Chapter 10: Back and Forth
The grand hall of the King’s Summer Palace was bathed in the warm glow of evening light as the gathering of nobles prepared to draw to a close. The air hummed with anticipation as servants moved about, lighting the last of the lanterns and adjusting the curtains, while the assembled lords and ladies murmured quietly among themselves. The tension and excitement of the past few days still lingered, hanging like a palpable mist.
All eyes turned to the dais as the King of the Commonwealth, his figure draped in robes of deep blue and gold, stepped forward. He stood with the ease and grace of a man accustomed to command, his gaze sweeping across the hall before he began to speak.
“Lords and Ladies of the Commonwealth,” he began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the room. “I thank you for gathering here over these past few days, and for the discussions and displays of skill that have taken place.”
The King’s tone was measured, calm, but there was an undercurrent of authority in his words that made even the most powerful nobles stand a little straighter. Robert listened intently, his gaze fixed on the monarch. The King spoke not only as the ruler of the Commonwealth but as its stabilizing force, a reminder of the balance each noble house must uphold.
“In our realm, strength and wisdom must walk hand in hand,” the King continued. “Power, untampered by responsibility, leads only to discord. Ambition, when unchecked, can tear at the very fabric of what we have built. It is balance that sustains us. Balance between the great houses, between tradition and progress, between duty and desire.”
His gaze lingered briefly on several of the younger heirs—including Robert—before moving on. “Each of you holds a part of that balance in your hands. I urge you to remember this as you move forward. It is your duty not only to your houses but to the Commonwealth itself.”
The King’s eyes swept the hall once more, his expression solemn but steady. “With that, I bring this gathering to a close. May you all find your paths forward with wisdom, and may the Commonwealth continue to prosper under our collective guidance.”
He gave a slight bow of his head, and the hall erupted into polite applause. The King stepped back, his presence still commanding even as he withdrew to his seat. The murmurs of conversation resumed, and the nobles began to disperse, some lingering to exchange parting words while others made their way to the exits.
Robert turned to Alexander, who stood quietly at his side. “That was shorter than I expected,” Robert murmured.
“Effective, though,” Alexander replied softly. “He spoke to everyone—and to no one at the same time. The message was clear: don’t let your personal ambitions throw the Commonwealth off balance.”
Robert nodded thoughtfully. It was a fitting end to the gathering—a reminder that, despite the rivalries and power plays, they were all part of a larger whole. Still, he could feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere. The real maneuvering would begin once everyone returned to their respective territories.
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“Shall we?” Alexander asked, nodding toward the slowly dispersing crowd.
“Yes,” Robert said, taking a deep breath. “Let’s say our goodbyes.”
They made their way through the hall, exchanging brief farewells with several lords and heirs. The interactions were polite but guarded—each word, each gesture weighed and measured. Robert received a few respectful nods and cautious smiles, and he noted with satisfaction that there was less condescension and more respect in the gazes that followed him.
Lord Isaac Moone approached with a smooth, easy stride, his expression friendly. “Lord Robert,” Isaac greeted him with a respectful bow of the head. “A word before we depart?”
“Of course, Lord Isaac,” Robert replied.
“I wanted to offer my congratulations again,” Isaac said, his tone sincere but carefully neutral. “You made quite the impression. It’s not often that someone stands out so prominently in a gathering like this.”
“Thank you, Lord Isaac,” Robert replied, maintaining his calm demeanor. “But it was just one moment. The real test will be in how we move forward.”
“Indeed,” Isaac agreed with a faint smile. “Still, I look forward to seeing how you continue to grow. Perhaps we’ll have the chance to speak again under less formal circumstances.”
“I would welcome it,” Robert said, inclining his head. With that, Isaac offered a polite nod and moved on, leaving Robert to ponder the subtle undertones of the conversation.
Several other nobles approached to offer similar parting words—respectful, cautious, and filled with unspoken questions. By the time Robert and Alexander made their way to the courtyard, the crowd had begun to thin, the nobles filtering out of the palace grounds and making their way to their waiting carriages.
“Back to Dracaena, then?” Alexander asked as they reached their own convoy, the metal horse golems standing ready.
“Yes,” Robert said quietly. “Back home.”
They climbed into the carriage, and the convoy set off at a brisk pace. The journey was smooth and uneventful, the countryside blurring past as the golems moved with steady precision. Robert gazed out of the window, his thoughts drifting as he replayed the events of the gathering in his mind.
By the time they reached the familiar gates of Dracaena, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the estate grounds. The servants moved efficiently, unloading their luggage and tending to the golems as Robert and Alexander made their way inside.
A steward appeared at the entrance, bowing low. “The Duke requests your presence in his study, my lord,” the man said respectfully.
Robert exchanged a glance with Alexander, then nodded. “Very well. I’ll go at once.”
The walk to his father’s study felt both familiar and oddly distant. Robert paused briefly outside the door, taking a moment to compose himself before stepping inside.
Duke Sigismund Jon Rest looked up as Robert entered, his piercing gaze softening slightly as he took in his son’s presence. He gestured to the chair opposite his desk, a small smile playing on his lips.
“Welcome back, Robert,” the Duke said warmly. “I hear you made quite an impression at the gathering.”
Robert took a seat, folding his hands neatly in his lap. “I did my best, Father.”
“And it showed,” the Duke replied, his gaze thoughtful. “You’ve taken an important step forward, but there’s still much to do. Your performance last night demonstrated your strength, but now it’s time to focus on building your connections.”
Robert nodded, waiting for his father to continue.
“It is time for you to depart for the University of Varsovia, in mid-August,” the Duke announced. “It’s time for you to expand your horizons. The University will provide you with more than just an education—it will offer you opportunities to forge alliances, deepen your knowledge, and solidify your standing.”
Robert’s heart skipped a beat. He had known this was coming, but hearing it said aloud made it feel all the more real. “I understand, Father.”
With that, Robert rose and took his leave, his mind already racing ahead to the next step. The journey to Varsovia would be the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter filled with promise, challenges, and the unknown.
As he returned to his chambers, Robert stood by the window, staring out at the darkened grounds of the estate. He thought of the King’s speech, of the expectations placed upon him, and the path that lay ahead.
This was only the beginning.
With a deep breath, Robert turned away from the window, a sense of determination settling over him. The University of Varsovia awaited, and he would be ready.