The next day, at 1 PM, in the Falcon Family's Main Hall...
Luke and Arthar were in the middle of a discussion. They were talking about the engagement scheduled for the evening. Just then, Duke entered the hall.
Seeing him, Luke looked him up and down and gestured toward the chair in front.
Luke:
Had enough sleep? Or do you still want to nap more?
Duke:
No, not yet... Why did you ask them to wake me up?
(Hearing this, Luke's anger erupted. He shouted loudly.)
Luke (angrily):
What did you just say?
Duke (correcting himself):
I said — I'm awake.
Arthar (laughing):
Duke, you do know your engagement is tonight, right?
Duke:
Yeah, I heard... Blake mentioned it yesterday. And I overheard the family talking about it while walking through the hall.
So who's the lucky girl marrying me?
Luke:
You're the lucky one... not her. Got it?
Duke:
Alright then, tell me — who is this Goddess of Fortune?
Arthar:
The youngest daughter of the Gry Family — Queen.
(Hearing Queen's name, Duke went quiet for a moment. Then suddenly, he burst into laughter.)
Duke (laughing):
Oh wow! You guys are hilarious. Couldn't find anyone else? Queen is marrying me? Hahaha!
(Seeing him laugh, Luke again shouted in anger.)
Luke:
Do we look like we're joking to you?
Now go get ready. We have to go to the Gry House this evening.
Arthar:
Listen, Duke, this marriage is really important for our family.
Many families from Sector B and Sector A will be attending.
(Duke nodded slowly and began to walk away. Just as he was leaving...)
Luke (from behind):
And listen! No funny business. A lot of people will be there.
Now go to your room and get dressed.
(Luke turned toward Arthar again.)
Luke:
Arthar, tell Blake to stay with Duke until the engagement. Don't let him mess anything up.
Arthar:
Yeah, I already asked Blake and Vicky yesterday to stick with him. There won't be any problems.
Luke:
Good. He's not to be trusted.
(Just then, a servant entered the hall with two people — a man and a young woman.
Seeing them, both Luke and Arthar stood up and welcomed them, offering the sofa across from them.)
They were from the Smith Family — Veronica Smith and her father Harry Smith.
Harry is a Half-Gold Level , and his daughter Veronica is a 2nd Grade Silver Level.
Harry was the second son of the Smith Family. His elder brother, Ronald Smith (Gold Level), was currently the Family Head.
The Smith Family was one of the top 3 families in Sector A, and currently considered more powerful than the Falcon Family.
Veronica and Arthar had studied together at the academy, and that's where their love story began.
Despite her family's opposition, Veronica got engaged to Arthar two years ago, back when he was still at 3rd Level.
Now, both of them had come on behalf of the Smith Family to attend Duke's engagement.
When Harry met Luke and Arthar, he was surprised.
Luke had reached the Half-Gold Level — which was unbelievable given his condition after the last war.
But the real shock came when he saw Arthar — he was now a 4th Level magician.
No one else in the entire East Side had reached 4th Level at his age.
Harry thought to himself — "Veronica, your judgment really is exceptional..."
Then he started a conversation.
Harry:
Luke, congratulations to you... and to you too, Arthar.
(Luke and Arthar both smiled and nodded respectfully.)
Luke:
Veronica, I need a favor from you.
Veronica:
Yes, Uncle. Tell me... what kind of favor?
Arthar:
Our younger brother is going to join the academy this year.
We want you to keep an eye on him.
Veronica:
Duke? Has he broken through Beta Level?
Arthar:
No... not yet.
Veronica (surprised):
Then how will he join the academy?
You know the rules —
Vampires – Bita Level,
Wizards – 1st Level,
Smiths – White Smith Level.
Arthar:
Don't worry about that. The Gry Family will manage everything.
We're just asking you for one thing — watch over him.
(Veronica paused, thinking after hearing the Gry Family's name...)
Veronica:
Okay... sure.
(Slowly, more and more guests began arriving at the Falcon House.
Luke and Arthar warmly welcomed everyone...)