The day had finally arrived.

  House Ardentis was to set off for the Imperial Capital, where a grand noble gathering awaited them. The journey would take two days by carriage, and for the first time in years, the entire ducal family—including Lucius—would be traveling together.

  The morning was filled with preparations. Carriages lined up outside the Ardentis estate, servants hurriedly packing supplies, and knights stood in formation, ready to escort the Duke's household.

  Lucius, dressed formally for the occasion, stood near his carriage, adjusting the cuffs of his attire. His sisters, Selena and Erene, had taken it upon themselves to dress him properly, much to his dismay.

  "You can’t show up at the Imperial Castle looking like a rogue," Selena had scolded.

  "Yes, you need to look dignified, Lucius," Erene added with a teasing smile.

  Even now, as he stood there in an elegant black and crimson coat embroidered with the Ardentis insignia, he felt their lingering presence.

  Not far away, his two eldest brothers, Cassius and Julius, shot him cold glances. Though they had been present at the family dinner where Duke Magnus acknowledged Lucius, their resentment had not faded.

  Their younger brother, Adrian, on the other hand, was more amused than anything.

  "Try not to embarrass yourself in front of the Emperor, little brother," Adrian teased as he patted Lucius on the back.

  Lucius simply sighed. Two days of this?

  The journey was uneventful for the most part. House Ardentis traveled in a procession of carriages, flanked by an escort of knights.

  On the first night, they set up camp in an open plain. A bonfire crackled under the night sky, casting flickering shadows on their faces.

  Duke Magnus sat in silence, studying a map while the rest of the family engaged in idle conversation. Lucius found himself in an odd position—acknowledged but still an outsider among his own family.

  Despite the tension, there was an air of anticipation. Everyone knew the noble gathering at the Imperial Castle was more than just a formal event. It was a stage where alliances were forged, rivalries were tested, and House Ardentis' standing in the empire would be weighed.

  And, of course, there was another reason Lucius was receiving so much attention.

  His duel with Darius had spread beyond Vermillion. Nobles from across the empire—especially those from the rival kingdoms—were eager to see the so-called "disgraced third son" for themselves.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Some were curious. Others wanted to challenge him.

  Lucius clenched his fist. He would not be caught off guard.

  By midday on the second day, the grand Imperial Capital of Valtaris came into view.

  The massive walls of the capital towered over the landscape, a testament to the empire’s might. The Imperial Castle, visible even from a distance, stood at the heart of the city, its golden spires gleaming in the sunlight.

  As their carriages passed through the gates, crowds of commoners gathered, whispering amongst themselves.

  "Look, it's House Ardentis!"

  "I heard their youngest son defeated a commander!"

  "No way, he was supposed to be a failure, wasn't he?"

  Lucius ignored the murmurs. He was used to the stares by now.

  Inside the city, they made their way toward the Imperial Castle, where the noble gathering would soon begin.

  As tradition dictated, each of the Five Ducal Houses would be announced upon entry.

  One by one, the noble houses entered the grand hall, their names echoing through the chamber.

  "House Solmara, led by Duke Callidor Solmara."

  The nobles of the magic kingdom entered in elegant robes, their presence exuding refined grace.

  "House Durnholm, led by Duke Roderic Durnholm."

  The spear masters followed, their disciplined steps mirroring that of seasoned warriors.

  "House Calidora, led by Duchess Selphine Calidora."

  The dual-blade warriors moved with feline agility, their very presence making even experienced knights wary.

  "House Lunareth, led by Duke Alistair Lunareth."

  The shadows of the empire, dressed in dark attire, entered in eerie silence.

  And then, finally—

  "House Ardentis, led by Duke Magnus Ardentis!"

  Lucius walked behind his father and brothers, feeling countless eyes turn toward him.

  The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere became heavy.

  This was no ordinary noble gathering.

  The true test was about to begin.

  The nobles barely had time to settle when a powerful presence filled the hall.

  A man entered—old yet exuding undeniable authority.

  The Emperor of Valtaris, draped in imperial robes, took his seat at the highest throne.

  Beside him stood a younger man, his eldest son and heir, the Imperial Crown Prince, around 27 years old.

  The emperor was known to have seven children—two daughters and five sons.

  Three of his sons had already graduated this year.

  But among his remaining children, the Imperial Twins—a boy and a girl—were participants in the upcoming tournament.

  Lucius glanced at them. They were around his age—perhaps a bit older—but their sharp eyes showed confidence.

  These were no ordinary nobles.

  They were Imperial Blood.

  And they, too, were watching Lucius.

  The gathering continued, filled with polite conversations and measured words. But beneath the surface, a storm brewed.

  Lucius could feel it.

  The rival kingdoms—especially those close to Vermillion—had their eyes on him.

  And the royal family itself was watching.

  For the first time in his life, Lucius was not invisible.

  He was a subject of interest.

  A name whispered in curiosity.

  A rising force that could not be ignored.

  But with recognition came danger.

  And in the Imperial Capital, danger was everywhere.