The further investigation eventually came to a dead end, for there was nothing left with the assassin that could connect him to the culprit.
So it was on hold till the main event ends, which was on the corner.
Soon the much-anticipated evening had arrived at the Auric Spire.
Inside the grand hall, bright lights shone, and quiet conversations filled the air.
Important people from other cities were there, along with Veridia's own leaders. They wore their finest clothes, fitting the mood and grandeur of the time and place.
Outside, on the big lawn of the Auric Spire, regular people from Veridia had also gathered. There were special areas set up just for them. Special arrangements had been made for their entertainment as well.
There was a strange rumor, which was secretly spread by the Thorne Household itself, that had been buzzing around: the family's son would be introduced tonight. This was the same son many had called the "idiot prince" just a few days ago.
People were curious and a bit doubtful.
And then, suddenly and abruptly, the hall fell silent.
Lord Elmsworth and Lady Seraphina had appeared at the top of the grand staircase.
They were literally radiating an aura together. The hall was mesmerized seeing the Power Couple.
They began to walk down slowly with supreme grace.
Their voices were made louder by magic, and they were reaching every corner of the hall.
As they descended, they addressed their guests, while their words were full of pride.
They were talking about their son, saying how proud they were of him and how the Thorne family and all of Veridia would soon be in hands more capable than their own.
They spoke of a new time, led by their heir.
But as they spoke, a quiet confusion spread through the crowd.
No one could see the son they were talking about; only the lord and lady were visible, nearing the bottom of the stairs.
Guests looked at each other, trying to find him, or whispering about where the prince was.
When Lord Elmsworth reached the very last step, he paused. He gave a small, quick signal with his eyes.
Suddenly, a single, bright magical light shot down from the ceiling.
It didn't shine on the Lord or the important guests.
Instead, it landed directly on a young waiter, who was serving the guests, holding a tray of sparkling wine for a surprised guest.
A sharp gasp went through the hall.
Faces twisted in disbelief.
The young man who had just served them, who they had thought was just a servant, was now standing in the bright light.
It was clear to everyone: this boy was not an ordinary waiter; rather, he was none other than the main attraction of today's event. He was none other than the famed son of the powerful Thorne family.
Everyone was completely shocked.
A moment of stunned silence, then whispers and shouts quickly filled the air.
However, not everyone seemed to be very surprised.
Grand Scholar Elara, High Druid Oakhaven, Lady Justice Serena, and Drengen Sihar had a knowing smile on their faces.
However, Thane Borin Stoneheart of Glimmerfall, or First Trader Zara of Port Azure, did not look very amused.
On the other hand, General Marcus Ironclad seemed very confused, like he was still notable to understand what was happening.
The Hall had fallen silent for a while.
And then, Lady Serana started clapping, with grace, yet exuding power with each clap.
This broke the trance-like stupor that had engulfed the Hall, and soon the hall burst into claps and cheers.
Lord Elmsworth and Lady Seraphina came to their son and hugged him tight.
The sound of applause was loud enough for the common people outside, who had gathered to celebrate.
They too realized something grand was happening inside.
The Lord asked Lorian to come to the balcony, where he would introduce Lorian to the mass.
He, however, asked his father to introduce his retainers as well, along with him, to which the lord gladly nodded in permission.
Lorian signalled Elara. She nodded and quickly brought Jax Nightclaw, with Kaelan Strong tagging along with her.
The guests were a bit surprised and irked witnessing a Beastman walking amongst them in the great hall.
But somehow, they realized it wouldn't be wise to comment on him.
Kaelan and Jax appeared in front of Lorian and bowed with regal grace, befitting retainers of the Scion F Thorn household.
They bowed to Lord Elmswryh and Lady Seraphina first and then to their lord, Lorian Thorn.
Lorian asked Jax if Zara Sunstreak would be able to attend, to which Elara replied that she herself will bring her to the event in a while.
Then Lorian, along with his trusted retainers, followed Lord Thorn to the balcony.
There Lord Elmsworth introduced Veridia, their new prince, the one who will rule them after the current lord.
They cheered at the top of their lungs.
Most were happy that it would not be Cassian or his son Lyssian.
Most people in Veridia did not like the father-son duo.
And they dreaded the time when Lord Elmsworth would step down and Cassian or Lyssian would be the ruler.
So they were cheering like there was no tomorrow.
Only the slave master (from whom Jax and Zara were bought), the tavern owner, and the city patrol guards who had 'caught' them in suspicion of thievery were quaking in their boots.
All of Veridia seemed to be bursting with cheer and laughter.
The friends and well-wishers around felt the warmth and were happy for the family as the lord, the lady, and the prince waved hands to the crowd together.
However, some people were feeling immense pain to grin and clap when their heart was burning with anger and hatred.
The only exception was Cassian.
He was genuinely smiling.
Lorian glanced at him once.
He found it odd.
Something in his mind told him it was not a good sign.
To his surprise, the voice in his head said, "I think so too!"