The dinner continued with nothing more than a stray word here or there. The first courses were taken away and an ornate dessert cart rolled into the room. After the Marquess's first bite of chocolate cake, Selene cleared her throat to speak.

“Father, I have a request,” Selene waited patiently as he finished chewing.

“And what would that be, my dear daughter?” He asked with a hint of amusement.

“I would like to formally greet His Majesty before my Imperial Debut,” Selene spoke confidently. “So that I may request entrance to the Imperial Library.”

While a debut in society is focused around vassals and close allies, an Imperial Debut is a formal introduction to the entirety of the nobility, most importantly the imperial family, during which noble children are assessed on their value for the empire.

It isn't uncommon for a noble child of low birth to gain some kind of sponsorship from a higher ranking family. This was of no consequence to Selene, however, who was born into one of the three most powerful families. She was more concerned with it's distance in the future.

The Marquess frowned. “Is the tutor I hired not fulfilling his duties? Are his lessons inadequate?”

“Of course, he is doing is best,” Selene responded with a dismissive gesture. “But how can you blame someone of lower birth for not being as capable as a Vizio?”

“My youngest daughter shows such wisdom,” he chuckled.

“I would like to have a deeper understanding of what our beloved empire has gone through in recent years,” Selene continued, taking a small bite of her cake. “I believe my slumber has put me at a disadvantage for common knowledge of recent events. I heard the Imperial Records are as detailed as can be.”

“You have barely been awake,” the Marchioness all but interrupted her. “I would hate to see you burn out too quickly in an attempt to make up for lost time.”

“Please, do not worry so much, Mother,” Selene smiled, but it did not reach past her lips. “But if it cannot be helped, I am sure my tutor would be more than pleased to discuss his opinion on the matter. I have already informed him of my intentions.”

“Wonderful! I have been wanting to inquire about your studies,” the Marquess beamed. “I will request he arrive early for your next lesson.”

“Thank you, Father,” Selene bowed her head and placed a hand over her chest. “I truly appreciate the opportunity to show you what I am capable of.”

“Haha! I am looking forward to our meeting,” the Marquess stared proudly at Selene, but his eyes seemed more focused on the reflection of himself in her behavior than on his daughter.

As their dinner came to a close, the members of the Vizio family departed towards their separate quarters. Selene was walking down an empty hallways when she heard hurried footsteps behind her.