The party was held in some mansion that Valeria had rented for the occasion. While most guests arrived in a carriage, we just walked. Part of it was our lack of preparation, but it was also rather close. We could reach it from the academy in 30 minutes, on foot.

Sadly, none of us could come up with a better gift, so an Iron Beak it was. I had mixed feelings about gifting someone an undead. I still had to keep the link to empower it. Technically, it would always be under my control. I could simply order it to follow Valeria’s command.

I also had Frank with me, dressed up like he was for the ball. Nyx here as well, riding Chariot. There was always the possibility of an assassination, after all.

We decided to dress in our uniforms. While Cassie and Helena had fancy dresses, Skadi and myself had nothing that impressive. The uniform was socially acceptable, since attended the Royal Military Academy.

The guards at the entrance took a look at our undead, but did let us pass after confirming our identities. Valeria likely told them what to expect.

Inside we found a large room with a few small tables. Servants were walking around and offering refreshments. There were not too many people here and I only recognized Valeria. She smiled as she saw us and hurried over.

“Koyuki! It’s so nice that you made it!” Then she addressed my friends: “Helena, Cassie, Skadi, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

“Happy birthday, Valeria!” We congratulated her.

“Thank you! Let me introduce you to my friends.” She led us over to the two women she had been talking to. “This is Bridget Lupenia, daughter of Count Lupenia.” She pointed at a young woman with long silver hair and brown eyes. “And this is Melina Wyn, she is the daughter of Count Wyn.” The second woman was an elf. She had bronze skin, green eyes and long blond hair.

“A pleasure to meet you.” They said.

“Likewise.” We responded.

A server appeared offering refreshments, I took a glass of sparkling wine.

“Wyn? Your lands are near the Korrah Forrest, right?” Cassie asked.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Indeed, they even extend into the forest. My family helps to manage it.” Melina responded.

Ah, so Valeria’s mother was the liege lord of Melina’s mother. And Melina’s family might have caught some blame for the incident during our hunting trip. I wondered if they were actually friends, or if she was just here for politics.

“Excuse me for a minute.” Valeria said, as new guests arrived.

“How do you enjoy our fine city?” Bridget asked me.

Her city? Oh, she must be the daughter of the local count. “It is a nice city, I especially love the beer garden.” I told her.

“Oh? I have never been.” She responded.

“They have a beer tap mounted on the tables. It is really great on a hot summer day. During winter they can be a bit crowded. Their space inside is not that large.” Skadi said.

“I see.” Bridget said. I had a feeling this was not her kind of establishment. Maybe she did not like beer. A lot of nobles seemed to be into wine, or sparkling wine.

“I really love your dress!” I heard Florence’s voice. She was complimenting Valeria as both of them walked towards us. “The green really compliments your eyes.”

“Thank you.” Valeria responded.

Then Florence looked at me. “You should try a dress, Koyuki. I think something black might suit you, with a white apron.”

“If I did that, I might feel compelled to remove the dirt from this room.” I said, while smiling at her.

Helena snickered.

“Please, there is no need for that. We can all be civilized here.” Valeria said, before Florence was able to answer.

I was still amazed that Valeria tried so hard to befriend everyone. It made me wonder how much pressure her mother’s duchy faced.

Florence ignored me, for now, and more people kept arriving. Of course, Leo was one of them. After he finished exchanging pleasantries with the host and approached me with a smile. “Ah, Koyuki! It is a pleasure to see you here.”

“Greetings, Leo.” I said.

“I am glad that you changed your mind, there are so few opportunities to talk with a fellow necromancer.” He said.

“Don’t you have any in your family?” I wondered. A lot of magic was inherited. What affinity did his parents have?

“My mother, but she has passed away.” He answered.

“Oh, I am sorry.” I responded.

“Thank you, it happened a long time ago. My father hired a tutor but good necromancers are hard to come by.” He said.

“Why is that?” I wondered.

“They have power and a lot of people fear that.” He said.

“Isn’t that true for all mages?” I asked.

“It is, but controlling an entire army is more visible. Most people would not know what a powerful fire mage can unleash. But an undead army? Everyone can envision that. Not to mention, that an army is a powerful tool. And if you can control tier three undead, you can have an army of mages.” He looked at Nyx, who was sitting on Chariot. My undead were close to the wall and observed the party.

“You know, my father hoped I would be like you.” Leo said. “A dual affinity with water and death. It is one of the reasons I was courting Helena. But you? You are magnificent. Imagine what we could achieve together. My family could give you easy access to a lot of corpses. Our children would have your magical might, and my name and resources. You have the support of the Princess, but in the end you will only be a soldier for her. I can offer you more than that.”

I shook my head. “I have no interest in marrying, or children. Besides, I am obligated to attend the academy and serve in the military, I signed a contract.” The whole conversation was uncomfortable for me. I was hoping he would take the hint.

Leo nodded. “It is unlikely they would sell your contract. But I am sure something could be arranged. Or you could be posted in our duchy.”

“I am not interested, Leo.” I said, firmly. Then I left.