As the days ticked down to the Royal Festival, Nolan felt both exhilarated and overwhelmed. His life had transformed dramatically in a short span, and now he was on the brink of stepping into the limelight as a young nobleman. With his full recovery in a month, his family rallying around him, he was determined to embrace this new existence fully.
Etiquette Lessons with Eloise and Elspeth
The first step in his preparation came in the form of etiquette lessons, graciously offered by his twin sisters, Eloise and Elspeth. They approached the task with equal parts excitement and seriousness, each determined to ensure their brother made a flawless impression at the festival. Although their worry couldn't be hidden much as they knew that their brother have hardly ever had a chat with anyone other than family, servents and the doctor. But they were not going to let their brother make a fool of himself in front of all the elites of empire.
"Alright, Nolan," Eloise began, her hands poised dramatically on her hips. "Today's lesson is all about how to conduct yourself in high society. Trust me, you need to know this."
Elspeth nodded enthusiastically, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders as she gestured for Nolan to sit on the floating plush sofa in the sitting room. "It's vital to understand the dos and don'ts, especially in front of the Emperor and Empress."
Nolan took a deep breath and settled into the cushions, ready to absorb every bit of knowledge his sisters imparted. He had spent years in the Galactic Academy, mastering spells and arcane knowledge, but navigating the intricacies of nobility was an entirely different challenge, although he interacted with them, but as an arch mage, they were the ones to be careful around him, not the other way around, how tables have turned.
"First," Eloise said, leaning forward, "you must remember to always greet your guests with a proper bow. A slight inclination of the head for those of lower status, and a deeper bow for those of higher rank. It shows respect."
Nolan nodded, picturing the various members of the nobility he might encounter. "And if I forget someone's name?"
"Never admit it!" Elspeth chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Simply call them 'my lord' or 'my lady' until you can figure it out. They'll appreciate the respect."
"Got it," Nolan said, suppressing a laugh at the idea of fumbling through names. He had a mountain of new identities to learn, and the thought of offending anyone made his stomach churn.
"Next," Eloise continued, "let's practice conversation starters. You'll want to keep the atmosphere light. Stick to safe topics like the weather, the festival, or recent accomplishments."
"Politics?" Nolan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Only if you're sure of your audience!" Elspeth warned, her tone grave. "Remember, some lords are notorious for their rivalries. If you mention a controversial subject, you could find yourself in a heated debate. And not the good kind. Your stand can be taken as Anderson Duke house's stand, they twirl the story faster then a cup of wine in their hands little brother."
Nolan nodded, taking mental notes as his sisters guided him through the nuances of conversation, body language, and posture. The lessons were both informative and entertaining, filled with laughter and the occasional blunder as Nolan tried to mimic their graceful movements.
After an hour of practice, they moved to the final lesson of the day: how to gracefully exit a conversation. "You need to be able to read the room, Nolan," Eloise said. "If someone seems bored or distracted, find a way to excuse yourself politely. Just say something like, 'I've enjoyed our conversation but must attend to other matters.'"
"Sounds easy enough," Nolan replied, though he felt the weight of the world pressing on him. As the lessons came to a close, he felt more prepared yet still anxious about the upcoming festival.
Common Sense Lessons from Juno
The next day, Nolan found himself in a more serious lesson with his older brother, Juno. The two of them sat in the library, a sun-drenched space filled with books, maps, and charts of the duchy. Juno although a big softy for his family, had a reputation as a sharp strategist and a well-liked figure among their peers, and Nolan knew he could rely on him for guidance.
"Alright, little brother," Juno said, leaning back in his chair, "let's talk about the people you'll meet at the festival. It's crucial to know who's who, especially those who are friendly to us and those who aren't."
Nolan leaned forward, eager to absorb the information. "Who should I be aware of?"
Juno retrieved a small magic projector from his satchel. With a flick of his wrist, the device came to life, projecting images of various nobles and their families across the table. Each face was accompanied by a brief summary of their background, allegiances, and personalities.
"First up is Lord Garren Voss," Juno began, pointing to a stern-looking man with silver hair. "He's a major supporter of Father's policies, but he's known for his temper. If you cross him, you'll regret it. Let's keep the discussion with him to pleasantries with him."
"Noted," Nolan replied, nodding as Juno moved on to the next figure.
"Then there's Lady Seraphina Bright," Juno said, switching to an image of a woman with bright red hair and a captivating smile. "She's charming and well-respected, but she's got an eye for scandal. She'll be watching to see how you conduct yourself and believe me no one in whole wide empire will be left to know of your slip ups, when she's on the watch."
"Should I avoid her?" Nolan asked, feeling a flicker of anxiety.
"Not at all," Juno replied. "Just be cautious. She thrives on gossip. A good conversation with her could enhance your reputation, but tread lightly. Compliment her but in reservation to not appear eager to appease or boot lick, agree or disagree, but only if you have a solid point to make, keeping quite just keeping a humble appearance by saying something like 'Oh this self doesn't match the level of your knowledge, since as you might have heard of my plight beforehand.'"
Juno continued to cycle through the projected images, providing invaluable insights into the court's dynamics. Nolan felt his confidence grow as he absorbed the information. It was as if he were preparing for a great battle, armed with knowledge instead of swords and spells.
"Also, remember the art of listening," Juno advised, leaning forward. "People appreciate being heard, and it'll help you navigate tricky conversations."
Nolan smiled. "You make it sound so easy."
"It's not, but it will come with practice," Juno said with a grin. "Just remember who your allies are and tread carefully around those with less friendly intentions."
The list went on but Nolan listened with full focus.
As the lesson concluded, Nolan felt a mixture of gratitude and determination. Juno had provided him with the groundwork to navigate the complex social landscape he was about to enter, and he knew he would rely on this wisdom at the festival.
Tailoring for the Festival
The next morning, the air was filled with excitement as Nolan's mother, Eve Anderson, brought in a team of tailors to craft his outfit for the Royal Festival. The opulent fabrics and rich colors filled the room, making Nolan feel both anxious and excited.
"Welcome, my dears," Eve greeted the tailors with a warm smile. "This is my son, Nolan. We need him to look his best for the festival!"
The tailors bowed, introducing themselves and immediately getting to work. "We'll need to take measurements, young master," one of them said, pulling out a long tape measure.
Nolan stood still, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as they measured his waist, chest, and inseam. Each tug of the tape made him feel more aware of his body, a vessel he was still getting accustomed to.
"We'll create a striking outfit that reflects your noble status," the head tailor said, glancing up from his notebook. "Something that complements your complexion and fits the festival's theme. You'll be the talk of the ball, young master!"
The magic tailors begin their job right their and were done with first trial outfit.
After several fittings and adjustments, Nolan was finally satisfied with the result. The tailored ensemble was a deep blue with intricate silver embroidery—a design that would catch the eye without being overly ostentatious.
"Perfect," Nolan said, admiring himself in the mirror. The outfit felt comfortable yet elegant, instilling him with newfound confidence.
"Remember, it's not just about the clothes," Eve said, brushing a hand over his shoulder. "Your demeanor, your confidence, and how you carry yourself matter just as much." She was getting emotional again looking at her youngest son.
Nolan nodded, determined to embody the noble bearing his family expected of him.
Learning to Dance
As the festival approached, Nolan realized he had one last hurdle to overcome: dancing. His father had arranged special lessons with a renowned dance instructor known for her expertise in both traditional and contemporary styles.
On the day of his first lesson, Nolan stepped into the elegantly decorated ballroom, a spacious area filled with gleaming mirrors and polished wooden floors. The instructor, Madame Corinne, greeted him with a warm smile, her presence exuding confidence and grace.
"Welcome, Lord Nolan," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "I'm excited to teach you today. Dancing is an essential skill at any noble gathering, especially at the Royal Festival."
Nolan nodded, feeling a mixture of eagerness and trepidation. He had never been much of a dancer in his previous life, but he was determined to master it in this one.
Madame Corinne began with the basics, demonstrating the different types of dances they would cover. "We'll start with the waltz. It's a staple at formal events. The key is to keep your posture straight and move fluidly with your partner."
Nolan followed her lead, feeling awkward at first. But as they progressed through the lesson, he began to find his rhythm. He could feel the magic within him responding to the music, a vibrant energy that resonated with each step.
"Good, very good!" Madame Corinne encouraged, her eyes sparkling as she watched him dance. "Now, remember to engage with your partner. Look into their eyes, create a connection."
Nolan imagined himself at the festival, dancing with a partner, the music flowing through him as he spun and twirled. He could envision the elegance of it all—the laughter, the joy, and perhaps even romance, at the thought of romance he chuckled to himself thinking he was turning into a teenager and loosing his 1000 year old wise man's cap.
Reigniting His Love for the Violin
As the lessons progressed, he didn't forget one thing that he always liked the most and since he was learning all sorts of things either way, it could camouflage his prior knowledge.
Music had always been a passion of his in his previous life, and he realized he missed the sound of a violin under his fingers. With newfound confidence, he approached Madame Corinne after one of their sessions.
"Madame, would it be possible for me to learn the violin as well?" he asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Ah, you have an interest in music? That's wonderful! I'd be happy to arrange lessons for you."
Nolan felt a thrill at the prospect of playing the instrument he loved so dearly. "I've got some lessons in the past, but I would like to start from the beginning so I can improve my technique," he admitted, knowing it would be a challenge to convince the instructor of his beginner status, and even if she asked his parents they would concur since Nolan as a child used to sit in his sisters lessons and he did that for a while.
"Very well," Madame Corinne said, a thoughtful smile gracing her lips. "We can start with the fundamentals, and if you pick it up quickly, I'll help you learn more advanced pieces. It's all about practice."
"I can do that," Nolan replied, his heart racing at the thought of playing beautiful melodies again.
As the days blurred together, Nolan balanced his time between dance lessons and preparing for the festival. The thrill of learning, the camaraderie with his family, and the prospect of what lay ahead kept him motivated and focused.
…
A Final lessonBefore the Festival
A week before the Royal Festival, Nolan stood before his mirror, wearing the outfit crafted by the tailors, similar to what he's supposed to wear on the D-day. The deep blue fabric shimmered as he turned, showcasing the delicate embroidery that hugged his frame. The moment felt surreal as he absorbed the transformation from a boy into a young nobleman ready to face the world.
"Are you ready, my son?" Duke Alpheus's voice boomed from the doorway, filled with paternal pride.
Nolan turned, a smile breaking across his face. "I think so. At least, I hope so."
"You'll do wonderfully. Just remember all we discussed, and enjoy yourself," his father said, stepping closer to adjust the collar of Nolan's shirt. "This festival is a chance for you to shine, to make connections, and to learn."
Nolan's heart raced as he recalled all the lessons he had absorbed over the past few weeks. The thought of stepping into the festival, surrounded by nobles and dignitaries, was daunting yet exhilarating.
"Well it's a day of lessons with you today father, let's go." Nolan said, a newfound determination igniting within him. He felt ready to take on the challenges of this new life, excited to embrace every moment, every encounter, and every chance to make a mark as Nolan Anderson, the Duke's son.
As they made their way toward the grand hall, Nolan's heart thrummed with anticipation. He could hear discussions going on and ministers bringing up some recent topics to be noted about in the duchy. He was supposed to stand by his father as he listened in on the discussion of the ministers, and observe how everyone acts and perform their duties. He felt the magic of this new life envelop him.
The Royal Festival awaited, and Nolan was ready to dance, connect, and embrace the future that lay before him.