The journey continued smoothly as the carriage rolled along the well-traveled road to the capital, the winter wolves pulling it with an impressive and almost regal stride. Inside, the atmosphere was light and cheerful, the group settling into a comfortable rhythm after the earlier excitent. The evening’s bandit ambush seed far behind them, and everyone took the opportunity to relax, laughing and teasing each other as they traveled.
Lyan leaned back against his seat, letting out a soft sigh as he listened to the playful conversations going on around him. Belle was trying to challenge Wilhelmina to a ga of cards, while Surena and Emilia discussed the different approaches they’d use in future fights. It was nice to see them all so relaxed, their faces lighting up in the glow of excitent.
He found his eyes wandering to where Wilhelmina sat, her laughter genuine and warm as she teased Belle, her shoulders shaking in amusent. Her dress fit her so well—
(Caught you staring again, Master.)
Lyan blinked, clearing his throat as Cynthia’s teasing voice echoed in his head. He tried to mask his embarrassnt by looking out the window, hoping nobody noticed.
(You think you’re being discreet, but we see everything, Lyan.)
Arturia’s voice was filled with amusent, and Lyan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
(Just appreciating their happiness,)
he responded defensively.
(Sure, and you just happen to appreciate certain parts of their happiness more than others.)
Lilith’s sultry tone made him groan in his head.
Ignoring them, Lyan turned his attention back to the passing landscape, watching as the scenery changed from the dense forest to more open, bustling areas. Soon enough, the outskirts of the capital ca into view. The landscape shifted to signs of civilization: small clusters of houses, farmland, and gradually more people on the roads—rchants, travelers, and even a few soldiers patrolling the area.
As they drew nearer, Lyan noticed a distinct tension in the air—more soldiers than usual were patrolling, and the townsfolk seed to move about with a certain nervousness. They whispered among themselves, their eyes darting towards the castle, which now lood in the distance. Lyan could feel it, the atmosphere of sothing brewing beneath the surface. His instincts told him that whatever was going on was more than just a simple royal banquet.
The capital itself was as grand as ever. Tall, stone buildings lined the bustling streets, colorful banners hung across alleyways, and vendors loudly advertised their goods to the growing crowds. The closer they got to the castle, the more carriages and noble crests they began to see—each one unique, so familiar, others not. It was clear that nobles from across the kingdom had co for this event, and Lyan could feel the undercurrents of political tension even before they reached the castle gates.
The winter wolves slowed their pace as they approached the castle courtyard, drawing curious stares from the nobles gathered around. Lyan watched them from the carriage window, noting the expressions on their faces—curiosity, wariness, even disdain in so cases. Their eyes flicked to the winter wolves and then to the imposing carriage, recognizing that whoever was arriving held considerable influence. Lyan smirked. He liked making an entrance.
"Seems like we’re drawing attention already," Xena said, leaning over to get a better look out of the window. She grinned.
"I’m guessing they’re not used to seeing wolves instead of horses."
"They’ll have to get used to it," Surena added with a mischievous smile.
"Let them wonder."
The carriage ca to a stop, and the group slowly stepped out, one by one. Lyan was the last to exit, straightening his coat as he stepped down onto the cobblestone. They were greeted by Prince Erich’s attendants, dressed in royal attire and wearing practiced smiles. They bowed politely, but Lyan noticed the subtle stiffness in their movents, the way their eyes lingered on the winter wolves. There was unease there, hidden beneath their well-rehearsed courtesy.
"Welco, Lord Evocatore," one of the attendants said, his voice respectful, though there was an edge of nervousness.
"Prince Erich has arranged rooms for you and your companions. If you’d please follow , we’ll take you to your accommodations."
Lyan nodded, offering a polite smile.
"Lead the way."
The attendants led them through the castle’s winding hallways, the opulence of the place undeniable. The walls were adorned with tapestries, and the floors covered in rich, plush carpets. Servants bustled about, preparing for the evening’s banquet, their faces focused but carrying the sa undercurrent of unease that Lyan had noticed in the town.
As they reached their rooms, the girls wasted no ti in making themselves comfortable. Lyan watched with a smile as Belle threw herself onto one of the large beds, letting out a dramatic sigh.
"Finally! That was a long ride," she said, stretching out, her dress fanning around her.
"I could stay here forever."
"Don’t get too comfortable," Wilhelmina said, adjusting the cloak around her shoulders.
"We still need to prepare for the banquet tonight. We can’t afford to be complacent."
"Wilhelmina’s right," Surena added, her eyes flicking towards Lyan.
"This banquet isn’t just a social event. We need to stay on guard. Sothing’s off, and I don’t like it."
Lyan nodded, his expression thoughtful.
"I agree. Everyone, stay vigilant tonight. We don’t know what we might be walking into."
Wilhelmina smiled at Lyan, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and warmth.
"We’ll watch each other’s backs, like always."
(You’re worrying too much, Lyan. You’ve faced worse than nobles squabbling.)
Griselda’s voice carried a hint of amusent.
(Maybe, but I’d rather not be caught off guard,)
Lyan replied, his mind still focused on the possible dangers.
The hours passed quickly, and soon it was ti for the banquet. Lyan and his companions dressed in their finest attire, each one of them looking more elegant than ever. Lyan couldn’t help but admire them, his gaze lingering on each of the girls for just a mont longer than he intended.
(They really are beautiful, aren’t they?)
Cynthia’s voice was gentle, filled with warmth.
(Stop ogling and focus, Master.)
Arturia’s tone was more stern, though there was an undeniable hint of teasing there.
Lyan smiled to himself, straightening his collar as they made their way to the banquet hall. The hall was grand—long tables filled with lavish food, chandeliers hanging above, casting a warm glow over the gathering nobles. The atmosphere was lively, with conversations filling the air, but beneath it all, Lyan could still feel the tension, the unease that seed to cling to the room.
Prince Erich made his entrance, his presence commanding attention as he strode into the hall. He was dressed in regal attire, his gaze sharp as he looked around the room. When his eyes t Lyan’s, there was a subtle nod, an unspoken acknowledgnt that tonight was about more than just celebration.
Lyan returned the nod, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the prince. He knew Erich well enough to recognize that this gathering had a deeper purpose. He could see it in the way the prince moved, the way his eyes scanned the room, lingering on certain nobles. There was sothing more at play here.
As the banquet progressed, Lyan and his companions moved through the room, mingling with the other guests. Wilhelmina and Surena split off to listen in on conversations, their eyes sharp as they picked up on the whispers around them. Lyan found himself speaking with several nobles, exchanging pleasantries and carefully navigating the political minefield that the banquet had beco.
Clarisse joined him at one point, her expression calm but her eyes filled with curiosity.
"Have you noticed anything unusual?" she asked, her voice low enough that only Lyan could hear.
Lyan nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to a group of nobles gathered near the prince.
"There’s a lot of talk about military restructuring. It’s subtle, but it’s there. I think Erich is planning sothing big."
Clarisse frowned, her eyes narrowing.
"Do you think it’s about the rumors we heard on the way here? The unrest?"
"Could be," Lyan said, his voice thoughtful.
"Whatever it is, we need to be ready. I have a feeling this is just the beginning."
(You’re right, Master. Stay on guard.)
Arturia’s voice carried a hint of caution, and Lyan could feel her presence in his mind, her concern echoing through him.
As the night wore on, Prince Erich finally approached Lyan, a polite smile on his lips.
"Lord Evocatore," he said, his voice carrying over the noise of the banquet. "A mont, if you would?"
Lyan nodded, excusing himself from the conversation he had been having. He followed Erich to a quieter corner of the hall, his expression calm but his mind alert. He could feel the eyes of his companions on him, their concern palpable even from across the room.
"I appreciate you coming," Erich began, his voice low. He glanced around, ensuring no one was close enough to overhear.
"I trust you’ve noticed the tension tonight."
"Hard to miss," Lyan replied, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"What’s going on, Will?"
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