Chapter 9: The Second Day
The second day of the gathering dawned cool and clear, the crisp morning air carrying a faint scent of dew-drenched grass and blooming roses. Sunlight streamed through the large windows of the King’s Summer Palace, casting long shadows across the marble floors. Servants moved about quietly, arranging tables and preparing the hall for the day’s events, while nobles trickled in, their voices blending into a soft murmur.
Robert stood at one of the windows, gazing out over the sprawling gardens. The events of the previous night lingered in his mind—the duel with Mikhail, the subtle shifts in the atmosphere that had followed his victory, and the weight of the expectations that now hung over him. He could feel the lingering fatigue from his exertion, but his mind was alert, already planning his next steps.
He straightened slightly as Alexander approached, his cousin’s expression as calm and composed as ever.
“Mikhail won’t be joining us today,” Alexander murmured, his voice pitched low to avoid drawing the attention of nearby nobles. “He’s withdrawn, to train, I assume. It seems losing the duel made him eager to push himself further.”
Robert nodded thoughtfully. Mikhail’s absence was telling. After last night, the Crima heir must have felt the sting of defeat keenly. Retreating to train and form his 4th Circle was a logical move—one that spoke of determination and ambition.
“It’s not surprising,” Robert said quietly. “He’s not the type to sit back after a loss. He’ll be back, stronger than before.”
“Yes,” Alexander agreed. “But that gives us an opening today. With Mikhail absent, the dynamic will shift. Others will see it as an opportunity to approach you—and to gauge your intentions.”
Robert turned away from the window, letting out a slow breath. “Then I’ll need to be prepared. Who should I expect to approach first?”
“Lord Isaac Moone, most likely,” Alexander replied. “He’s been eyeing you since the duel, and he’s known for making the first move when there’s a shift in power. After that… House Port might be interested, though they tend to play things cautiously.”
“Isaac Moone…” Robert murmured, his mind already running through what he knew about the Moone family. They were influential in the northern regions, known for their naval power and ties to various merchant guilds. Lord Isaac, in particular, had a reputation for being both charming and shrewd.
“Should I be expecting a mixture of wit and charm?” Robert asked with a faint smile.
“Most likely,” Alexander said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “But don’t let that fool you. He’s sharp and quick to exploit any opportunity. Be careful with what you say.”
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Robert nodded, mentally preparing himself as he watched the hall begin to fill with more nobles. The atmosphere was lighter today, more relaxed. Conversations flowed more freely, the tension of the previous night’s duel dissipating into a more subdued curiosity.
The sound of footsteps drew Robert’s attention. He turned to see Lord Isaac Moone approaching, his expression friendly but his eyes gleaming with interest. Isaac was a tall man with dark hair neatly combed back and a strong jawline. He moved with the easy confidence of someone accustomed to command, his gaze sharp and observant.
“Lord Robert,” Isaac greeted him with a polite nod. “A good morning to you. I hope you’re feeling well after last night’s… excitement.”
Robert returned the nod, keeping his expression calm. “The pleasure is mine, Lord Isaac. And yes, I’m quite well, thank you. The duel was… invigorating.”
Isaac’s lips curved into a smile. “Invigorating, indeed. You handled yourself admirably. I must admit, I was impressed by your restraint and control. Not everyone can face an opponent like Mikhail and remain so composed.”
“Thank you,” Robert said smoothly. “But I’m sure there are many here who could have done the same—or better.”
“Perhaps,” Isaac murmured, tilting his head slightly. “But few would have shown such balance. You managed to win with restraint. That’s a rare quality, especially in someone so young.”
Robert inclined his head, acknowledging the compliment. He could sense the subtle probing in Isaac’s words, the way he was testing the waters, trying to determine how much Robert would reveal.
“Restraint is necessary,” Robert said softly. “A show of power without control is more dangerous than weakness. It’s like the sea—beautiful and powerful, but capable of great destruction if left unchecked.”
Isaac’s eyes lit up with interest. “An insightful comparison. I see you’ve given this some thought.”
“I’ve had time to think,” Robert replied simply.
Isaac studied him for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. “I look forward to seeing how you continue to shape your abilities—and your house’s influence—in the days to come.”
With that, he offered a small, polite smile, then turned and moved on, leaving Robert to ponder the brief exchange. He could feel the eyes of other nobles on him, watching, waiting to see who would approach him next.
As the day wore on, several other nobles took their turn, each one seeking to gauge Robert’s intentions and strength in the wake of his victory over Mikhail. Lords and ladies from various houses approached him with carefully worded compliments and subtle questions, probing at the edges of his resolve. Robert met each one with calm composure, deflecting their inquiries with practiced ease.
But the absence of Mikhail’s presence loomed over the proceedings. It was as if a piece of the carefully constructed balance had shifted, leaving a void that no one quite knew how to fill. The other heirs seemed uncertain, hesitant to make any bold moves without seeing how the dynamic between Robert and Mikhail would play out.
Robert took advantage of the lull, using the time to observe and gather information. He noted who seemed eager to align themselves with him, who kept their distance, and who seemed to be waiting for an opportunity to exploit.
By midday, he had spoken with representatives from several major houses—House Port, House Tawn, and even a few lesser houses seeking to ingratiate themselves. The interactions were cordial, but Robert could sense the undercurrents of ambition in almost every conversation.
“Interesting day so far,” Alexander remarked quietly as they found a moment of reprieve near one of the large windows overlooking the gardens. “You’ve drawn quite a bit of attention.”
“Attention isn’t always a good thing,” Robert replied, his voice low. “Especially when everyone’s looking for a weakness to exploit.”
“True,” Alexander conceded. “But you’ve held your own. No one’s walked away with more than they came in with.”
Robert nodded slowly. “Still, I’d rather not have to play this game forever.”
“You won’t have to,” Alexander assured him. “Once you’ve established your position, things will settle. They’ll see you as more than just a rival to Mikhail. They’ll see you as someone worth allying with.”
Robert glanced at his cousin, taking in the confidence in Alexander’s gaze. “You really think that’s possible?”
“I do,” Alexander said firmly. “But you’ll need to stay strong. And remember—today is just a small piece of the larger picture. Mikhail will be back, stronger and more determined. But that’s a problem for tomorrow.”
Robert let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Right. One step at a time.”
He turned his gaze back to the hall, watching the ebb and flow of conversation and intrigue. He had won the duel, made his presence known, and navigated the delicate dance of politics for another day.