章節 8: A Duke's Ball

'Everything has been going perfectly' Were the first thought of Duke Vincent Dunsten. He looks out the hall as the chandelier lights up the hall in an ethereal atmosphere. The beautiful tableware and decoration were perfectly done. He sat comfortably in the main seat, watching it all 'It seems that the servants have done their jobs splendidly.'

He looks to his nephew, the only family he has left and the future of House Dunsten. He seems to be chatting excitedly with his friends alongside Ansen Rivider, the heir of house Rivider. The blue youthful skin, the symbol of his lineage to the Rivider Grand Dukedom

'I worry deeply for Viller, the friends he has. Has more or less forced his hand to pick a side.' Vincent frowns a bit while he worried for his nephew's future. He then looks to the side, as a golden-skinned youth walked to him. "It has been a while, Duke Vincent. I see the rumours of your illness seem to be a mistake." The second prince, Athon Geldstein. The son of Ana Rivider and Avares Geldstein. Smiles in greeting after he spoke.

The first thought to enter his mind was 'If it wasn't for this boy, the current crisis wouldn't have arisen. and I wouldn't have to worry about my family's future. After all, anyone sensible enough can see Rivider's ambition for the throne.' He smiles at the young man, in contrast to his inner thoughts. He replied curtly as he gestures to the seat beside him, "You flatter me, Your Highness. In this old age of mine, I merely try to watch over my successor."

Athon looks around as he spoke, "I'm sure Lord Viller is more than taken care of." He looks to the attendees, "You have even invited the entire nobility within the City of Rosalia, I'm sure this will be a ball he would never forget." Vincent agrees with a nod, as he looks at his nephew. "Thank you, I'm quite glad you think so. It took a lot of work."

Athon looks to the golden chandelier, "And quite an amount, I presume." Vincent chuckles, "Well yes, of course. Everything for my nephew's arrival to nobility." Athon then pressed on as he took a wine glass passed to him by a servant. He sips his wine before speaking inquisitively "Then perhaps you have more than enough, to invest in some expensive ventures." Vincent looks him eye to eye, as he evaluates his own answer "Well yes If it's something profitable. I'll be more than happy to support any profitable ventures."

Athon nods as he smiles brightly, "I am quite glad, you think so. then would you be willing to listen to mine?" Vincent raises an eyebrow, "Don't you think that House Rivider would be a more apt investor." Athon shakes his head as his smile stiffens, he then spoke stiffly. "That would perhaps be true, but I'd rather not involve my maternal family in this matter."

Vincent leans back in his chair as he spoke "Hooo, I see. Is there perhaps a reason that you wish to distance yourself House Rivider?" Athon looks to his cousin, the blue hair a reminder of house Rivider. Athon replied with a whisper, "I wish to live out on my own, I cannot live forever under Rivider's influence. I am a Geldstein not Rivider."

'Hmm, it seems the boy has no wish to be under House Rivider's influence. That's good, more than good really' The answer puts a smile on Vincent's face as he holds the boy at his shoulder. He spoke, "I see, if that is what you wish." He takes his glass of wine and holds it to Athon, "I'll be willing to hear of your next venture." Athon responded along with the clicks of their glass, "Yes, thank you, Duke Vincent."

Athon then hurriedly continued, "Then let me tell you of my plans, thi-." He was interrupted by Vincent who raised his hand and calmly spoke, "Now, now. Let us talk about matters of business next time. I wish for you to enjoy our celebration of Viller's introduction to nobility." Athon nods as he stood back up, "Then thank you for your time, Duke Vincent. I shall be excusing myself."

Duke Vincent waves him off as the Athon leaves, he looks around as sigh to himself. 'The only problem now should be Prince Lenard. The succession laws have clearly designated him as the next king.' He drinks his wine, emptying his glass. All the while he remained in deep thought.

He then looks to one of the servants as he gestures for a wine 'Unfortunately, being born half-human made him unfavourable to the demonic nobility.' He swirls his glass in his hand as he looks to Prince Athon 'Now, with half of the nobility under Rivider thumb. The only problem I had was a Rivider dominated court, which seems to be an unfound worry.'

He suddenly coughs violently as he hurriedly lowers his glass 'What's left for me to do shall be to give my willing support to Athan as I influence it up into a powerful and peaceful kingdom where house Dunsten can flourish.' Vincent nods to himself, knowing that with such peace Viller can at least maintain the wealth he has accumulated. 'And I'm sure that with Michael at his side, House Dunsten will never fall.' Were his last thought till a guard wearing a helmet barges in with a bang, the sound forcing the hall into silence.

"DUKE VINCENT! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!" The guard shouts and the words sink as the halls erupt in a panic, the guards pouring in with him. The attendees run for the door only to stop as loud explosions shock them to their core. The attendees' guards take a formation, hoping to defend the door from attacks. All the while Duke Vincent tries to restore order. Half an hour pass and the door opens, a guard comes with a terrified expression and his word shock Vincent to the core.

"Sir, the vault was emptied."

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