The day after their reunion, the Adrian household was abuzz with activity. Servants hurried through the halls, ensuring everything was in place for the grand reception Adrian had arranged. Nobles from across the Empire were invited, not just to celebrate the family’s return but also to reconnect with their vast network of allies and acquaintances.
For Liam, the sheer scale of the preparations was overwhelming. The grand hall, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and intricate magical glyphs that glowed faintly in the evening light, was transformed into a dazzling spectacle. Tables were laden with delicacies, while musicians tuned their instruments in one corner, preparing to fill the space with melodies.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the first guests began to arrive. Liam stood by his mother, Mara, feeling slightly out of place in the richly embroidered clothes Adrian had insisted he wear. His grandfather’s wives moved gracefully among the arriving nobles, greeting them with practiced ease.
Dukes, counts, marquesses, and their families entered the hall, their elegant attire reflecting their status. Liam noticed how each bowed or curtsied deeply to Adrian, a clear sign of the respect his grandfather commanded. Adrian, in turn, greeted them warmly, his voice filled with the authority of a man who had once been the Empire’s strongest mage.
Liam’s awe only grew as he listened to the introductions. Each guest seemed to hold some important title or accomplishment, and many had traveled great distances to attend. Among them was Archduke Lionel von Greystone, a towering man with a presence that seemed to command the entire room. His silver hair and piercing gray eyes marked him as a man of great influence and power.
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“Archduke Greystone,” Adrian greeted, his tone respectful but firm. “It’s an honor to have you here.”
“The honor is mine, old friend,” Lionel replied, his deep voice resonating through the hall. His gaze shifted to Liam, and his eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. “And this must be your grandson, Liam.”
Liam straightened under the Archduke’s scrutiny, bowing politely as Mara had taught him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.”
Lionel chuckled. “Polite and well-spoken. He takes after his mother, I see.” He turned to Mara and Lilia, offering them a courteous nod. “Ladies, it has been far too long.”
The evening continued with introductions, conversations, and laughter. Liam’s mothers and grandmothers seemed to shine in the gathering, their grace and intelligence drawing admiration from everyone they spoke to. Mara’s calm poise and Lilia’s sharp wit were particularly praised, leaving Liam with a newfound respect for them.
As Liam mingled with the guests under Evelina and Catriona’s watchful eyes, he overheard snippets of conversation. Many nobles spoke highly of Adrian’s legacy and his contributions to the Empire. Others expressed curiosity about Liam, speculating about his potential.
By the time the evening’s feast began, Liam had met more people than he could remember. Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen.