The following days passed until two days before the final exam. They reported to the training ground for their usual routine.

Euryale came out not in her training outfit and not weapons. Her attitude had changed over the course of the week. She had taken ownership of her team and had leaned into the leadership concepts that Sorin had been pushing slowly over to her in their daily meetings to discuss training.

After the power demonstration, she had treated Sorin differently almost as if he was a prize pig at the fair, but the care and treatment she gave to the team was improving.

"Gentleman, there will be no training today. I feel we have met our objectives for training well enough for the exam. I will be attending a social mixer this evening and we are required to bring our conscripts. I have ordered each of you dress robes for the event. You have the day to get yourselves prepared. There will be a briefing about expectations, so you do not embarrass me or my family. You are excused until midafternoon." She said as she walked away.

The three stood there somewhat confused.

"Oh no...." Sorin said.

"What's up man?" Linx asked.

"It's a party for nobles and royalty to strut around like peacocks as if they have done something amazing. We will probably hear the "Do you know who I am" line a few times and maybe a few duels.

The day flew by. Their robes were delivered. The black was accented by the green which was a bejeweled encrusted green. Sorin shaved and got cleaned up. Linx was brushing out his fur and Cain was dealing with his own hair. Sorin always kept his short for convenience and that gave him time to clean his blades. He placed them on his sides in their usual spot.

As midafternoon came, they moved out to stand in front of Lady Aegis's quarters as the soldiers they were. She had begun to earn their loyalty through good food, care, and treating them more and more like they were human.

They turned as Master Reeger came out. "Gentleman, please follow me to the conference room."

The three have come to respect the silent arms master who continually bested them in training and showed them weaknesses in their forms. He didn't lord over them but was efficient and effective.

They followed him in. "Please be seated, the lady will be in momentarily." They did as he requested.

"Sor, you think this will be that, as you said "cringey?" Linx asked.

Cain jumped in. "Yes. I can answer this. Before I was sent as tribute, we would get these young elites and lesser nobles who would posture and use their parents' names."

"In social circles maintaining good relationships and playing the game is a way to further their riches and outmaneuver a family. Humiliated families that lose face and position in the eyes of nobility and royalty. With the possibility of the prince being there I can almost promise there will be problems." Sorin said.

"There is the added issue that our charge will be approached much. Not only is she extremely fair, but well connected. Sorin you're our sharpest and most defensive. If we all cannot move with our lady, you should always be there." He said.

"That wa..." He was cut off as the door opened.

"I appreciate the compliment Cain. I didn't know you found me as such." Euryale said walking in with her lady in waiting.

Cain just looked down as color rushed to his face. "Stating facts my lady preparing for your security tonight." Cain said quietly.

Euryale moved to the head of the table. She was wearing a form fitting dress that accented her curves and features without being suggestive. Sorin looked over the dress and thought of the birthday balls he went to with his wife, and she would take his breath away.

"What are you smiling at Sorin?" Euryale asked sharply. Sorin blinked coming back to reality.

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"Memories ma'am. Your dress reminded me of birthday balls I would attend with my wife, and she would wear lovely dresses and be stunning as well. I believe you will be breaking hearts tonight."

"Gentleman, I appreciate it. To business."

She said taking on a more serious look.

"You are my security. You are there for the defense of my person. Where I go, at least one of you will go with me with my lady in waiting. You may be degraded and insulted tonight, but you are not to react. You might have personal honor, but you do not have family honor here and you may not engage in duels without my consent which I have no intention of giving it. It's best if you keep your mouth shut and do nothing unless I am in danger. I have my skills but no weapons. You are my weapons. Am I clear?"

"Yes ma'am!" They said.

"Good! Let's go then." She said moving out the door holding the front of her dress.

- a little later -

"Do you know who my father is?!" Came the shout across the room. Sorin looked at the other two. "That is four. Cain pay up. You're out."

Cain who was frowning took the two fire cores out of his pocket and handed them over one each to the two still in the running.

"Are you imbeciles seriously gambling?" Euryale hissed at them.

"Yes ma'am. Makes it less painful to hear." Sorin spoke up.

"What are you betting and what are the wagers?" She asked curiously.

"The only thing if value we have. Fire cores. Cain said we would hear it three times tonight, Linx said four, and I'm at seven."

"Very well. I will wager 2 cores as well that it will be exactly 6." She said.

"My lady, I must protest that it is far beneath you to gamble with those far below your station Belkah Euryale's lady in waiting said.

"It will be fine." Euryale replied.

They had made it to the party and had found themselves their assigned tabled toward the front and had placed themselves around Euryale as members would come up and introduce themselves.

Sorin was constantly scanning the crowd. He wasn't looking for anything in particular. He knew he would recognize something off if it did pop up. So far it was spoiled nobles insulting one another and dueling with their tiny rapiers to first blood then a round of applause after. It was insufferable.

Sorins attention snapped to a tall silver haired man approaching relaxed with three what Sorin assumed was his own conscripts. Sorin was positioned at his lady's right hand to make sure he could respond to any threat.

"Lady Aegis! You are absolutely breath taking this evening as you ever are." The man said with a flowing bow that seemed overly done in Sorin's opinion.

"Lord Aeon, you flatterer. However, it is appreciated." Euryale said with a courteous smile.

"It would seem our houses have finally agreed upon the unification of our houses through our mutual siblings. Ebrietas will make a fine wife to my brother." Aeon said.

Sorin saw Euryale's eyes sharpen. She didn't let her smile fall, but he could see it stung. He didn't react.

"I am hoping their union will bring about a lasting peace between our families and strengthen our region of the empire." She responded.

"Mmm....yes of course. So, these are your conscripts huh?" He said showing disregard for Euryale's response.

"I still don't understand why you chose these ones. You're the daughter of Duke Phorcys and had the pick of the liter." He continued.

"I had my reasons. Perhaps in the exam you will understand if it comes to it." Euryale said.

"Oh, I sure hope not for your sake. I made sure to get the most refined in martial skill and aether I could after our prince of course. Your rejects wouldn't last a moment." He said.

"Careful Lord Aeon, someone once told me that pride often goes before the fall." She quipped sharply.

"Hmm...what an interesting saying. I haven't heard it before. Who said that?" He asked.

Euryale just smiled looking at her conscripts.

"Couldn't tell you."

He was about to say something

"Do you even know who I am!?

Linx let out a barely audible sigh but stood fast. Sorin cheered inside. Only one opponent left.

They watched the quick duel and the next round of applause.

A sadistic smile crossed Aeon's face.

"My lady, I grow weary of these duels. Let's spice it up. Let's make a wager." He said.

Euryale looked up at him. "Oh? What did you have in mind?" She asked.

"One of my conscripts against one of yours." He said.

"I don't believe that worth the risk so close to the exam." She replied.

"It would just be a friendly spar to first blood like each of these battles. Low risk, unless the blood in your family runs thinner than that of Duke Phorcys."

Euryale stiffened. "That is out of the question. Very well, but let's up the bet. If my conscript wins you give up Orochi Hungers."

"Hmmm....a legendary weapon. A lot of value. Very well, but if my conscript wins. You will spend the next year courting me." He said.

"Any or mine could beat any of your untrained mutts." She said agreeing to the wager.

"Oh, I love your fire. Let's put that to the test, shall we? Orvius!"

Sorin saw a scaled beast man that was definitely not snake, but he was thinking dragonkin. He would definitely have fire resistance.

She looked to Sorin with a smirk. "Fine I pick..."

"Excuse me, your boast was ANY of yours could best mine. I saw the readout of this one. I want you to prove your boast with your fox beast man. Unless house Aegis doesn't keep its work?"

Linx went rigid this time. It was a horrible mismatch. Sorin glanced at Euryale from the corner of his eye. She was furious. He had taken advantage of her anger and desire to shut him up and put her in a corner. She had no choice unless she was to shame her family.

"Linx, show Lord Aeon the error of his ways!"