Lord and Lady Elfred parted ways upon entering the grand hall, each moving naturally toward their respective spheres of influence. Lord Elfred stepped into a cluster of high-ranking lords—men whose decisions could change the fate of kingdoms—while Lady Elfred drifted toward the circles of noblewomen, where power was woven in quieter but equally potent threads.
In the Alzeder Kingdom, six great houses reigned supreme, including the royal family itself. Among these, four stood as the most politically and economically dominant:
Archduke Renzugus Serphalus — the only Archduke in the kingdom, descended from a branch of the Queen's bloodline. His authority was second only to the crown.
Duke Venzard Zeldard — Guardian of the Kingdom, entrusted with military defense and strategic oversight of Alzeder's borders.
Lord Lorian Carnelle — a High Noble and formidable judge, feared in the Royal Court for his ability to sway legal rulings.
Duke Dorakus Blastrus — master of the kingdom's food supply and owner of extensive ore, gold, and magic crystal mines.
Together, these men formed the most formidable bloc in the nobility—a barrier few dared to challenge.
Lord Elfred, however, smiled faintly to himself.
'You think you stand at the peak. But you're only standing because I—and Darkness—have chosen not to push further. If we did, you'd be on your knees. We already have people among you… and they answer to us'.
He did not realize that, while he believed himself to be the architect of his own plans, his every move was already part of Darkness's far-reaching design. Not a puppet, perhaps—but a carefully positioned piece on her board.
"Lord Elfred, it's good to see you," one lord greeted warmly.
"You've been growing rapidly—too rapidly," another remarked with an ambiguous smile.
"Yes, the Elfred family is unlike any we've seen," a third commented.
"I'm glad you could attend," came yet another voice.
The praise was plentiful—some genuine, others calculated. Many sought his goodwill for commercial gain; others needed his cooperation to secure their own standings within the hierarchy.
"All the great men gathered here… it's my good fortune," Lord Elfred replied smoothly, concealing his own assessment of their motives.
Before further discussion could begin, a voice called from the entrance.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Heads turned toward the speaker—a striking woman with cascading black hair and eyes like shards of sapphire. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was a sharpness to her presence, like a blade sheathed in silk.
Archduke Renzugus Serphalus's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Ah, Velra… I've been waiting for you," he said, drawing curious glances from those around him. The Archduke, now past his mid-forties, was no stranger to rumors—especially regarding women and maids—but in noble society, there was an old saying: Run too quickly, and you'll meet the tiger alone.
The woman inclined her head gracefully. "My lords, I am Velra—though most know me as Silkblade."
A ripple of recognition passed through the assembly. Silkblade was a name whispered in the shadows—the elusive leader of one of the largest smuggling networks in the underworld. Her reach was vast, her trade routes secret, and her organization could procure items beyond the reach of lawful merchants.
The shock was not in the name itself, but in the revelation that Silkblade was a woman—and one standing here, openly, in the company of the most powerful men in the kingdom.
"I came to forge connections," Velra continued, "and to seek cooperation."
Some eyes narrowed in caution, but her position beside the Archduke gave her undeniable legitimacy.
"Lady Velra," Lord Elfred spoke first, stepping forward, "I would discuss certain matters with you."
"That is precisely why I am here," she replied with a faint smile. "After this gathering, the market will open. Paths will be easier—though never certain. And in uncertainty lies profit."
Lord Carnelle chuckled softly, though his gaze remained sharp. "You speak as though this peace conference will succeed."
"I cannot predict the outcome," Velra said calmly, "but I do know this—both kingdoms need peace and power to consolidate their strength. They will make certain sacrifices now for greater rewards later."
Her words hung in the air. None disputed them. It was an uncomfortable truth: the Altecrus Kingdom desperately needed resources and manpower to end its current war and eventually conquer the Clastrus Kingdom.
The conversation drifted to other topics—testing political positions, exchanging subtle promises, and weaving invisible threads of influence.
---
Meanwhile, across the hall, Lady Elfred moved among the noblewomen. Here, the gathering was just as strategic as the men's, though the weapons were smiles, compliments, and whispered alliances. Groups formed naturally according to status, political ties, and social prestige. Some ladies exchanged polite laughter, others whispered behind elegant fans, but every word was measured.
At the center of this intricate web stood three of the most influential women in noble society, each surrounded by an entourage of admirers.
Lady Elfred approached with a warm smile. As soon as she came into view, the surrounding ladies bowed and stepped aside. The three women moved toward her in greeting.
"Lady Alastair, it's good to see you in good health," Lady Royalle said.
Lady Alastair—wife of Archduke Serphalus—was the single most influential woman in the realm's noble circles. "Lady Royalle, it's always a pleasure. The tips and remedies you shared have been most beneficial," she replied, subtly dismissing the ladies at her side.
"Yes, though I heard you've been using magic and herbs," another voice cut in smoothly. "Those only work as temporary measures."
The speaker was Lady Kirans Carnelle—wife of Lord Lorian Carnelle—moving with a grace that matched her formidable influence. Her connections extended across nearly every major noble house.
Lady Alastair's smile didn't falter. "Oh, Lady Kirans, thank you for your concern. But I am quite well. In fact, I've heard of your son's allergy. Perhaps you should ask Lady Royalle for advice?"
The polite words carried the weight of a counterblow, and the two women exchanged glances sharp enough to cut glass. The tension between them was palpable, though both quickly smoothed their expressions.
"Oh my, it looks like a battlefield here," a cheerful voice interjected. The comment came from Jennifer, owner of the prestigious Seratus Boutique, accompanied by another newcomer—Lady Lumina Zeldard.
"The star of the evening herself," Jennifer said warmly. "Lady Zeldard, I've been eager to see you."
"Lady Lumina Zeldard," Lady Alastair greeted.
"It's been far too long," Lady Kirans added.
"Yes," Lady Zeldard agreed, "the last time I hosted an official gathering was over two months ago." She smiled lightly. "I've been busy preparing for this event. You know, every dress worn by my family tonight was crafted by Seratus Boutique." She gestured toward Jennifer with open praise. "It's a pleasure to see you all here."
From opposite ends of the grand hall, Lord and Lady Elfred continued their respective dances in the arena of power—unaware that even now, invisible threads were binding them tighter into the designs of Darkness.