Capítulo 16: Evening Party 2

As Shin and Laura stepped into the grand hall, a momentary silence fell over the gathering. Curious glances swept their way as the nobles present attempted to identify the new faces. However, the pause was brief, and soon the hum of conversation resumed, attention drifting back to ongoing discussions.

Shin felt relief wash over him as he realized he was not being recognized. 'Of course,' he mused, 'they don't know who I am. I've never ventured beyond the confines of our mansion back home.'

Laura leaned in close, her voice low. "Young master, I'll take my leave now to prepare for our immediate departure after you and Lady Valeri conclude the evening's festivities." With a discreet bow, she left the hall, leaving Shin to navigate the social waters alone.

Taking a deep breath, Shin surveyed the hall. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the gathering. The air was thick with laughter and the undercurrent of political maneuvering. As he steeled himself to join the fray, Shin couldn't help but wonder how the night would unfold.

Shin slowly drifted towards the buffet table tucked in a corner of the grand hall, his mind elsewhere. 'I don't like this,' he mused. 'I hope it's over soon, but with the engagement announcement coming... fat chance of that. I just hope no one decides to make trouble.'

The sound of someone clearing their throat broke up his thoughts. The room fell silent, and all eyes were drawn to the new arrival.

"Good evening, esteemed guests," the man began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the hall. "I am Boris, the head butler. It is my honor to announce the arrival of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress, and their esteemed daughter. Please rise and greet them with the respect they are due."

Soft murmurs and polite applause filled the room as the imperial family entered.

Near Shin, a young nobleman turned to his butler, his brow furrowed. "Do you have any idea why the Emperor called for this gathering, Alric? There's so much unrest right now."

"I'm afraid I don't know, young master," Alric replied, his tone calm. However, noticing the admiring gaze fixed on Lady Valeri, a sense of unease settled in his stomach. He couldn't shake the feeling that the night held more surprises than anyone anticipated.

The emperor lifted a glass and tapped it lightly with a silver fork. The clear chime rang out, cutting through the chatter and drawing everyone's attention.

"Welcome, everyone," the emperor said, his voice resonating across the room. "You might be wondering why I've organised this party during these uncertain times." He paused to build suspense. "I have an important announcement regarding my daughter, Valeri Lomidze."

The crowd gasped in anticipation. The younger nobles, in particular, leaned in, hoping they might be the chosen ones. Valeri's beauty and status made her the most desirable match in the empire.

"We have chosen her fiancé," the emperor continued. "This event is to announce that union."

The room was filled with tension. Valeri was not just the emperor's eldest daughter but also a remarkable prodigy with three affinities. Her marriage would bring great prestige to the chosen house.

The emperor's eyes sparkled with a touch of mischief as he spoke. "My daughter, Valeri Lomidze, will be engaged to Shin Luppiter of the Luppiter house."

A stunned silence fell over the grand hall. Then, like a dam breaking, the room erupted into a cacophony of shocked whispers and exclamations. The empire's political chessboard had just been overturned.

The name "Luppiter" rippled through the crowd. Everyone knew of the prestigious ducal house, their influence felt far and wide. Yet, their only child had remained an enigma, shrouded in mystery. No information had ever leaked about the Luppiter heir, and as far as anyone knew, he had never set foot outside their estate.

As the nobles frantically whispered and speculated, trying to piece together this unexpected puzzle, a collective gasp rose. All eyes turned to follow Valeri as she gracefully made her way across the room, her destination clear—the unassuming young man who had entered just before the imperial family.

"Hello, Shin," Valeri said softly, offering a slight bow. Her voice, though quiet, was clearly heard by everyone. "How are you faring?"

Shin returned the bow, his movements a touch stiffer than Valeri's practiced grace. "I am fine, Valeri," he replied, his voice steady despite the weight of hundreds of stares upon him. Feeling the pressure of expectation, Shin glanced around the room, suddenly at a loss for words. He awkwardly scratched his cheek.

Everyone held their breath, watching this first interaction between the newly announced couple, each observer trying to glean any hint of the personality of the mysterious Luppiter heir.

As the initial shock wore off, the grand hall buzzed with new energy. The announcement stirred up excitement and curiosity.

Shin, who had been unknown before, was now the center of attention. Standing in the middle of the room, he remained calm amidst the flurry of activity around him. Nobles from all over the empire gathered around him, their faces showing polite interest but hiding their strong curiosity.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the grand hall, a noble and his butler huddled together, their voices barely above a whisper.

"Damn it!" hissed a young man with striking features—a pair of crimson horns, matching wings, and fiery red hair and eyes. His fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white with anger. "Why him? I've been courting Lady Valeri for years!"

His butler, a composed figure beside him, spoke softly. "Young master, we must tread carefully. The Emperor is no fool; he must have his reasons for this engagement, despite your interest in Lady Valeri. Your own ducal lineage suggests there's more at play here than mere status."

The young noble's eyes flashed dangerously. "I know that, Alric. But it doesn't quell my anger. How much better can this Luppiter heir be? I've awakened two affinities, and our house's prestige is beyond question."

Alric nodded thoughtfully, then leaned in closer to his master. "Perhaps, young master, it's time we took our leave. There's much to be done."

The red-haired noble raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Alric replied, a hint of conspiracy in his tone, "we could return to our territory and... investigate this Shin Luppiter. There might be a way to have this engagement reconsidered."

A slow, dangerous smile spread across the young noble's face. "Alric, my friend, I do believe that's the best idea I've heard all evening. Let's go."

With that, the pair quietly slipped away from the party, their minds already racing with plans to uncover every secret about the mysterious Shin Luppiter.