Nox had hoped he would’t need to be social after the engagement party. Unfortunately, the following day’s brunch proved different. Several people had stayed over, taking advantage of the many suites and rooms on the top floor, or returned as soon as they stirred.

As the master of the house, Nox sat at the head of the table. His mother, aunt, half-siblings, and cousins sat to his left. Meanwhile, Aria and her family occupied the seats to his right. The Woodsons, Joey, Pudge, his partner, and the rest of his friends sat further down the table. It was certainly a less stressful gathering than the previous evening’s event, but his mother’s presence still put him on edge.

“I know you have a lot to do,” Queen Mercer told the newly engaged couple. “The bath, brasserie, and shops must be busy with classes starting tomorrow, but I’d appreciate it if the pair of you gave me an hour or two. I’d love to show you the Greywing and officially introduce you to the crew.”

“Do you mind if we leave that for the evening?” Nox asked. “We’ll see you and Isabella off when you depart. Perhaps you can show us the clipper then?”

Isabella Mercer, Nox’s half-sister and the heir to Lydia Mercer’s throne, also attended the engagement party. She was fifteen and had spent most of the evening batting her long eyelashes at Alexander Woodson. Now, she sulked since Queen Mercer insisted Isabelle sit with her family instead of with the subject of her infatuation. Alexander appeared relieved, and the young woman learned a rare lesson regarding princesses not always getting what they wanted.

“I know this is a big ask, but I have a request for you and Mou,” Lydia Mercer said when they took a break from discussing business and Lord Oakheart’s pushiness. “But Isabella will be starting her higher education in a year, and I was hoping she could stay with the pair of you instead of on campus?”

“But, Mother—”

“Hush, Izzy.” The queen gestured for her heir to remain silent.

“We’d love to have Princess Isabella around,” Mou said. She turned to her daughters sitting further down the table with their father. “Won’t we, girls?” Both nodded. The oldest was just a year younger than Isabella. “I’m sure we’ll have a lovely time together.”

“I don’t mind, of course,” Nox said. “I’d love to spend some quality time with my sister and possibly future business partner. We never got the chance to get to know each other with Witchy Nan around, did we, Izzy?”

The old secret nickname got a chuckle from both of his half-siblings. “I don’t want to live here,” Isabella then said. “Don’t get me wrong, Nox. I’ve got nothing against you or Mou. But both of you experienced the freedom of living free from family’s watchful and—” She shot her mother a cold glare. “—judgemental eyes. I’d like to live on campus and make friends just the way you have.”

“You’re a princess and due to be the leader of one of the continent’s three superpowers, Izzy,” Queen Mercer said. “It’s vital you be safe and stay away from people that might want to control or manipulate you. Perhaps after your first couple of years—”

“No.”

“Living on campus doesn’t automatically make you friends, you know,” Louis told his younger sister. He sat with the family since Swati hadn’t joined them for breakfast. “Once people know who you are and who you’ll be, they’ll befriend you to take advantage of your position and family wealth. Real friends are hard to come by. It took me years to make friends, people I can trust, and that came after risking our lives together during delves.”

“Also, I lived on campus only for one semester,” Nox added. “I’m still friends with Pudge. The other was part of a dungeon lord cult and kidnapped me to be a mana battery and alchemy slave.”

“That doesn’t mean the same will happen to me,” Isabella protested. “I want the chance to socialize with my age while I still can. Witchy Nan won’t let that happen on the Golden Isles while she’s still alive.” She looked at Queen Mercer with pleading eyes. “Let me have this little bit of freedom, go to balls, parties, and soirees, and have some fun. Please?”

“What if you lived on the top floor with me?” Nox asked. “You’d have your space and a fair bit of freedom. The Woodsons and Joey share a suite. Ingrid and April have their individual rooms up here, too. They’re your age.” He nodded at the two young women sitting by Joey. “In fact, I’m considering sponsoring Ingrid’s education. I’m sure the pair of you two would have a great time attending classes together.”

“You are?” Ingrid asked, wide-eyed.

Nox nodded. “The Galleria is doing well enough for me to afford it. As a mentor, I can only teach you what I know. If you want to be a full-fledged mage and have a future outside my service, having a proper education will be best. That’s only if you want it.”

“Thanks—Thank you, Sir Ratra.” Ingrid stood and bowed her head. “I’ll gladly accept this gift.”

“We’re past such formalities, Ingrid. Sit down and eat your meal.” He turned his attention to his aunt and cousins. “I’d like to extend the same offer to you. After everything you’ve done for me, it's the least I can do.”

Mou rose from her seat, walked to where Nox sat, and wrapped her arms around his head and shoulders. She hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Baba. You’ve grown into a wonderful young man. I hope you know that.”

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Aria took Nox’s hand and squeezed it. “He has. Hasn’t he?”

Queen Mercer looked awkward and uncomfortable, so Nox returned to the former subject. “Besides, Isabella. Don’t you think it would be nice to live in the Galleria? I’m sure you’ll make friends while just attending classes. Imagine how amazing it would be if you could then socialize and spend time here instead of the campus eateries.”

“They might look nice from the outside but are stuffy and pretentious,” Alexander commented. “I’d much rather eat Leanna’s cooking here.”

“I suppose that would be nice.” Isabella smiled at the younger Woodson. “Alright.” She sighed. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I’m asking,” Nox said. “I’d love to have you around and be a proper family.”

“Mother told me you plan on throwing your life away in Sundarshahar,” Isabella replied. “Has that changed?”

Nox shook his head. “However, I’m in no hurry to get my revenge. My party and I still have a long way to go before we can consider challenging an Archon dungeon. Besides, I have a fiancee and business to think about, too. I’m not going anywhere until I can ensure everyone will be fine if something were to happen to me.”

The dark topic put an end to their conversation. Queen Mercer and Isabelle ate in silence while everyone broke into their individual conversations. Nox, Aria, and Baron Edelweiss discussed the Oakheart’s pushiness. The Edelweiss lands lacked vineyards and wineries, but they made some of the continents’ finest schnapps using the local stone fruits. So, the brasserie stocked wines primarily sold by the baron’s neighbors and friends. Including Oakheart stock would result in a new ally.

“I think we should do it,” Aria said. “Annabelle will take control of the house one day, and she’s a nicer person than her father. I personally believe they’re worth making our friends.”

“I’m considering letting him open his wine bar,” Nox told them. “He’s been a good supplier, and I foresee relying on him a fair bit in the future. Giving him this privilege will work out in my favor and eventually pay dividends.” He grinned. “I’m not ready to just hand it to him, though. I’d like to extract some favors or other privileges out of the Oakhearts first.”

“Do you have anything particular in mind?” Baron Edelweiss asked.

“No.” Nox chuckled. “Which is why I’ve left him hanging. He made me squirm while Annabelle and I were together. It's fun doing the same to him.”

“Remind me never to antagonize you, Nox Ratra.” The baron laughed. “You’re a torment when you’re petty.”

“Don’t worry, Father,” Aria said. “I’ll protect you.”

“In all seriousness, Nox. I know I can never be a replacement or dream to fill the role, but you might as well be a son to me.” Baron Edelweiss placed an arm around his daughter’s shoulder. “The pair of you might not be married yet, but you’re already a part of the family. If you ever need anything, don’t let embarrassment, politics, or norms get in the way. Just tell me. My daughter and you are officially entangled now. Your future is her future and, therefore, the barony’s future.”

“Thank you, Baron. I’ll keep that in mind.”

The Galleria had security limiting foot traffic. Since it was the final day before the new semester began, a long line of young faces queued outside the building. Servers distributing snacks and drinks reported that only a handful wished to patronize the stores. Most wanted to dine in the brasserie or socialize with drinks and snacks in the grand ballroom. Some wealthy family with a name Nox didn’t recognize had it booked for an evening event. So, it would close mid-afternoon. The guards warned all guests, and most acknowledged it. Yet, they expected to have to eject a handful of entitled noblemen when the time came.

Mou and her husband took care of Knightly Brews. Sapna and her apprentices had a good handle on the Artifice. Instead of sticking around in one place, Nox went around putting out figurative fires. It was the same every first and last day of the semester. The Galleria’s staff usually worked in harmony and like clockwork. They knew their duties, and several team leaders ensured all of their subordinates executed them with perfection.

However, something flipped in the students’ heads on the two days, just like magic beasts on full moons. They grew brash and overconfident, and their egos became brittle. Imagined slights or competing for romantic partners caused fights. Drink and pink sellis made them go wild, too.

Before the day’s end, Nox had to eject two couples from the baths personally. He could tell them what spurred them to get amorous in public. Three adept mages almost unleashed their magic during a fight in the Galleria’s gardens. It took the entire party to get rid of them. One of Lord Highwater’s children also attempted to use his father’s position for the brasserie’s largest table. None of the staff dared anger him. Only harsh words from Nox got the teenager to shut his mouth and leave.

“My father will hear about this!” He threatened, struggling against the man holding his arms behind his back. “The council will have this place shut down!”

“A chat with your father? That’ll be fun.” Nox led the guards holding the drunk young man and his friends through the service corridors. “Lord Highwater and I always have a smashing time whenever we meet. Perhaps I’ll send a messenger boy and have him collect you personally.”

“What? No! That won’t be necessary. I just—”

“Ingrid. Send a messenger, please. It was a shame Lord Highwater missed last night’s festivities. Perhaps he’ll enjoy a drink and chat—”

“I’m sorry.” The young man whispered. “There, I apologized. I’m sorry. Alright? I’ll leave and never come here again. Just leave my father out of this. Please!”

“Now, why would I not want you to visit again?” Nox asked. He waved at the guards, and they released young Master Highwater’s hands. “Your coin is always welcome at the Galleria as long as you behave. All I ask is respect for my staff and fellow guests. Since you’ve apologized and appear to understand that your father’s power won’t get you anywhere, I’m pleased.”

“Would you still like me to send a messenger to his father?” Ingrid asked.

Nox shook his head. “I feel we’ve come to a satisfactory solution. Haven’t we?” He held out his hand. “How about we put this nonsense behind us? You and your friends can come back to the Galleria another day with enough notice to get the table you desire.”

Lord Highwater’s hand shook Nox’s hand. “I suppose you’re alright.” He struggled to stand straight but appeared to have sobered up enough. “Thank you for not blowing this out of proportion. I’m truly sorry for our behavior.”

“There is no bad blood between us as long as this doesn’t happen again.” When Nox first came to the city, he wouldn’t have hesitated to put down and humiliate anyone who stood against him. Now, two years later, he no longer felt the need for such actions. He blamed Kris, his friends, and Aria. A good deal of the burning rage and hatred for the powerful that once filled Nox had disappeared. “Everybody makes mistakes.”