The evening glow draped the noble district in muted gold as Alex and Kael walked side by side, their steps light but deliberate. Tonight was no ordinary visit—it was a subtle mission, an exploration of the noble circle's hidden currents.
Alex wore a dark velvet coat, its silver embroidery catching the lanternlight, the outfit whispering of quiet authority. Kael, though still shy in such gatherings, carried himself straighter now, his lessons with Alex etched into every gesture.
The halls of House Elveron buzzed with conversation, laughter, and carefully veiled insults wrapped in silk. Young nobles clustered in groups, their jeweled goblets reflecting flickers of candlelight. Here, every word was a weapon, and silence was no less dangerous.
Alex moved with ease, every tilt of his head measured, every faint smile calculated. Kael followed, listening carefully, watching how Alex wove between conversations with elegance—never too much, never too little.
It wasn't long before the first whispers drifted through the room.
"Have you seen him? The cousin of the crown prince—Riven."
"Yes… the one with black and silver hair. They say his nails are painted purple obsidian. Bold. Almost unsettling."
"Unsettling? He terrifies half the court. His strength and mana—they say they surpass the crown prince himself."
"And that is why the prince avoids him. He smiles in public, but behind the mask… he sees Riven as a threat."
Alex's lips curved faintly, an amused spark dancing in his eyes. "So," he murmured under his breath, "that's the kind of storm you are."
Kael glanced sideways at him, brow furrowed in question, but before he could ask, Alex reached over and ruffled his hair lightly, his tone playful. "Don't frown too much, Kael. Wrinkles don't suit you."
Kael swatted at his hand, cheeks warming, though a reluctant smile tugged at his lips.
The evening continued with practiced exchanges and elegant maneuvering, Alex guiding Kael in real time with subtle nods and glances. Whenever a jab came their way, Alex countered it with effortless grace, leaving Kael to observe, learn, and absorb the rhythm of noble politics.
By the end of the night, the two slipped out into the cool air of the courtyard, the moon casting long shadows across the marble floor. Alex exhaled softly, the hint of a smile still playing on his lips.
"Remember, Kael," he said, voice low and steady, "power here isn't always in mana or steel. It's in whispers, in the way you tilt the scales without anyone noticing. Learn that… and you'll thrive."
Kael nodded, thoughtful and quiet, the lesson settling deep within him.
The velvet shadows closed around them as they departed, carrying with them more than just gossip—seeds of future storms had been planted, and Alex's amused smile hinted that he, at least, was already prepared for what was coming.