An Encounter with Hidden Blade

The grand skyline of the Imperial Capital came into view as the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the sprawling city. The walls of Veridian, towering and majestic, guarded the heart of the empire—a place where power, influence, and danger intertwined. As the divine magical beasts pulling the carriage slowed their pace, Kael Ardent gazed out the window, his mind not on the beauty of the city but on the tasks that lay ahead.

Beside him, Isabella Varen sat with an air of quiet confidence, her gaze focused on the rapidly approaching gates. Though their conversation had been casual during the journey, Kael's mind had been working through intricate plots and strategies. The Royal Banquet would be more than just a gathering of the empire's elite. It would be a stage for Kael to solidify his influence, forge new alliances, and crush those who stood in his way.

The carriage came to a halt near a well-known inn within the capital. The Silver Serpent Inn was a favorite of the nobility—discreet, luxurious, and frequented by those who valued privacy above all else. As Kael and Isabella disembarked, the innkeeper rushed to greet them, his demeanor respectful yet cautious.

"Welcome, Lord Ardent, Lady Varen," the innkeeper bowed deeply, gesturing for them to enter. "Your table is prepared."

Inside, the inn was as opulent as its reputation suggested. Soft golden lights from hanging chandeliers illuminated the richly decorated space, while hushed conversations echoed off the walls. Nobles, merchants, and powerful figures sat at various tables, each seemingly engrossed in their own dealings, yet Kael knew that many eyes were watching him and Isabella as they entered.

Once seated, Isabella's guardian, Eva Morris, stood nearby, her vigilant gaze scanning the room for any signs of trouble. Kieran Voidstrider, Kael's loyal protector, took his place beside Kael, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"An interesting day ahead," Kael murmured, his tone casual yet sharp as he picked up the menu. "The banquet will reveal much."

Isabella glanced at him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Indeed. But first, we should enjoy a peaceful meal before the real banquet begins."

As Kael nodded in agreement, the door to the inn opened once more. A new figure entered—a young woman, with long silver hair tied into a sleek ponytail and a noble bearing that commanded the attention of the room. She moved with the fluid grace of a warrior, every step measured and deliberate. Her eyes, a striking shade of azure, scanned the inn with a cold, calculating intensity before settling on Kael.

Her presence sent a ripple through the room. She was clearly someone of importance, and Kael recognized the subtle shift in the atmosphere as those around them took note of her arrival. This woman was no ordinary noble.

She approached their table, her expression curious but guarded. "Lord Ardent, Lady Varen. May I join you?"

Isabella offered a polite nod, gesturing to the empty seat beside her. Kael, however, remained silent, his gaze flickering to the woman as he searched his memories. That face—those eyes—he knew her from the past. His past life.

Aria Valecourt.

In the novel Kael had read before transmigrating into this world, Aria had been a minor villain. A talented swordswoman from the prestigious Valecourt family, she had once crossed paths with the hero, Robert Voss. In the original story, Aria had stood in Robert's way, leading to her eventual demise at his hands. A pawn in the grander scheme of the novel, she had been a fleeting obstacle.

But now, she was seated at his table, alive and well, her gaze sharp as ever.

"Aria Valecourt," Kael greeted her smoothly, his expression calm despite the undercurrent of sinister amusement in his mind. "An unexpected pleasure."

Aria raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by his reaction. "You seem to know me already, Lord Ardent."

"Your reputation precedes you," Kael replied, his tone carefully measured. "A skilled swordswoman from the Valecourt family, if I recall correctly."

Aria's lips quirked into a small smile. "I see my family's influence extends far beyond the Valecourt lands. Though, I must admit, I'm quite surprised."

Kael tilted his head slightly, feigning curiosity. "Surprised by what, Lady Valecourt?"

Aria's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking over him as if she were trying to unravel a puzzle. "I cannot see through your cultivation level, Lord Ardent. That is… highly unusual."

A flicker of amusement danced in Kael's eyes as he leaned back in his seat. He had been expecting this reaction. "Perhaps it's because I have recently broken through to the Peak of Soul Transformation."

The moment the words left his mouth, Aria's expression shifted from mild curiosity to outright shock. Her posture stiffened as the realization hit her, and she stared at him with wide eyes. "The Peak of Soul Transformation?" she repeated, disbelief lacing her voice.

Isabella, who had been sipping her wine with an air of detached grace, glanced at Aria with a knowing smile. "I had a similar reaction when I first learned of it."

Aria's shock was well-justified. In the entirety of the Veridian Empire, there were only four individuals known to have reached the Peak of Soul Transformation in younger generation : Valtor Arcanis, the most powerful of younger generation; Crown Prince Darion Aeloria; his brother, Prince Tarquin Aeloria; and now, Kael Ardent. For someone like Aria, who was deeply entrenched in the politics and power dynamics of the empire, learning that Kael had reached such a level was nothing short of astonishing.

"I see…" Aria trailed off, her mind clearly racing to reassess the man before her. "That puts you among the most powerful figures in the empire."

Kael's expression remained unreadable, but inwardly, he reveled in her reaction. He knew exactly what this revelation meant. It shifted the balance of power in any future dealings they might have, and it placed him in a position of undeniable authority.

"The path to power is long and treacherous," Kael said, his voice taking on a darker, more serious tone. "But those who reach the peak do so with purpose."

Aria seemed to gather herself, her shock fading as she quickly regained her composure. She was no stranger to power and manipulation, and Kael could see her mind working as she weighed the significance of his words. "I see you do not waste time with trivial matters, Lord Ardent. A quality I can appreciate."

"Trivial matters are for those with trivial ambitions," Kael replied smoothly, his gaze unwavering. "And I suspect, Lady Valecourt, that you are not someone with trivial ambitions."

Aria smiled faintly, though her eyes were still alight with curiosity. "You suspect correctly, Lord Ardent."

As the conversation continued, the atmosphere around the table grew increasingly tense. Aria, clearly interested in learning more about Kael's sudden rise to power, began asking subtle, probing questions, while Kael responded with equal subtlety, never revealing more than he intended to.

Isabella, for her part, remained an observer, watching the exchange with quiet amusement. She knew Kael well enough to understand that every word he spoke was calculated, every move deliberate. And it was clear that Aria was beginning to see this as well.

The meal continued, but Kael's mind was already working on the future. Aria Valecourt had once been a minor player in the story, a fleeting obstacle for the hero. But now, with his knowledge of the novel and his newfound power, Kael saw her as something else—a potential ally or a pawn, depending on how the game played out.

As they finished their meal, Kael leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the horizon where the grand Imperial Palace loomed in the distance.

"The Royal Banquet will begin soon," Kael said, his voice low and filled with quiet determination. "I trust we'll see each other there, Lady Valecourt."

Aria nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Indeed, Lord Ardent. I look forward to it."