Simon's POV

Simon and Gus, having finished preparing, strode down a long and luxurious hallway leading to the monoliths dining hall, paintings of past protectors hanging from It's smooth, dark walls. The pair, having finished preparing, were on their way to join the lord protector for the second meal.

As they approached the dining room, Simon slowed his pace. He had his suspicions as to the reason for the lord protector to something as insignificant as a meal, and was currently thinking of the best way handle the unfortunate situation he was inevitably about to face.

Stopping right in front of the great oak door that connected the two areas, he signalled Gus to keep watch, as he stealthily put his ear to the door , wishing to obtain a better understanding of who was in the room aside from the lord protector, as well as the topic of discussion that, by the sound of it, they all seemed quite enthusiastic about.

-''Glad to hear it. I can scarcely think of a better match for a man of your ability. I trust I'm invited to the wedding ?''

Simon instantly recognised the voice, a it belonged to lord protector Ragnel, although it carried an uncharacteristically jovial, almost humorous tone. This only served to set Simon more on edge, as he could not think of anything that would put Ragnel in such a good mood while also benefitting him in some way.

Finally gathering himself, he entered the room, only to have his many worries bear fruit, as sitting around the table was not only lord Ragnel but also duke Ferells, as well as his son Oliver.

Still, Simon walked in with confident steps and a polite smile on his face as the guests rose to greet him, never once betraying what he truly felt inside, as he had to make a sound show of politeness and etiquette, as well as pretend to get along with Oliver. ''At least for now.'' he thought to himself, before taking his place at Ragnel's left side as Gus took up his usual post several steps behind his chair.

Duke Ferells was a man of short stature, about 1,65 cm to be precise. A bald head and neatly trimmed beard, along with an expensive looking monocle on his left eye, gave him a sophisticated, scholarly appearance.

Oliver on the other hand, differed quite drastically from his father, at least physically. Standing at 1,81 cm tall at only 18, with naturally thick and unruly blond hair, bushy eyebrows, a goofy grin as well as a rather large belly. All in all he looked like a friendly man who didn't take life too seriously, preferring instead to enjoy himself to his heart's content. That said he was by no means a fool, and if the rumors were true and he did end up going to the communion to learn spellcraft, then he could end up being a serious obstacle for Simon in the future.

Upon Simon's arrival, lord Ragnel immediately ordered the meal served, before quickly bringing the young lord up to speed on the most recent developments concerning the duke's family, as well as his own.

Ragnel was exactly what Simon imagined the person who invented the words ''Stern and unsmiling'' had in mind before officially introducing them into the common. A big body, well kept, short grey hair, no beard and a very pronounced jawline all worked towards making him look intimidating and in-charge. But this very same person was now looking at Simon with a twinkle in his eye and a smile, before beginning to speak.

-''Ah Simon, I'm glad you decided to join us. You'll never guess what Louise here has just told me. Go on, tell him.'' Ragnel told him in a merry voice, before beckoning the duke to repeat what he had just told him.

-''Of course, my lord. As you know Simon, Oliver here has grown into quite a fine young man, and as such must find a suitable bride for himself, Coincidentally I just happened to be approached by marquess Waldo, who proposed the marriage of Oliver and his oldest daughter Aliana. Not willing to let such an opportunity pass us by, we agreed and, as of next cycle, they are officially engaged.''

Simon didn't miss the hint of malice in the duke's words, clearly directed at him, and ignored it. Instead opting to congratulate his son, fishing for any information the large oaf might let slip. The boy's father couldn't very well answer for him after all.

-''Well, isn't that lucky indeed. You have my sincere congratulations Oliver, as well as you, your grace. This is indeed sudden news, though tell me, for I truly am quite curious, what was your first impression of the girl? I was only fortunate enough to see her two or three times when we were little, you see.''

Hearing the question directed at him, Oliver lowered his fork, witch had been in the process of stabbing a large juicy piece of meat, and looked over at Simon while scratching the back of his head, an embarrassed expression on his face.

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-'' To tell you the truth I haven't actually met her yet, in fact I only just found out about it right before coming here. I remember seeing her a few times but that was a ling time ago. I don't even know if she will recognise me when we do meet.''

Hearing this, and seeing the slightly displeased look the duke shot his son, Simon smiled inwardly as an idea of just how to handle the situation began forming in his head.

-''I wouldn't worry too much about that, after all you have your entire life to get to know everything about her. Were I you I would however worry about making a good first impression, as from what I hear many people, especially women, tend to judge a person they have just met rather quickly, and being judged positively in that scenario can go a long way toward building a lasting relationship with that person.''

Everyone in the room looked at Simon with surprised faces, wondering what exactly had led him to this conclusion, as it was something that could only be learned through years of experience. Seeing their expressions, Simon just laughed and gestured behind him.

-''Don't look at me so, I was merely quoting the words my bodyguard told me when I first arrived here two or so years ago. I have found that he has a surprising amount of wisdom when it comes to the subject of women, especially when it comes to making one's self look good in their eyes..''

-''Is this true, captain?'' Asked lord Ragnel, looking at Gus curiously.

The latter, after a small bow, nodded once before answering in a stiff voice.

-''Lord Simon speaks too highly of me. I simply speak the truth as I have witnessed it during my life, and whether or not it corresponds to reality is not for me to decide.''

Ragnel nodded before once again focusing on his guests and the food set before them.

-''Still, Thank you for you're advice, I will take it into consideration before meeting Aliana.'' Oliver told Simon with a smile on his face.

-''Speaking of weddings, when do you think you will be engaged lord Simon ? I'm sure that your looks, coupled with your many talents have brought many young ladies, as well as marriage proposals your way.'' Asked the duke, looking Simon up and down curiously.

At this the young lord frowned and was about to answer when Ragnel also joined in.

-''He is right Simon, It's about time you start thinking of these things if you want to begin establishing connections with Argus's aristocracy. If you simply cannot choose, or postpone it much longer, than I will personally find you suitable match.''

Upon hearing this Simon's lips twitched, before he finally regained his composure and answered with a respectful ton.

-''I am honoured, my lord, that you would take such an interest in the matter, going so far as to settle the matter personally on my behalf. However if I am being honest I have not given it much thought, seeing as I have just had my sixteenth birthday. I still consider it a matter for the future as for the moment, I am rather preoccupied with learning to fight, as well as how to aid in running the city, should I ever be put in a position necessitating these particular know-hows. That said If my lord desires I make a match sooner, than you are free to pick anyone you find suitable for the role, and I will carry out your will.''

Ragnel frowned slightly after hearing this, and was quick to voice his disapproval of Simon's approach.

-''If you so loath the idea of marriage I won't force you, however the less you wait the better. I understand that you don't find it important at the moment, but having the backing of a powerful house will benefit you greatly in the long run, after all, it is unlikely for you to be named grand marshal without some form of external help. Also I have told you many times to call me uncle in private, ''my lord'' sounds too formal.''

Simon clicked his tongue. The cat was out of the bag now as everyone in the room looked quite shocked at Ragnel's words. Not even Gus had known his identity and now it had been laid bare before his greatest rival. He shot a glare at Ragnel before quietly concentrating on his food, refusing to speak for the rest of the meal, save for the occasional nod or polite one word answer.

Many things were discussed, and Simon listened attentively to all of them. However his unwillingness to engage in the conversation bothered Ragnel, to the point that he dismissed Simon as soon as they had finished eating.

After congratulating Oliver one more time, he bade them all farewell, leaving the dining hall with quick steps.

-''I didn't realise you had a nephew. I always thought you were an only child.'' The duke said nonchalantly, looking at Ragnel to see his reaction.

-''I am, he's Ashley's nephew technically even if that's not quite right either. I apologise for his earlier behaviour, you see ever since I brought him here two years ago he insisted on keeping his identity a secret, though I never understood why. I suppose he is upset at me for revealing it to you.'' Replied Ragnel in a matter-of-fact tone,

Understanding flashed in the duke's eyes as he finally realised why no one seemed to know exactly who Simon was. It was simply because no one knew other than him and Ragnel, and try as he had to find information on him he had always come up empty handed.

After hearing Ragnels words, Oliver made a confused face before asking him why he thought Simon would try to hide his identity. Surely he had nothing to lose and everything to gain from being the lord protectors nephew, and to this Ragnel simply shrugged.

-''Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps he wants to dissociate himself from me in order to prove himself, or maybe he just feels like he doesn't belong. Either way it doesn't matter seeing as everyone will know about it once he is named grand marshal in the future.'

Hearing this, the duke smiled and proceeded make a request.

-''I think it is simply his young age and immature mind at play, my lord. While we are on the subject of succession however, I was wondering if we might... discuss the matter before leaving.''

-''Of course, I don't mind.'' Answered Ragnel as he sunk into his chair as the duke began speaking.