Kapitel 27: Edwin Hilrose
After the ceremony concluded and Lucas officially joined the prestigious 4th Battalion of the Imperial Knights, the festivities transitioned into a grand Imperial Ball. This event was a celebration of not only Lucas's achievements but also the bravery and accomplishments of all those who were honored earlier in the day.
The grand hall was meticulously prepared for the occasion, its opulence on full display. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm, golden light that danced across the polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the rich history and triumphs of the Killion Empire. Long tables draped in silk tablecloths were laden with a feast fit for royalty, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of roasted meats, exotic spices, and freshly baked bread.
The guest list for the ball was highly exclusive. Only the most powerful figures in the empire, along with the immediate families of those who had earned merit in the ceremony, were invited. Nobles in resplendent attire mingled with high-ranking military officers, their uniforms adorned with medals and insignias of honor. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation, as this gathering brought together the elite of the empire in a rare and prestigious event.
"Lucas, you look like you belong in that uniform," Father said with a proud smile, admiring Lucas's new knightly attire.
"Thank you, Father," Lucas replied, his voice steady but eyes gleaming with excitement. "It's an honor to serve the empire."
The ball commenced with a formal announcement by the Emperor, flanked by the Crown Princess Rachel and the Second Princess Aurora, making their entrance. The trio, with their striking silver hair and regal bearing, commanded attention. Rachel, the Jewel of the Empire, shone with an ethereal beauty and a commanding presence that belied her young age. Aurora, her twin, mirrored her sister's elegance.
"Esteemed guests," the Emperor's voice carried through the hall, "tonight we celebrate not only the achievements of our new Imperial Knight and his comrades but also the unity and strength of our great Empire. Let us honor their courage and dedication with this celebration."
As the Emperor finished speaking, the guests erupted in applause, the sound echoing through the grand hall. The ball continued with renewed fervor, the dance floor bustling with movement and the air filled with joyous laughter.
Since I was still too young to participate in the ballroom dances, I found myself lingering on the sidelines, feeling a bit isolated amidst the grandeur. The swirling gowns and polished shoes of the nobles created a mesmerizing spectacle, but it was a world that felt just out of reach for me.
Anyone my age belonged to far higher noble families, and I could see the dark glint in their eyes as their gaze passed over me. Their disdain was palpable, and it was clear they didn't regard me as worthy of conversation.
My parents and sister were also trying to mingle with other nobles, but they found it challenging. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken hierarchies and subtle slights.
'How disgusting,' I thought, my grip tightening around the glass I was holding, the coolness of the crystal grounding me in the moment.
"How disgusting," a voice echoed from beside me, mirroring my thoughts.
I turned to see a boy my age with black hair and an annoyed expression. His blue eyes scanned the room with a look of disdain.
'Is he from a low-ranking noble family as well?' I wondered.
His gaze shifted, and our eyes met. There was a moment of recognition, a click in my mind as I identified him.
He was the heir to Duke Hilrose, a prominent family that ruled the North of the Killion Empire and served as the first line of defense against northern invaders.
A big shot.
The boy's presence commanded respect, his demeanor exuding confidence and an unspoken understanding of the weight of his family's responsibilities.
"You're Lancelot Orbel, right?" he asked, his tone casual yet inquisitive.
"Yes," I replied, surprised that he knew who I was. "And you're...?"
"Edwin Hilrose," he introduced himself with a slight nod. "I've heard about your brother's achievements."
"Thank you," I said, trying to mask my surprise.
"I can't stand these events," Edwin admitted, his eyes flicking back to the crowd. "So much pretense and shallow conversation."
I nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "It's hard to find genuine people here."
Edwin smirked. "True, but it's a necessary part of our world. We have to navigate it, whether we like it or not."
As we stood there, observing the glittering spectacle of the Imperial Ball, I felt a sense of connection with Edwin. Despite our different backgrounds, we shared a mutual understanding of the challenges and expectations that came with our respective statuses.
"Do you want to step outside for a bit?" Edwin suggested. "Get some fresh air and escape this madness for a while?"
"That sounds like a good idea," I agreed.
We made our way to one of the grand balconies overlooking the sprawling gardens of the Imperial Palace. The night air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside.
"It's beautiful out here," I remarked, taking in the sight of the moonlit gardens.
"Yes," Edwin agreed, leaning against the railing. "Sometimes it's nice to just... breathe."
"I wasn't expecting the son of Duke Hilrose to hate social gatherings," I commented truthfully, glancing at Edwin's somber expression.
He sighed, his gaze fixed on the twinkling stars above. "Since my father has to stay in the North most of the time, I don't have to deal with all this nonsense. The only thing that matters is ensuring the people in my territory are living properly and the invaders are being repelled."
"Then may I ask why you came to the Imperial Capital?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Edwin hummed thoughtfully, his blue eyes scrutinizing me. "Well, I can't say why, but it is for something important."
I blinked in surprise, the cogs in my mind beginning to turn. 'Could it be an engagement to the Crown Princess?' I wondered.
It made sense for such a thing to happen. Duke Hilrose wasn't just a powerful swordsman but also wielded considerable influence and a sterling reputation as the Hero of the North due to his relentless defense against the barbarians. The Imperial Family might be feeling undermined by his power, and arranging an engagement to tie Duke Hilrose to them would be a strategic move.
The air on the balcony felt colder as I pondered this possibility, the implications settling heavily in my mind. I looked at Edwin again, his profile outlined by the moonlight. There was a strength in his features, a determination that spoke of his upbringing and the weight of responsibility he carried.
"What do you think of the princesses?" he asked me.
"Well I don't really have an opinion," I responded honestly, "I just saw them today."
His eyes widened as his lips curled into a smile, "Personally, I find the Second Princess to be pitiful."
I turned back, using some mana to enhance my visual acuity to look inside the ballroom. There, I saw the two princesses being surrounded by nobles, which is to be expected.
Only then did I understand why Edwin called Second Princess pitiful yet did not say the same for the Crown Princess.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein