Chapter 9 — Eight Years Later
Yucrat City — Winters Manor
The grand halls of the Winters Manor glittered beneath massive crystal chandeliers. Marble pillars lined the banquet hall, and the air was filled with the soft music of a string ensemble. Nobles from across Yucrat City had gathered for a lavish celebration.
Tonight was the birthday of Leon Winters.
Now thirteen years old, Leon stood in his room while several maids carefully prepared him for the evening. One adjusted the collar of his suit while another tied his bow tie with practiced precision.
"You look splendid, young master," one of them said warmly.
Leon nodded quietly. Outside the tall windows, the lights of Yucrat City shimmered in the distance. Eight years had changed many things. Noble houses had risen and fallen, and the Winters family had become one of the most influential powers in the city.
Once everything was ready, the maids escorted Leon through the long corridors toward the banquet hall.
The massive doors opened.
Voices and laughter filled the hall as nobles gathered in small groups, sipping wine and discussing politics beneath polite smiles.
"House Winters grows stronger every year," one noble whispered.
"Too strong," another replied quietly.
As Leon stepped into the hall, many heads turned toward him.
"Happy birthday, Young Master Leon!"
"May House Winters prosper!"
Leon walked forward calmly, greeting guests with practiced politeness. Yet even he could sense it—the subtle tension hidden beneath the celebration.
Before he could go much farther, a loud voice cut through the crowd.
"Well, if it isn't the birthday boy."
A boy about Leon's age stepped forward, dressed in an expensive noble uniform. His expression carried the smug confidence of someone used to getting his way.
It was Marcus Valerius, the son of Duke Valerius.
Marcus smirked.
"I was beginning to think the great heir of House Winters was too shy to appear before the guests."
A few nearby nobles turned their attention toward the two boys. Conversations softened as people subtly watched the interaction.
Leon understood immediately.
This was not a simple greeting. It was a test.
Marcus continued loudly enough for those nearby to hear.
"Tell me, Leon," he said with a mocking smile. "Is it true your family plans to replace the Valerius trade routes in the eastern districts? That seems… ambitious."
Several nobles exchanged glances. The question was clearly meant to provoke a reaction.
Leon paused for only a moment before answering calmly.
"If House Valerius believes competition is a threat," Leon said politely, "then perhaps the eastern districts are more valuable than I realized."
A few nobles chuckled quietly.
Marcus frowned.
Leon continued with a slight, composed smile.
"But tonight isn't about trade routes. My father always says a banquet is meant for celebration, not business. I would hate to embarrass House Valerius by discussing politics during my own birthday."
The nobles nearby laughed more openly now.
Marcus's smug expression faltered. If he continued pressing the issue, it would make his own house appear petty.
"Tch," Marcus muttered before stepping aside.
Leon gave a polite nod and continued walking deeper into the hall.
Across the room, a tall man had been watching the entire exchange.
Lord Lorraine Winters.
Leon's father.
The lord of House Winters approached him quietly once the crowd shifted again.
"You handled that well," Alexander said in a low voice.
Leon looked up at him. "He was trying to provoke a political statement."
Lorraine nodded slightly.
"And you turned it into a social mistake for him instead." A faint smile appeared on his face. "Good. A noble must know when to fight… and when to make others look foolish without lifting a sword."
Before Leon could respond, a servant struck a silver staff against the floor.
The sound echoed through the hall.
"May I have everyone's attention," the servant announced.
The music stopped. Conversations quieted.
Lord Winters stepped forward and lifted a crystal glass.
"Nobles of Yucrat City," he said, his voice calm yet commanding, "thank you for honoring our house with your presence tonight."
Servants quickly moved through the hall, handing glasses to the guests.
Alexander placed a hand on Leon's shoulder.
"Tonight we celebrate not only my son's thirteenth birthday… but also the future of House Winters."
He raised his glass.
"To Leon Winters."
All around the hall, glasses were lifted.
"To Leon Winters!"
Crystal chimed as the grand toast echoed through the banquet hall.
"My son," Lord Lorraine Winters began, his voice echoing through the hall, "you have grown into a fine young man."
The nobles listened attentively.
"As your birthday gift," he continued, raising his glass slightly, "I present to you the Elwood Manor."
For a moment, the entire hall fell silent.
Then whispers erupted among the gathered nobles.
"The Elwood Manor…?"
"Isn't that one of the four most valuable estates owned by House Winters?"
"I heard it's worth millions."
"To give something like that to a thirteen-year-old…"
Shock spread through the crowd as the realization sank in.
This was not merely a birthday present.
It was a declaration.
House Winters was publicly acknowledging Leon as a true heir.
Leon himself remained composed despite the sudden attention. He stepped forward slightly and bowed his head respectfully.
"Thank you, Father," he said calmly. "I will do my best to live up to the responsibility."
Lord Winters nodded with quiet satisfaction.
The toast resumed, and the celebration continued with renewed energy. Nobles raised their glasses, musicians began to play again, and servants moved through the hall carrying trays of wine and delicacies.
After some time passed, Alexander Winters approached his son once more.
"Leon," he said quietly, "come with me."
Leon nodded and followed his father away from the bustling banquet hall. They walked through a quiet corridor before entering a smaller private room.
The door closed behind them.
Leon looked around the room curiously.
"Father," he asked, "why did you call me here?"
For a moment, Lorraine did not answer.
Instead, his gaze shifted toward the heavy curtains along the wall.
"…You may come out now."
The curtains moved.
From behind them stepped a young girl, about Leon's age. She wore an elegant noble dress, her posture straight and refined as she looked at him calmly.
Leon blinked in surprise.
"…Who is she?" he asked.
Lorraine Winters folded his hands behind his back.
"This," he said, "is the daughter of Marquis Keith."
Leon's eyes widened slightly.
Marquis Keith was one of the most powerful nobles in the kingdom.
Alexander continued calmly.
"She is the one who has been chosen to become your future wife."
The words hung heavily in the quiet room.
An arranged marriage.
Another political move in the complicated game of noble houses.
The girl stepped forward and gave a graceful bow.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Leon Winters," she said politely.
Leon stared at her for a moment, realizing that his life had just become even more complicated.