Year 1530 A.F. | Mid-Spring (1 year later)
One year had passed since Cassian Solvanyr had begun his formal observations of court. Across the Empire, the lesser houses moved with greater subtlety, watching, testing, and positioning themselves. Ambitions simmered quietly, alliances formed in whispers, and rivalries sharpened like blades hidden beneath velvet gloves.
Marquis House Velthorin — Silverleaf Estate, Morning
Marquis Eldric Velthorin paced the hall overlooking the orchard, the sunlight casting long shadows across the polished floors.
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Sir Jerran, confirm that the caravans depart at first light. The shipments to Ironford and Sylvarae must leave on schedule. Delay is a sign of weakness."
Captain Jerran
"They will depart, Your Grace. The guards have been doubled. No rival will interfere."
Lady Selene Velthorin entered, holding a stack of parchment and carefully annotated letters.
Lady Selene Velthorin
"Father, the Thalassyra envoy requests an audience. They seek maritime privileges, though I suspect there is more behind their request."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Observation first, Selene. Words follow understanding. Let them speak, and we shall read between the lines."
Lady Selene Velthorin
"And the Empire? Will the council notice if we respond too cautiously?"
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"They may. But over-eagerness betrays us. Precision in patience always outweighs haste in flattery."
....
Velthorin Estate — Council Chamber, Midday
Lord Halven, vassal of Velthorin, bowed slightly before presenting his report.
Lord Halven
"Your Grace, the Sylvarae merchants request adjustment of tariffs. Khar-Durim gifts arrive next week. Whispers among neighboring houses suggest minor alliances forming quietly."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Then let them whisper. Our duty is to act where observation allows clarity. Respond with courtesy, send a token shipment to Sylvarae, and maintain our leverage."
Lady Selene Velthorin
"Do we prepare our ambassadors for Imperial inspection?"
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Yes. Every gesture, every word, every gift. The child Cassian may be small, but the Empire watches those who serve diligently."
Lord Halven
"And the minor counts and barons?"
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Their whispers are noise. Let them talk. We will act when the council convenes."
....
Velthorin Estate — Private Study, Afternoon
Marquis Eldric Velthorin poured over maps and trade routes.
Lady Selene Velthorin
"Father, if we secure Ironford's cooperation and the Thalassyra privileges, Velthorin will gain considerable sway in the Imperial council."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Correct. And yet, we must not appear ambitious. The Empire rewards caution disguised as loyalty."
Lady Selene Velthorin
"Understood. Observation first, action later."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Exactly. And remember, every gift, every smile, every nod is a lesson to the child. Cassian may be too young to command, but his eyes are already recording the Empire's lessons."
....
Velthorin Estate — Late Afternoon
The carriage was prepared for the journey to the Imperial council. Marquis Eldric Velthorin, Lady Selene, and Lord Halven mounted, flanked by guards and vassals.
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Let the Empire notice our diligence. Let our rivals whisper. We move with precision, and patience will reward us."
Lady Selene Velthorin
"And should the council favor another house?"
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Then we wait, Selene. Patience and timing will always reveal opportunity."
....
Duke House Kaelthorn — Ironspire Keep, Evening
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn stood atop the battlements, surveying the valley. His eyes were sharp, calculating.
Advisor Lorven
"Your Grace, Velthorin has dispatched their ambassador ahead of the council. They hope to curry favor with the Emperor and Empress before our arrival."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Let them. Their haste will reveal more than their words. Our advantage lies in measured movement."
Captain Reldin
"The Imperial council convenes in three days. Troops are ready, and academy students will perform as demonstration."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Ensure the arrangements are perfect. Every gesture observed by the council, every position maintained. Precision will speak louder than speech."
Advisor Lorven
"And the minor counts and barons? Some may attempt to sway Cassian's attention."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Let them. Every whisper is an opportunity. When the child observes, he will notice our diligence and measure our intentions."
....
Kaelthorn Keep — Strategy Chamber, Nightfall
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Lorven, review the trade agreements from Sylvarae and Khar-Durim. Any oversight could be costly."
Advisor Lorven
"All preparations are complete, Your Grace. Yet the Velthorin house may attempt a subtle move to gain favor with the Emperor's advisors."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Then we observe, carefully. Let them reveal their intentions before we respond. The Empire rewards patience more than arrogance."
Captain Reldin
"And Cassian, Your Grace? Even at two, the child notices more than many adults."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Exactly. The child is the ultimate observer. Every action we take must withstand scrutiny—not only of the council, but of him."
....
Across Both Houses
Night fell over the Empire.
Marquis Velthorin prepared meticulously for Imperial observation, balancing trade, diplomacy, and subtle influence.
Duke Kaelthorn measured every move, ensuring his house remained disciplined, respected, and poised to gain favor.
The wheels of ambition turned quietly, and every whispered word, careful bow, and meticulously delivered gift rippled toward the Solar Palace, where the young heir observed and remembered.
In these two houses, as in countless others across the Empire, patience, precision, and observation were already shaping the future.