Inside the office of Duke Saint, a slightly tanned, fierce-looking middle-aged man sat behind a heavy oak desk. His sharp eyes scanned a stack of documents while an older, elegant man stood calmly beside him.
The man at the desk was Duke Elias Saint. The older man was Benjamin, his butler, one who had served the Saint household faithfully for two generations.
"In two weeks, the birthday of Angel Dacre will be held," Benjamin said evenly. "Your presence is required."
Elias frowned, irritation evident on his face. "How is it that I, a Duke, am required to attend the birthday of a noble of lower status?"
Benjamin did not react to the tone. "Even His Majesty has acknowledged the boy's talent in both sword and magic. Reports suggest the king himself may attend. If that is the case, then every major noble in the kingdom will follow. And also Count Dacre is of your dukedom"
The Duke leaned back in his chair, clicking his tongue. "Tch. You think The King cares about his talent? Fine. Notify Alice as well, she will likely wish to attend."
"Yes, my lord," Benjamin replied, turning to leave before pausing. "Should I also notify the mistress?"
Elias considered for a moment. "I doubt she would be interested. Still, inform her. My presence alone will suffice."
"As you wish." Benjamin bowed and exited the office.
— Somewhere else —
In another estate, two women sat at a small table, quietly sipping tea.
"Have you received the invitation yet, Mother?" asked the younger woman, her tone casual but the curiosity and anticipation could not be hidden by the seasoned eyes of her Mother.
"Yes," the older woman replied with a knowing smile. "You'll finally get to see your childhood crush again, Anne."
"He was not my crush," Anne protested immediately, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "We simply spent time together as children. He's just… a close friend."
The older woman chuckled. Countess Maria Rosewood had inherited her title after her husband's passing. Though the role had been forced upon her, she managed her territory without any significant issue.
Mother and daughter shared similar features, dirty-blonde hair, light green eyes, and striking looks that drew attention effortlessly.
"I was only teasing," Maria said lightly. "No need to react so strongly. Unless what I'm saying is true."
Anne huffed softly and lifted her teacup. "Let's just drink our tea."
Across the kingdom, similar conversations unfolded in noble households large and small. Though officially a birthday celebration, the gathering was widely understood to be an opportunity, alliances could be formed, influence expanded, and futures subtly negotiated.
Yet among all these discussions, the most significant one took place within the royal castle.
"Your Majesty," said a robust middle-aged man as he knelt before the throne. "The sixteenth birthday of Angel Dacre is approaching."
King Raphael rested his chin against his hand, looking thoroughly bored. "Hmph. Is that the boy of Count Dacre, the one who broke through to E-rank at fourteen?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. You instructed me to inform you, as his birthday precedes his admission to the academy."
"Good," the king replied. "I shall attend. Perhaps I can draw the Count to our side through him. The Duke has been… active lately."
A glint flashed briefly in his eyes.
"Should I notify anyone else besides the Crown Prince?" the man asked.
"Let the Crown Prince stay here, at the court. Inform Jonathan who attends the academy with Aragon's daughter. Oh, also inform Helen," the king said after a moment. "If ties are to be strengthened, we may as well begin early."
"I will inform the Fourth Prince and Second Princess."
"You are dismissed."
The man bowed deeply and left. The King remained seated, his bored expression unchanged, though the faint glimmer in his eyes told a different story.
I hope you don't disappoint me.
Barely ten minutes later, the heavy doors to the court burst open.
"Father!"
A young girl strode in with sharp features, blonde hair, and vivid green eyes. At around one meter sixty-five, she carried herself with fiery confidence.
"Are you planning to sell me off just to strengthen your political schemes?" Helen shouted, fury clear in her voice.
"Your Majesty, forgive me, I did not announce her arrival," the guard at the door said nervously.
The King waved him off. "It's fine. I know how she can be."
The guard quickly retreated.
"Helen," The King said calmly, "I did no such thing. I asked you to attend a party. Meeting someone does not equal marriage."
"That's how it always starts, and you know it!" she snapped.
Raphael sighed. "You'll attend the academy together. You may even end up as classmates. Meeting him now harms no one."
"I want to marry out of love," Helen insisted, her voice wavering. "Mother agrees with me."
"I never arranged a marriage," The King said more firmly. "You will not talk to me like that! Now lower your voice."
Helen clenched her fists, then turned sharply. "I'm going to speak with Mother."
She stormed out.
Raphael leaned back, rubbing his temples. "What did I do to deserve this…"
Helen hurried through the palace corridors until she burst into a private chamber.
"Mum! Father wants me to marry someone I don't even know!"
Queen Azariah sat calmly at a table, sipping tea. With her daughter's arrival, she barely looked surprised.
"Oh, Helen," she said gently. "Your father wouldn't do that."
"But he's making me attend the party!"
Azariah raised an eyebrow. "Whose party?"
"Angel Dacre."
"Hmph," Azariah said thoughtfully. "He would indeed be a good choice. Handsome, talented..."
"Mother!" Helen exclaimed, panic rising.
Azariah stood and pulled her into a hug. "Relax. You are not being forced into anything. Attend the party. Meet him. If you like him, stay friends. If not, maintain etiquette and move on. That is all."
She smiled reassuringly. "I'll speak with your father."
Helen relaxed at last, returning the hug. "Thank you, Mum."