: The Gathering of Nobles

The grand hall of our newly assigned estate was nothing short of spectacular. Tall marble pillars stretched toward the high ceilings, where chandeliers illuminated the space with golden light. Deep red and navy banners embroidered with the William family crest hung proudly along the walls, marking our official place as First-Rate Nobles.

The floors gleamed, polished to perfection, reflecting the lavish decorations arranged for the tea party. Exquisite dishes and rare wines from across the kingdom lined the grand table, catering to the elite who would soon arrive.

This wasn’t just a celebration—it was an announcement to the kingdom’s most powerful figures that the William family had ascended.

The Guests Arrive. 

One by one, the nobles of the capital arrived, their presence filling the air with tension and elegance.

From the Grand Dukes:

1. Grand Duke Alistair Vermillion – The strongest noble under the king, known for his fire-based aura. His family had been the royal family’s sword for generations.

2. Grand Duke Frederick Lionhart – A man of wisdom, said to be the closest advisor to the king. His children were rumored to be monstrous in talent.

From the Dukes:

3. Duke Denial Raviel – Ivan’s master and Ivansia’s father. A legendary sword magician with a reputation that shook the continent. He arrived alongside his daughter Ivansia, whose presence drew immediate attention.

4. Duke Alphonse Devereux – A strict man, known for his unwavering discipline in military affairs.

5. Duke Auguste Everhart – A noble obsessed with bloodlines and superiority. His gaze always carried disdain for commoners.

From the Counts:

6. Count Reginald Vaughn – An economic genius, controlling a large portion of the kingdom’s trade.

7. Countess Eleanor Fay – The only female count, known for her deep connections with the elven kingdom.

8. Count Damian Stroud – A warrior count, who valued strength above all.

9. Count Julius Belmont – A noble deeply tied to magical research.

10. Count Lionel Aldrich – A supporter of the royal family, and the king’s closest ally.

From the Viscounts:

11. Viscount Edgar Rowe – A man with rumored ties to underground guilds.

12. Viscount Cedric Halloway – A military figure, loyal to Duke Everhart.

13. Viscount Margot Langley – A woman known for political schemes.

14. Viscount Harold Winthrope – A neutral noble with deep ties to education.

15. Viscountess Ophelia Cross – A strong magic-user, who once served in the Royal Mage Corps.

16. Viscount Gerald Fontaine – A noble interested in rare artifacts.

Other First-Rate Nobles (Our Peers)

We were now among them, making us the seventh family of this rank. Many had brought their children, our direct competitors.

Children of Notable Houses (Our Age Group - 12 Years Old)

1. Edward Lionhart – Grand Duke Lionhart’s son, a spear prodigy.

2. Charles Everhart – Duke Everhart’s son, an arrogant swordsman.

3. Leonard Vaughn – Count Vaughn’s son, a future businessman in training.

4. Evelyn Fay – Countess Fay’s daughter, skilled in nature magic.

5. Raphael Stroud – Count Stroud’s son, a battle-hardened martial artist.

6. Victoria Belmont – Count Belmont’s daughter, skilled in magic.

Children of Elise’s Age Group (8 Years Old)

1. Sylvia Lionhart – Edward’s younger sister, learning royal etiquette.

2. Ophelia Devereux – Duke Devereux’s daughter, specializing in barrier magic.

3. Lucian Aldrich – Count Aldrich’s son, known for his calm demeanor.

The Announcement & Elise’s Moment

As everyone settled, my father, Albert William, took center stage. Dressed in a noble black and gold coat, he looked commanding yet humble.

“Thank you all for attending this gathering. Our family has been granted the title of First-Rate Nobles under the recognition of Duke Denial Raviel and the royal decree. We shall serve the kingdom faithfully.”

Then, my mother, Rem William, stepped forward. With her elegant golden hair and sharp black eyes, she held a gentle yet firm presence.

“As we step into this new era, we welcome alliances, friendships, and healthy competition. May the younger generation grow into warriors and leaders worthy of the kingdom.”

Just as the speeches ended, Elise walked up beside them.

Her golden hair shimmered under the chandelier light, and her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. Dressed in a lovely frilled white dress, she looked like an angel.

She curtsied perfectly, earning awed gasps from the nobles.

“Hello, everyone! I am Elise William! I hope we can all be friends!”

Absolute silence.

Even the Grand Dukes’ children hesitated at how adorable she was.

Then, Sylvia Lionhart, another noble girl, stepped forward.

“I’ll be your friend, Elise!” she said shyly.

The spell broke.

A few other children approached, cautiously engaging in conversation. Meanwhile, we—Nether, Ivan, Rean, and Arther—watched carefully.

( Nether’s Thoughts: She’s a natural. Just like I expected… )

( Ivan’s Thoughts: She’s already making connections. This is good for our family. )

( Rean’s Thoughts: This is amusing. I’ll see which nobles act fake around her. )

( Arther’s Thoughts: I should watch out for troublemakers. )

Noble Interactions

As the event continued, we each took our place, interacting with the nobles:

I (Nether) stood with Sylphy, who had returned from the Elven Kingdom. Many nobles were curious about our engagement.

Ivan and Ivansia stood together, their engagement officially declared by Duke Denial Raviel.

Rean observed silently, listening to nobles’ political schemes.

Arther exchanged words with Count Stroud’s son, both interested in combat strength.

The Big Moment

Then, Duke Denial Raviel stepped forward.

“I, Duke Denial Raviel, officially declare my daughter, Ivansia Raviel, and Ivan William engaged. This union will strengthen both our houses.”

The room erupted into murmurs. Some envied Ivan, while others saw this as a political shift in noble power.

( Ivan’s Thoughts: I knew this was coming, but seeing the reactions… it’s interesting. )

( Ivansia’s Thoughts: Finally, it’s official. But why do I feel so embarrassed…? )

Closing Thoughts

The tea party continued with talks of alliances, rivalries, and hidden tensions. But for us, it was clear—

We weren’t just commoners who got lucky.

We were here to shake the noble world.

And this was just the beginning.

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[End of Chapter 19]