"From Wittenstein. For some reason, the heir decided to expedite the engagement," Lina shared the gossip.
"Lucius expedited the engagement?!" Alphonse asked, surprised.
"Yes, but not just the Wittenstein side. The bride's side, too," Lina continued explaining.
'Damn! It must have been because of what happened at the tower. She… BITCH!' Alphonse was furious with Madeleine. However, he needed to maintain his mask of curiosity.
"But what does the Trade Guild have to do with the wedding?" Sophie asked.
"First of all, the bride, Madeleine di Clairmont, is from a family very close to the guild," Lina commented. "However, the main point is that they discovered a new iron mine. They want to try to commercialize it before the wedding."
"Hmm. Would this be to finance the wedding?" Sophie asked.
"Yes," Lina explained.
Alphonse understood Sophie's doubt. A wedding shouldn't cost so much that they would need to negotiate the mining rights of an iron mine.
"So, the Wittensteins accelerated the wedding to have a pretext to negotiate the iron mine, hiding the fact that they are preparing for the war that is still approaching," Alphonse commented while observing Lina's reaction. "Is that how we can interpret it?"
"... maybe," Lina responded with a smile on her face.
"And when will the wedding take place?" Sophie asked.
"Only when the young master of the Wittensteins returns from the academy," Lina replied.
'So, nine months left,' Alphonse thought. 'They want to prepare for the war quickly. Do they know something?'
The group continued talking almost the entire morning until they approached Emperor's Way, a grand stone-paved road that cut across the whole empire and served as the main supply route for the capital and the southern frontline.
As they entered the road, they joined dozens of other carriages heading toward the capital. Lina returned to her own vehicle to continue the journey.
The convoy became much busier, with dozens of soldiers moving among the various vehicles to ensure no surprises occurred.
By early afternoon, Sophie and Alphonse finally caught sight of Velorian. The capital of the Empire was situated around a bay, with hundreds of buildings of various sizes surrounding it and numerous ships docked in its harbor. However, on one of the distant hills, the imperial palace was visible.
The palace was built with various white stones and bluish crystals, giving the construction an angelic air.
"We're here!" Sophie said excitedly.
"Yes. Finally!" Alphonse sighed.
Although they could see the capital, it still took them some time to enter the territory and gain permission to pass through the large walls that protected the city.
"See you later, Alphonse, Sophie," Lina said as she entered the city. "I'll be waiting for you at the Trade Guild."
"See you next time, Lina," Alphonse and Sophie said their goodbyes and continued their journey.
The carriage carrying Alphonse and Sophie had to continue to the center of the bay, where there were dozens of tall buildings, some of which appeared luxurious. However, one stood far above the others.
'It must be ten stories high? That's impressive for their technology,' Alphonse thought.
At the entrance of the establishment, there was a large sign reading "The Golden Gambit Playhouse & Hotel."
"Impressive," Alphonse commented to Sophie, who was still in awe.
Both were greeted by several attendants who quickly took their luggage and belongings.
As they approached the reception, a very young girl smiled at them.
"Madame Marie is expecting you on the tenth floor."
The two were led to a device similar to an elevator.
"A teleportation device?" Sophie asked.
"No, but it's mana-powered. It can ascend and descend floors according to your command," the attendant explained.
Both entered the 'elevator' and spoke aloud, "Tenth floor."
The box soon began to rise floor by floor until it opened the door on the top floor.
"Ding!"
'Damn, it's a mana-powered elevator...' Alphonse judged the construction.
They found themselves in a large penthouse built on the casino's top floor as the doors opened.
Alphonse and Sophie continued walking until they reached a grand room filled with dozens of sofas and tables. At one of the tables, a woman was sipping a cup of tea.
The boy didn't need to ask who she was. The woman was an older version of his mother. The main difference was that her hair was already white, though it was impossible to determine her age. Her skin still appeared youthful, and her face was rosy and full of life.
Dressed in a purple dress made for the upper class and wearing a fur scarf, she looked like she was in a café rather than at home.
When she saw the two approaching, the woman stood up.
"Alphonse, Sophie. It's been so long. My grandchildren!" She opened her arms to hug them.
"Grandma!" They both greeted her warmly with a hug.
"It's been so long since we've seen you. We missed you," Sophie said.
"I can imagine. Unfortunately, leaving the city is hard because of the casino," Marie commented.
"You look amazing, Grandma. It's impressive how you keep getting more beautiful," Alphonse said.
He complimented her and was curious to know how she maintained her appearance. It was impressive; she must have been over fifty. However, anyone would guess she was thirty if not for her white hair.
"Oh, Alphonse, thank you so much. But nothing that a little mana here and there can't help with," Marie explained. "But let me show you your new home."
Marie walked with the two, showing them the penthouse. Although only one floor was dedicated to the residence, it was enormous, perhaps even larger than the mansion.
Sophie and Alphonse would stay in a guest wing. However, Marie showed them the entire floor so they wouldn't get lost.
It was almost late afternoon by the time they finished the tour.
"Thank you so much, Grandma," Sophie expressed her gratitude.
"You're welcome, Sophie. I imagine you'll miss home, but I hope you have a good experience both in Velorian and in my home," Marie replied.
Sophie and Alphonse bid farewell to Marie to unpack and rest, as tomorrow would be the big day.
However, as soon as Marie returned to the main hall, Alphonse took the opportunity to enter Sophie's room.
The girl was already crouched near one of her suitcases, unpacking, when Alphonse entered abruptly.
"Nice room. Lots of privacy," Alphonse commented, looking at the windows and curtains around.
"Ah! Al!" Sophie complained.
"Just a moment, little sister." The boy pulled Sophie by the hand until she was pressed against him.
Without waiting for her response, he planted a deep kiss on his sister.
"We'll be busy today and tomorrow. However, I don't want you to forget who owns you." Alphonse commented as he ran one of his hands under her dress and teased the girl's clit.
"Hmmm," Sophie moaned with every movement Alphonse made.
"But that's all for today." Alphonse left the room as quickly as he arrived. Leaving the girl excited but unable to cum.
Alphonse removed some of his belongings from his suitcase, mostly his clothes. He had specifically prepared one outfit—a completely dark one, even with gloves and a black cat mask.
'That was the best I could do. He explained to the Patron that was most likely judging him,' he thought as he wore the outfit. 'There's nothing here that could be remotely recognizable.'
Looking out the window, the sun had already set.
'This should make things easier,' Alphonse thought, preparing to activate his new magic [Shadow Cloak].
When he activated it, he felt no difference in his body. However, his footsteps were now soundless, and he couldn't see himself when he looked in the mirror.
He had become just a shadow, capable of moving from shadow to shadow.
'Let's explore,' the boy thought.
He was walking towards the main hall to leave the penthouse, but he was caught by surprise. Looking into the hall, he saw Marie accompanied by two other people.
"These two are my grandchildren. I want guards with them at all times. If anything happens, you must report it to me immediately," Marie said quietly. "Even though they are from Hohenberg, they carry the blood of House Valois, and an insult to them will be seen as an insult to the entire house."
"Yes, ma'am," both attendants responded.
"One more important thing: they must not access the auction area," Marie explained. "They are still children, only just entering the academy. They must not mingle with that kind of crowd."
"Yes, ma'am," the attendants responded again.
One of them stepped forward. "Speaking of the auction. Today, we have ninety-three people. They are all already in the hall."
"Excellent. Let's begin then." Marie stood up and entered the elevator, along with the attendants.
Alphonse watched closely, noting which floor they would go to.
The elevator displayed "3 … 2… 1… -1… -2 … -3."
"Basement?" Alphonse was filled with curiosity. "Let's see where this leads."