July 15, 1437. Five Days Until the Tournament.
Raphael Earhart
Today, I woke earlier than usual. As a member of the family, I was expected to greet some important guests. With only five days left until the main tournament, it was no surprise that influential figures tied to our family were already arriving in the city.
After finishing my morning training, I washed up and began to change. As I was halfway through, still shirtless, a knock echoed from the door.
— Come in, — I called out, continuing to dress.
The door opened, and in walked my bodyguard Erin and my elder sister Aurora.
Erin's cheeks puffed out as soon as she saw my bare chest, and she quickly turned her head. Even from a distance, I could see the tips of her ears reddening.
Déjà vu?
Ignoring her embarrassment, I turned my gaze to Aurora. Her eyes flitted around the room, occasionally settling on me. For the past week, there had been something strange about her expression—something that almost resembled… pity? It wasn't a feeling I could easily associate with my stoic sister, and it unsettled me.
Still, I decided not to dwell on it. I wasn't a mind reader, and whatever thoughts weighed on her, she would share them if they were important. Resolving to leave it at that, I finished dressing and addressed the two of them:
— Did you need something?
Aurora refocused, her gaze sharpening.
— Yes. The patriarch wants you to attend the reception for our guests.
I exhaled heavily, already anticipating how tedious the event would be.
— Who's arriving today?
— Queen Elisabetta Leonard, along with her children: Prince Richard and Princess Violet. Also, representatives of the Atreyan Federation and the royal family of the Miriel Kingdom, including their two heirs.
I couldn't help but smirk, realizing why my presence was required.
— I see. So, I'm supposed to play the role of the "Young Prodigy of the Earharts"? — I asked with a touch of sarcasm.
Aurora's lips curved into a gentle, understanding smile.
— Exactly. Like it or not, you're the family's star right now. People see you as a symbol of change, and you have a duty to present yourself at your best.
— Understood... Fine, — I sighed, letting my irritation show.
It infuriated me how decisions were made without my input. A burden had been placed on my shoulders without so much as a word to me, and now everyone expected me to bear it without complaint. But, as Aurora had pointed out, I didn't have much choice. Compliance was the only way to avoid creating unnecessary enemies within the family and to retain what little freedom I had left.
— Good. Since you understand, get ready. The first carriage will arrive in thirty minutes, — Aurora said, turning toward the door.
She paused mid-step, as if remembering something important.
— Oh, by the way, all the guests will be staying at the estate during their visit. Try not to get into any conflicts.
Why does she assume I'll be the one causing trouble?
When Aurora left the room, leaving Erin and me alone, my bodyguard spoke up:
— Will everything be all right? The whole family and their bodyguards will be there... What if Theo—
I cut her off before she could finish. I already knew where she was going with this.
— Don't worry. I have no intention of fighting Theo or causing any kind of scene. And he won't, either. If he misbehaves in front of the guests, he'll be the first to face punishment.
Erin seemed to relax a little, though a trace of unease remained in her eyes.
— I see... But what about me? Is it really okay for me to attend?
I understood her hesitation. While I and those close to me accepted her as she was, ignoring the runes on her left arm, others might see them as grounds for prejudice or insult.
— Of course, it's fine, — I said firmly. — As long as you're with me, I won't let anyone insult you.
Erin offered a faint smile, though her expression still held a hint of concern.
— You said earlier you wouldn't cause any conflicts, but now you're saying this…
I hesitated for a moment but quickly found my response.
— If someone insults you—my bodyguard—it's the same as insulting me. And in this family, we answer insults with action.
— Understood, — she conceded, no longer arguing.
Once I finished preparing, we left the room. Erin walked half a step behind me, carrying a sleeping Harumi in her arms. I was fully ready to meet the guests. My attire consisted of dark trousers and a fitted shirt, complemented by iron gauntlets and greaves. My rapier hung neatly at my side, sheathed and polished. It was a simple yet formal look, perfectly suited for the occasion. Erin, too, was dressed in her knight's armor, the polished metal accentuating her strength and grace.
Arriving at the gathering hall, I immediately noticed all the family members assembled with their bodyguards. The only ones absent were Isabella and Lilianna, but their absence was expected.
— You're just in time, brother! — Alice was the first to spot me.
Her voice rang out cheerfully, drawing everyone else's attention. From the patriarch and Adrian to Mia and Theo, all eyes turned toward me, as though evaluating.
Among the group stood several elders, their gazes heavy with thinly veiled disdain. Ignoring them, I embraced Alice as she came over to me, gently patting her head. Behind her was her bodyguard, Chinatsu, who bowed deeply when our eyes met. I responded with a simple nod.
Letting Alice go, I approached the patriarch and offered a slight bow to observe formalities. Since there was no official business to discuss, there was no need for a report.
— I'm glad you're punctual, — Alonzo remarked, his tone condescending.
— Of course, Patriarch.
Alonzo's eyes swept over me, briefly assessing my appearance before he gave a curt nod, signaling permission to take my place.
Unhurriedly, I moved to stand where I assumed I was expected.
— Raphael, you will personally greet the arriving guests, — Alonzo announced.
I turned to him, barely able to conceal my disbelief. Normally, welcoming guests was the responsibility of the family's Legate—Adrian, who was very much present. Why, then, was I chosen for this task, despite not being fully a blooded Earhart?
— Pardon me, Patriarch? — I asked, trying to grasp the meaning of his words.
— You know full well that you're at the center of everyone's attention right now. That's why you're the one to meet the guests.
I didn't need to look at anyone else to sense the irritation radiating from the elders, Eric, and Theo.
— But, Patriarch, wouldn't it be more appropriate for the Legate to greet such important guests? I'm not sure this role suits me...
My gaze darted to Adrian, hoping for support, but he only smiled—a kind, harmless expression.
— No problem, brother! I'm sure you'll handle it just fine!
Brother, you're not helping!
— Yes, I also think Raphael will do just fine, — added Lucius.
Now I looked to my second brother, trying to decipher their intentions. Was this a trap? Why did I have to do this? I didn't want to!
— I agree, Raphael. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and solidify your status within the family and among the elite, — Aurora chimed in.
This is definitely a conspiracy against me.
— Since everyone agrees, take on this role and fulfill it with the dignity expected of an Earhart, — Alonzo concluded.
Understanding that further argument would be pointless, I sighed heavily and resigned myself to the burden placed on me.
The problem was that I had no real experience in interacting with people of this caliber. In my past life, I rarely engaged with anyone outside the family, performing instead as either a guard or an enforcer, eliminating troublesome individuals in our territory.
I lacked even basic social experience with high-ranking nobles. While I'd been given a foundational education in etiquette, there was a vast difference between theory and practical experience.
Still, I had no choice now. With every family member and their bodyguards present, I had to represent myself in the best light possible. Recalling everything I could about etiquette, I desperately tried to summon the knowledge I needed.
After about twenty minutes, the first carriage arrived. We stood in the grand reception hall as the doors swung open, revealing a woman whose presence made me instinctively straighten and stand taller.
She appeared to be around forty, but her grace and refined demeanor made her seem much younger. Her smooth, light hair was styled into an elegant bun, held in place by several gemstone-encrusted pins. The gems sparkled in the sunlight streaming into the hall, resembling stars in a night sky. Her face radiated composed sternness, softened by a gentle curve of her lips that lent her a majestic yet approachable aura. She wore a flawlessly tailored gown in a deep crimson hue, adorned with intricate embroidery and shimmering threads. It wasn't ostentatious, but it undeniably underscored her high status.
Behind the queen walked two children, each exuding a dignity and confidence rarely seen in ones so young.
The boy immediately caught my attention. His broad shoulders and strong posture evoked the image of a storybook knight—a noble protector of justice. His light hair, like his mother's, was cut short and meticulously styled. His sharp features, straight nose, and piercing gaze completed the impression. This was Prince Richard, a youth who radiated the natural charisma of a leader.
But it was the girl who truly captivated the room. Walking slightly behind and to the side of her brother, she seemed almost like a porcelain doll brought to life, delicate and ephemeral as the most fragile flower.
Her long, light hair fell in soft waves, elegantly braided into two plaits that culminated in small, polished buns held together by silver ribbons. These subtle adornments enhanced her doll-like appearance.
Her oval face was framed by pale, luminous skin, which seemed to emit an inner glow. Her blue eyes mirrored the purest mountain lakes—deep, but carrying a chill of detachment. Her gaze held a mix of caution and noble restraint, making it difficult to discern what lay behind her poised exterior.
Every movement she made was fluid, as though she glided rather than walked. Even the smallest gestures appeared deliberate, thought through to perfection. Violet Leonard was the epitome of aristocratic elegance, yet there was an enigmatic remoteness about her, as if she were present only in body while her thoughts wandered far away.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Eric, standing nearby, blushing furiously as he stared at her. His reaction, while amusing, was understandable. Her presence commanded attention and admiration, even from those trying to remain indifferent.
These were the representatives of the Alcyon Empire—Queen Elisabetta Leonard, her son Prince Richard, and her daughter Princess Violet.