(XV) A Grand Party

The butler's voice boomed across the room as he announced the arrival of Earl Dromund and his wife and son. The guests' attention was immediately captured. Anticipation filled the air as the doors slowly creaked open, revealing the Earl's striking presence.

His fiery red hair, ablaze in the warm room light, cascaded in meticulously styled waves down his back. His regal attire, tailored to perfection, clung to his robust physique, accentuating his broad shoulders and sculpted features.

A luxurious cloak draped around his neck, covered with white fur and cascading to his waist. As he strode into the room with purposeful steps, he stopped at the top of the stairs and smiled, holding his hand up as he slightly waved.

Earl Dromund's wife had blonde hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves. She wore a stunning gown that complimented her figure and highlighted her delicate features. She walked gracefully beside her husband, her eyes sparkling joyfully as she greeted the guests.

Their son, who walked behind his mother, looked like a younger version of his father. He had the same fiery red hair and sculpted features. He was dressed in a miniature version of his father's regal attire, adding to his adorable charm.

He walked with a confident stride, clearly taking after his father in both looks and demeanor. Upon their appearance, the guests erupted into thunderous applause.

Their every movement was graceful and fluid, with a poise and confidence that demanded respect. All eyes were on the Earl and his family as they made their way down the stairs and through the room, drawing the attention of every guest in attendance.

Leon's eyes widened in shock as he inspected the Earl. However, as soon as his ability activated, Dromund turned toward him, and they locked eyes.

[Name: Dromund Marktix]

[Age: 35]

[Class: 9th Circle Archwizard]

[Potential: SSS]

[Trait: Neverending Manafont]

"My family and I Welcome to our humble ball!" Dromund shouted, holding his arms out as he smiled, "Please enjoy the festivities in honor of our special guest, Count Leon!"

Again, the crowd burst into applause as he walked forward, speaking with guests briefly. He made his rounds to each table, and Leon thought, 'I can't believe someone killed him before I had a chance to meet him in my past life... Level 95 at such a young age, no wonder he's considered the most powerful mage in the Alliance...'

Leon smirked as Earl Dromund approached, thinking, 'The Grand Archwizard has exceeded every single one of my expectations!'

"Greetings, Count Leon." He said, offering his hand as he briefly closed his eyes with a smile, his eyes scanning every corner of his body, "Your brother has sung your praises to the heavens; I hope you do not disappoint at the Ascension Ceremony."

"The honor is mine, Earl Dromund." Leon replied, standing from the table and taking his hand. He smiled, locking his gaze on the Earls as he showed his strength, causing Dromund to curl his lips into a smile.

"Oh my!" His wife exclaimed, placing her hands on her cheeks and staring at him with sparkling eyes, "Alec always said you were the cutest little boy, but I didn't think he was telling the truth!"

Leon blushed as he averted his gaze, thanking the Countess as he noticed their son frowning as he glared at him. Leon activated his inspection skill once more as he returned the look.

[Name: Callum Marktix]

[Age: 14]

[Class: N/A]

[Potential: S]

[Trait: Peerless Manafont]

'It looks like his son inherited his father's ability, and we're going to enter the Academy together...' He thought, smirking at Callum, which caused him to sneer back.

"Please, make yourselves at home!" She said, bowing as she briefly glanced at his friends.

"Come find me after the party has died down, I would like to speak with you later." He said, and Leon agreed before the Earl disappeared, greeting other guests.

'As expected of Earl Dromund...' He thought, a giant grin on his face, 'I look forward to our second meeting...'

Suddenly, a bell sounded, and the band silenced their instruments. The party guests found their seats, and a platoon of servants appeared carrying trays and began serving food at each of the tables.

"Father." Callum called out as they sat at their table, "What do you think of King George's bastard son?"

"Why are you so interested in the third son who has no claim to the throne?" Dromund asked.

"We're almost the same age and will be entering the Exvius Academy together." He grinned, maliciousness flashing across his eyes, "Why not get to know him now?"

Earl Dromund remained silent, his gaze shifting to Leon as he sat across the banquet hall, speaking with his friends before returning his gaze to his son.

'I've heard rumors that my son has been acting as a leader amongst the noble children these days...' He thought, 'He's probably just fishing for my recognition. How futile. However, I could let him have his fun.'

"You are wise beyond your years, my young Callum..." Dromund said, prompting his son to beam with happiness, "I have a feeling he will become a force to reckon with in the coming years."

"Is there anything else you can tell about him?" Callum asked, unable to hide his happiness from his father's praise.

"We should send him a gift before he departs for Treuross." He replied, and his wife agreed, nodding as they began eating.

"You should try and maintain a good relationship with him, dear." Dromund's wife said, placing her hand on Callums, "Our families have been allies for a very long time..."

"You have nothing to worry about, mother..." Callum replied, smiling at his mother, "Of course I will."

"That's good to hear." She said, smiling back at him as she raised her hand and gently cradled his cheek before turning to her husband and speaking with him.

Callum inwardly sighed as he remained silent, watching her, thinking, 'Please forgive me, mother...'

He turned to face Leon, realizing he was staring toward them, and narrowed his eyes, glaring at him, 'I could never imagine being friends with this asshole.. I wont stop until he's crawling on his hands and knees before me!'

He imagined the look of Leon covered in blood as he groveled in front of him when suddenly, his father placed his hand on his shoulder, snapping him out of his fantasy.

"This is to be expected of my son." Dromund said, "I have some matters to attend to, behave and listen to your mother."

"Yes, Father!" Callum said, smiling at him as the Earl crossed the banquet hall and entered a room before Leon stood up and followed him as he thought, 'What does this bastard want with my father now..?'