The moment Kael stepped into the grand auditorium of House Valeran's palace, the overwhelming sense of formality hit him like a wave.
The opulence, the sharp gazes of strangers — it all felt stifling. It wasn't the grandeur that bothered him; it was the weight of it all. He'd spent weeks preparing for this competition, but being here, in the flesh, felt different.
The stares, the noise, the pretensions — it wasn't his world though he felt like he belonged right here.
The ceiling loomed high above them, painted with swirling constellations and mythical creatures — a few he could recognize were dragons, griffins, and phoenixes. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, and marble floors gleamed with a reflective sheen. Attendants moved seamlessly through the room, offering glasses of champagne and trays filled with delicacies Kael couldn't even name.
He accepted none, his eyes scanning the crowd instead.
Professor Aldwin sat beside him with her usual calm demeanor. She wore a deep maroon academic gown that marked her as a member of Riveton University, her silver hair pinned neatly at the back of her head.
Moments later, a commanding voice echoed through the room, calling for everyone's attention.
Garrett D. Caldwell, the Attorney General of House Valeran, stepped onto a raised platform at the front of the room.
He was an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, with a steely gaze that seemed to pierce through the crowd. His brown hair was slicked back, and the House Valeran insignia — a roaring lion — was embroidered into the cuff of his deep blue tuxedo. His presence alone silenced the murmurs that had filled the hall.
Caldwell's voice boomed with authority, a tone that carried both welcome and warning.
"Esteemed guests, students, and scholars," he began, his words deliberate and measured. "On behalf of House Valeran, I extend our warmest welcome to each of you. This competition is not just a test of intellect but of character. Here, you will be challenged to think beyond the confines of academia. You are the future of our Houses, the next leaders of our worlds. How you perform here will determine more than just your individual success. It will speak to your ability to lead, to make decisions that impact the lives of many."
Kael almost smiled. Straight to the point. No sugar-coated words. No broad and forced smiles.
The Attorney General continued, "You are here not just to represent yourselves, but your universities, your Houses, and ultimately, your legacies. We wish you all the best. May you rise to the challenges set before you."
There was a brief pause as the words hung in the air, punctuated by a polite round of applause. He gave a tight, formal smile before stepping down from the podium, his gaze sweeping across the room once more before he disappeared into the crowd.
The applause died down, and the room shifted into a more relaxed atmosphere as the attendants began moving around with trays of refreshments. Soft classical music started playing in the background, the faint sounds of violins and cellos filling the air.
The first performance of the evening had begun. A group of dancers, dressed in flowing maroon and gold robes, stepped onto the stage. Their movements were slow and deliberate, each step synchronized to the rhythm of the beautiful melody.
They moved as one, their feet gliding across the marble floor as though they floated. Every twist, every turn was choreographed to perfection. The dance was a homage to the old traditions of Valeran, embodying loyalty, strength, and endurance.
Kael, despite himself, watched with interest. He could see the skill in the performers' movements, the years of training it must have taken to achieve such precision. The dance was intricate and powerful, every step intentional, every movement a reflection of the deep-rooted traditions that had governed these Houses for centuries.
The music swelled, and the dancers' movements became more rapid, more intense. Their arms stretched out wide, their bodies bending and twisting in ways that seemed almost unnatural. It was a dance of control, of power held tightly in check, and Kael could feel the intensity of it reverberate through the room.
Yet, as much as the performance demanded attention, Kael's mind wandered. The slow, classical music, beautiful as it was, never truly held his interest. He had never been one for the grand, theatrical displays of power that so many of these elite families reveled in. He preferred the quiet — the moments in between where people's true selves were revealed.
The dance ended, and the dancers left the stage to polite applause, but Kael barely noticed. His focus had already shifted back to the room, to the figures moving through the crowd. He was just beginning to feel the weight of the evening start to lift when Professor Aldwin turned to him.
"Kael, meet Dr. Lucy Nartho," Professor Aldwin said, her voice cutting through the ambient chatter. "She's one of the oldest committee members."
Kael turned to face the woman approaching them, and immediately recognized her from earlier. Dr. Nartho was an older woman, tall and stern-looking, with silver hair pinned back in an elaborate updo. She moved with the confidence of someone who had seen her fair share of these events, her eyes sharp and critical.
The moment she locked eyes with Kael, something in the air shifted.
He extended his hand. "Dr. Nartho, it's a pleasure. I am Kael Arden."
Her grip tightened and her eyes rounded slightly, a hint of surprise and something else flashing through them. The small, polite smile she wore faded the moment he'd said his last name, and her expression hardened.
Her eyes flickered briefly to Professor Aldwin, who seemed to catch on to the tension, before settling back on Kael.
"Mr. Arden," she said, her voice hard. "Middle name?"
Kael blinked, expecting the abrupt question. "I don't."
Dr. Nartho's eyes narrowed, her gaze sharpening. "What's your father's name?"
There it was.
Kael felt the air around him grow heavier, the question hitting him like a stone. He clenched his jaw, willing himself to stay composed. He had known, somewhere in the back of his mind, that this would come up sooner or later. But not now.
"I'm sorry?" he said, his voice measured, though he could feel the rage bubbling inside him.
"Your father's name" Dr. Nartho repeated, her tone sharper now, as if she already knew the answer but wanted him to say it.
Kael's grip on his drink tightened, and for a moment, the room around him seemed to blur, the sounds of conversation fading into the background. He could feel the judgment in her eyes, the unspoken assumptions she was making. His father's shadow loomed large, even here, even now.
Before Kael could respond, Professor Aldwin stepped in, her tone firm but polite. "Excuse us, Kael," she said, giving the older woman a pointed look. "We should be moving on."
Dr. Nartho pursed her lips, her gaze lingering on Kael for a moment longer before she gave a curt nod. "Of course."
Kael forced a tight smile. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Nartho."
The woman didn't reply. She simply turned and walked away, leaving Kael standing there, tension still coiled tight in his chest. He released a slow breath, his hand flexing at his side.
It's okay, Kael reminded himself. His actions no longer dictate the course of my life.
As he tried to shake off the encounter, Kael felt another pair of eyes on him. He turned to the right, his gaze locking with Yuri-San Choi, the heiress of Valerite & Co. She sat across the room, her posture regal and composed, her back straight and chin held high.
Her family ruled the world of real estate in both — House Valeran and House Durnhart. Their wealth was legendary, their influence undeniable.
Recently, Kael had heard rumors that Valerite & Co. was planning to collaborate with Forge Industries to enter the weapons sector. If that deal went through, it would solidify their dominance not just in property, but in defense — a move that would ripple through the Houses like a tidal wave.
She gave him a polite, respectful nod, her expression unreadable. Kael returned the gesture, his mind racing with thoughts about what her family's next move might be. But before he could dwell on it, Yuri stood and began making her way toward him.
Her steps were graceful, measured. She wore a deep emerald gown that shimmered in the light, and her hair, black as night, was pinned up elegantly. As she approached, Kael felt an odd mixture of anticipation and wariness.
Yuri was cunning, a master at navigating the political landscapes of the Houses, and Kael knew this interaction would be anything but casual.
"Hello," she greeted him, her voice calm and measured. "I'm Yuri-San Choi."
Kael stood a little straighter, offering his hand. "Kael Arden."
Their hands met in a brief, firm handshake. Her touch was cool, and her eyes studied him for a fraction longer than was necessary.
"Which university are you representing?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Riveton University," Kael replied, keeping his tone neutral. "And yourself?"
"Crestmore Business Institute," Yuri said smoothly, her lips curving into a small smile. "Is this your first time at the Vyrimka Sadan?"
Kael nodded. "It is. Yours?"
Yuri's eyes gleamed, and she leaned in ever so slightly. "Surprisingly, yes," she said, her voice dropping to a more conversational tone. "I've been hearing about this competition for years, but this is the first time I've been able to attend. My family has had other priorities."
"I can imagine," Kael said.
Yuri's eyes glinted, the kind of playful spark that was hard to miss, but Kael wasn't sure if it was genuine or calculated. People in her world had layers to their intentions, and he wasn't naive enough to think she was any different.
Still, something about the ease of her conversation felt more refreshing than the earlier stifling exchanges he'd endured.
"So," she continued, sipping from a glass that an attendant had just handed her, "what's your major?"
"Political Science, with a minor in Mathematics."
Yuri raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "I wouldn't have guessed that. You seem more… literary."
Kael chuckle softly. "You're not the first person to say that."
She laughed, a soft, melodic sound that seemed at odds with her sharp, calculating eyes. The laugh carried a sort of quiet richness, like velvet brushing against silk — subtle yet full of presence.
"I'll admit," she said, "I tend to be pretty good at reading people. It's a bit unsettling that I missed the mark with you." There was a twinkle of amusement in her gaze. "Political Science and Mathematics. Quite the combination."
Kael shrugged slightly, offering a smile. "It keeps things interesting."
"And I suppose you're here to shake up the competition with that combination?"
"I wouldn't go that far," he replied, though he couldn't help the flicker of pride that sparked in his chest. "I'll try my best, but I'm just one representative among the seven."
"I wouldn't underestimate yourself, Kael Arden," Yuri said, her voice dropping to a lower, more serious tone. "Your family name carries weight, whether you acknowledge it or not."
Kael's smile tightened imperceptibly at the mention of his family name, but he quickly hid it with a sip of his own drink. He'd had enough family discussions for one night, especially after Dr. Nartho's pointed interrogation.
"What about you?" Kael asked, steering the conversation away from dangerous territory. "Have you taken any other course?"
"Political Science as a minor," Yuri said, a light chuckle escaping her lips as she twirled the stem of her glass. "It's a bit of a family tradition. Crestmore Business Institute has sent my family members for generations, and now it's my turn. Though," she added with a knowing smile, "it's a little more political than I expected."
Kael wasn't surprised. Crestmore had a reputation for churning out the heirs to powerful empires, teaching them not just business tactics, but the subtleties of influence, manipulation, and control. Yuri being here wasn't just about winning a competition; it was about solidifying her place in the intricate dance of power between the Houses.
"What about your family?" she asked, her tone casual, but her eyes sharp. "Are they involved in the political sphere?"
Kael hesitated, not wanting to delve into that topic yet again. He knew Yuri was probably fishing for information, but he decided to be vague. "Here and there. My focus is more academic."
Yuri's lips curled into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course."
He sensed she was about to press further when Professor Aldwin suddenly appeared by his side, her presence a welcome reprieve. Her silver hair gleamed under the chandelier lights as she surveyed Yuri with a polite but guarded expression.
"I see you're making acquaintances already," professor commented, her voice smooth but with an underlying tone that suggested she had been observing the conversation.
Kael felt his smile slip, just slightly. He didn't miss the once-over Yuri gave ProfessorAldwin, her gaze appraising the older professor from head to toe. Yuri's smile became more diplomatic, less playful.
"I'm Yuri-San Choi, Crestmore Business Institute," she introduced herself, extending her hand.
Professor took it, her grip firm. "House Durnhart," she said simply, as though the weight of her House spoke for itself. The exchange between them felt like a brief but intense negotiation, a silent acknowledgment of their respective positions in the room.
Yuri tilted her head, her eyes flashing with recognition. "Yes."
Professor Aldwin smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Competitive market."
Yuri's eyes flickered briefly to Kael before she placed her glass delicately on a table beside her. "Now please excuse me. I should return to my professor." she said, her voice formal now, her earlier playfulness dialed down. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Kael."
Their gazes met one last time, and this time, Kael caught a glint of something far more serious in her expression — a mixture of curiosity and calculation. It was as though she was filing away everything about him in their brief conversation, storing it for later use.
"The pleasure was mine," Kael replied, keeping his tone polite but distant. As Yuri walked away, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Dealing with someone like her, someone so adept at reading people and playing the political game, was annoying.
Once Yuri had left, Professor Aldwin turned to him, her brow slightly furrowed. "You handled that well?" she asked, her voice quieter now that it was just the two of them.
"I did" Kael replied, his tone back to normal.
"She's not easy to navigate," professor admitted as they both took their seat again. "Choi family is a master of subtle manipulation. You'd do well to remember that."
Kael gave a nod. "I gathered as much."
She glanced at him, her eyes softening just a fraction. "How are you holding up? This is a lot to take in, especially for someone in their first year of competition."
Kael managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's not that intense as everyone at Riveton projected it to be."
Her lips twitched in amusement. "That's putting it mildly. These events are designed to test more than just your academic knowledge. They test your composure, your ability to read the room, to make connections. And unfortunately," she added with a sigh, "they also bring out people's biases."
Kael nodded, his thoughts flashing back to Dr. Nartho's probing questions. "I noticed."
Her expression grew more serious. "Dr. Nartho is old guard. She's set in her ways, and she has strong opinions about certain last names. Don't take her behavior personally. It's just that your surname is the same as an old family's last name which had issues with the sadan."
Kael nodded, satisfied that she wasn't probing and had drawn her own conclusions.
Before they could continue their conversation, Kael felt the weight of eyes on him once again. He glanced over his shoulder, and his own narrowed at the sight of four men seated together across the room, blatantly glaring at him.
Their gazes were cold, their expressions hard. Kael knew exactly who they were — sons of powerful figures, men who had no reason to look at him with anything but disdain, all connected by lineage and power.
Their names came to him easily, whispered by the idle gossip of the crowd earlier. They formed a small circle of power and were known for their aggressive tactics and lack of patience for anyone they deemed beneath them.
The glare he was receiving was nothing short of hostile. There was no mistaking the message in their gaze: You don't belong here.
But Kael wasn't about to be intimidated. Not here. Not by them.
As the night wore on and the hostile glares persisted, it became clear that this quarter stay was about to get a lot more splendid.