IZAAK'S POV
Just like I predicted the house of Casvoner is rather for someone like Valentiara. Grand Duke insulted her like this and she even didn't bother to reply back. Is she treated like this? How shocked she looked, Grand Duke didn't even inform her about how she was made my partner even when he got the letter from Emperor through a magic bird 4 hours ago. Grand Duke is no better than my father.
'' I thought you will come just before the national ball to pick up Valentiara, First Aster.'' Grand Duke's heir Waren started speaking. Looking at him it can be said clearly he is a man with an upright personality and his posture is like a knight trained under intense training hours. I wonder if he will be an ally or foe. To know about that fact I must use my cards properly in front of him.
'' Lady Valentiara never met me so going into her first ball with someone total stranger might make her day unfortunate,'' Waren nodded and poured tea in my cup. The tea looked purple which is a sign of respect according to Casvoner's customs. A smile appeared on my lips seeing him making the first move.
'' My younger sister didn't have her debut in High Society before this. I hope Your Highness will take care of her.'' He sounded sincere. '' It's his luck that in his first national ball, our youngest is his partner, Waren.'' The second son of Grand Duke said. He sounded unformal, even his sitting style was like some mercenary. Looking at him, I was sure he doesn't give a damn about me just like he doesn't give a damn about Atticus. At least, he doesn't throw a fist at me.
'' Mind your speech, Valmud.'' Waren glared at him but he just looked unbothered. A chuckle left my mouth. Valmud frowned and asked, '' Is it funny to see the mad dog getting scolded, Your Highness?" '' Your personality is amusing, Sir Valmud. It's rare to meet expressive people like you.'' I commented. Valmud's eyes dilated a little hearing my words and the fact that he liked my positive response was visible all over his face. His eyes turned red, in this case, he was similar to Valentiara.
We had some light talk which gave me a better idea about the two heirs of Casvoner. If Waren is ice and composed then Valmud is firey and aggressive but both shared one common thing, their aura which is forest green. And Grand Duke's aura is Lime green. But I could never figure out Valentiara's aura. Every time I met her there has been a gray foggy barrier around her that makes it impossible to see. Why?
The power of darkness allows one to see everyone's aura and helps them to determine how powerful the opponent is and do they use mana or divine power or sword aura. Apparently, the green type aura of Casvoners indicates their control over earth elements and skills in sword but none of these two can use sword aura when Valentiara can. Valentiara's golden sword aura is something that I never saw before which makes me curious about her mother. In 78% of cases of swordmasters, their power is transferred from their mothers. Is this case about Valentiara because currently including her only five persons can wield sword aura. Grand Duke Valentine, My Father, Young Marquess, Me and Her.
'' Sorry for making you wait, Your Highness.'' Grand Duke entered the room. He bowed a little and sit in the head's sit. He looks more endearing than before.
'' That's not a problem after all I was the one who came on short notice.'' He nodded. Grand Duke whom I always thought of as an unbreakable fortress is no different than an emotionless beast even when he is inside his own house. What a waste of power!
'' His Majesty gave you the seat of First Aster last night so your presence in the National Ball will come as a shock surely.'' He started speaking. I chuckled and shook my head in response to his remark, '' You are making a mistake with words. The seat of First Aster always belonged to me, Your Grace.'' Grand Duke looked overwhelmed by it. I knew well how things will turn out by my sudden presence after all this year but that doesn't mean I'll let anyone just think what they want to think. Neither am I incapable nor am I weak. Maybe this confidence comes from my alliance with Valentiara. Nevertheless, Grand Duke didn't seem offended.
'' The order of princes has changed so is the line of the next heir,'' Waren said. His eyes were on me. I looked at him and asked, '' Are you trying to find with whom you are going to side with?'' Waren didn't deny it. That's a good opportunity for me to show them who actually has the upper hand here. I crossed my leg and put off the fake mask of politeness, '' I don't need the House of Casvoner's support.''
Three of them looked at me in shock. They may think of it as my arrogance or ignorance but I wasn't kidding. After all, I have gained the one who will be an actual help to me without worrying about getting stabbed in the back.
'' Are you aware of what you are saying?'' Grand Duke asked. '' Grand Duke Casvoner, do I look like I am joking?'' He gulped and looked away. I can vividly imagine my look right now. Nothing better than a bloodthirsty monster. '' Fight for the throne is different than the fight on the battlefield. I hope you won't go perish after it.'' Grand Duke said. I wonder what he meant by that? He is indeed a man full of mysteries.