Ashley and Brian rode through the arched entrance of the bustling courtyard, their horses' hooves clacking rhythmically against the cobblestone. Nobles from the various branches of the De Gor bloodline mingled, their fine attire glinting in the sun.
Among them stood a cluster of commoner bastards, eager and determined, their eyes scanning the courtyard. These commoners had come with hopes of proving themselves, knowing that if their performance exceeded expectations, one of the noble branches might take notice. In rare cases, if a commoner's talent was extraordinary, they might even be adopted into a noble house, gaining not just a role, but a family name—a rare honor bestowed only in exceptional circumstances.
