Something had slightly changed in the ballroom's atmosphere. As Duke Renford drew nearer, the murmurs from the crowd sounded like a faint buzz. Vincent sensed the undercurrent of tension in the air as his presence bore the weight of nobility and years of deliberate political maneuvering. Although Renford was a formidable opponent, Vincent believed he had the better of him tonight.

As the Duke approached, Vincent stood up straight. Renford stopped in front of Vincent, his eyes a sharp sight, and every step he took was measured and purposeful.

The Duke said, "Quite a spectacle," in a tone that was both smooth and full of veiled challenge. "Vincent, you've definitely got everyone in this room interested."

Vincent kept a composed smile on his face. "Duke, just a portion of the plan. The real show hasn't even started yet.

Vincent could sense the slight tension in Renford's features, even though his expression hardly changed. The Duke was accustomed to maintaining control and acting as a man of order amid mayhem. However, it appeared as though the winds of change were blowing against him right now.

With a warning in his voice, Renford remarked, "I hope you're not underestimating what lies ahead." "You might be surprised to learn that Avalonia is subject to far more complex and ancient forces."

Vincent's eyes remained fixed. Data was being fed to him by the system, which was always present in the background of his thoughts. Duke Renford was a dangerous man, one who had forged alliances, used deceit, and understood how to manipulate people like pieces on a chessboard to gain influence rather than using sheer force. However, Vincent made the decision to turn the tables tonight.

Vincent calmly and measuredly answered, "I know the history of Avalonia, Duke." The people who are willing to pen their own chapters, however, will fare better in history. The past is important, but we are both more focused on the future.

Renford's eyes went a little narrower. "And you believe you have the power to control that future?"

Vincent leaned forward just a little bit, enough to remove their courteous distance from one another. Duke, I don't think so. Indeed, I am aware. Not just for decades, but for centuries to come, people will remember the Amsberg name. And the legacy I leave behind will surpass even their highest hopes for those who stand with me.

There was silence for a little while between them. As the impact of Vincent's statement subsided, the grandeur of the ballroom appeared to diminish. Renford stared into Vincent's eyes as if he was looking for any hint of uncertainty. Vincent, however, lacked any. The system gave him comfort with its gentle humming.

Stolen novel; please report.

[System Alert: The Attitude of Duke Renford is Neutral to Suspicious.]

With a deliberate and slow smile, the Duke eventually eased the tension. "Young Amsberg, these are lofty words. But ambition is nothing more than a dream if it is not carried out.

"That's why I'm executing," Vincent said, his voice like steel wrapped in velvet. "The change has already started."

An eyebrow was raised by Renford. And why do you believe that you can succeed where others have failed?

Vincent exhibited a dark sense of humor as his eyes flickered. "Because I refuse to participate in their game. I am engaged in my own game.

A faint peal of bells reverberated through the ballroom before Renford could answer. the announcement of the impending start of the evening's next activity. The Duke glanced in the direction of the sound for a moment, but he soon looked back at Vincent.

Renford said with a smooth gait and a slightly relaxed posture, "It seems the entertainment of the night isn't over." "Vincent, let's see how long your confidence lasts. Those who rise too quickly are not well received in Avalonia.

With that, the Duke nodded politely and, his regal poise unwavering, turned to mix with the other guests.

With his thoughts already buzzing with possibilities, Vincent watched him vanish into the crowd. Taking idle threats was not how the Duke lived. Undoubtedly, he had other intentions, and Vincent had merely grown in importance within his scheme.

[System Alert: Update on the Quest: Duke Renford's Motivations Are Still Uncertain. Look into This Further.]

Slowly, Vincent let out a breath and returned his attention to the remainder of the gala. In order to dominate the board, he required more allies and pieces. Although Emelia Rose was still thinking about accepting his offer, she now trusted him more, and that was sufficient for tonight. Upholding the façade—assuming the persona of the endearing, capricious Crown Prince—would take up the remainder of the night.

However, plans were already taking shape behind that facade. Indeed, he had garnered attention; however, he now needed to gain traction.

He was about to move when a voice that he hadn't expected to hear again so soon broke through the background noise.

Leaving so quickly, Vincent? We haven't really talked."

Vincent turned to face Lady Cassandra Revelle, who was dressed in emerald silk and had a playful smile on her lips. She was renowned for her connections and her capacity to persuade even the most obstinate nobility to submit to her wishes. When it came to Emelia as a possible partner, Cassandra was a wild card.

Grinning, Vincent said this. "Lady Revelle." "The night is still young."

Her gaze shone brightly. Yes, in fact. Should we talk about this?What does the future hold for Avalonia?

Vincent's thoughts were racing. It was far from over, this night. The game also got more thrilling and dangerous with every second that went by.

As Cassandra approached, her perfume was a delicate blend of jasmine and something deeper and more enigmatic. Vincent's eyes met hers. There was only the two of them in this delicate dance of words as the murmurs of the crowd faded into the background. He was aware that Cassia always had a purpose in mind before acting, so he didn't need to wonder why she was there.

Her tone was almost conspiratorial as she said softly, "You've stirred the waters tonight, Vincent." "But beware, even calm seas hide dangerous depths."

With a smug grin, Vincent never wavered in confidence. "I'm going to dive deep, Lady Revelle. To access the hidden riches below, this is the only route."

With a look of approval in her eyes, her smile expanded. "Then let's ensure you're not swimming alone."