazoned on the back. Make it quick. I haven't got all day."
As Tiberius scrambled to pull out fabrics, Kaelen's gaze swept across the room, pausing momentarily on Haku. There was no recognition, no surprise, just a cool, assessing stare. He seemed to categorize Haku instantly, filing him away. However, Haku noticed a flicker of intrigue in Kaelen's eyes as it took in the robe's embroidment. He seems to be under the impression that I'm someone of nobility. He probably doesn't recognize the embroidment.
"An interesting design." Kaelen's voice was like the rasp of steel against stone, low and commanding. He addressed Tiberius, but his eyes remained fixed on Haku. "The embroidery is unlike anything I've seen in the Maris lands. From which country does your… guest hail?"
Tiberius stammered, caught off guard. "He… he is a traveler, Ser Kaelen. A scholar with a keen eye for design."
Haku stepped forward, smoothly interjecting. "My origins are of little consequence. The artistry speaks for itself, wouldn't you agree, Ser Kaelen? A perfect balance of color and form, a testament to the tailor's skill." He gave Kaelen a knowing smile, attempting to project an air of confident superiority. "Though, perhaps you are more familiar with the… practical applications of steel?"
Kaelen's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, hinting at a smile. "Indeed. But appreciation for craftsmanship is not limited to the battlefield." He turned his attention back to Aron, who was impatiently drumming his fingers on a display table. "Lord Aron, perhaps you should allow the tailor to show you his designs."
As Aron began to dictate his demands to Tiberius, Haku watched Kaelen, analyzing his every move. The knight's attention seemed to be divided between overseeing the transaction and keeping a close watch on Haku. It was a game of cat and mouse. Did Kaelen suspect something? Or was he simply being cautious?
Haku smirked. The game was on. He would use his knowledge, his wit, and the tropes of countless terrible novels to manipulate this situation to his advantage. And the first step was to convince Ser Kaelen that he was not the threat he believed him to be.
He leaned against the wall, adopting a pose of casual indifference. This was going to be fun.
Aron, growing increasingly petulant, noticed Haku's robe and his eyes narrowed with envy. The dragon swallowing the sun motif was extravagant, arrogant even. For a peasant to wear such a thing was an insult.
"What is that?" Aron demanded, pointing a manicured finger at Haku's chest. "Some ridiculous peasant garb attempting to imitate nobility? Take it off! You're embarrassing yourself."
Haku raised an eyebrow, feigning amusement. "Embarrassing? I find it rather… comfortable. And besides, Lord Aron, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, is it not?"
Aron's face flushed crimson. "Insolent worm! You dare mock me?" He took a step towards Haku, his hand instinctively reaching for the jeweled dagger at his hip.
Before Aron could escalate, Kaelen moved with startling speed. He placed a hand on Aron's arm, his grip firm, almost painful. The smile had vanished from his face, replaced by a look of cold authority that sent a shiver down Aron's spine.
"Lord Aron," Kaelen said, his voice dangerously low, "remember your station. And the reason your father entrusted me with your… well-being." The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air. Aron, despite his arrogance, knew when he was outmatched. He visibly deflated, pulling his hand away from his dagger.
"Fine, fine," Aron muttered, avoiding Kaelen's gaze. "Just… ignore him. He's not worth the trouble." He turned back to Tiberius, resuming his tedious demands.
Kaelen turned to Haku, his expression unreadable. "My apologies for the Lord's… outburst. Youthful exuberance, as they say."
"No offense taken, Ser Kaelen," Haku replied smoothly. "I understand the pressures that come with noble birth. The weight of expectation, the constant scrutiny… It can be… stifling." He paused, letting his words hang in the air, subtly hinting at a shared understanding of the burdens of power.
Kaelen's eyes narrowed slightly. He was trying to gauge Haku, assess his intentions. 'This man… he carries himself with a confidence that belies his simple appearance. The embroidery... It's unlike anything I've seen. Not of the Maris lands, nor any kingdom I know. I have heard of cultures far to the east using dragons as sigils of their house, and the sun is the symbol of the biggest country in the east. Could this child be saying his heritage runs that deep? A prince from some forgotten realm, perhaps? Or perhaps… one of those ancient families, said to rule from the shadows, wielding power unimaginable to the common man?' He glanced at Aron, who was still preoccupied with Tiberius, completely oblivious to the subtle power play unfolding before him.
"You speak with… understanding, for one who claims to be a simple traveler," Kaelen finally said, his voice carefully neutral.
Haku shrugged, affecting an air of nonchalance. "I am merely an observer, Ser Kaelen. I have seen much in my travels. The rise and fall of empires, the folly of kings, the resilience of the common man… It all shapes a person's perspective, wouldn't you agree?" He smiled, a disarming, almost boyish grin that belied the careful calculations running through his mind. "Besides, I don't blame the young lord. Impetuous youth often makes mistakes. I've been known to make a few myself."
'He deflects, dismisses himself.' Kaelen thought, 'A tactic to disarm. But there's a glint in his eyes, a hidden intelligence that cannot be denied. He's like a sharp sword, still sheathed. Is he here to make a play at power, or is he a lost traveller with a dangerous origin?' He had to be careful. Haku might not be an immediate threat, but he possessed something far more dangerous, that's what his instincts told him.
"Indeed," Kaelen replied, his tone carefully measured. "We all make mistakes. It is how we learn from them that defines us." He paused, his gaze lingering on Haku's face. "I trust your wisdom will guide you well, traveler."
Haku bowed his head slightly. "As yours guides you, Ser Kaelen." He knew he had played his hand well. He had piqued Kaelen's interest, planted the seed of doubt, and convinced him that he was not to be underestimated. And, most importantly, he had successfully positioned himself as a non-threat, as someone who understood the world and the rules by which it operated.
'He knows I suspect something. But he's not afraid. He's playing a game, and I'm not sure I know the rules.' Kaelen thought. 'I need to learn more about this man. Before he becomes a problem.'
Haku allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to grace his lips. He had them exactly where he wanted them. Now, he just had to stay one step ahead. The cultivation and fantasy novels he had been forced to endure with his crazy ex-girlfriend were finally proving useful. Who knew pretending to be interested in ridiculous power fantasies could be beneficial in real life?