The ballroom in Kaltbrand Castle was large and magnificent. It was rectangular in shape and occupied two floors worth of space. The walls and floor were built from white marble. Silver filigree decorated the former. Mana crystal lamps that dotted the room, filling it with warm light. The ceiling was a massive glass skylight, which provided a view of the night sky above. I thought it was all quite beautiful.
A balcony took up the second floor, wrapping around the walls of the ballroom, held up by marble pillars. Little alcoves filled with comfortable chairs occupied the space beneath the balcony, giving those who wished to rest some measure of privacy. A grand staircase led up to the balcony.
The rest of the ballroom was wide and open, providing plenty of space for people to dance. A few tables with light refreshments stood off to the side, for anyone feeling peckish or thirsty. A band of musicians occupied one of the ballroom’s corners, providing the music for tonight’s events.
A crowd of nobles stood in the middle of the ballroom, though none of them danced. Instead, they stood around and talked. They were separated into three groups, each one representing a different faction. The two smallest groups, which were about even in size, were House Gerhard with my other supporters and House Arbeit with theirs. The biggest group was House Steuben and those who followed them.
Our group entered the ballroom from a door on the second floor. Despite its size, the ballroom felt warm, almost too warm. I didn’t know if this was the result of magic, or if it was because of all the people inside. Regardless, I found it a bit unpleasant. Still, I dealt with worse. I glanced at Lina, worried about how she felt, but she seemed fine. In fact, I think she liked the warmth. Maybe I had gotten too used to how cold the Barrens was.
A tension filled the air as the three groups of nobles kept to themselves and avoided mingling with the others. They turned towards our group as we appeared atop the grand staircase. They all wore varying expressions on their faces.
House Gerhard and their followers looked worried and tense. House Arbeit and their people wore grim expressions, as if they knew that no matter what happened tonight, they wouldn’t come out on top. House Steuben and their supporters wore expressions of anticipation.
Lord Klemens in particular seemed pleased, despite his best attempts to appear otherwise. I couldn’t wait to see what kind of expression he would make when he realized that he had fallen into our trap.
I looked around for Prince Leopold or anyone from Fallen Leaves, but didn’t see them. Either they weren’t in attendance, or they kept themselves hidden.
Our group stopped at the top of the grand staircase, with Dad and Mom in front and the rest of us behind them. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as they waited for Dad to speak. The band of musicians stopped playing and silence filled the ballroom.
“I wanted to welcome you all to the last night of the banquet.” Dad said, his voice carrying throughout the room. “I also wanted to thank you for your attendance thus far. As you all know, I threw this banquet in honor of Wulfe, my son and heir. I’m glad that everyone could come and show their support for him.”
As he spoke that last sentence, Dad’s voice contained a hint of mockery. When they heard this, House Steuben’s faces twitched. A few of them glanced at me, contempt and derision in their eyes.
“Now,” Dad continued, “I don’t wish to delay the festivities any further. Since this is all for his sake, I shall let my son and his fiancée, Lady Lina Guld, start the first dance.”
Yes, throw me to the wolves why don’t you. Thank you, Dad. I much appreciate it. At the very least, he could have warned me first.
Lina squeezed my arm and gave me a smile. Together, the two of us descended the grand staircase and walked to the middle of the ballroom. The crowd of nobles buzzed with excitement at the mention of Lina’s name. However, a few looked skeptical. Considering the rumors about me, I understood their skepticism.
Lina and I ignored them all and focused on each other. When we reached the middle of the ballroom, we parted and faced each other, waiting for the music to begin. Lina’s eyes twinkled with excitement. It mirrored my own. We hadn’t danced together since I left Guld Manor, and I wanted to enjoy this opportunity while we still could.
As soon as the music started, Lina and I started dancing. While this might sound arrogant to say so, the two of us made for an excellent pair. As a daughter of a prominent ducal family, Lina spent her entire life learning how to dance. While I spent less time learning than she had, as an Aura Master I had excellent physical prowess. Together, the two of us glided across the dance floor with ease.
Others joined us, including Mom and Dad, but I paid little attention to them. I kept all of my senses focused on Lina. Her dazzling beauty, the warmth of her body, the scent of her rose perfume, the sound of her breathing. She filled my entire world, my spring queen.
When the dance ended, the two of us stared at each other, our faces flushed. Feeling myself losing control because of her, I took Lina by the time and went over to mingle. Otherwise, I would have kissed her right then and there. Based on the expression on her face, Lina would have welcomed it.
Balls tended to follow a similar structure, regardless of who threw them. Between each dance, the guests would mingle with each other to find a new partner for the next set. While one could partner with the same person for each dance, this was frowned upon. The whole point of attending a ball in the first place was to meet new people, potential marriage partners in particular. However, married or betrothed couples were the exception to this. Good thing too. If another man tried to dance with Lina, I would have broken his legs.
The nobles mingled with one another. Now that Lina and I had broken the ice by starting the first dance, they seemed more at ease. There remained tension in the air, but it had faded to the background for now. Servants carrying trays full of drinks weaved their way through the crowd, offering refreshments to everyone.
Lina and I approached Viscount Gerhard, his wife, and Lady Adelheid. The three of them bowed when we approached, though Viscount Gerhard and his wife seemed ill at ease. Lady Adelheid looked far more composed than her parents.
“Lord Wulfe,” she said, “Lady Lina. The two of you looked magnificent just now. I’m a little jealous. I don’t think I could dance half as well as either of you.”
“Thank you, Lady Adelheid.” Lina said, smiling at the other woman. “It’s kind of you to say that.”
As they chatted, I turned my attention to Viscount Gerhard and his wife, Viscountess Gerhard. The latter seemed like a frail and fragile woman, with pale skin, black hair, and blue eyes. Her face contained laugh lines, suggesting that she smiled more often than not. She wasn’t smiling now. Worry marred her features.
“Viscount Gerhard,” I said, “Viscountess Gerhard. I hope you two are enjoying the ball. My parents and I put a lot of effort into planning it.”
Viscount Gerhard gave me a strained smile.
“Yes, we are.” He said. “Thank you for asking.”
“Lord Wulfe,” Viscountess Gerhard said, hesitant, “About our son, Wilhelm. Is he all right? Will he be released soon?”
The temperature around us seemed to drop. The Viscountess was braver than she appeared. Considering what Lord Wilhelm did, and how Dad threatened her husband not too long ago, it must have taken a lot of courage on her part to ask that question.
“I apologize for my wife’s impertinence, Lord Wulfe.” Viscount Gerhard said, frantic. He stepped in front of his wife, as if to shield her from me. “She means no offense.”
He opened his mouth to continue, but I held up a hand to interrupt him.
“Lord Wilhelm is in good health, Viscountess Gerhard.” I said. “And he will be released when the banquet is over and everyone heads back home.” I glanced over at Lady Adelheid. “Your daughter, on the other hand, will have to stay as a guest of House Kaltbrand.”
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The Viscountess let out a relieved sigh, even though I just told her that my family planned on keeping her daughter hostage.
“Oh, thank goodness.” Viscountess Gerhard said. “I was worried that you might still be angry with Wilhelm for the trouble he caused. He’s a good boy, but when it comes to protecting his sister, he can be a bit impatient and impulsive.”
I raised an eyebrow at her.
“So I noticed.” I said. “However, I find your lack of concern for your daughter… odd.”
The Viscountess waved off my concern.
“Adelheid can take care of herself.” She said. “While she might have inherited my temper, she knows how to behave when it matters.”
That… What? Lady Adelheid inherited her temper from the Viscountess? I didn’t believe it. I couldn’t. Viscountess Gerhard looked as if a stiff breeze would knock her over.
“Besides,” the Viscountess continued, “It seems as if Adelheid has made a new friend. I would hate to break them up.”
We turned to find Lina and Lady Adelheid talking to each other with ease. They looked like they had been friends for years, even though they had met just a few days ago. Also, I was sure that Lina threatened Lady Adelheid somehow. Despite that, they got along just fine.
“It seems that staying as a guest will do Lady Adelheid more good than not.” I muttered to myself.
“May we be excused, Lord Wulfe?” Viscount Gerhard said, nervous.
I nodded. The moment I did, Viscount Gerhard grabbed his wife and dragged her away from Lina and I. The Viscountess seemed amused by her husband’s actions. Lady Adelheid followed her parents, though she seemed reluctant.
“I’m surprised that you and Lady Adelheid get along so well.” I said to Lina.
“It surprised me, too.” Lina said. “Even though she tried to take what is mine, I find myself liking her.” She paused. “As long as she remembers her place and keeps her hands to herself, I think the two of us can become great friends.”
After that, Lina and I made the rounds. We spoke to several of the nobles in attendance. Many were eager to meet Lina, either because of her beauty or because of her background. She handled them with ease, though I made sure to discourage anyone who approached her with too much… enthusiasm. This earned me some dirty looks, but I didn’t care.
Lina and I participated in the second set of dancing. More people joined us this time around, making it more lively than the first dance set. I ignored them once again and gave Lina my full attention. The two of us remained lost in our own little world throughout the entire dance, which we ended in high spirits. However, something foul came along to ruin the mood.
“You seem like you’re enjoying yourself, Lord Wulfe.” A familiar voice said in a sardonic tone.
Lina and I turned to find Lord Klemens standing nearby. He wore a faux smile on his face. I noticed him approaching us, but I ignored him in the hopes that he would leave us alone. Alas, my hopes were in vain.
“Well, that is the purpose of a ball,” I said, giving Lord Klemens a polite smile, “To enjoy oneself.” I made a show of looking around. “Where is your partner, Lord Klemens? I don’t see her.”
“I don’t have one, Lord Wulfe.” Lord Klemens said. “I came to the ball alone.”
I let out an exaggerated sigh.
“A pity.” I said. “It seems that northern ladies must have high standards, if even someone like you isn’t enough for them. Oh well. I’m sure you won’t have any difficulties finding a partner next time.”
Lord Klemens’ left eye twitched. Lina looked like she was trying to hold back laughter.
“Thank you for your concern,” Lord Klemens said through gritted teeth. Somehow he kept smiling, “Ah, but where are our manners? May I be introduced to your partner, Lord Wulfe?”
I gave him a flat look.
“No,” I said, “You may not.” I nodded towards the rest of the crowd. “You should move along, Lord Klemens. I find your presence tiresome.”
An outright disrespectful and rude gesture, but I didn’t care. House Steuben spent the past few days mocking me and spreading rumors about me. They didn’t deserve my respect.
“Thank you, Lord Wulfe.” Lord Klemens said, dropping his smile and giving me a cold look. “I felt a little hesitant about doing what needs to be done, but I no longer feel that way. Thank you for giving me the push I needed.” He looked at Lina. “As for you, Lady Lina, if that is indeed your name. I suggest you find a new partner for tonight. Otherwise, you may end up sharing the same fate as this bastard.”
Arrogant little whelp. How dare he speak to Lina in that sort of tone? It took all of my willpower not to throttle him right then and there.
“No need,” Lina said, giving Lord Klemens a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, “I’m right where I belong.” She gestured to the crowd of nobles. “Wulfram is right. You should move along.”
Lord Klemens snorted, before he stomped off.
“So that’s Uncle Dirk’s puppet.” Lina muttered in a low voice, once Lord Klemens was out of earshot.
“One of them at least.” I muttered in return. “There may be more.”
Lina shook her head.
“Still, I almost feel sorry for the man.” She said. “He has no idea that Uncle Dirk will toss him aside when he stops being useful.”
I nodded. The moment Lord Klemens and House Steuben became a liability, Prince Dirk and Prince Leopold would abandon them. Otherwise they risked coming into open conflict with House Kaltbrand, which they couldn’t afford.
“However, after insulting you like that,” Lina said in a cold tone, “He deserves it.”
I patted her on the arm.
“Nevermind him.” I asked. “Shall we enjoy the rest of the ball? For as long as we can, at least?”
Lina gave me a smile and nodded. Together, the two of us went to mingle with the crowd again.
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House Steuben made their move later than I expected. I thought that they would try something within the first half of the ball. However, I underestimated their patience. They waited until just before the last dance set, the climax of the ball. Not that I minded. It just gave me more time to dance with Lina.
I also took this opportunity to sway more nobles to my side. It was difficult, because of the rumors that surrounded me, but a few of them changed their minds when they saw my confidence. It was a far cry from my behavior over the past few days. This same confidence also reassured House Gerhard and my supporters, though Viscount Gerhard continued. Mom and Dad weren’t idle either. Together, the four of us started to turn the tide in our favor.
Just as everyone took their places for the last dance of the evening, we heard a commotion at the main entrance to the ballroom. A crowd of nobles, all of them supporters of House Steuben, congregated there. Dad frowned and marched over there, with Mom by his side. I resisted the urge to grin and followed them. Lina joined me. This drew the attention of the remaining nobles in the ballroom, who followed along as well.
“What is going on here?” Dad demanded.
The crowd parted to reveal House Steuben, with Lord Klemens at the forefront. Baron Kirch stood next to him, a nervous look on the man’s face. Several cloaked figures stood behind House Steuben, keeping their faces hidden.
“Lord Klemens,” Dad said, “What is the meaning of this?”
He released a bit of his pressure. Lord Klemens, a mere Aura Warrior, had no way to defend himself against it. The man blanched and took a step back. His Mother, Countess Steuben, grabbed him by the shoulder and steadied him. Lord Klemens took a breath to regain his composure.
“Lords and ladies of the Barrens,” he called out, his voice carrying throughout the room, “All of you have been deceived!”
Murmurs ran through the crowd of nobles around us. More than one glanced in my direction.
“All of you must have heard the rumors by now.” Lord Klemens said, his voice full of righteousness. “I’m sad to say that they are true.” He pointed a finger at me. “That man is an imposter. He is not the Grand Duke’s son and heir. He is a fake, a mercenary hired by the Grand Duke to deceive us all!”
The crowd of nobles grew agitated by this statement. Several let out gasps of shock, while others yelled in anger. A few of them looked like they wanted to attack me. Dad didn’t say a word in response to Lord Klemens’ accusation, which just further fueled the nobles’ agitation. Instead, he glanced in my direction with a questioning look in his eye.
Ah, I see now. He wanted to give me the chance to take center stage, so to speak, rather than hide behind him. I nodded. Mom gave me an encouraging smile. Lina gave my arm a brief squeeze, before letting go.
“That is a serious accusation, Lord Klemens.” I said, stepping forward. “Are you prepared to take responsibility for your words?”
Lord Klemens sneered at me, no pretense of politeness or civility remained.
“Of course,” he said, “I’m not afraid of a fake like you.”
I gave him a cold smile.
“We’ll see about that.” I said. “In that case, you have proof of your claim. Present it.” I scoffed. “Unless you insulted House Kaltbrand’s honor based on mere rumors alone. If so, I applaud your… boldness.”
A hush fell over the crowd as they realized the seriousness of the situation. This wasn’t just an accusation against me. This was an attack against House Kaltbrand’s reputation. By questioning Dad’s word in public like this, Lord Klemens and House Steuben had set themselves against their liege. In many ways, it was tantamount to rebellion, albeit one without violence. At least, so far. The night was still young.
“Of course,” Lord Klemens said, smug, “I have a witness!” He turned to Baron Kirch. “Please tell everyone what you told me and my family.”
With that, Baron Kirch stepped forward.