5 May 2070

In Astrean Mansion

A banquet is being held in the garden of the house. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The garden has been transformed for the evening, as though it had been waiting all along for this moment. Long tables stretch across the lawn in neat, elegant rows, draped in flowing white cloth that catches the soft glow of lantern light. Above them, strings of warm lights are woven between trees, their gentle shimmer reflecting off glassware and polished cutlery like scattered stars brought down to earth.

Fresh flowers—roses, lilies, and jasmine—are arranged in low centerpieces, their fragrance drifting through the air and blending with the rich aroma of food. The scent of roasted dishes, baked bread, and sweet desserts lingers invitingly, carried on a light breeze that rustles the leaves overhead.

Guests move gracefully through the space, dressed in fine attire that adds color and texture to the scene. Some are seated, engaged in lively conversation, their laughter rising softly like music. Others stroll along the garden paths, pausing to admire the decorations or exchange greetings. Waitstaff glide quietly between tables, balancing trays of delicacies and refilling glasses with practiced ease.

At the heart of the garden, a central table displays an array of dishes—carefully arranged platters that look almost too beautiful to touch. Candles flicker nearby, their flames dancing gently and casting shifting shadows that make the scene feel alive.

In one corner, musicians play a soft, melodic tune, the sound of strings or a piano blending seamlessly with the natural chorus of the night—crickets chirping, leaves whispering, and the occasional murmur of distant voices. The music never overpowers; it simply weaves itself into the atmosphere, enhancing the calm elegance of the evening.

Soon, Edward Astrean arrived, and everyone stopped whatever they were doing as their attention shifted to him.

"To everyone here, with gratitude and joy, I welcome you all," said Edward with a neutral expression.

"I have invited everyone here to announce that, as of this moment, Aron—my eldest son—will become the head of the family after me once he reaches Grandmaster rank," Edward declared in a loud and clear voice.

"Please, enjoy the evening."

Soon, conversations resumed.

Some guests continued their earlier discussions, while others gathered around Aron to congratulate him. He quickly became the center of attention, especially among young ladies from noble houses.

A man with black hair and crimson eyes approached Duke Astrean and said, "Congratulations on reaching Immortal rank. When did you achieve it?" with a smile on his face.

This man was Lucas Velmora, head of House Velmora—one of the three ducal houses—known for mind-related powers such as illusion and mind control. He was also at Immortal rank and two years older than Edward.

"I reached it two years ago. What about you? And congratulations," Edward replied with a faint smile.

They had been friends since their academy days—Lucas being Edward’s senior—and remained so, though they rarely met due to their responsibilities.

"I reached it a year ago. I’m not as much of a genius as you—reaching Immortal rank before even turning fifty," Lucas said in a teasing tone.

"Stop talking about that. How are your son and daughter?" Edward asked.

"Both are fine. Noah is close to reaching Master rank—he turns twenty-three this year. He’s currently in seclusion, so he couldn’t attend."

"And your daughter?"

"Aria is fine as well. Cold as ice, as always. She’s fifteen and will be attending the academy this year. I hope she makes some friends there. She refused to attend this banquet, saying it’s annoying," Lucas said apologetically.

"It’s fine."

"What about your youngest son? I haven’t seen him in ten years. He doesn’t attend any gatherings with noble children, and he doesn’t seem to be here either. Is he alright?" Lucas asked with concren in his tone.

"He’s fine. He’s just—" before Edward could finish—

Asher entered the banquet in casual clothes, picked up some food, and started heading back while everyone’s eyes were glued to him.

Before leaving, he turned back once and said, "What? Never seen a hungry guy before? Stop staring at me like I’m stealing something."

Then he disappeared.

...

People looked bewildered for a moment before gradually returning to their conversations—though many began discussing Asher.

"Who was he?" someone asked Aron, whose expression hadn’t changed in the slightest, as if this were completely normal.

"He’s Asher—my younger brother. He’s just like that. Don’t mind his words; he likes to joke."

After hearing Aron’s explanation, everyone resumed what they were doing.

"He seems more than fine," Lucas said with a small laugh.

"He’s attending the academy this year as well?"

"Yeah."

"The Pope’s grandson and a princess are also attending this year," Lucas added.

"I know. That’s why I announced Aron as the heir now—to keep him from getting entangled in politics," Edward said, a hint of worry on his face.

"Don’t worry, nothing will happen to him," Lucas said, patting Edward’s shoulder.

"I’m not worried about him. The academy is under that old monster, so no faction can act within its grounds. I’m more concerned about what he might do to them if they provoke him," Edward said with a sigh.

Lucas was slightly confused by Edward’s words but didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he asked, "Why are there no major figures from the royal family or the Church here? And why didn’t Duke Viremont attend, sending his wife instead?"

"Lady Olivia has gone missing, so the royal family and the Church are busy clashing with each other. The Church claims it’s the royal family’s doing."

"As for Duke Viremont, he is in seclusion, trying to break through to Immortal rank, so he couldn’t attend."

"So that’s the reason," Lucas said in understanding.

House Viremont is the third ducal house, known for its use of dark magic such as curses and necromancy.

Its family head, Draven Viremont, has white hair and blue eyes. He has two sons—one aged twenty-two and the other fifteen, who will also attend the academy this year.

And then soon banquet came to an end.