Sylrick no longer looked like the boy she remembered. His frame had filled out with strength and discipline, shaped by years away from court and noble life. His blood red hair, slightly longer than before, had been neatly styled but not completely tamed. A few strands brushed across his pale forehead, drawing more attention to the sharpness of his golden eyes. He wore a sophisticated black and gold suit, marking with the insignia of his battalion — earned through service, not inherited.
But what hadn't changed was the way he watched people. Always observant and calculating.
"You still recognize me, don't you, Archduchess?" he asked teasingly.
"We both know I do," Kayona replied with a forced smile.
The noblewoman who had been speaking with Kayona earlier finally stepped forward, gently inserting herself into the moment.
She was slender, nearly Kayona's height, but with a much paler complexion that stood out beneath the ballroom lights. Her long, straight hair fell past her waist in soft pink strands, and her emerald eyes held a poised stillness that spoke of years spent navigating courtrooms and corridors lined with power.
"Congratulations on completing your military training, Lord Sylrick," she said sweetly, her eyes lingering a moment longer than necessary. "I am Lady Alissia Verriton."
Alissia Verriton.
The name stirred something faint in Kayona's memory.
Oh wait. Weboth attended the same academy before I withdrew to be homeschooled and took on my responsibilities as Archduchess after my parents' deaths. Alissia had been one of Sylrick's many admirers back then. I wonder if he still remembers her.
House Verriton was one of the most powerful ducal houses in Valchevia, ranked directly under the three Archducal families. Their influence did not stem from soldiers or territory, but from something far more subtle and dangerous — control over the empire's finances, legal systems, and political secrets.
Their symbol was a quill and dagger balanced on a scale.
Their motto: Our Words Are Law.
"Thank you, Lady Verriton," Sylrick responded, his voice drained of warmth.
"Oh… uhm, if you remember, we attended the same classes years back? Back then…" Alissia trailed off, her tone growing hopeful.
"Forgive me, Lady Verriton," he interrupted gently, "but I don't really remember attending classes with you."
Yikes.
Come on, Alissia, it's Sylrick Kartegen we're talking about.
Kayona held back a snort, almost feeling bad for her.
Almost.
Back in the academy, Alissia hadn't exactly been pleasant to be around. Even a psycho like Aleho Geerich couldn't stand her — and his social skills were practically off the charts.
As if summoned by thought alone, a familiar voice rang out confidently from across the ballroom.
"Are we having a school reunion in my absence?"
Speak of the devil.
In unison, Alissia, Sylrick and Kayona turned their heads toward the voice.
Time had completely changed Aleho Geerich's appearance. Now twenty-three, just like Sylrick, he stepped out from the crowd with easy confidence, the same familiar smirk playing on his lips. His brown skin glowed under the chandelier light, smooth and unbothered, a perfect contrast to the deep burgundy of his suit. His dark green hair was slicked back with practiced care. His crimson eyes sparkled with mischief as they swept over the group, bold and unapologetic, unmistakably him.
"Hello, old friends!" he called out in a playful tone.
He stopped beside Sylrick and casually slung an arm around his shoulders, still wearing that confident smile.
Alissia stared at Aleho with open disdain, making no effort to acknowledge him.
Kayona, on the other hand, beamed. "Lord Geerich, don't make me laugh," she said lightly. "We both know we're far from being friends. You and Lord Sylrick Kartegen, perhaps, but certainly not all four of us."
Smooth, Kayona. Insult the best friend of the man you want to marry. Excellent start.
She softened her tone. "But… it's not too late to be friends now."
Alissia and Sylrick looked surprised, while Aleho burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"You know, I still have the scar from the time you stabbed me with a pen," Aleho said, pointing to the button-shaped mark on his cheek.
Alissia turned to Kayona, then back to Aleho, clearly puzzled. "The Archduchess did that?"
"You got what you deserved," Sylrick finally said.
He's not wrong. You obviously needed it. But… does Sylrick really have no grudge against me?
Kayona thought.
"Archduchess, may I have the honor of your first dance tonight?" Sylrick asked, offering his hand with a low bow.
Perfect. An open opportunity.
"Of course, Lord Sylrick,"
He took her hand, pressing a polite kiss to her knuckles while keeping his eyes locked on hers. "Thank you."
"Thank you," he said quietly.
They stepped into the flow of the dancing crowd, elegant and composed, leaving behind a silence that snapped both Alissia and Aleho out of their thoughts.
"Oh my," Alissia murmured, eyes still locked on them. "That wasn't on my bingo card."
Aleho turned to her with a grin. "Lady Verriton, you should worry more about preserving the last dignity you have left."
Alissia blinked, her voice cold. "What's that supposed to mean, Lord Geerich?"
"You're embarrassing yourself," Aleho said, still smiling. "Drooling over a man who doesn't even look at you."
Not waiting for a response, Aleho straightened up and walked away.
"How annoying," Alissia scoffed, snatching a flute of champagne from a passing server.
Sylrick held Kayona's hand as he led her into the dancing crowd. The music had already been playing, but the moment they stepped in, the air shifted. Some nobles paused to watch. Others kept dancing, pretending not to.