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The car rolled through the wrought iron gates of the Valac estate, wheels crunching over the gravel pathway. Ariel sat across from Dante, her crimson eyes studying his face with that particular intensity she reserved for post-meeting assessments.
"You seem pleased, Young Master," she said, her voice carefully neutral.
He stretched his legs out. "It was... educational."
"The Astaroth girl made an impression."
"Latia," he corrected. "And yes, she did."
The carriage stopped at the main entrance, where two guards stood at attention. One opened the door with a formal bow.
"Welcome home, Young Master."
Dante stepped out, adjusting his jacket as he glanced up at the family mansion. Dark stone and gothic architecture, similar to the Astaroth estate but with the Valac clan's own touches—shadow-infused gargoyles that occasionally moved positions, windows that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. Home, sweet home.
"Father's in his study?" he asked Ariel as she exited behind him.
"Yes. Lady Selene mentioned he wished to speak with you upon your return."
Of course he did. No doubt eager for a full report on the Astaroth dinner. Political alliances waited for no devil.
"I'll head there now." He paused, turning to face her. "You're hovering, Ariel."
Her perfect composure slipped for just a moment—a slight widening of those flame-colored eyes, a quick press of her lips. "I'm concerned, Young Master."
"About?"
"The Astaroth family carries significant political weight through their connection to Lord Beelzebub. Any... entanglement... would have implications beyond the personal."
He reached out, tugging playfully at a strand of her long black hair. "Worried I'll get in over my head?"
"Never that." She stepped back, resuming her formal posture. "Merely offering perspective."
"Noted." He turned toward the main staircase. "Have some tea sent to Father's study, would you? I suspect this conversation might take a while."
She bowed slightly. "Of course."
Dante climbed the grand staircase, his footsteps silent against the plush carpet. Shadows seemed to reach toward him as he passed, responding to his presence. The ancestral home of the Valac clan had been built to amplify their innate shadow manipulation abilities—darkness pooled more deeply in corners, shadows stretched longer than they should.
At the east wing, he paused before the heavy oak door of his father's study. Unlike most of the house, this door remained deliberately ordinary—no enchantments, no shadow infusion. His father believed in keeping at least one entrance to his domain free of magical signatures that might interfere with visitors.
He knocked twice.
"Enter." Alexius's voice carried through the wood, deep and commanding.
Dante pushed the door open to find his father seated behind his massive desk, reading glasses perched on his aristocratic nose as he reviewed documents. He looked up as his son entered, removing the glasses in a practiced motion.
"Dante." He gestured to the chair across from him. "I trust the evening was productive?"
Dante closed the door behind him, taking in the familiar surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined three walls, filled with ancient tomes and family records. The fourth wall featured a large window overlooking the eastern gardens, currently shrouded in perpetual twilight. A small fire burned in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the room.
"It was interesting," he said, dropping into the indicated chair with calculated casualness. "Latia Astaroth is not what I expected."
Alexius leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Elaborate."
"Brilliant mind. Genuinely innovative magical theory. She's working on energy conversion principles that could revolutionize how we store and transfer power." Dante stretched his legs out. "Also painfully aware of her family's political position and clearly looking to strengthen it."
"As one would expect from Ajuka's niece. Did she mention him?"
"Only in passing. Though she did invite me to review some of her research."
A slight raising of his eyebrows. "She offered family magical secrets?"
"Theoretical applications only. An exchange of knowledge." Dante shrugged. "She's stuck on a problem involving ambient energy conversion. Thinks our shadow manipulation principles might provide insight."
"Interesting." Alexius tapped his fingers against the desk, a rare sign of genuine consideration. "And what did you offer in return?"
"Consultation on some spell construction projects I'm working on. Nothing that compromises our family techniques."
A knock at the door interrupted them. At Alexius's command, a servant entered with a silver tea service, setting it on the small table between their chairs before bowing and departing silently.
Alexius poured for both of them—an old habit from their private conversations. No servants, no formality. Just father and son discussing strategy.
"Your impression of her character?" he asked, handing his son a cup.
Dante accepted the tea, considering his words carefully. "Intelligent. Ambitious. Progressive views but practical about political realities. She wears the perfect noble mask in public, but there's fire underneath."
"Marriage potential?"
And there it was. The real question.
Dante sipped his tea, deliberately taking his time. "Not sure. We've arranged to meet again next week. Here, this time."
"She's coming to our estate?"
"Her idea, actually. Wants to continue our discussion in a more... private setting."
A small, satisfied smile spread across Alexius's face. This was exactly what he wanted to hear.
"Excellent." He set his cup down. "I'll ensure the house is prepared appropriately. Your mother will want to meet her."
"I'd prefer to keep it informal," Dante said quickly. "Academic discussion, nothing more. At least for now."
"Of course." His father's tone made it clear he didn't believe him for a second. "Just academic."
Dante rolled his eyes. "Don't start planning the wedding yet. We've had one dinner."
"One dinner that ended with an invitation to our home and plans for collaborative magical research." Alexius's smile turned knowing. "You could do worse for a political match."
"Speaking of political matters," Dante said, deciding the moment had arrived. "I've been thinking about my future role in the family."