I looked at the invitation in my hands while wondering, 'What do they want this time?' I was trying my best to avoid any noble gatherings as much as I could, hoping they would leave me alone, but they seemed insistent on keeping at it no matter what I did.

Still, I couldn't refuse a direct invitation from the Count, so I will have to endure it somehow. I briefly considered taking Helga with me as attending a ball would be an excellent opportunity for her to practice etiquette, but as I read further, I discovered that the invitation was directly for me and only me.

'Ah, so this will be one of those posh events where no commoners are allowed...' I thought dejectedly, as this meant I would be surrounded by no one but pampered nobles the whole time, who would undoubtedly regard me as something akin to an unwanted vermin.

'Well... whatever. I have no idea why I'm being invited, but I will show them that I'm not some pushover they can bully as they please.' I resolved myself as I went back to crafting elixirs.

The ball was still a few days away, so I won't let it spoil my mood, especially since we are making such great progress.

***

Unfortunately, the time flew quickly, and before I realized it, the time to head to the Fortress was upon me. Thus, with great reluctance, I rummaged through my belongings to find something suitable to wear.

Considering my options for a while, I finally settled on a richly embroidered black tunic that was somewhat inconspicuous, which would allow me to blend in with my surroundings, helping me to not stick out too much but, on the other hand, also showcase my status as a rich upstart.

Satisfied with my looks, I headed to the courtyard after informing Helga and my servants that I would be late and hopped onto the carriage. The driver then spurred the horses, and we were on our way.

Before long, I found myself standing in front of the massive gate leading to the Fortress' Keep, and despite my previous nonchalance, my nerves were starting to get the better of me. However, I tried my best to not let anything show on my face as I entered the richly decorated ballroom.

After my eyes adjusted to the bright light inside, I curiously looked around. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries depicting scenes of some ancient battles. The floor was made of large tiles of white marble, perfectly polished so it shone like glass.

As I looked up, I saw elaborate chandeliers hanging overhead, lit with countless candles, casting a warm glow over everything in the spacious hall.

Yet, I realized that such brightness couldn't be attributed to only candles, and as I looked closer, I discovered many magic orbs floating under the ceiling while shining brightly.

'They didn't skimp on anything, it seems...' I wondered in awe as I looked at the exuberant opulence all around.

I then turned my eyes toward the ornate furniture that lined the walls. On it, a plethora of delicious-looking foods were constantly being replenished by many busy-looking servants.

And finally, in the center of the hall was a large empty space filled with many pairs elegantly dancing to the tunes of soft music played by a band of experienced musicians from an alcove on an upper floor.

I promptly made my way to the refreshment table, securing a glass of spiced wine to quench my dry throat. This drink seems to be fairly popular among the city's elite, as I found it at any such event I attended previously. I didn't mind it, although I found it too sweet for my tastes.

While I slowly sipped on my wine, I cautiously observed the crowd of nobles before me. I felt like a small fish in a big pond. Everyone was dressed in their finest clothes, carrying themselves like peacocks. However, I didn't try to socialize with anyone besides the bare minimum greetings required of me.

I also managed to catch the sight of Jenny sitting at one of the tables on the other side of the room. I nodded at her with a smile, and she seemed to notice me and gave me a small wave in return.

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That was the best we could do as I very much felt being constantly watched from the shadows by the castle servants, so I didn't dare to approach her, fearing they would soon realize we were meeting in secret.

With a heavy sigh, I turned away and decided to try out some of the sumptuous-looking food. I kept my poker face while I ate, but I was in turmoil on the inside.

As I previously observed the multitude of dancing couples, I realized with horror another grave mistake on my part. So far, I dedicated all my free time to studying magic, so I didn't bother to learn how to dance at all. Thus, I wanted especially hard to stay as far away as possible from the dance floor.

Retreating to a corner, I tried to keep to myself, hoping nobody would notice me. I couldn't leave too soon as that would be seen as disrespectful, so I simply had to bide my time.

'Luckily, it was the duty of a gentleman to ask the lady for a dance, so as long as I don't talk to anybody, I'm pretty safe...' I thought pleasantly.

However, as soon as I finished that thought, I heard a soft cough from behind me. I quickly spun around, only to find a young-looking servant who promptly bowed to me.

"Excuse me, sir, but you are being summoned."

"By whom?" I raised an eyebrow as I suddenly got a very bad feeling.

"By his Grace, the Count of Ereneth." the boy said matter-of-factly.

'Oh, crap...' Was the only thing on my mind at that moment. Still, I had no other option but to reluctantly follow the servant who led me to the area at the head of the hall reserved for the Count's family.

Before long, I found myself standing before a tall, regal-looking man with piercing blue eyes and a well-groomed beard - it was the Count himself.

"Welcome, Darian," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I'm glad you could make it tonight..." He added while smiling brightly at me.

'As if I had any choice.' I scoffed inwardly but made sure it didn't show on my face as I hurriedly bowed. "Thank you for your invitation, your Grace. It is a great honor for me."

I kept my pose for a moment, but then I raised my head, looking questioningly at the Count as he didn't say anything else, simply studying me with his gaze.

I gulped nervously as I still had no idea why he wanted to meet with me, but I didn't dare to speak first as I was afraid I might offend him somehow.

The Count's gaze seemed to pierce me like he was looking straight into my soul. After what felt like an eternity, he gave a slight nod as if he had come to terms with something, beckoning me to sit beside him at his table.

"So," the Count began, "I heard you wish to leave Ereneth and study magic elsewhere. Is this true?"

"Yes, your grace." I nodded, my voice resolute.

A hint of amusement flickered behind his eyes. "Hmm, I wonder if that is truly the best use for your talents... There is so much you could do here."

It was apparent he didn't believe I would make it, but I didn't let his words affect me. I locked eyes with him and spoke in a steady voice, "Well, I intend to return after I graduate at the Grand Tower."

My response seemed only to amuse him further. "Hahaha! How optimistic! You think that you will be accepted in the first place..."

"Well, I won't know until I try," I said, slightly annoyed by his condescending tone.

"Hmm, that's true... Still, that is not why I called you today." He said mysteriously.

I once again looked at him with a silent question in my eyes but didn't dare to ask him.

He must have noticed my uncertainty as he smiled and stood up. "Come with me. There is someone I want to introduce you to."

I cautiously followed him, keeping my guard up the whole time as I didn't like this sudden development one bit.

"Allow me to introduce my daughter Margarette," he said with a proud smile. As a girl around my age stepped forward. I couldn't help but gulp as I found myself momentarily mesmerized by her beauty.

She was gorgeous, to say the least, her long blond hair cascading down her back like silk, and her bright blue eyes shimmered in the light.

Her delicate features were accentuated by a beautiful gown that seemed to move gently as she walked. She carried herself with a grace befitting a Count's daughter, her posture dignified and regal.

I quickly snapped out of my daze and slightly bowed. "It's an honor to meet you, my lady. My name is Darian."

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Darian." She replied with a subtle smile playing on her lips.

She then looked questioningly at her father as she also didn't seem to understand why she was being summoned.

'What is this about?' I wondered as I observed this strange exchange between them.

The Count didn't say anything and simply smiled at her before signaling Margarette that she could return to her friends. He then turned back toward me when we were once again alone.

"You see... I'd like you to join my family and marry my daughter."