The time for the event has come. It will take place in the royal palace. Most of the high-influence noble families will be attending, including us. Considering my father is the Marquiss of this Kingdom of Yuria, it is a given we must attend since we got the invitation. The first princess's birthday, it would seem. I heard she is active and has a tomboyish personality. If not mistaken, she serves the Yuria's Royal Guard as a vice-commander. Whatever it is, I need to prepare myself for the event. Later, there was a knock on the door.
"Young master, it's Cecile. I am here to help you with the preparation." She said from behind the door.
"Enter." I answered.
When she entered, she got a surprised look on her face. Then, revert to a slight frown and an unpleasant look. I mean, I already dress up halfway through. Perhaps that is why.
"Young master, didn't I said please leave to your servant when comes to helping and dressing you up?" She narrows her eyes at me.
"I can more or less do it myself, Miss Cecile...Oh..." I paused. When I notice she yet again frowns at me.
"Young master." She said with a serious tone this time. "How many times again to address me by my name? I am just your servant, and please do not use honorific title on me."
"My bad. I'm not yet use to. It feel kind of weird to me..."
"Even so!" She raised her voice suddenly. "I'm just your mere servant. Please get use to it. Anyway, allow me to help you with the preparation. Well, what left of it."
In the end, she helped me with the coat and my neck scarf.
"Young master. After the event, if you need to dye your hair back to normal, please call for me."
"Oh right. Sure do." I touch my hair. I still can't believe she dyed my hair two days ago. Looks as good and blonde all over, much like my family's hair colour.
"There. All done." She adjusted the last of my scarf. "Please have fun at the event."
I say nothing. Just smile away—time to meet up with my family in the lobby. Once here, they are all here waiting. All dressed up with my father leading the way.
"Let's get going. Leo, join me and your mother in my carriage."
"Yes, father."
We board our respective carriages. My siblings take the last carriage while I take the leading one.
"Leo," Father said before he gave a knock with his cane to signal the coachmen to move. "If you are being asked what you do, just simply tell them you work for me. Doing some administration stuff and whatnot."
"Father? Why can't I say..."
"No." He stops me halfway. Giving me a stern look. "I don't want to hear you saying you are an apprasial of some ancient artifact and reading books. You will only bring embarassment and shame to the family. Do you understand?"
But is that not the greatness of it? Ancient relic to be uncovered and told about? Then again, I cannot argue back at my father. In the end, I reluctantly agree to his suggestion. My mother says nothing as she covers half her face with a folding fan. But behind that fan, I can tell she is frowning at me. Perhaps unhappy with me, considering her eyebrow lowered and her eyes narrowed at me. Eventually, we arrive at the royal palace. Line after line, carriages from different noble families disembark as they head inside the palace. Once it is our turn, we disembark as well. Royal guards stood at the side of the walkway. Ever steadfast and ready to welcome us, or simply guarding the palace and its guests.
So these are the Yuria's Royal Guard. Elegant and strong posture they are giving out.
It was then I felt something in the air. Mana residue? Faint but lingering at that, too. What could it be? Whatever it may be, I ignore it. Once inside, the royal crier announced our coming to the guests in the grand hall. Noble men and women take a glance at whoever is arriving next from the doorway. Immediately, several men went up to my father. They gave him their respect and salutation.
"Evening milord." One of the noblemen said. "Pleasure meeting you like always."
"Yes!" Chime in another man. "I must compliment your daughter, are as beautiful as ever. Of course your wife too."
Ah. They are trying to win favour with my father. Not that I am blaming them.
Then, some of the young ladies who have come of age approach my eldest brother. Considering he is handsome and charming to them. Some try to make a connection to my second brother since he is a trader after all. From here, they do their stuff while I am the only one left to be approached.
"Oh? Is this your youngest son, milord?" One of the noblemen sounded off. "It's been a while since I've seen him since his last debut, when he was just a little boy, I believe."
"Yes, yes. I heard he was quite a sickly boy. But looks like he is fine and going strong, finally!"
Father and mother laugh it off over the remark made by the nobles. But sickly? I guess they came up with that excuse. I was healthy as a horse, to be honest. But it is not over. One of the nobles came to ask me, which stunned me a little.
"What does your youngest son work at now? Something prestigious, I bet."
My father glances at me. Clearing his throat as if to signal me what we had discussed previously. With such a flawless and confident way of speaking, I told them of my profession. Of course, some find it weird. I could find work in the capital rather than helping my father. Others find it admirable that I am helping with his work and maintaining the fief and such. I cannot believe I am lying, but to make my father satisfied and happy? I am willing to do this.
"Milady. If I may." One of the noble ladies caught my mother's attention. "Perhaps I could have my youngest daughter to be in wed with yours?"
"Oh, please." One of them cut right in. "My daughter should be the one."
"Ladies." Mother folds her fan and gives a serious but menacing smile. "My son is still busy helping with my husband's work. Perhaps in the near future we can talk about it, yes?"
With such a stern tone from her, the rest of the ladies have nothing to say. Agreeing to her words. Honestly, I agree on that. I am not ready for such a relationship. Not yet anyway. It was then that everyone's attention was drawn to the royal crier. He is going to announce the arrival of the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Yuria. The king, queen and their children. The moment they entered, it was a grand entry. The king's aura was given out spectacularly and with such splendour. At the same time, he instilled pressure and fear in his subjects. Some were taken aback. Others revere them. With this, the nobles bow themselves to greet the royal family.
"Lift your heads everyone." The king gives a simple gesture with his hand. "I thank you for attending my daughter's birthday despite your busy schedule."
His voice filled the grand hall with a reverent yet tremendous aura. Some are still not used to it, but eventually it dies out and returns to normal. Feeling of assurance and relaxation next.
Speaking of his children. That's got to be the youngest son and second daughter. Where is the first? The birthday girl. The main spotlight of this event.
"Enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Also, you all are aware that my birthday girl is not here. Well. Duty calls you could say."
He chuckles, followed by his subjects as well. Oh right. She is serving the royal guard. That is the given. A second later, the royal crier announced the arrival of the first princess from the entry of the hall.
"Distinguished guests! I announce to you...!"
"Father! Mother! I've arrived! My apology for my late arrival!" Someone yelled across the hall.
She too projected much like her father with such a tremendous aura. It is surprising that she also takes her trait from her father. The princess walks towards her parent. Donning the exquisite uniform of the Royal Guard, she knelt before them.
"Forgive me for my late arrival, your majesty. Duty calls at the last minute but here I am!" She smiles widely from ear to ear.
"My daughter. Rise. This is your event to be celebrated. Enough of the formality and enjoy this party to the fullest."
"Yes!" She replied vigorously.
When that is done, the musician band begins their own set of music to entertain the guests all night long. The nobles begin swarming over to the first princess. Some are asking her to be their dance partner. Others ask about matters related to the kingdom's welfare and similar concerns. As for me, I don't have much to share or contribute. I'd also like to discuss ancient artefacts and related topics. But since my father warned me not to. I drop the case. In the end, I went for the food and beverage. Happily munching them in the quiet corner as I observed the ongoing event.
"Excuse me..." Someone called for me from the side.
"Yes...oh?" I turned, and it was the young prince. Immediately, I bow to his presence. "Good evening, your highness. Can I help you with anything?"
"Urmm...you are...mmhh..." He is stuttering over his words.
"Your highness?" I look down on this little prince. Wondering what he might have to say.
"Lionel?" A familiar voice calls for him.
"Ah?! Big sister..."
That will be the first princess. It would seem she is done with the nobles. Now another royalty is in my presence. What did I do?
"Hmm? It would seem my little brother were having a conversation with you, young master Leo Dashwood."
Eh? She knows me? "Ah yes. Though I'm not sure what does his highness wants from me. Oh! Before that, good evening to you, first princess Lillian."
I bowed to her before she greeted me with a smile.
"Enough formality. Let's take a break from that. Though at last, I got to see you again. The last time we met when we were little. Before you got all sickly and such. How are you feeling now?"
"Never better, your highness." Probably by now, everyone has bought that makeup story. In truth, I decided to hole up in my estate to focus on my research and other projects. But my father said not to mention anything about what I did.
Honestly, I want to talk about my passion. The joy of appraising artefacts. Reading books at your leisure. Won't that be great?
"I've met your eldest brother. He served as Captain of the 1st Royal Knight, The Obstinate Order. We sometimes gather together and perform joint military training whenever possible. Remarkable man, he is."
"Of course. Eldest brother is the greatest after all." I laugh it out, even if I have to force myself out of it.
"Anyway, I don't want to take too much of your time. It's nice to meet you finally." She grins before she takes her leave with the young prince.
The prince looks at me for the last time. Seemily wants to say something. But in the end, he shook his head. Follow his sister eventually. That was pretty weird to me. Perhaps he is just shy or something. Well. Not that I care. It was then I felt it again. That faint but potent mana residue lingering in the air. This time, the grand hall.
The all-seeing. Resonate in me—mana detection. I said under my breath.
I focus my mana flow into my eyes. From here, my view becomes clearer. From the detailed figure, shape, and hostility, I can detect anything I wish. There it is, lingering fog is emitting in the grand hall. The residue. This could come from anywhere. Then I spotted it. From three people. More precisely, the palace servants who served drinks and food to the nobles.
What is this? Their hostility is at an all-time high. Red colour at that. What are they planning to do?
I could not think of a way to stop them. But suddenly, these three servants spring into action first. Damn it! Already?!
"YOU DAMN NOBLES! DIE AND GIVE YOUR LIVES TO OUR DIVINE DIETY!!" One of them yelled.
It abruptly sends everyone into confusion and mass panic. Firewall magic begins to envelop the assailants. Slowly spreading throughout the hall, eventually blocking the exit too.
"Royal Guards! On me!" The first princess shouted to command her men. "Stop these assailants at all costs!"
"Protect the king! Evacuate the royal family at once!" One of her men shouted. Giving a command to the subordinate.
"YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE! DIE TOGETHER WITH US!"
One of the assailants cast numerous fire lances of magic towards the king. At the current moment, there are no mages present in this hall. Therefore, there is no one to defend the king from the magic threat. Even if one of the royal guards were to block it with their body, it could still get through. It is deadly enough. This is where I come in. Silently and discreetly do a little hand gesture towards the royal family.
Be my absolute bulwark. Safeguard Wall.
Numerous barrier magic forms up and line up in front of the king. To be on the safe side. The fire lances connected and smashed the barrier. It disintegrates, and poof! There goes the magic. I got worked up for nothing. It didn't penetrate even the first layer of the barrier. Well. Better to be safe than sorry.
Time to put an end to this. Water, resonate and be my torrent of life.
With another discreet gesture, I turn my attention to the fire spreading every corner of the hall. Especially towards the assailant. Particles of water droplets form in the air. Swirling and spreading as it douses and snuffs the fire relatively easily. Leaving the assailants wet, heavy and unable to perform any more of their magic tricks.
Earth. Restrain them.
Immediately, numerous metal chains protrude from the ground. Binding their limbs and covering their mouth from spewing any more of their nonsense and noises.
"What the...? What is going on?"
Nearly everyone was left gasping and confused by what was truly going on. The royal guards were taken aback. But eventually snap back into reality. Urging themselves to secure the assailants and put them down. But that is already done for. All they need is some form of item to seal their magic.
"Father! Are you alright?!" Princess Lillian cried out in concern.
"Daughter, I'm fine. Compose yourself. Tend to your siblings; they are shaken up from this incident."
"Yes, of course. But who could've done that? That magic..."
"I'm not sure. But we are to be sure to be thankful for that. Whoever you are. Thank you."
After eavesdropping on that conversation using my enhanced hearing magic, I can guess the royal family did not find out. Prince Lionel then stares at me. He is shook up, yes. But at the same time, he seems to be amazed at me. What could that mean? Could it be? No, it cannot be. I shake off such a thought of him knowing what I did. As for the assailants, I'm pretty sure they will be jailed and interrogated thoroughly. With this, the king calls the event off earlier than expected. Considering the incursion after all.
"What an event we've been through. How are you feeling, my wife?"
"I'm just glad we got out of that in one piece. But I'm curious, who could be the one stop that incursion? A mystery mage among us."
"I don't know. I doubt it was the royal mages. Hmph! Lucky one."
I went a bit confused there. My father does not sound worried regarding what happened to himself or, better yet, to the royal family. Whatever. Once home, I'm going to take a bath and call it an early night. Perhaps tomorrow I will be visiting the adventure guild for any help I can provide.