The banquet hall buzzed with conversation, a tapestry of whispered schemes and veiled threats that seemed to hang in the air like a heavy mist. Eryk moved through the crowd with practiced ease, his senses attuned to the subtle signs of tension and suspicion that surrounded him. His eyes flicked between groups of nobles, picking out familiar faces and taking note of any who seemed to be speaking in hushed tones.
It wasn't long before he found himself approached by a young noble with an arrogant smirk and an air of superiority that was impossible to ignore. Eryk had seen his type before—someone who thrived on challenging others to boost their own ego.
"So, this is the famed House Lavelle's scion?" the young noble remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I expected… more."
Eryk took in the rival's appearance: dark hair, pale eyes, and an elaborate coat with gold trim that seemed to announce his wealth and status more loudly than his words did. Darius Faulkner, he thought, mentally filing away the name, face, and details of the young noble's appearance. He would not forget them.
"You'll find that appearances can be deceiving," Eryk replied calmly, meeting Darius's gaze with a steady look. "Though I suppose that's a lesson you've yet to learn."
Darius's eyes narrowed slightly, the smirk fading. "House Lavelle's days of glory are long past. It's a pity you're too young to realize that."
Eryk could see what Darius was trying to do—provoke a reaction, incite a public scene. But instead of rising to the bait, he leaned back slightly, allowing a small, almost amused smile to touch his lips. "I've heard it said that history often repeats itself," he remarked casually. "The real question is whether it repeats as triumph… or tragedy. Perhaps we'll find out soon enough."
The rival's expression wavered for a moment before he forced a scoff and walked away. Eryk made a mental note to keep an eye on him for the rest of the gathering.
…..
As he turned a corner, Eryk almost bumped into a familiar face—Selene. To his surprise, she wasn't wearing the attire of a magic instructor, but rather a formal gown that suggested nobility. Her dark blue hair fell elegantly over her shoulders, and her golden eyes seemed to shine with a different kind of light than he was used to.
"Selene?" Eryk asked, blinking in surprise.
She offered a small smile, almost sheepish. "I suppose I owe you an explanation. My last name… wasn't exactly what I said it was, and I'm not actually a commoner. This is my first time working as an instructor, and at my age… well, there's a reason I kept it a secret."
Eryk raised an eyebrow, taking in the new information. "You're saying you're from a noble family? And not even from this country?"
She nodded. "My family is well-known for its magical prowess, and I didn't want my background to influence your training." There was a hint of unease in her expression, as if she wasn't entirely sure how he would react.
Eryk's surprise quickly gave way to a smile. "Well, that explains why you're such a mighty fine instructor," he replied, his tone light. "I suppose everyone has their own fair share of secrets." He chuckled, shaking his head. "I have to admit, I feel pretty lucky to have gotten someone like you for a teacher. A noble from a renowned family of mages, no less."
Selene's eyes softened, her smile becoming more genuine. "Thank you, Eryk. I hope this doesn't change things too much between us."
"Not at all," he replied. "But if you have any information that could help, I'd be more than happy to hear it."
She glanced around, lowering her voice. "I can't talk here, but meet me later tonight. I might have something you'll want to know."
…..
As the night wore on, Eryk's suspicions continued to grow. He had noticed certain patterns—nobles who seemed to keep their distance, quiet exchanges that ended abruptly when he approached, and an air of unease that had settled over the gathering like a shroud. It was clear that there were secrets being kept, and Eryk intended to uncover them.
While moving through a less crowded section of the estate, Eryk suddenly felt a strange pressure in his mind, like a whispering voice guiding his thoughts. This way. The telepathic message was clear and persistent, directing him toward a secluded alcove.
When he arrived, he was met by a woman who seemed to blend into the shadows, her presence almost ethereal. She stepped forward, revealing herself fully. Her hair was long and a deep shade of auburn, her eyes a striking emerald green that seemed to pierce through him. Eryk made a mental note of her features, committing every detail to memory.
"My name is Lydia," she said, her voice smooth and low. "I'm a spy, hired by a third party to gather information on the noble houses, yours included."
Eryk's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then why help me? Why give me cryptic messages and warnings if it wasn't part of your job?"
She smirked, her gaze never wavering. "Consider it an investment. You have potential, and I prefer to bet on people who can make things interesting."
Eryk understood the implication immediately. "An investment in my success," he murmured. "Or perhaps in my failure, if it benefits you."
Lydia's smile deepened. "Smart boy. But there's more to this than just you." She took a step back, preparing to disappear into the night. "One more thing, Eryk," she added. "There are whispers about a certain noble… I suggest you look closer at the connections they've made. You might find something worth investigating."
Before he could press her for more information, she faded back into the shadows, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
…..
The gathering resumed, and Lord Lavelle took the stage to announce the agenda for the following day. His voice was steady and authoritative as he spoke of political discussions, competitions, and tests of skill and wit that would challenge the young nobles.
Eryk listened carefully, his mind already turning over the night's events and preparing for what lay ahead. He knew that the competitions would not be mere displays of talent; they would be strategic, with implications that could alter alliances and rivalries.
As he scanned the room one last time, Eryk felt a sense of looming danger. The gathering had revealed more than a few hidden agendas, and he was determined to use every piece of information he had gathered to navigate the treacherous path before him.