Chapter 13: When Nobles Begin to Ask
Pressure from individuals was noisy.
Pressure from nobles was silent.
Aren Valerius Arcanveil felt it the moment he stepped out of the infirmary.
Nothing blocked his path.
No one confronted him.
No formal summons arrived.
Instead, doors opened a fraction longer than usual. Conversations paused, resumed, then paused again. Servants bowed just a second too deeply.
This is the difference, Aren thought calmly.
Personal danger announces itself. Political danger observes.
He adjusted his posture—not to appear weaker, but to appear unremarkable.
Unremarkable nobles survived longer.
Inner Thought – Reading the Academy's Mood
The Royal Academy had always been a neutral ground.
At least in theory.
But neutrality was fragile when ducal interests collided. And Aren's recent survival—public duels, a buried assassination attempt, attention from the protagonist—had tilted the board.
They're asking questions now, Aren realized.
Not about what I did—but why I exist.
That question was far more dangerous.
House Arcanveil – Private Observation Room (POV: Elder Thalos)
A projection hovered between the elders, displaying Aren's recent combat data.
Elder Thalos leaned forward, fingers steepled.
"He is not reckless," Thalos said. "That alone sets him apart."
Another elder scoffed lightly.
"He draws danger wherever he goes."
"Because danger tests him," Thalos replied. "And he survives."
Silence followed.
House Arcanveil had always valued knowledge over force. Stability over spectacle.
Aren embodied that philosophy disturbingly well.
"He is becoming visible," an elder murmured. "If we shield him, other houses will notice."
Thalos nodded.
"If we do nothing," he said quietly, "he may not survive the next phase."
The decision was postponed.
That, too, was a choice.
Back to Aren – Unexpected Invitation
The letter arrived that evening.
No seal.
No crest.
No signature.
Just a single line written in precise, elegant script.
Tea at the Azure Pavilion. Attendance appreciated.
Aren read it once.
Then twice.
Appreciated, he noted. Not required.
Which meant refusal would be remembered.
He folded the letter carefully.
So this is how it begins.
Azure Pavilion – POV Shift
The pavilion sat on a floating terrace overlooking the academy's inner gardens, blue mana lights drifting lazily through the air. It was a place of subtle power—where alliances formed quietly and reputations shifted without witnesses.
Aren entered alone.
At the center table sat a young woman in silver-blue robes, posture perfect, expression composed.
Elira Moonveil.
Magic prodigy.
Ducal blood.
Ranked third.
She smiled faintly when she saw him.
"You came," she said.
Aren inclined his head. "It seemed prudent."
Elira gestured to the seat across from her.
"Please."
Conversation – Words as Blades
"You've caused quite a stir," Elira said lightly as tea poured itself into porcelain cups.
"Have I?" Aren replied. "I thought I was being careful."
Elira's smile widened slightly.
"That may be the problem."
She studied him openly now.
"You survive situations others don't. You draw attention without seeking it. Houses dislike unpredictability."
Aren met her gaze.
"And what do you dislike?"
Elira paused.
"Waste," she said honestly.
Silence stretched.
Then—
"I won't ask how you survived," Elira continued. "Nor will I ask what you're hiding."
Smart.
She leaned forward slightly.
"I want to know where you intend to stand."
Aren considered his answer carefully.
Every word here is a commitment.
"I stand where I can survive," he said finally. "Nothing more."
Elira searched his face.
Then she nodded.
"That answer," she said softly, "will disappoint many people."
Aren smiled faintly.
"I hope so."
Observer POV – From Afar
From the upper terraces, unseen eyes watched the pavilion.
Some curious.
Some calculating.
Some displeased.
A variable had entered the political field.
And it was moving cautiously.
Night – System Recalibration
As Aren returned to his quarters, the system manifested with unusual density.
[World Convergence System]
Major Event Logged:
- Political Engagement Initiated
- Entity: Elira Moonveil
- Classification: Ducal Power Node
Effect:
- Plot Engagement Increased
- Rivalry Complexity Elevated
The full panel unfolded.
[World Convergence System]
Name: Aren Valerius Arcanveil
Title: Canon-Dead Extra | Political Variable
Affiliation: House Arcanveil
Path:
- Magic Cultivation
- Sword Cultivation
Realm:
- Magic: Apprentice Mage (Late)
- Sword: Sword Trainee (Peak → Stabilizing)
Attributes:
- Strength: 17
- Speed: 16
- Stamina: 18
- Vitality: 18
- Mana: 20
- Mental Focus: 22 (+1)
Combat Stats:
- Physical Power: B-
- Mana Control: B
- Sword Mastery: B
- Battle Instinct: A-
Skills:
- Dual Path Sovereignty (Authority · Passive)
- Mana Flow Regulation (Passive)
- Foundation Sword Forms (Advanced)
Plot Metrics:
- Plot Engagement: 48% (+5%)
- Rival Nodes: 10 (Active)
- Fate Attention: Alert → Tracking
Condition:
- Physical State: Stabilizing
- Mana Reserve: 52%
- Mental State: Clear
System Evaluation:
- Status: Entered Political Phase
- Risk Level: High
- Advisory: Alliances Are Temporary
Aren dismissed the panel and looked out over the academy grounds.
So now it's not just about surviving, he thought.
It's about choosing who notices me—and why.
He exhaled slowly.
The game had widened.
And there would be no quiet corners left forever.