The ride was smooth, and they eventually arrived at the venue of the event: the Red Manor, which belonged solely to Duchess dela Rouge. It was an impressive four-story manor made from white stone, quartz, and slabs of polished adamantine. A few decorative vines would climb the walls of the manor.
The pathway welcomed visitors with an array of bushes and varying types of red flowers. CK remembers the place vaguely, except there was a pavilion built close to the gardens surrounding the manor, slightly dense with people dressed in fancy clothing.
The Vincenzo carriage descended gracefully with the tamed maneuvers of the carriage amphipteres, temporarily attracting attention from nearby people. Dressed servants approached the carriage, opening the doors for the newly-arrived family, giving polite greetings, and tending to the carriage as if following a pre-written script.
The venue was impressive and so were the people. Dresses made from silks and satin, faces adorned with expensive make-up, and women garbed in flattering jewelries while the men wore cuff links and brooches.
"Amore," Flavio extended his hand to Isabella, assisting her in descending the carriage. CK left the carriage last, also allowing Flavio to lead her by the hand.
Her gaze wandered around more observantly. The table cloth was red, the chalices were stained glass, and red fabrics draped from the pavilion columns.
"It's all…red," CK commented. "Red is the signature color of the Duchess. I see she won't make adjustments for the visiting nobles from other cities," Flavio chuckled.
Their gazes were fleeting as they looked upon the surroundings. Despite the density of the crowd, it was easy to tell who the visitors were and who were the nobles of Rouge City. Those under the Duchess would wear hints of red in their clothing, and there were nobles in the reserved areas of the venue wearing golden fabrics and shades of blue. They stood out in a very subtle sense, and perhaps it was deliberately made that way.
"The Duchess is very passive-aggressive," CK muttered. "She hasn't changed, has she?" Isabella giggled lightly.
"Ah, Count Vincenzo! I was wondering who might be accompanied by two lovely ladies and attracting such envious stares."
The family turned, seeing a man dressed in a maroon suit and a friendly grin. Recognition sparked in CK's eyes as her parents responded with equal amity.
"You flatter me, Marquis Lochlainn," Isabella smiled primly. "Oh, but where is the lie?" Marquis Lochlainn mused.
'This is Sasha's father,' CK thought in remembrance. House Lochlainn and House Vincenzo were good family friends due to the current patriarchs being comrades in their youth. It seems they still kept their relationships tight until today.
"It's good to see you well, Marquis. Still, I'm surprised you came to the induction. Where is the Marquess? I remember she was adamant in refusing the invitation," Flavio asked, making a friendly but firm handshake with the Marquis.
"She's sulking at our table. We can't say no if the invitation comes from the Duchess herself," Marquis Lochlainn said wryly. His gaze turned to CK next, his brows raising in intrigue.
"And who might be the lovely, young lady accompanying you both?" he said and held his chin, "Pardon me, my lady, but you look quite familiar. Have we met before?"
"One of Flavio's love children perhaps?" Isabella joked. "Impossible, my Countess! The Count hasn't had children in years, and she looks just like you," Marquis Lochlainn said in disbelief while Flavio sighed at his wife's antics.
"It's CK, Marquis Lochlainn. Don't you remember me?" CK asked with a smile. The Marquis' eyes widened in shock, "CK?! My word, is it really? It's been years since we've last seen you, my dear! You've grown so much!"
The slight raise of the Marquis' shocked voice surfaced above the midst of hushed whispers begging to avoid attention. His words made a few heads turn, eyes glancing discreetly at their direction.
Several gazes fell on the Count first, then upon the unfamiliar young lady that took after Countess Isabella's image. Quick to feel the sudden attention, the Count cleared his throat.
"Ehem. Your voice, Marquis," Flavio muttered. "Oops… Sorry, haha. Couldn't help myself," the Marquis grinned apologetically.
CK blinked upon feeling more eyes turning towards her direction. But upon looking around, the gazes averted, and the nobles resumed to speaking among themselves. Still, the conversation has taken a turn.
"I didn't know Count Vincenzo had a child."
"He did, but rumors said she died a long time ago."
'Whimsical rumors—just like what papa said,' CK thought as her attention fell on the food trays carried around by waiters and waitresses. She shouldn't have expected to go unnoticed during a social event.
"Hehe," Isabella giggled, her mysterious smile hidden behind her feathered fan. However, the chatters and murmurs fell silent after the delicate sounds of a fork clinking against a chalice echoed across the venue.
All eyes turned to the pavilion. Upon the stage stood Duchess dela Rouge, her curly ebony hair adorned with flowers seemingly made from frozen crystals. Exquisite ornaments adorned her cervitaur hooves, and she was dressed in carnelian red—a dress delicately fashioned to compliment both her human bodice and cervitaur features.
Her russet gaze fell on the guests, her silence easily beckoning them to be silent. Taking this cue, Marquis Lochlainn turned to Flavio.
"Let's talk some more later on, Count Flavio," he said. "We should," Flavio smiled, and the Marquis gave CK a brief smile before returning to his designated table.
The venue was deathly silent. Only then did the Duchess decide to speak. She smiled.
"From my beloved subjects to the honorable guests from the neighboring cities, I warmly welcome you to tonight's ball of recognition. Another year ends for us and for the Academy of Dreams, but we are once again honored to meet another set of Talekeepers—younglings that poured their blood, sweat, and tears to get to where they are. Tonight, we recognize their efforts," Duchess dela Rouge stated and gestured to the side.
A spotlight shone on the pavilion, focusing the attention on the ten people standing by the side: a couple of girls and boys around CK's age. They were all dressed in flattering clothing to match the occasion, but the academy crest was attached to their chests.
'Mama wasn't joking. Their numbers really are within counting fingers. That huge academy could only let go of ten people this year?' CK wondered. Malphas mused.
"It was a difficult decision for the Academy to change its old ways in the pursuit of progress and higher purpose. Not long ago, the students voiced injustice and discontent. But this year, like the previous ones, it is once again proved that only the fittest and the worthiest are ready to bear the power of dreams and shape our society for the better… At least, these are the academy's sentiments. But one thing we shall all agree upon tonight is that good, honest work should be rewarded," the Duchess spoke and turned towards the VIP table, "Monsieur Lumiere, I invite you to the front to present your tokens of recognition to the graduates."
Seated at the luxurious VIP table was a lone, slender figure of a man in white, gold, and red. A round of applause echoed as he stood up and approached the pavilion stage. CK watched curiously as golden wisps of light followed and hovered around him. Being able to condense light with that much brilliance was an impressive feat.
However, that is to be expected. CK recognized the man as Lumiere, a direct subordinate to one of the highest-ranking members of the Marchen. He was also known as the Candelabra Lightmaster. A man of such position is required to be an expert with magic.
Lumiere nodded politely at Duchess dela Rouge before standing at the center. He gestured a hand towards the graduates and smiled.
"Kneel, noble ones," he said. The family obliged, kneeling before him and bowing their heads. The wisps of light behind Lumiere brightened before hovering above their heads. CK watched as thin strands of energy emerged from Lumiere's hand and surrounded the graduates.
"You have exhibited excellence and resilience, and that is no easy feat. Under the sanction of the Marchen, you are eligible to take your place as nobles in society as Viscounts and Viscountesses. With this honor comes the responsibility of swearing allegiance to the Marchen and its delegate cities," Lumiere spoke, "Do you accept?"
"We do and shall dedicate our lives to service," the graduates murmured in chorus. The wisps integrated into their bodies, and the academy crests morphed into brooches of a distinct insignia—a sign of true nobles in Kelter.
The applause resounded once more, and the graduates stood back up. Looks of satisfaction and pride were on their faces. They bowed to Lumiere in sync.
"We thank the Candelabra Lightmaster for this blessing," they said. Lumiere smiled and nodded, "Once again, congratulations."
The applause continued to feed the dreamy atmosphere. House Vincenzo clapped politely, but CK's gaze was questioning and curious. What kind of effect would those orbs do to the Talekeepers?
The Candelabra Lightmaster's kind smile stretched ever so slightly. Then, his gaze darted to the audience, immediately meeting the pair of emerald eyes staring at him.
CK's brows rose. He caught her staring. She averted her gaze and turned to the Talekeepers instead. But Lumiere continued to stare, a smile turning into a smirk.
"Strange," CK nodded and mumbled silently, "I know that the Marchen and the Academy of Dreams work together, but to grant titles in exchange of working for the Marchen… It's almost like an arrangement."
"Lower your voice, mi Esmeralda," Isabella whispered, "It is wise to save your suspicions and thoughts until the event is over."
CK fell silent at her mother's chiding. But although told to be silent, none of her parents refuted her concerns. CK watched as the graduates smiled and waved at those who came to greet them.
'My parents must be thinking the same thing, too', CK thought as she glanced at Flavio's and Isabella's calm demeanors. They didn't come here to congratulate the graduating Talekeepers. They came to observe.