Though they were not upfront about it, I managed to learn the other two noble's identities after a few minutes. The young woman was Sidney Wales, Theo's cousin, while the man was Nicolai Barclay, son of a baron that allied himself with the family. Both were well-acquainted with the rest of the group, and all seemed friendly.

It seems I had walked into a budding alliance of apprentices. Not unusual, of course. Most nobles used these sorts of social gatherings to forge friendships, share gossip, and so on. Maybe tonight was not as much of a waste of time as I had thought.

Self-reliance was all well and good, but allies helped cover your personal deficiencies. I had depressingly few of the former and far too many of the latter for my tastes.

"So, Leon, have you managed to get some training done? I'd hate to leave you too far behind." Theo said, leaning in with a smile. Unlike before, this one looked genuine, appearing more like good-natured joking rather than veiled insults.

Leon shrugged, replying, "I'm content. You know my thoughts on bragging. And you?"

Wales looked eager to respond, switching his glass to his left hand as he held up his right, palm up, and fingers spread. His eyes narrowed, and after a second, there was a bright flash as orange flames shot up. They formed into a thin wisp, darting between his fingers. I was far enough away to not feel anything, but Leon took a half-step back, staring at the flames.

After a few seconds, Theo let the flames die, a brief glint of sweat on his forehead before he wiped it away with a cloth. I almost wanted to smile at that display. Sure, it was a bit more flashy than my skills, but his stamina was not entirely to my level, judging by his reaction.

Then again, I doubted he trained nearly as much as me and would still likely catch up within a few months. He had access to resources I could not match, after all. I had to remember that arrogance and confidence were a half step apart at best. One might be helpful, but the other was potentially fatal.

"I should've guessed you'd be a fire mage, Theo. You've always had a flair for the dramatics, so it seems almost like fate." Leon joked, nudging the other young man with his elbow.

Theo shrugged, responding, "It's simple and straightforward, exactly what is best for a noble. We're not the types to spy or hide in shadows, now are we? We've got people to do that for us."

That was directed at me, and in a decidedly blatant way, but Nicolai was quick to agree, contributing an almost sniveling, "Well said, Theo." and nothing else. Sidney seemed momentarily embarrassed by her cousin, flashing me a sympathetic frown but not protesting.

Leon, at least, sighed, countering, "There's no call for that, Theo. Vayne is my guest, and I would prefer we remain civil."

"Apologies, Leon," Theo said, notably not directing anything towards me, but again, not surprising. His smile returned, and he continued, "Now, let's see what you can do. I'm sure you've figured out a trick or two by now."

Leon raised an eyebrow and shook his head with a grin, handing his glass to me before closing his eyes. His face tightened, and both arms rose, a brief tint of pale green surrounding him. A second later, I felt a gust rustle my clothing, pushing my hair back. It was barely more than an exhale and completely without focus, but undoubtedly magic.

A wind mage? Well, at least I knew someone to help Leon with his magic if given a chance.

"That's fun. Does that mean you can take me flying?" Sidney asked, leaning in closer and placing a hand on Leon's arm with a suggestive grin. Not an unusual response to the young noble if half the rumors held true. It paid to be the handsome, charming, friendly son of a duke.

Leon glanced down at the contact, and his smile grew as he replied, "Not yet, but give me a few months to figure it out."

It should not have worked, but Leon had a sort of aura that seemed to disarm others. I could figure out many mysteries, but that was one that forever eluded me. That shortcoming, funny enough, did not annoy me as much as the blatant lie used to flirt. Wind mages did not typically get flying down until several years into the training.

"What about you, Vayne? I've heard from Girem that you've been at the Academy for nearly a month now. Surely, you've learned a few things. Anything you can share?" Leon asked suddenly, turning to me with a bright smile.

If it was anyone else, I might say this was a trap. Many nobles might use the question to seek insult where there was none or disparage my upbringing. But not Leon.

Once, Neil had told me the young noble was as compassionate as a saint and charming as a bard. Girem, cynical as he was, commented that Leon was optimistic and guileless to a fault, noting that this made my assistance even more crucial. I had to temper his positive attributes with my own less-than-savory beliefs.

I could not say which summation was more accurate, but Leon's interest did appear genuinely out of friendliness. Either way, making my progress obvious would cause nothing but issues, and I bowed my head, responding, "I have learned the basics, my lord, but my skills no doubt pale in comparison to your own. A consequence of my humble bloodline, of course."

Theo and the others nodded, but Leon frowned, shaking his head and replying, "That's too bad, Vayne. Maybe I can speak with my father about getting you some assistance with your training. I'd hate to think you're struggling if I can help in some way."

My chest felt tight, and I had to ignore the stab of something unpleasant that might have been guilt. Leon really was too compassionate for a noble. Not a flaw, by any means, but something others might take advantage of if they could. I had resented my position a few hours earlier, and now here he was, offering help for little reason other than that he could.

I was saved from dwelling too much, as servants led several other nobles into the room, all dressed in expensive clothing and shouting greetings to the others. Each of them looked around our age, give or take a few years, and moved with a casual ease that spoke of familiarity. If I had to guess, these were the more distant acquaintances, while that initial group was Theo's closest friends and allies.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

A formal Ferren dinner typically had several courses, including a few appetizers, the main meal, and a dessert. This sort of thing was far more casual and was limited to a few trays of snacks, expensive wines, and people to pretend to like. It was the type of event that nobles had to attend and one I had never been invited to, though Girem prepared me.

But, despite his efforts, I stuck out like a sore thumb, average and wearing a simple uniform as I was, and I found myself at the edge of the room, examining a painting with a drink in hand. It was a nice enough landscape, and it gave me a perfect excuse about why I stood quietly alone.

Leon had tried to integrate me into several conversations, but the other nobles made it abundantly clear they had no interest after the fourth time cutting me off.

For better or worse, it seems my brief optimism would go to waste. There was little chance to establish the seeds of an alliance if no one would feigning politeness. But it seems I was not the only one uncomfortable with this situation.

Sophia stood a few dozen feet away, taking a sip of her drink and staring at the glass with a bored look on her face. Briefly, I wondered if I had the same bored expression. Hopefully not. She was the daughter of a duke and could get away with possible insults. But maybe this could be an opportunity.

I approached her, saying, "May I get you another drink, my lady?"

She glanced at me, raising an eyebrow and shaking her head, "No, thank you, Vayne. I've already had enough."

"Of course. I did not have a chance to ask how you are doing tonight." I asked, giving her a smile.

"Good, thank you. And you?"

"Excellent, my lady. Eager to begin my studies, truth be told. I am sure you can relate."

"Yes, I can," she responded before turning to face the center of the room again.

Well, that went great; A true testimony to my stunning charisma and way with words. Not the worst dismissal I was given tonight, but plenty clear. Maybe a different tactic might work better.

"Forgiveness for prying, my lady, but may I ask what element you use? You see, I have done quite a bit of reading in my spare time and would love to use that and assist you if possible."

It was a bit of a lie. I knew only the basics about the other elements, but Sophia did not know that.

Her eyes darted towards me again, and she paused before saying, "Lightning."

Well, that was interesting...and worrying. Lightning magic had a reputation and one that typically set people on edge. It was fast, lethal, and destructive, with few defensive or support spells. But who needed that when you could kill someone in the blink of an eye?

Leon might be the friendlier of the two, but it became a priority in my eyes to stay on Sophia's good side.

"I see...well, if I may, you do have the perfect mage to pattern yourself after."

"Which is?"

"Archmagus Torros, of course. He is the strongest lightning mage in history, after all."

"Titan-Bane? A bit early for that, don't you think?" she remarked, the edge of her mouth quirking up.

"Not at all. Fortune favors the prepared, in my opinion, and it would be an honor to help you however possible. With your bloodline, you could become a peerless mage, after all."

I was laying it on a bit thick, but she seemed interested rather than annoyed. Or at least, that was what I hoped. I decided to press a little further, continuing, "And, if I may offer my assistance in any way, please come and speak with me. It is my duty, after all."

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Leon came closer, leaning in near us and saying, "I'm about to make an excuse for us to escape if you two are ready."

Sophia nodded, but I furrowed my brow, asking, "Sir? I am afraid I do not follow."

"Girem didn't tell you? We're moving in tonight, and you get the honor of showing us around!" Leon said brightly, as cheerfully as possible.

Well, I did enjoy their company, if nothing else. If I was going to try and get closer to the twins, this did pose the perfect chance.

After making our somewhat rushed farewells, Leon led the two of us out of the building, tugging at his collar as we walked down the pathway towards the gate. Sitting outside of it was the carriage I rode in a month prior, just as extravagant and comfortable as I recalled.

The moment the door closed, Leon leaned backward in his seat, letting out a sigh.

"Theo's a good friend, and I like Sidney and Nicolai well enough, but those sort of parties get a little...overwhelming. There are only so many hands I can shake and people I can entertain in one night. And Founders, if this collar isn't choking me."

He tried to loosen it again before Sophia reached over, undoing the closure with a flicked finger before shaking her head.

"I don't know why you dragged me along. Half of the people there are slime trying to sneak into our good graces with compliments and flattery," she muttered after a second, leaning her elbow onto her knee and placing her chin on the back of one hand.

I hid a wince, considering I had done precisely that, and Leon protested, "They're not slime, Soph. They are simply nobles."

"A distinction without a difference."

I glanced between the two, hiding a smile at the interaction. Leon seemed to yield the point with a shrug, turning to me and saying, "Sorry to drag you into this, Vayne. Honestly, I was hoping to ease you into these things, but when Girem saw the opportunity, he snagged it, and you know how he gets."

"It was an interesting change of pace, my lord. Thank you for inviting me." I said, only half-lying. At least now I knew who to avoid and who to keep close.

Sophia gave a brief snort, and Leon shook his head, saying, "No 'my lords' please, Vayne. At least not while we're alone. I'm not the duke yet and, with any luck, won't be for a few decades. Unless you've changed your mind?"

He directed that to his sister, who ignored him entirely. Leon sighed at her dismissal before wincing and looking at me again, continuing, "Ah, keep that quiet, won't you? I think my father doesn't need to know about this."

"Of course, my lord," I responded, not prying closer or bringing up that he was asking me to betray the duke. Technically, I answered to his father and not him, but saying as much would only set the twins against me.

He groaned at the formality but did not protest. After all of a few seconds, he began speaking again, filling me in on what had happened over the last month. Both he and Sophia had met their advisors and had already had a brief tour, but Leon was insistent I give them something more in-depth in the morning.

Leon soon started asking me questions about everything, from what elements I used all the way to what my room looked like. He pried into what classes I picked and wondered aloud if I was worried about the workload. In the same breath, he dismissed it with a "You'll be fine, I'm sure." and continued on to the next topic.

Strangely, as I answered questions, chuckling at his enthusiasm, it felt almost...comfortable. Leon was all smiles and warmth and charisma, making jokes and espousing his interest in the upcoming classes. Even Sophia threw in a few comments, only half of which carried the bite of sarcasm in them as she tempered her brother's bright attitude.

I was still eager to return to my quarters and get a bit more practice before the end of the night, but maybe a delay was not the worst thing in the world. I had trained enough today, and break might be nice for a change. By now, I felt like I had earned one, if only for one night.