Royal Birthday (1)
The capital of Britannia stood as a resplendent and prosperous city, where every structure gleamed with opulence, adorned in golden marbles that radiated grandeur.
On this particular day, the city buzzed with heightened activity, as it marked the thirteenth birthday celebration of the twin prince and princess of Britannia. The streets teemed with people converging from every corner of the kingdom, eager to partake in the various festivities organized to welcome esteemed guests.
At the heart of the capital stood the illustrious royal palace, its grandeur emphasized by hundreds of guards securing its perimeters on this special occasion. Ornate carriages, large and sublime, lined up in front of the palace as high-ranking nobles descended with grace and poise. Invitations extended by the King himself attracted the attendance of Viscounts, Counts, Marquesses, and even the esteemed families of Dukes, each arriving to partake in the festivities. Such events held significant importance for these noble families, offering opportunities to forge connections with their peers or potentially initiate alliances through matrimonial bonds.
The knights, displaying precision and care, escorted the arriving nobles to the banquet hall. Within, the atmosphere slowly filled with the distinguished presence of high-ranking nobility, creating an ambiance of exclusivity and refinement.
At the farthest end of the opulent hall graced by the splendors of celebration, two regal thrones held a captivating couple. The King, Henry of Britannia, a man of striking handsomeness with his blond hair, and beside him, the Queen, Lilianna Britannia, possessed shimmering blue eyes that spoke of grace and nobility.
Upon entering the hall, the assembled nobles first paid their respects to the ruling couple before joining the grand banquet.
"Your Majesty," a family commanded everyone's attention.
Even within the elite circle of high-ranking nobles, this particular family held a place among the top five in influence and strength. Duke Erwin Lockward, a man with slicked-back brown hair and an intelligent gaze, bowed alongside his wife and son.
Duke Lockward's wife, a woman of striking beauty, offered a nod of acknowledgment to the Queen, signifying a close friendship between them.
Their son, sporting a cheerful smile, surveyed the surroundings. "Your Majesty, may I have the pleasure of meeting Arthur and Louise?"
A hearty chuckle emanated from the King. "Certainly, Cedric. Arthur and Louise are presently preparing. You shall meet them shortly. In the meantime, feel free to indulge yourself."
Cedric Lockward's gaze swept across the lavish spread on the table—each dish representing a lifetime of sustenance for commoners. A contented smile played on his lips.
"Son, mind your manners," cautioned his mother, the Duchess, fixing Cedric with a stern look. Cedric responded with an annoyed shrug.
"Your son has grown into a fine young man, Erwin," the King remarked with a warm smile directed at his old friend, Duke Erwin.
"I know, and I'm immensely proud of him," Erwin replied, a chuckle escaping him.
"He just needs to learn some restraint. Always short-tempered," commented Erwin's wife, wearing an exasperated smile.
"Indeed," the Queen agreed with a knowing smile.
Sensing an opportune moment, Erwin turned to the King with a more serious expression. "What are your thoughts, Your Majesty? I believe Princess Louise would make an excellent match for my son. They could contribute to each other's growth."
"I share the same sentiment," his wife added. "Louise is a clever young lady. She would complement our son well. Despite his demeanor, my son is intelligent and remarkably talented. He can already wield Tier 2 spells."
Henry stroked his chin thoughtfully. Truthfully, he harbored a desire to form an alliance with the Duke, and a union between their offspring seemed to be the ideal solution. While he was aware of Cedric's interest in his daughter, he patiently awaited the Duke's proposal for the alliance. The underlying reason for seeking this alliance lay in his wariness towards a particular house that had experienced expansive growth in recent years.
The Alasmira Marquesate, led by Vanessa Alasmira, a woman whom Henry had loved since childhood. He had even proposed to her, only to be rejected in favor of a commoner butler with whom Vanessa had fallen in love. The prince, humiliated by this rejection despite his royal status, harbored a lasting resentment towards Vanessa.
The pinnacle of his satisfaction came when Vanessa's butler eventually betrayed her for her own sister. Henry was so delighted by this twist of fate that he actively assisted the butler in rising through the ranks, and the once commoner now held the esteemed title of Count.
Henry exchanged a meaningful glance with his wife, who responded with a nod and a smile. She, too, found the idea of Cedric as the perfect match for their daughter quite appealing. Beyond the prospect of a beneficial alliance, there was a personal motivation—the disdain for Vanessa Alasmira, Henry's former love interest. They both aimed to curb the rising influence of Vanessa's house in the kingdom and be prepared for any potential threats.
"We are genuinely interested, Erwin. Let your son have a conversation with my daughter first," the King remarked, a chuckle underlying his words. It was a subtle yet clear indication of agreement, one that the Duke and Duchess recognized. They couldn't help but smile with a restrained sense of happiness.
Just as the conversation settled into this moment of agreement, the doors swung open, and the attention of the gathering shifted toward the newcomers, causing a ripple of commotion.
'Thinking of him.'
The king mused silently as his gaze fixed upon a tall, blond-haired man of striking handsomeness. His well-built physique was impeccably clad in a classy suit, drawing the admiration of mature women in the room. Despite the coldness in his gaze, a smile adorned his lips, adding unique charm to him. The air shifted, charged with an unspoken curiosity as the newcomer made his entrance.
Henry's memories echoed with the image of a trembling man he had encountered more than fifteen years ago. Back then, the young man had bowed with a mixture of respect and fear. However, with the passage of time, particularly after his betrayal of Vanessa Alasmira for Sara Alasmira, the man underwent a profound transformation—or perhaps, it was true him.
Count Malcolm Rainborn, a figure now characterized by an aura of calculated chilliness.
"Dear, it's the King."
Sara Alasmira, a striking woman with sublime mauve hair, had her arm intertwined with Malcolm's. She cast a nervous glance at her husband as he seemingly bypassed the King without extending the customary greetings.
Malcolm offered a reassuring smile to his wife. "He is currently engaged with Erwin, discussing the potential marriage between his daughter and Erwin's son. We shouldn't interrupt them."
Sara was taken aback by the revelation, momentarily halting her steps. Malcolm promptly took her arm, guiding her away, and engaged in conversation with other high-ranking nobles. The nobility, once disdainful of Malcolm due to his commoner origins, now regarded him with a blend of fear and respect. He had become an undeniable figure of popularity within the elite circles, and rumors circulated that he was on the fast track to becoming a Marquess.
Sara regained her composure and redirected her attention towards her lovely daughter, Iris, who shared the same exquisite mauve hair and captivating hue of eyes as her mother. "Iris, you should greet your friends," Sara said, understanding the importance of forging amicable connections with other noble girls for their House's future. Relationships held significant weight, especially for their relatively recent House in the noble hierarchy.
Iris, adorned in a stunning mauve dress that accentuated her surreal beauty, drew the admiring gazes of boys despite her young age. With her growing status, she had become the primary target of attention for many young suitors.
With a small smile, Iris clasped her hands behind her back. "Yes, Mother."