Chapter 1: Son of the Ravenmoon I

It was during a solemn night when numerous luxurious carriages kept on entering and exiting the castle that a certain star shone brightly amongst the skies. Among all those carriages, there was one with the symbol of a Raven with its wings spread out with the figure of a crescent moon as its background. It was from this carriage that a young man wearing a black noble's attire with a matching black feathered cape on his back, stood up with his back straight. His clothes were in contrast with his platinum blonde hair that shone brightly under the moonlight while his deep blue eyes were like gems that seemed to draw in one's soul. If viewed from whatever angle, his face would make sculptors cry out in awe at its magnificence. As he strutted on in with a mischievous grin, the booming sound of thunder seemed to strike as others began to alertly make way for him with their heads tilted to a bow. Despite his arrogant act, nobody made any qualms as they viewed him in awe with his calm and condescending demeanor.

Despite the cold embrace of the night, the premise was brightly lit with lamps and torches leading the way into a huge dining hall. The inside of the palace was warm and filled with music, the walls were well-decorated, and the floors were clean. Near the entrance was a man who appeared to be a butler, near him was a short line of people who were entering with invitations in their hands. As each of them entered, they would hand over their invitation letter and the butler would soon call out their names. Following this, the youth soon handed over his invitation letter and under the sharp eyes of the butler, his name was soon called out.

"His highness, The Knight of Umbra, Sir Herbert Ravenmoon of the Ravenmoon Duchy."

As he made his way in, the clamoring momentarily stopped as they all focused on him. As if enjoying their stares, he purposely slowed down his steps while occasionally gazing at the corners as if he was looking for something, eventually, he started to confidently make his way toward the center where a woman in her twenties could be seen socializing with the other guests. Her eyes seem to light up as she met eyes with him, she then excused herself and made her way towards him and greeted him with a noble's etiquette by slightly lifting her skirt and making a slight bow.

"My lord, you've arrived at just the right time. Princess Amelia will be appearing soon."

The youth just nodded nonchalantly and started walking towards the open balcony. On his way, he casually took a glass filled with an alcoholic beverage with his gloved hand from a servant and took a sip before frowning and returning it back to the servant. Following him on his steps, Lady Elena couldn't help but feel a little bit vexed and jealous at the lack of appreciation that the youth seemed to be giving her, nevertheless, she still tried to carry the conversation by once again opening her mouth to make small talk.

"I'm sure Princess Amelia will surely invite you to her tea party next week, especially when she sees your present. I heard that you acquired the Awakening Crystal at the auction yesterday."

"Don't worry Lady Elena, if it wasn't for your help then I surely would have missed the auction. I've heard that your merchant association has recently come into trouble with the Hawkwood barony. I will make sure to put on a word or two for you when the time comes."

Hearing this a smile couldn't help but bloom on Lady Elena's face.

"As expected of the heir from Duke Ravenmoon's family, just hearing your words and I can already feel assured that this partnership will be beneficial for both of us. This reminds me, I heard the princess mention that she appreciates the precious gift that you have sent previously. She even had the exotic flower displayed the previous time that I came over. I also remember that she seemed to fancy the recent play about the Sword Saint."

At her words, the youth looked at her and once again nodded his head, as he slowly lifted his right hand to his chin to ponder upon the words that he had just heard, Lady Elena soon continued and said a few words before they parted as she once again made her way towards the inner circle of the nobles.

"Well then, I'll excuse myself here, my lord. If there's anything else, I will make sure to let you know in the future."

Upon saying their goodbyes, Herbert faced the open air and silently spat out what little he had drunk. Naturally, as a well-educated noble of high standing, he understood proper etiquette and made sure that nobody saw what he did. Being graceful and refined, he then turned around as if nothing had even happened.

Once Lady Elena had completely left his sight, the other nobles who intended to socialize with the heir of the Ravenmoon soon made their way. Each one moved faster than the other as if it was a competition between who could get to him first whilst walking. It was a comical sight to Herbert who knew their intentions; however, he did not interfere as he too understands how to play the noble's game.

Unfortunately, before any of them could even come close to him, a loud voice soon echoed announcing the arrival of the main star of this party.

"Lionstone Kingdom's ninth princess, her highness, Princess Amelia Remely Lionstone."

All at once, the gazes gathered and congregated in one spot. She, whose skin is fair with hair as bright as the golden sun emitted a charm that captivated her audience to feel a strong sense of elation merely through the sight of her smile. Like a magnet, she attracted their attention and instantly became the life of the party.

On one corner, Herbert who was previously on the outskirts near the balcony instantly gained liveliness and started inching closer towards the center where the princess is. Naturally, the other nobles who were secretly paying attention to him also noticed this and tacitly made way for him. Eventually, the two of them soon met eyes, and a certain mood was soon created which made it hard for the other nobles to intrude so they silently took a step back.

At first glance, the sight of the two created a beautiful picture, one was considered one of the three most beautiful maidens of the kingdom also known as the golden pearl while the other was known as the young talent of the Ravenmoon Duchy. Nobody around them would dare even to deny that the two made a perfect couple, not to mention their status, even in terms of aesthetics, nobody else would be a better match.

Feeling the subtle mood, the others had read between the lines and merely watched Herbert's infatuated antics. It had already been about a minute, yet he still stood there as if he was stunned by Princess Amelia's beauty. His eyes seem to be clouded and unfocused, it was as if he was daydreaming in broad daylight.

Fortunately, Princess Amelia was socially adept and quickly took charge to break out of the current situation by taking the lead in speaking with the youth in front of her.

"Sir Herbert, it's great that you were able to make it today. I have heard about the great exploits that you have accomplished recently. The whole capital was talking about it."

Unfortunately, contrary to what everyone thought, Herbert was currently undergoing tremendous change, and as a result, he was temporarily unavailable to respond to any external stimuli.

Inside Herbert's mind, memories started pouring in. Although his gaze was currently locked on Princess Amelia, his mind flashed with different scenes, unfamiliar sights, and strange thoughts. It was almost as if within a second, twenty-two years have gone by, and he felt extremely confused and disoriented.

"Sir Herbert, you appear to be a little pale, is everything alright?"