The vast reception room of the royal palace of Ingrissia shone brightly. The crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling diffused a soft light that was reflected on the gilding and white curtains of the walls. The air was full of perfumes: heady wines, refined dishes and floral scents expertly arranged in large porcelain vases.

  The nobles, dressed in their most sumptuous clothes, kept pouring in, their steps echoing on the polished floor. The music, played by an orchestra present on a small stage, filled the air with pleasant melodies.

  Lighthearted conversations, forced laughter, and countless whispers filled the air. Everyone present at this banquet knew that tonight, this reception room was a silent battlefield.

  That evening offered a rare opportunity to get closer to the royal family of Ingrissia. Several noble families, and even guild leaders, had brought along their carefully prepared children. The young girls, dressed in bright dresses, hoped to attract the attention of one of the two princes, while the sons stood upright, ready to impress with their manners or words.

  Groups had formed, with each parent proudly presenting their children.

  But in a more lively corner, Prince Arvid of Naxthor was already attracting a circle of curious people. His upright stature, and the military uniform he wore inspired both respect and distrust. Despite his mischievous aura, his calm and serene look attracted nobles.

  Not far from him, his sister élyna presented a striking contrast. Despite her timid expression, her beauty attracted sons of nobles who competed in ingenuity to get a word, a smile, a look from her. But the girl, intimidated, twisted the lace of her purple dress, unsure of where to put her hands.

  Away from the crowd, near a carved column, two figures were deep in conversation.

  The first, Duke Turner, one of the greatest magicians of the kingdom of Ingrissia, watched the crowd with icy serenity. He was a tall man nearing fifty, with carefully combed orange hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore a red suit with black embroidery, and an elegant red coat that accentuated his aura.

  In front of him stood the Marquis Bernett, a corpulent man who had the reputation of a cunning man, quick to oppose the crown when it served his interests. He wore a dark green suit covered with silver embroidery, and a large velvet coat. His brown hair was streaked with white, his eyes gleamed with cunning, and his smile was far from sincere. At his side stood two young girls, straight and composed. They each wore a burgundy dress that brought out their natural beauty, and whose golden embroidery on the eldest's dress perfectly emphasized her thin waist. Their brown hair cascaded down their shoulders, and their hazel eyes calmly scanned the room. They looked almost like twins, despite the difference in their ages.

  "You came alone, Duke Turner," said Bernett, a glass of wine in his hand, his voice tinged with irony.

  "How surprising. You, one of the four dukes of the kingdom, without a wife or heir to show off."

  Turner calmly brought his cup to his lips before answering.

  "My wife and children had a last-minute impediment. Besides, my presence is more than sufficient for this evening." he said calmly, his gaze staring for a moment at Bernett's young girls.

  The Marquis burst out laughing slightly.

  "Hm, always so sharp. But you see, I preferred to bring my daughters. A banquet is always an opportunity to create affinities with other families, and who knows... maybe a well-placed smile could bring us closer to the crown," he said in a calm tone with a mischievous smile on his lips.

  Duke Turner glanced at the youngest girl, who looked down. He did not answer immediately, his attention being on the servants who were active.

  But just as he was about to answer, the musicians stopped playing and a solemn silence spread through the room.

  Powerful trumpets sounded, announcing the arrival of the royal family.

  All eyes turned to the top of the central staircase.

  In the lead, Raphael advanced with a sure step. His tall stature, dark hair and red eyes imposed respect and fear. At his side, Arianne radiated serene beauty. The delicacy of her face and the grace of her steps inspired a respect tinged with tenderness. Her very presence was enough to soothe and captivate every gaze.

  Right behind them walked Dayvon, the eldest, whose return after years of study was already fueling whispers. His assured gait forced admiration, and his natural charm seduced the young ladies of the nobility in a glance. Finally, slightly behind, Lucas advanced, his cape trailing gracefully. Despite his inner turmoil, his gaze betrayed no sign of nerves.

  The silence of the room was almost sacred. Each nobleman, each guest, felt the weight of the imposing aura of the royal family. Their mere presence filled the room with majestic power.

  Upon reaching the platform, the royal family took their seats on the raised dais, overlooking the assembly. Rapha?l stood up, then stepped forward to the front of the platform, and with a confident gesture, he called for complete silence before declaring in a clear voice:

  "Ladies and gentlemen, nobles of Ingrissia and allies of the kingdom. Tonight, we welcome you to celebrate the future of the kingdom. Allow me to officially introduce you to the second prince of our kingdom... Lucas Ashir Ingriss. "

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  He put a firm hand on the boy's shoulder and gently pushed him forward.

  A round of applause rang out, accompanied by murmurs. The nobles stared at the young boy with burning curiosity. Some saw in him a future ally, others a target to watch. Lucas, a little intimidated by so many eyes, was afraid of faltering, but the warmth of his father's hand on his back gave him courage.

  Lucas leaned slightly, a smile on his lips. His delicate features and noble bearing impressed even the most critical.

  A few minutes later, the evening resumed, but now all attention was focused on Lucas. Soon, he stepped down from the stage and joined the crowd of guests, ready to begin the introductions.

  Then, a flood of nobles approached. Counts, marquises, grand guild leaders, they all approached him with congratulations or words of flattery, to ensure their names resonated in the young prince's mind. Lucas responded with grace, but behind his smiles lay vigilance: he could discern the intentions behind every flattery.

  Later, many young girls, dressed in bright dresses, gave him charming smiles, but Lucas, despite his polite air, was not troubled. He kept a reserve, aware that everyone was looking for an interest.

  But very quickly, with the crowd growing around him, Lucas felt suffocated because he couldn't stand all these people anymore.

  So he looked for Dayvon, who in another corner of the room was talking with several young ladies. And when his gaze and Dayvon's met, Lucas tried to make Dayvon understand that he could no longer stand all this crowd.

  Dayvon, having understood Lucas' feeling, let a slight smile appear on his lips. Lucas, who was watching him, saw his lips move, so he narrowed his eyes to understand his words.

  "Good luck... you will survive. "

  When he managed to read through Dayvon's lips, Lucas was shocked and remained frozen for a few moments, while Dayvon looked away from him and resumed his conversations with the nobles.

  But while Lucas had just abandoned any idea of escape, interesting people approached him to introduce themselves.

  The first was Elyna of Naxthor. The girl, still intimidated by the brilliance of the banquet, approached timidly, escorted by a company lady. Her black eyes met Lucas's, and she sketched an awkward bow.

  "Nice to meet you, Prince Lucas... I am élyna von Lorthen, third princess of the Naxthor empire. "

  Lucas blushed slightly when he saw the beauty of the princess, as well as the shyness in her eyes.

  So, he returned a warm smile, and lowered his head slightly as a sign of respect.

  "Nice to meet you, Princess élyna... it's an honor for me to be in front of the imperial jewels of Naxthor," he said in a calm and tender voice.

  Lucas' words made the girl blush, who suddenly seemed more comfortable. They began to exchange a few words in all simplicity, without taking into account the others.

  But as soon as they had begun their exchange, an imposing presence approached them.

  Lundel Draven, the Sixth Sword of the kingdom approached them. He was a tall man, his body forged by years of battle, he wore a black cape hanging on his left shoulder embroidered with the number VI. Her black hair framed a face marked by experience. Behind his glasses, his deep black eyes shone with a piercing lucidity.

  His aura was dark but impressive

  Arriving in front of Lucas, he tilted his head slightly.

  "I salute His Royal Highness. It is an immense pleasure for me to finally be able to meet you," he said in a clear and simple voice.

  Seeing him, Lucas felt a deep admiration wash over him. For a long time, he had heard so many stories about this man's exploits, and seeing him so close almost made him dizzy.

  Lucas instantly and awkwardly tilted his head, his eyes amazed.

  "It is a real honor for me to meet a personality like you, General Lundel," he said in an enthusiastic tone.

  General Lundel stared at him for a moment, before answering calmly:

  "I am delighted, Your Highness. "

  "I sincerely hope that you will have a bright future filled with success," he added in a respectful tone.

  Hearing this, Lucas slowly regained his calm, then tilted his head slightly and answered calmly:

  "I thank the general for his warm wishes. I will do everything possible so that in the future, I do not disappoint any of the expectations that will rest on my shoulders."

  Lundel stared at him for a moment, a slight smile forming on his lips.

  But before he could answer, a royal guard approached them and whispered a few words into Lundel's left ear.

  After the guard had finished saying his words to Lundel, the latter bowed slightly to Lucas and said:

  "I would have liked to deepen our conversation, but currently an important matter requires my presence. We can continue our discussion another day. "

  "I'm already looking forward to seeing you again, General Lundel," Lucas replied calmly, lowering his head slightly.

  General Lundel stared at him for a moment, before turning the step and walking away.

  As Lucas watched him walk away, a voice that was both deep and calm said these words behind him:

  "You seem to have fallen in love with him given the way you look at him. "