The study was enveloped in an heavy silence.

Cedric sat motionless as he processed everything he had learned over the course of the morning. Suddenly, everything now seemed far more complicated that it had been only a few hours ago.

He had entered the Gilded Crown concerned only about Maverick’s return. But now that issue seemed insignificant compared to the looming uncertainty surrounding the throne... OR was it?

Cedric frowned slightly as he thought deeply. After all, House Valehart’s future remained tied to Maverick regardless of what happened within the royal family.

Eventually, the young noble exhaled softly, then he asked. "So, what about the issue of Maverick?"

Seraphina’s eyes shifted toward him as Cedric continued. "Now, I know that you told me not to worry about it, but i simply can’t help myself."

His fingers around the armrest of the chair tightened slightly as he spoke further. "In fact, the very reason I agreed to meet with the Third Princess in the first place was because of this matter."

A slight crease formed between the noble lady’s delicate brows as she asked in a measured tone. "You told her about Maverick?"

Cedric nodded his head. "Yes, I did."

"And what was her reply?"

A weary sigh escaped his lips as he replied. "She said that there was nothing she could do about it..."

His expression darkened slightly as he spoke further.

"You know, with everything happening inside the royal family, she doesn’t have the freedom to interfere in House Valehart’s affairs right now."

Seraphina wasn’t actually surprised by her response. If anything, she had expected exactly that answer.

The Third Princess was intelligent; in fact, she was even more intelligent than most people gave her credit for.

If the king truly stood on death’s footstep, then Princess Aerolia would naturally prioritize matters concerning the royal family above everything else, including her bond with house Valehart.

For several heartbeats, neither of them spoke, until eventually, Cedric leaned forward slightly.

"Still, isn’t there something we can do about it?"

His tone carried a trace of frustration as he voiced the question. His golden gaze settled firmly on his mother as he continued.

"I just can’t seem to relax ever since you told me about Maverick’s imminent return."

There was a brief pause, then he added seriously. "Especially with my Rites Of Chivalry approaching..."

The atmosphere shifted slightly the moment he uttered those words. Lady Seraphina’s expression became more serious, her eyes gleaming with sharpness as she replied.

"Cedric... I already told you not to concern yourself with that matter."

Her voice remained calm and measured, yet there was an unmistakable firmness within it.

"If I am telling you not to worry, then you really shouldn’t."

She folded her arms atop the desk and leaned forward before speaking with a warm smile.

"At the very least, you should be able to trust the words of your mother, shouldn’t you?"

Cedric didn’t immediately give a response. Instead, his eyes remained fixed upon her for several moments as he evaluated her assurance.

Eventually, the tension left his shoulders and a slow breath escaped his lips...

"If you say so." The young noble acquiesced. "Then I trust you completely. And I’ll leave Maverick’s matter in your hands."

Seraphina inclined her head slightly. "That’s my boy... So, is that all?"

The young noble hesitated briefly. Then a different expression appeared in his face. This one was far more youthful and carrying anticipation rather than concern.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he replied. "Actually, I wanted to also ask about the preparations for my first Chivalry. You know, the Chivalry of the First Quarry..."

Immediately after he spoke, the atmosphere softened as the tension which had dominated the study for much of their discussion dissipated instantly.

Seraphina’s expression grew warmer and more maternal as she answered. "You also don’t need to worry about that."

Leaning her back against her chair comfortably, she continued.

"The preparations are progressing smoothly. In fact, your father has personally taken charge of overseeing every detail."

There was a hint of pride in her voice when she gave a response.

Hearing that, Cedric’s eyes brightened. "Really?"

Seraphina nodded gracefully. "That’s right. He refuses to leave anything to chance."

A small chuckle escaped her lips as she added. "You know how he gets whenever the House’s prestige is involved in matters such as this."

Cedric couldn’t help smiling when he heard her words. That sounded exactly like his father.

Lord Valdric Valehart might appear dignified and composed before outsiders, but when it comes to matters involving the House’s reputation, he becomes exceptionally meticulous.

This had been one of the reasons he chose to exile you-know-who just to preserve House Valehart’s prestige amongst the other Great Houses...

Cedric relaxed slightly, letting out a long sigh of relief before answering. "That’s good. Because I wouldn’t want anything to go wrong on the day of my debut."

Seraphina’s smile widened. "You should put your mind at ease. Nothing will go wrong..."

Her green eyes shone with confidence as she added.

"If anything, your knightly debut will be remembered for years. You see, guests from numerous noble Houses have already accepted their invitations, representatives from the royal family are expected, the finest craftsmen in Valor are working on the decorations, and the banquet on the eve of your debut would likely be the talk of the capital."

A spark of excitement lit up within Cedric’s golden eyes as he asked. "And what about the tournament? I really want to know more about it."

Seraphina’s smile became almost amused as she looked at her son. "You truly are eager for that part, aren’t you?"

"Of course." Cedric laughed softly.

The Rites Of Chivalry represented more than a celebration or trial. Instead, they marked his official emergence into the political stage and his chance to showcase his talents to the whole kingdom.

This was also his opportunity to cement his reputation amongst the younger generation of Valoria’s Awakeners.

Since his awakening, he had prepared for this moment, so naturally, he looked forward to it more than anyone else.

Seraphina’s voice maintained its soft intonation as she added. "I promise you that your debut would be glorious. It may even surpass many of the historical ceremonies held by our House in previous generations."

Cedric blinked, then a wide grin spread across his face. "Well, you’ve promised me. So I’ll hold you to your words, mother."

A quiet laugh escaped his mother’s lips. "Don’t worry. I fully intend to keep my promise..."

The conversation lingered for a few moments longer before Cedric finally rose from his chair. Straightening his clothes, he offered a respectful bow.

"Well, mother. I shall excuse myself now."

Seraphina nodded slightly. "Okay. Take care of yourself."

"I will."

And with that reply, Cedric turned and walked toward the enormous doors. His footsteps slowly receded before they closed behind him with a muted click.

Seraphina’s gaze lingered on the closed doors for several moments. Then slowly, the warmth on her face faded until only cold calculation remained in its place.

Her fingers tapped lightly against the desk, their rhythm echoing softly throughout the chamber.

The king was dying...

That single truth changed everything so far. If the throne weakened, then the Kingdom would inevitably descend into uncertainty... And amidst all that chaos, House Valehart would need to survive... Or better still, rise.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she deliberated...

But before any of that could happen, there remained another problem to take care of; a more immediate one... Maverick and Goldric Valehart.

These father and son duo were irritations she could not possibly ignore.

It had been two days... Two full days since she had sent correspondence to House Noctivane and yet, no reply had arrived. There was no message nor confirmation that her letter had been received... And that silence bothered her more than she cared to admit.

House Noctivane was many things, but slow wasn’t one of them. If they had succeeded, they should have responded; and likewise, if they had failed, they should also have responded.

Either way, she should have heard something by now. And yet there was nothing.

And somehow... Seraphina couldn’t shake the feeling that something has gone wrong somewhere.

Her fingers stopped tapping and slowly, she reached for a fresh sheet of parchment across the desk.

She picked up her quill, dipped it in the inkwell, then lowered the top onto the page. Dark ink flowed smoothly across the parchment and the first words she wrote were quite simple.

House Noctivane...