Kapitel 3: Chapter 3 - Marquis William
Their carriage came to a halt before a magnificent mansion, where a steady stream of guests flowed inside.
"So this is the venue chosen by the organizer," remarked Spark as he exited the carriage, followed closely by his two companions, Yuna and Zhao shi.
Dressed in their finest attire, they made their way into the grand hall, where lively chatter and clinking glasses filled the air. The dazzling chandeliers cast a warm glow, lending an air of elegance to the festivities.
With a clearing of a throat, a man in his forties commanded the attention of the room.
"Lord Dwight Spark," he announced, his voice reverberating through the hall.
Spark strode forward with an aura of authority and grace, drawing the eyes of every guest in attendance. Following behind him, Yuna and Zhao Shi maintained a respectful distance.
As Zhao Shi took in the opulence and the multitude of eyes fixed upon him, a sense of nervousness crept over him. However, he masked his feelings behind a stoic expression. Yuna, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, her demeanor aloof and composed.
As Spark entered the hall, a ripple of whispers spread through the crowd.
"Have we met before?" Spark asked, shaking hands with the man in his forties.
"Your jest," the man replied with a wry smile.
Yuna stepped forward, her voice a soft whisper near Spark's ear. "Oh, it's Count Loid. We've crossed paths in the imperial palace before,"
"It seems my memory fails me," Spark admitted sheepishly after Yuna whispered a reminder.
"Your recollection of my name alone is more than sufficient," Count replied graciously.
"Has the main character of the show made his arrival yet?" Spark inquired casually.
"His Highness William will be arriving shortly," replied Count.
"What a show-off," Spark commented with a smirk.
"You jest," Count Loid responded cautiously, casting a wary glance around the room.
Not many dared to make such remarks towards Marquis William in the empire, but Spark, hailing from a powerful family, was known for his audacity.
In the hall, guests lined up greet Spark one after another, acknowledging his presence with admiration and respect. With a few words of pleasantries, Spark gracefully dismissed the crowd.
On the side, observing this display of nobility, Zhao Shi couldn't help but be awed. This, he realized, was the true bearing of nobility—calm, composed, and commanding respect with every gesture and word spoken.
Suddenly, Count Loid's voice rang out, commanding silence in the hall. "Marquis Red William."
All eyes turned toward the grand staircase, where a striking figure emerged. A man with crimson hair descended the steps, each deliberate step exuding authority and drawing the gaze of everyone in the room. Behind him, a stunning woman followed, her elegant gown flowing gracefully as she moved.
Being the next heir to Duke Red, William had demonstrated exceptional talent from a young age. His father, Duke Red, spared no expense in nurturing his son, investing all his wealth into William's upbringing, and the investment had paid off handsomely.
Marquis William had awakened his abilities as early as eighteen, a feat that few in the entire empire could boast about. His remarkable achievement was a testament to his strength and potential.
As Marquis William reached the floor, murmurs of acknowledgment rippled through the crowd.
The guests greeted him with respectful bows and deep curtsies, their expressions a blend of admiration and curiosity. The atmosphere shifted to one of heightened attention and reverence, fitting for his noble status.
With his arrival, the party officially began.
Spark, ever the opportunist, noticed a servant passing by with a tray of beverages. He motioned for the servant to stop. "A glass of wine,"
Before the servant could comply, Yuna swiftly pulled Spark aside.
"Young lord, you can't," she admonished, her voice firm.
"Just one glass," Spark pleaded, a hint of defiance in his tone.
"No," Yuna's expression remained resolute.
Spark sighed in resignation and waved the servant away. Yuna knew all too well his tendency to slur his words after even a small amount of alcohol, and at such a formal event, she couldn't risk letting him get drunk.
As Spark and Yuna returned to the gathering, Marquis William approached, his presence commanding as he mingled with the guests. Marquis William, being the direct heir to Duke Red, held a title and status that, in many ways, surpassed Spark, who was third in line of succession.
"I've heard rumors about Lord Spark's feats on the frontlines. I wonder if they hold any truth?" Marquis William's voice carried a tone of casual curiosity as he addressed Spark.
"Rumors are just that—rumors," Spark replied smoothly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "There's nothing I can do about them."
The tension in the air was palpable as the two nobles faced each other, each bearing the weight of their lineage and the expectations that came with it.
"I'd love to test that rumor sometime," Marquis William, mused, his eyes gleaming with a hint of challenge.
Spark responded with a nonchalant shrug, his expression unbothered by the provocation.
William, sensing the moment could be steered towards more cordial introductions, gestured to the woman beside him. "Lord Spark, allow me to introduce my fiancée, Brice Julie."
Spark's demeanor shifted to one of charming politeness.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Brice." Spark extended his hand toward her.
Lady Brice offered a graceful nod, and Spark gently kissed the back of her palm. She responded with a delicate curtsy, her eyes meeting his briefly with a polite smile.
As Spark straightened up, he lingered for a moment, his gaze seemingly lost in thought.
Marquis William noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Is there something wrong? Lord Spark seems a bit captivated by Julie's hand."
Spark's eyes twinkled as he composed himself.
"Nothing of concern, Marquis William," Spark replied smoothly. "I was merely reflecting on how rare it is to encounter such a fair maiden as Lady Brice. Her grace and beauty are truly a sight to behold."
As the party buzzed with light conversation and the clinking of glasses, the sudden sound of the mansion's grand door crashing open silenced the room.
Guests turned their heads in unison toward the entrance. The double doors, which had been moments ago gently shut, now swung wide with a thunderous force.
A man strode in, his face shadowed by a dark expression that seemed to suck the warmth out of the room. His presence was imposing, a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere that had filled the hall.
His eyes scanned the crowd with a predatory gaze, searching for something or someone.
His attire was regal yet severe—a long, black cloak adorned with intricate silver patterns, giving him an air of authority and menace. Underneath, he wore armor that gleamed dully in the chandelier's light, hinting at a readiness for conflict.
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, as recognition and fear settled in.
"Who dares to interrupt Marquis William's celebration?" someone whispered anxiously.
"Isn't that Lord Kieran?" another voice answered in hushed tones, the name carrying a weight that sent a shiver through the guests.
Kieran was known throughout the empire for his ruthlessness and the power he wielded. His sudden appearance at the party was unexpected and alarming.
William's brow furrowed as he watched the man approach, his grip tightening subtly on Brice's arm, a gesture both protective and possessive.
Spark, however, remained composed, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he observed the unfolding scene.
"What an interesting turn of events," Spark muttered to himself, intrigued by the potential drama.
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
Lucky_duck
Lucky_duck slow developments?
well, it's a part slice of life for ya.
Geschenke
-- Geschenk
erhalten Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein