Introductions

Together, Lassim and his grandmother, moved with effortless grace down the ornate staircase that led to the heart of the event hall. Each step, led by Lady Elisa, was deliberate and poised, characteristic of nobility that drew the attention of all present.

The grandeur of the staircase, with its polished marble steps and intricately carved railings, seemed to accentuate their descent—a symbolic journey from Lassim's the seclusion in the Vanthar estate in Swallowtail Mountain City into the luminous public eye of Myriad Spirit City's elite.

As they descended, the grand hall unfolded below them, a spectacle of light and elegance. Crystal chandeliers warmed by elemental fires hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the gathered crowd. The air was alive with the slight murmur of conversation, the delicate clinking of glasses, and the soft undertones of a string quartet playing in the corner. It was a scene set for royalty, fitting for the introduction of a young master to the societal circles that would soon look upon him with interest and intrigue.

Arriving amidst the grandeur, his grandfather, Frederyc, stood in conversation with a distinguished couple, their demeanor and attire marking them as figures of considerable influence.

As they reached Frederyc's side, the patriarch's face lit up with pride. "Ah, here he is," he exclaimed, placing a hand on Lassim's shoulder.

"May I introduce my grandson, Lassim. Lassim, meet Marcellus and Helena Darnel, leaders of the largest auction house in Myriad Spirit City and beyond."

Marcellus, a man of sharp eyes and a welcoming smile, extended his hand, which Lassim shook firmly. "What an honor it is to meet you, Young Master Lassim. Your family's reputation for excellence precedes you," Marcellus said, his voice rich with genuine respect.

Helena, equally gracious, offered a smile that was both kind and keen. "Indeed, it's a pleasure. And to think, we've yet to establish an auction house in Swallowtail Mountain City. Perhaps, it's an oversight we should correct," she mused, her comment sparking a round of light laughter.

"Of course, such an endeavor would demand the finest architects. And who better than the esteemed Rohese family to bring such a vision to life?" Marcellus added, his jest about commissioning the busy Rohese family for the project carrying an undertone of hopefulness.

"Swallowtail Mountain City is quite probably too humble by your standards," Lassim replied, engaging with the couple's humor. "And while the Rohese family indeed has a full schedule, I'm sure you'd also need my father's input and approval since he manages the town."

Marcellus and Helena shared a look of mutual understanding, their interest piqued by Lassim's mention of his father's role in Swallowtail Mountain City. "Ah, a family affair, then," Marcellus responded with a nod, the possibility of collaborating with both branches of Lassim's lineage sparking a new angle of intrigue in the conversation. "It seems the ties that bind the Vanthar and Rohese families could lead to quite prosperous ventures, both for your families and for the communities they support."

Helena's smile broadened, her eyes reflecting the flicker of the elemental fires lighting the hall. "Indeed, the prospect of combining the architectural genius of the Rohese with the stewardship of the Vanthars presents a fascinating opportunity. Swallowtail Mountain City could become a beacon of cultural and economic growth under such guidance."

Frederyc, listening intently, placed his other hand on Lassim's shoulder. "Your unique position could very well spearhead initiatives that extend beyond the borders of Myriad Spirit City, bringing innovation and prosperity to new frontiers. Alas, I must admit it's a tad early to discuss such ventures." 

Marcellus then brought out a jet black card from his suit pocket and handed it to Lassim. "Let's start our relationship with giving you a front seat to our next auction we'll hold here in three month's time. This is our VIP card. Please present it at the auction house and it will serve as your invitation for any and all future auctions at any Golden River Auction house."

"Thank you." Lassim carefully accepted the inky black card with the words 'Golden River' embossed on both sides, then stowed it away inside his magic pouch. 

The conversation, initially light-hearted, had seamlessly transitioned into a thoughtful exchange on potential collaborations that transcended mere social pleasantries. It highlighted not only Lassim's newfound role within his family but also the broader implications of his heritage for the regions under their influence.

As they parted ways with the Darnels, the party continued and Lassim's grandparents carefully guided and introduced him into many other influential figures and war comrades that happened to attend the event. 

As the evening progressed, the grand hall was filled with light and laughter; music and murmurings.

Eventually, Frederyc, with a twinkle in his eye, spotted an approaching figure. The air around them seemed to shift, a silent acknowledgment of the stature of the man making his way through the crowd. His distinctive figure approached, cutting a path through the crowd with an air of unmistakable authority. At his side was a young girl, her presence like a soft melody against the evening's opulence. Frederyc's eyes lit up with recognition and warmth, "Ah, here comes an old friend," Frederyc announced, his voice carrying a mixture of respect and warmth.

The figure, a tough older gentleman with the bearing of someone who had weathered many battles, stopped before Lassim and his grandparents. "Frederyc, Elisa, always a pleasure," he said, his voice gruff but tinged with genuine fondness. "And you must be Lassim. I've heard much about you. I am Lord Varick, the city lord of Myriad Spirit City."

He offered a firm handshake, his gaze assessing Lassim with a curious interest. "Frederyc speaks highly of you, young man. It's a pleasure to finally meet the grandson of my dear friend."

Following close behind Lord Varick was a young girl, her steps light and her presence like a breath of fresh air amidst the event. Her features were delicate, her demeanor lively, her charisma casting a spell of endearing charm over those around her. Lassim found himself unexpectedly taken by the simplicity and style that she exuded.

The young girl at his side, only slightly older than Lassim, offered a shy smile, her cute features lighting up under the hall's golden light. "And this is my daughter Mirabel. Quite the beauty, wouldn't you say?" he teased, glancing between Lassim and the young girl with a mischievous smile and his voice softening with paternal pride.

Elisa chuckled, chiming in with a teasing tone, "A lovely pair you two would make, wouldn't you agree, Frederyc?"

"Indeed. Just imagine the union of our families with that of Myriad Spirit City's governing lord. The city would be in capable hands."

The jest, however innocent, was enough to stir the waters. From the periphery of the gathering, Eldric, Lassim's cousin whom he'd already encountered once prior, overhearing the exchange, bristled with indignation. His approach was swift, his intentions clear as he stepped forward, the semblance of cordiality evaporating into the charged air.

"This is preposterous!" Eldric exclaimed, his gaze locked on Lassim. "I won't allow this to stand. Lassim, if you think yourself worthy of Lady Mirabel's hand, then prove it. Duel me for her favor!"

The sudden challenge sent a shockwave of silence through the nearby crowd, all turning to witness the unfolding drama. Lassim, caught off guard by the proposal and subsequent challenge, hesitated. The memory of his promise to Lustria—to maintain control over his own path, especially regarding marriage—flashed through his mind. He had no intention of accepting a duel. Moreover, he harbored no romantic intentions toward Mirabel, seeing her instead through the lens of a newfound acquaintance. Heck, he'd yet to ever hear her speak a single word from her doe-eyed self. 

Yet, the moment was not his alone to control. Mirabel, with a spark of mischief in her eyes, egged on the challenge, her voice lilting with excitement. "Oh, this could be interesting! Let's see who can be fit enough for my hand. Yes, let's see a duel!"

With the crowd's anticipation building and the eyes of the city's elite upon him, Lassim found himself ensnared in a predicament that left little room for refusal.

Resigned to the unforeseen turn of events and bound by the expectations of the society he was only just beginning to navigate, Lassim accepted the challenge. "Very well, Edric. If it's a duel you want, it's a duel you shall have. I'd like to see if you're brave enough to weather the storm this time, or if you'll cower again like last time," he stated, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within.

As the guests murmured with a mixture of excitement and disbelief, Lassim and Edric were escorted to the nearby courtyard with a prebuilt stage, a space where the many guards of the Rohese family trained against each other. A moonlit garden surrounded the marble floor of the platform, usually a place of tranquility, now became witness to a stage for a duel that he had neither sought nor desired.

Facing Edric under the night sky, Lassim prepared himself for the confrontation.