With a new goal and focus for me, the days went by fast. Before I knew it, it was time for a family meeting. I suspected it as mostly because of the upcoming 'friendly' tournament between noble houses.
It was called by father and most were expected to attend it. It was the ideal time to make more connections, suppress rivals and gain more influence generally. I quite hated it.
It was going to be a large gathering and I was mostly likely going to be ignored through it all. The family meeting would take place in just a few days, carriages carrying members of the family came from all over the estate.
The constant sounds of wheels and horses tingled my nerves far more than I imagined. So I went to train with Ser Chris, I believed it would help me.
" Form 1...Form 3 " He ordered out loud, I followed each order as precise as I could while answering questions he threw at me.
" Well well well, what do we have here " A voice suddenly said breaking the quietness of my training.
" Good day Young Master " Ser Chris greeted with a slight bow.
" Good day Brother " I greeted as well, following noble etiquette.
He wandered into the training arena as he looked down upon me, I could imagine the look of disdain and superiority on his face.
" Everyone is greeting the guest and far relatives of the family but here you are...training " He said, a mocking tone surface mid sentence.
" I hold no talent in that area so I sought to strengthen myself in what ways I could " I replied to him.
" Training? This is not the way of our bloodline, shouldn't you be learning the ways of Vice you damned half-breed!!" He said pushing down a racket filled with training weapons.
" Why are you still alive? Why are you still here in this sacred grounds that houses the strength of our family " He said once more walking up to me.
I replied with silence, I didn't want to anger him or provoke another outbreak where he'd have an excuse to attack him.
" Fucking silent mut. " He said before spitting upon me and walking away.
" That was tame " Ser Chris said with a slight chuckle once my brother had left.
" Can't make a scene with so many people in the house, also has to keep his cards hidden from our other siblings. " I replied as I reached for a cloth to wipe of his saliva.
" Someone will probably challenge you to a duel once you're all gathered " Ser Chris said, he wasn't looking at me. His voice sounded so...sad.
" Yes and I'll lose as usual, just need to avoid any deep injuries. " I replied before bowing slightly to him, training was over.
" I best be gone before more arrive, when there's a rat, they'll always be a nest " I said to him as I walked out of the training area.
It did not take long before I soon crossed paths with my elder sister who walked with other girls of our family.
I moved to the side and bowed my head to her, silently hoping she did not see fit to watch an 'accident' take place.
The halls were now busy with so many people everywhere, things will be hard in the coming days.
Offering respect to a noble who was in the same league and power as you was seen as honorable and expected. Offering respect to one higher than you was seen as obeying the natural laws of hierarchy.
For me, it was insulting and a spit upon my face. Still, it was something I had gotten used to after enduring it for so long. Right now, I just needed the egg to hatch.
The days went fast with and boringly, occupied by new responsibilities and training. It was also somewhat peaceful though I personally wished to be part of the grander scheme of things.
The day soon came for the event, the day where the head of the family would speak to us concerning the coming tournament between nobles.
I was partially excited for it though I did not get my hopes up since I knew I wouldn't do much in it. Still it was an event and an event is something to look forward too.
" How do I look " I said as I stared at the mirror.
" You look marvelous young master, benefiting of someone of your status " Lara said to me, smiling as she tidied up from dressing.
" I'm sure you'll fit just fine with the rest young master " My butler, Pracarious replied to me.
I smiled knowing that I had loyal and good servants who still respected me. It may not be as much as my other siblings but it was something.
I soon walked out of the room and heading straight to the hallway where most had gathered. There was music playing, some were even dancing and most were interacting with each other.
I stretched my hand and took a drink from the tray held by one of the many waiters hired to make sure everyone had something to drink.
"Smells like purple grapes " I muttered to myself as I took a slight whiff of it, I sipped a bit before walking towards my favourite spot.
A slightly elevated corner of the hall that allowed me to look over most areas of the gathering. It was quiet and allowed me to think to myself.
Just then, the hall silenced at the echoes of someone walking. Most likely using Vice to achieve such effects.
The music paused and all eyes turned to face the figure approaching the great stairway that led to the upper parts of this great building.
" Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen " The voice boomed for all to hear. It was my Eldest Brother, next in line to be the heir to the family.
" I must apologize for this, Father has been hurriedly called away to the capital concerning something of vital importance to the Kingdom. As such, he has left me to handle this event " He said.
No doubt this would anger some of our uncles and siblings as this only just established him as the next choice as head save for the option of killing him which was not really an option.
Doing so would cause chaos within the family and I am sure that the inquisitorial faction would love to be involved.
Still, there was a great many positions still open for many and a great many paths of power for most.
" First things first, let us see those who will be representing the family in the upcoming tournament. As you all know, I am way over the age to participate and I expect you all to bear that in mind " He announced.
This was the moment many had waited for, a time to come forth and show themselves before all. It brought recognition to them, with this many would begin to watch you with interest.
There were of course those that feared this moment, knowing fully well that they would be one of the bottom feeders. Those meant to be just another stepping stone for others to rise higher.
This was his time to come up there, he steeled himself already knowing the outcome of this little fiasco.
The noble houses were full of themselves, constructed at every level to be narcissists. The tournament meant to be just a friendly competition for testing and knowing what each are capable of.
Is just now one of the many ways to show your influence, to show and establish your place amongst the others. They will never let some weak person to represent them when so many others were looking at them.
So each house does what is called the culling, that is the true essence of this gathering. To cull the weaklings of the family and allow only the best to have a future in here.
I alongside more than a dozen others soon lined up and fell upon our knees to face the representative of the head of the family.
" This batch is looking very promising, if you have any objection to any of them participating, say it now " He said and that was the signal for the call.
" The 2nd son of Lady Marinette, he should not be allowed to participate. He has trouble conjuring basic spells " A lady married to one of my uncles said aloud.
Most here were of direct lineage to the family or rather the current head of the family. So my 4 uncles, 2 aunts and personal family.
Lady Marinette was married to a lesser noble and so claimed heritage to us - Viscounts in the kingdom. It was a play to secure some part of the life she sacrificed for love but most did not take nicely to that.
Of her three children, just 1 had ever participated in the tournaments. The other did not and this one would will simply not as well. He lacked the training and knowledge to compete especially since they investment much to their first son who was selected.
" I hold no qualms to that " She replied causing her son to rise and bowed slightly, he walked back to the company of his parents.