(Meanwhile, inside the Luncheon Hall, Sophia Mellow’s POV)
Sophia Mellow was the thirteen-year-old daughter of Baroness Melina Mellow, and if there was one place she did not wish to spend her afternoon, it was inside the White Castle attending a luncheon with a boy she had never met.
Ever since the news of House Dawnriver suddenly producing a previously unknown heir had spread across the Eastern Province, her mother had spoken of little else.
Again and again, she had reminded Sophia to behave herself.
Again and again, she had explained that House Mellow’s prosperity depended upon maintaining the favour of House Dawnriver.
And although she had never explicitly said it, from the way she tried to hint it, Sophia understood that her mother wanted her to become best of friends or even a potential lover to Riven Dawnriver, so that the bond between their houses could strengthen even more.
"Do you think I was able to expand Feybridge City from a population of 1 million to a population of 3.6 million on my own?
The favor of a Dawnriver is worth its weight in gold.
So if you get a chance, you better hug his thighs for life...."
Melina had told her, as Sophia could feel nothing but disgust at her suggestion.
At thirteen years of age, she already stood nearly five feet six inches tall, towering over almost every boy she had ever met.
Most boys her age struck her as loud, immature, overly competitive, and desperate to impress others with meaningless accomplishments.
If anything, she had been rather disappointed upon learning that the Duke himself would not be attending this luncheon, as compared to children her own age, Sophia had always preferred the company of older, wiser individuals whose accomplishments had already earned her admiration.
The thought of spending an afternoon making pleasant conversation with another noble child seemed painfully dull.
Still...
Her mother had insisted.
So here she was.
Standing quietly beside Baron Henderson and Baroness Melina Mellow as they waited for the Young Duke’s arrival.
Several moments later, the luncheon hall doors slowly opened.
Sophia instinctively turned towards the entrance.
And for the briefest of moments...
She found herself genuinely surprised.
The boy who entered bore little resemblance to the childish image she had imagined in her mind.
Standing 5 foot 10 and dressed in elegant Dawnriver robes tailored perfectly to his frame, Riven walked with calm, measured steps that displayed neither arrogance nor uncertainty, while radiating nobility.
More surprisingly still, there wasn’t the slightest trace of nervousness upon his face despite entering a room occupied entirely by experienced nobles decades older than himself.
"Greetings, Young Duke."
The three visitors greeted together before lowering themselves into respectful forty-five-degree bows.
Riven calmly acknowledged the greeting before returning a graceful thirty-degree bow of his own.
"Greetings, Baron Henderson.
Greetings, Baroness Mellow.
Thank you both for accepting Father’s invitation."
His voice carried an unexpected depth and gentleness that immediately left a favourable impression upon everyone present.
Only then did Baroness Melina gently gesture towards Sophia.
"My Lord, allow me to introduce my daughter, Sophia."
Sophia stepped forward before lightly lifting the sides of her skirt and performing a courteous greeting.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Young Duke."
She said politely.
"Likewise, Lady Sophia."
Riven replied simply.
Without allowing the introduction to linger unnecessarily, he turned slightly towards the dining table.
"Our chef has informed me that today’s luncheon is among his finest preparations.
Please...
Let us enjoy the meal while getting to know one another."
The invitation immediately eased much of the initial stiffness lingering within the room.
Soon afterwards, everyone took their seats.
Riven naturally occupied the head of the table, with Baron Henderson seated upon his right and Baroness Melina upon his left, while Sophia occupied the remaining place nearest the Baroness.
A few feet behind Riven stood his personal maid, quietly giving Sophia the side eye, that did not go unnoticed by the young woman.
Moments later, the first course arrived.
After personally explaining the preparation of the seasonal salad before them, the chef respectfully withdrew.
As etiquette demanded, nobody reached for their food until Riven carefully picked up his utensils, neatly divided the meal into small portions, and calmly tasted the first bite.
Only then did everyone else begin eating.
Conversation naturally followed.
"My Lord," Baron Henderson began, "I must first apologise. Ordinarily I make it a point to study everyone I meet beforehand. Unfortunately, despite making every reasonable effort, I discovered remarkably little regarding either yourself or your late mother. If it would not offend you, perhaps you might tell us a little about your upbringing."
Riven gave a small nod, having expected precisely this question.
"There is nothing to apologise for, Lord Henderson," he replied calmly. "The truth is rather simple. I was born to one of Father’s mistresses, a noblewoman whom he never formally acknowledged as his wife. Although my birth remains legitimate by Imperial law, Father believed that publicly revealing either my existence or my mother’s identity too early would expose both of us to unnecessary danger. Because of that, I spent my childhood beyond the Empire’s borders, in the forests near Stoneville, where I was raised under the guidance of a wandering Ascendant."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"My household was exceedingly modest. Apart from my mother, we lived alongside only two servants and a single guard. It was not a luxurious upbringing, nor was I introduced to noble society in the manner most children of my station would ordinarily experience."
A faint smile appeared upon his face.
"Truthfully, there remains a great deal I have yet to learn, and I fully expect to rely upon the wisdom of respected seniors such as yourselves while I continue that education.
Father has already decided that I shall attend the Imperial Academy next year, and I hope that by the time I graduate, I shall finally possess the qualifications expected of a proper noble."
He answered, as both Baron Henderson and Baroness Melina exchanged a subtle glance.
The composure with which the young boy spoke, together with his willingness to acknowledge his own shortcomings without diminishing his dignity, left an unexpectedly favourable impression upon them.
"My daughter will also be entering the Imperial Academy next year," Baroness Melina said with a warm smile before gently nudging Sophia beneath the table.
Sophia immediately understood what her mother expected and after a moment’s hesitation, she reluctantly spoke.
"Perhaps... we could become friends before the Academy begins."
She shrugged lightly.
"Although I suppose someone of your status might not find much value in befriending a mere Baron’s daughter."
She said sarcastically, as though testing Riven, however, although Riven noticed it, he did not acknowledge the barb.
"Friends are always welcome, Lady Sophia."
He answered evenly.
"As I mentioned earlier, I spent most of my life completely removed from noble society. Until only recently, I scarcely understood what my own title truly meant. Naturally, after arriving within House Dawnriver, I have come to appreciate the responsibilities attached to my position, but I sincerely hope that understanding those responsibilities never causes me to mistake courtesy for weakness or status for superiority."
His gaze briefly shifted towards both Bannermen.
"Baroness Mellow has faithfully served House Dawnriver for decades. Baron Henderson’s family has stood beside mine for generations. Father himself has spoken highly of both your Houses."
He inclined his head respectfully.
"Anyone whom Father values deserves my respect as well."
A calm confidence settled over the table.
"A Dawnriver remembers every debt."
He concluded.
"Whether that debt was created through kindness...
Or through revenge."
Silence briefly followed.
Then Baroness Melina smiled before softly applauding.
"Well said, Young Lord."
She praised warmly, while casting Sophia a meaningful glance that immediately conveyed her disapproval of the earlier remark.
Sophia quietly lowered her eyes.
Perhaps...
This luncheon was not going to be nearly as boring as she had first imagined, as after listening to Riven speak for a while, Sophia came to like him slightly.
"The next course, if you please."
Riven requested, as with the introduction complete, he gestured for the servants to change the entree and bring the second course.