On the Sunday afternoon, the three siblings, having packed up, took a public carriage to the Gonia Police Department. Unlike his first visit, the front desk was still manned by Susan, the receptionist, who was dozing off. Elyon deftly rapped on the reception desk to wake her.
With sleepy eyes, the brunette Susan gazed up at the Elyon trio and asked:
"Who are you, and how may I assist you?"
"Miss Susan, it's me, Elyon—I was here for an interview last month. We're colleagues now, which is a pleasure indeed. These are my two sisters. Is Chief Orion in today?"
"Oh, it's you! What do you need with the Chief? He's been in his office since this morning. And my, aren't your sisters lovely? Real beauties, hehe..." Susan replied.
Elyon discreetly gestured for Susan to wipe away the traces of her slumber, then led his sisters upstairs to the third floor.
Knocking on the Chief's office door, Elyon called out, "Chief Orion, it's Elyon. Are you there?"
"Come in, the door is unlocked."
Upon entering, they found Chief Orion busy brewing tea, the boiling water stirring the tea leaves at the bottom of the bowl.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Orion. The weather is quite nice today. Here's a bottle of whisky my parents sent for you," Elyon said as he presented a cherished bottle from his father's collection.
"Let me see... Ah, such a clean amber hue. This must be a well-aged fine whisky indeed. But you ought to introduce me to the two young ladies behind you—they seem even more precious than the gift itself," Orion said with a smile as he took the whisky.
"I'm the older sister, Nyara."
"And I'm the younger, Seraphina."
"Our good-for-nothing brother speaks highly of you," Nyara and Seraphina responded with polite smiles.
"Ah, your sisters are quite the characters. Help yourselves to some tea."
Following their host's lead, Elyon poured tea for himself and his sisters, then inquired, "Mr. Orion, when shall we attend Councillor Carter's event? I trust there's no issue with my sisters accompanying me?"
"I doubt any gathering would turn away two such charming young ladies. Wait here while I prepare, and we'll go together," Orion responded as he sorted through his files.
At five in the afternoon, the four set off in Orion's private carriage, with Elyon and Orion on one side and the sisters on the other.
"I've been meaning to ask. Although Professor Russell is a respected gentleman in the judiciary, it seems excessive for a councillor to show him such attention," Elyon ventured.
"Ah, my young protégé, do you know Professor Russell's full name?"
Elyon suddenly realized he had only ever heard his mentor referred to by his last name, never his first.
"I've never heard Professor Russell's full name. Is he related to someone significant?"
"Have you heard of the late Earl John Russell, a man who served twice as the Prime Minister?"
Memories of the seventh Earl of Balfour, a titan among men who had held the nation's highest office, surfaced in Elyon's mind.
"Is Professor Russell related to Earl John Russell?"
"Our esteemed senior's full name is Arthur Russell, the younger son of the former Prime Minister and brother to the current Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader, Earl Benjamin Russell. Now you understand why Councillor Carter might prioritize Professor Russell even over his own daughter's birthday—perhaps he hopes to establish connections with the Conservatives in pursuit of a seat in the lower house of the capital," Orion said, his expression obscured by smoke, revealing neither laughter nor scorn.
The carriage's occasional jostling gradually left the bustling city center behind.
"Mr. Orion, are we close?" Nyara inquired.
Peering outside, Orion replied, "We're already in the King's District, where the true power brokers of this city reside. We shouldn't be far now."
"What should I be aware of at the event?" Elyon asked.
"Well, it usually kicks off with a reception. Once everyone arrives, the host will formally declare his daughter of age. Then there's a ball—her father has the honor of the first dance. After that, it's open for all. As a promising young graduate and a student of Professor Russell, expect to be sought after by parents eager to pair their daughters with you for a dance."
Dancing? Elyon knew nothing about it. It seemed he'd best make a quick exit after eating his fill and presenting the gift. He hoped the evening would go smoothly and not embarrass his esteemed seniors.
Noticing Elyon's internal musings, Orion added, "The dances are simple, don't worry. If you'd really rather not dance, just hold a cocktail; that's a signal that you're taking a break from the floor."
After about an hour, they arrived before a grand estate.
Councillor Carter's residence was located at number 20 on Maple Street in the heart of the King's District, surrounded by a white wall topped with brass spikes.
The crimson iron gate was flanked by guardhouses, where two strapping young men in black uniforms stood, clutching wooden batons.
A squad of patrol guards in white uniforms strolled outside the courtyard.
"Your invitations, please." Elyon handed his to Orion, who presented both to the guard. The iron gates swung open.
After straightening their attire and donning their hats, the group held the carefully chosen gift in hand and stepped out of the carriage. Greeting them at the entrance was a magnificent fountain crowned with a white unicorn, water spouting gracefully from its horn.
With twilight approaching, the courtyard was aglow with light, and flowers adorned every corner.
Crossing manicured lawns and a path lined with white stones, they were met by the host and hostess at the mansion's doors—the gentleman in a white naval uniform with black ribbons and the lady in an elegant purple lace gown. Without doubt, these were Councillor Carter and his wife.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter, you are as radiant as ever, and I extend my congratulations on your daughter's joyous coming of age," Orion greeted, shaking the councillor's hand and offering another bottle of familiar-looking whisky before respectfully kissing Mrs. Carter's hand.
"Chief Orion, such a gentleman you are. And who might these three be accompanying you? Perhaps you'd introduce us," the councillor said, passing the whisky to a servant.
"These are Professor Russell and my junior, a promising student who just graduated and is already a chief. With him are his sisters, surely to become fine ladies themselves. I believe they will all make significant contributions in the future," Orion explained.
"Welcome to you all. I hope to become acquainted with the young hopes of tomorrow, ha-ha. And you two young ladies will certainly be the stars of the gathering," the councillor said, embracing Elyon and then shaking hands with Nyara and Seraphina.
"Mr. and Mrs. Carter, good afternoon. I am Elyon Sasson, and these are my sisters, Nyara and Seraphina. We are honored by your invitation. This is a small gift for your daughter, and we hope she likes it," Elyon said, presenting the selected perfume.
"I'm sure she'll be delighted to make your acquaintance," the councillor responded, accepting the gift.
"Please call our daughter; let her come out to meet some new friends around her age."