By the time the luncheon finally drew to a close, Riven felt as though he had learned more about the Empire in a single afternoon than he had during several months of reading.
Between Baron Henderson and Baroness Melina’s constant discussions regarding politics, commerce, noble customs, military affairs, and territorial administration, he had gradually begun forming a much clearer picture of how the Eastern Province truly functioned beyond the pages of history books.
He now understood what the Eastern dialect sounded like when spoken naturally between nobles.
He had observed the countless unwritten rules governing formal dining etiquette.
Even the opinions they casually expressed regarding various political and social issues helped him understand how the nobility generally viewed subjects that Lucius had previously taught him only in theory.
Although Riven spoke relatively little throughout the luncheon, he found himself enjoying every moment of it.
Simply listening to experienced rulers exchange ideas proved far more educational than memorising another dozen books.
Sophia, on the other hand, experienced the afternoon rather differently.
When the luncheon first began, she had eagerly searched for opportunities to join the conversation, occasionally leaning forward whenever a topic interested her.
However, by the time dessert arrived upon the table, that enthusiasm had all but disappeared.
Whenever she attempted to speak, the discussion naturally drifted back towards matters that only the adults possessed enough experience to debate properly, leaving her with little opportunity to contribute anything meaningful.
As a result, she gradually became quieter with every passing course, until by the end of the meal, she rested her chin upon one hand while absentmindedly pushing her dessert around the plate with her spoon.
Compared to her growing frustration, Riven displayed remarkable patience throughout.
Even after several hours of conversation, he continued listening with genuine curiosity, asking thoughtful questions whenever something puzzled him and carefully committing every answer to memory.
Only after the final course had been cleared away did he slowly rise from his seat.
"Thank you for joining me today."
He said, as he politely inclined his head towards both Bannermen.
"The pleasure was entirely ours, Young Lord," Baroness Melina replied with a warm smile before setting down her teacup. "If you do not have any pressing engagements this afternoon, perhaps we might continue our conversation over tea."
For a brief moment, Riven appeared tempted.
Internally he did want to chat some more and learn some more, however, the Duke’s warning then rang in his ears.
’They are your underlings....’
Riven could almost hear him say, and hence, he decided that this was the point where he drew the line.
"Perhaps another time, my Lady."
He answered apologetically.
"Unfortunately, I already have another engagement scheduled for this evening."
"I understand."
Baroness Melina replied with an understanding nod.
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
With the luncheon now concluded, Riven exchanged one final round of courteous farewells before quietly taking his leave.
He did not linger unnecessarily, nor did he attempt to force familiarity where it had not yet naturally formed.
Instead, he spent exactly enough time with his Father’s Bannermen to make them feel respected without becoming overbearing, leaving behind an impression of quiet confidence, impeccable manners, and genuine humility.
As the doors of the luncheon hall slowly closed behind him, Baron Henderson found himself smiling faintly.
"I rather like the boy."
He admitted.
"So do I."
Baroness Melina agreed without hesitation.
"He carries himself far better than what one would expect of someone who has grown outside noble civilization."
She noted, as neither of them realised, that Riven was not actually a noble at all.
However, while the two of them were merely impressed with Riven, the person whose opinion had changed the most that afternoon was actually Sophia.
The same luncheon she had expected to be painfully dull had instead left her surprisingly eager for the future, as after actually meeting Riven, she found herself genuinely looking forward to entering the Imperial Academy with him.
’You are unlike any boy I’ve met before, Riven Dawnriver.....’
She thought, as although she hated to admit it, she felt slightly disappointed at the fact that Riven would not accompany them over tea.
—----------
(Meanwhile, within Drew Dawnriver’s private study)
"So.... What do you think of the boy? Archimedes?"
Drew asked the old looking man with white beard, as Archimedes stroked his chin slowly and gazed aimlessly in the distance.
"I think the storm in him is strong."
Archimedes replied in a voice that sounded very different to the one he used when he was posing within the white castle as the mere librarian.
As unbeknownst to most, Archimedes was not in fact the librarian, but rather the strongest warrior within the Eastern Province, a Paragon Tier Ascendant, who was the Duchy’s greatest hidden asset.
"I do believe that he is a Stormborn. And that, given the right nurturing he can be developed into a powerful warrior that will strike fear into the hearts of our enemies.
But, I also think that he doesn’t have the raw aggression that your other sons possessed.
The boy is stable headed, cautious, and courageous.
Which are all admirable qualities.
But he doesn’t have the Dawnriver aggression.
Whether it’s because he was born a slave and forced into servitude most of his life.
Or something else, I don’t know.
But the kid is not the type to start trouble."
The Ascendant noted, as Drew nodded in agreement.
"So what is your final verdict on him?"
He asked, rather impatiently, as Archimedes let out a long sigh.
"My final verdict on the boy is that he’s near perfect.
The ideal noble, with a powerful affinity, who will think twice before he makes a stupid mistake.
Ordinarily, I would not touch a golden child like that.
If anything, I would go beyond my means to shelter him.
But, if your goal is for him to become an arrogant snob who will make enemies out of the whole academy, and still manage to defeat all of them.
Then no.
I think he’s far too likeable still for that.
Ordinarily, I would be completely against throwing a child into a prison with some of the most nefarious criminals.
But, if you want to give him more edge, I think a month in the castle gallows before he goes off to the academy will roughen him up nicely."
Archimedes suggested, as Drew smiled in relief.
He had been worried that Archimedes would not approve of his methods, however, since the man had signed off on it, Drew no longer had any qualms about sending Riven to the gallows anymore.