A few hours had passed since the carriage departed for the royal capital, which wasn’t too far from the Luminastra estate.

“So, are we there yet~?” Farthington asked with exaggerated cheer, leaning back dramatically against the plush seat.

“No, we are not,” Tokei grumbled, rolling her eyes as she shifted her head to look out of the carriage window. The distant spires of the capital were still a ways off, barely visible against the horizon.

“How many times do you plan to say that before we get there?” Elysia chimed in, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation as she adjusted the accessories in her hair.

Farthington waved a hand dismissively. “Well, if we were in Erbium or Trizen, we could’ve gotten there ten times faster. The transportation systems there are leagues ahead of this place. Anyway, I’m fully prepared for this banquet.”

“Don’t you go messing this up,” Tokei warned, turning to fix him with a pointed stare. “It’ll put Elysia in a tight spot if you do anything stupid. After the banquet, she still has to go back to the Luminastra estate and deal with her father, since we aren’t leaving just yet.”

Farthington placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Why, Tokei, you wound me. I’d never dream of doing anything to embarrass our dear Lady Luminastra.”

“You mean like when you accidentally put salt instead of sugar into my brother, Alain’s tea?” Elysia laughed. “Though I’m not mad about it, it was quite entertaining.”

Farthington winced. “Okay, fair. But that was a misunderstanding. Who puts two things that look so similar right next to each other in the kitchen without any labels?”

Tokei groaned, pressing a hand to her temple. “Just... try not to talk unless absolutely necessary. Better yet, don’t talk at all.”

“I’ll be a model attendant,” Farthington said with a dramatic bow from his seat, though the mischievous glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.

The conversation lulled as the group lapsed into a brief silence. Outside, the scenery had begun to change, the dense forest giving way to open fields and, eventually, the outskirts of the royal capital. The faint buzz of activity could be heard even from within the carriage, a sign that they were nearing their destination.

Tokei glanced at Elysia, who had been unusually quiet. Her silver hair was perfectly styled, and her composed expression didn’t betray the turmoil she might be feeling.

The carriage rolled to a smooth stop in front of the royal palace, its grand façade illuminated by torches and the soft glow of moonlight. The towering spires and intricate stonework loomed imposingly, a testament to Arden's wealth and power. Elysia stepped out first, her silver hair gleaming under the night sky as she adjusted her elegant gown.

Tokei followed, her violet eyes darting to the guards stationed at the entrance. Their polished armor and stoic expressions didn’t faze her. Farthington emerged last, stretching exaggeratedly and earning a sharp look from Tokei.

“Remember,” Elysia said quietly, glancing at the two of them. “You’re my attendants for the evening. Keep a low profile, and don’t draw unnecessary attention.”

Tokei and Farthington assumed the posture they were taught by Emilia and then said in unison, “Yes my lady”

As they approached the palace gates, a guard stepped forward, his halberd gleaming in the torchlight. “Name and purpose of visit?”

“Lady Elysia Luminastra,” she replied with practiced grace as she handed over her invitation. “I am here for the royal banquet in place of my parents, accompanied by my attendants.”

The guard gave a cursory glance at Tokei and Farthington before nodding. “You may enter. Enjoy the evening, my lady.”

The trio made their way inside, the palace’s interior even more opulent than its exterior. Lavish tapestries adorned the walls, and chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling crowd of nobles. Elysia took a steadying breath.

“Let’s get this over with,” she murmured, leading them into the grand hall.

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The banquet hall was a marvel of grandeur, with its high-vaulted ceilings and twin staircases leading to an expansive upstairs floor. The upstairs served as a quieter area, offering a sweeping view of the vibrant crowd below while hosting exclusive groups in private alcoves. The downstairs was alive with laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of mingling nobility.

The trio had barely entered the banquet hall before naturally drifting apart. Farthington wandered off almost immediately, his curious grin hinting at the trouble—or amusement—he might find. Elysia mingled with familiar faces, exchanging polite greetings and engaging in light conversation. Tokei, ever attentive, remained by Elysia’s side until she was asked to fetch a glass of wine from the upstairs floor.

Ascending the grand staircase, Tokei’s violet eyes swept over the upper level. The atmosphere was noticeably more subdued here, with small clusters of nobles engaged in hushed conversations. Spotting a waiter near an ornate serving table, she made her way over to collect the requested drink.

As she turned to descend the stairs, her sharp ears caught a snippet of conversation from an alcove tucked to the side.

“...The invasion plan is moving ahead, but there are... complications,” a measured, authoritative male voice said.

Tokei hesitated, her instincts urging her to investigate. Feigning interest in the intricate carvings along the banister, she inched closer to the alcove, her keen senses attuned to every word.

“It’s the Luminastra family,” a woman’s voice interjected, low and sharp. Tokei shifted her gaze subtly and caught sight of the speakers. Adrian Everhart, with his angular face and piercing scarlet eyes, stood beside his twin sister, Elara, whose navy hair was tied back in a precise knot. The Everhart twins—renowned generals of Arden’s army—were figures Tokei had heard of from Elysia.

“They’re causing delays,” Elara continued, her tone clipped. “Their influence in the southern territories is proving... inconvenient. They want the rights to the only one of three Aeronite mines in the kingdom”

Adrian nodded, his expression neutral but his tone deliberate. “The king is aware of their stance. He’s... displeased.”

“Displeased doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Elara muttered, folding her arms. “But His Majesty always finds a way. For now, let’s focus on keeping the others unaware.”

“Agreed,” Adrian said. “Come, we should rejoin the festivities before our absence raises questions.”

As the twins exited the alcove and disappeared down the stairs, Tokei resumed her path, her expression composed as she retrieved the glass of wine. The pieces of their conversation played over in her mind. Invasion plan? Luminastra family? Whatever their cryptic exchange meant, it clearly spelled trouble.

Returning to Elysia, Tokei handed her the wine and leaned in slightly. “We might need to have a word later,” she murmured.

Elysia raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her attention returning to the noble she was conversing with. Tokei kept her expression neutral, though her mind was already turning over the implications of what she’d overheard.

----------------------------------------

Farthington wandered through the banquet hall with mild amusement, observing the predictable antics of the nobles around him. They gossiped over trivial matters, traded thinly veiled insults, and flaunted their opulence with tiresome regularity. Amusing, perhaps, but hardly engaging.

He approached the refreshment table, reaching for a glass, when a voice cut through the din, sharp and confident.

“There you are, darling.”

Farthington turned, blinking in surprise as a striking woman in a bold red gown strode toward him. Her hazelnut hair caught the gleaming light, and her golden-green eyes shimmered with mischief. Her lips curved into a smile that hinted at trouble.

“I’m sorry,” he began cautiously, “but have we met?”

Her smile widened, predatory and unyielding. “Oh, we’ve met, darling. In fact, we’re practically inseparable now.”

Farthington frowned. “I think you have the wrong person.”

“Oh, don’t be so modest,” she replied, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. “You’re not going to break your fiancée’s heart, are you?”

He stared at her, completely baffled. “I don’t recall getting engaged, much less to someone like you.”

She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Let me make this simple: I’ve decided that you’re my fiancé. You’re going to help me fend off these insufferable suitors tonight.”

She subtly gestured toward the crowd, where several well-dressed men cast envious, calculating glances their way.

Farthington opened his mouth to protest, but she raised a hand, silencing him. “Don’t argue. If you refuse, I’ll make sure your reputation is tarnished beyond repair. Perhaps even have your head hanging from the castle wall for the ‘heinous crime’ of forcing yourself on a maiden.”

He blinked, dumbfounded. “You can’t just—”

“Oh, but I can,” she interrupted smoothly, her eyes narrowing. “Do you know why? Because I’m Seraphina Caliber, and people don’t tell me no.”

Farthington’s jaw worked soundlessly as he processed her audacity. Finally, he sighed in resignation. This has to be the most absurd thing I’ve ever encountered. I thought I was eccentric, but she’s raised the bar. “I suppose I have no choice in the matter…”

Seraphina smirked. “Good. Now shut up, smile, and try not to embarrass me. We’ll discuss the rest later.”

Farthington managed a wry smile, more amused than annoyed now. “Lead the way, my ‘fiancée.’”

Seraphina linked her arm with his, her expression triumphant as she led him away, leaving him to wonder what, exactly, he had gotten himself into.