# Chapter 5: The Gilded Gaze
*As the grand gates of the Palace of Auria swung open, Ryan's eyes widened in disbelief.*
**Ryan (in mind):**
*What the fucking hell is this!! It is exactly same as I saw in those fantasy manhwas.*
*He entered with his whole family. Instantly, everybody's attention diverted to them, murmurs rising across the crowd.*
**Noble 1:**
"Is that House Ravenshade? The second most powerful family after the King!"
**Noble 2:**
"And we never expected lazy Ryan to show up here."
**Noble 3:**
"Look at him! Is that really the lazy heir's face? How can that be?"
**Noble 4:**
"Oh, but he's so handsome!"
**Noble 5:**
"This must be some mistake! The rumors never said he'd actually attend."
*Among the murmurs, from House Alistan, a boy about Ryan's age stepped forward with a confident grin.*
**Aldric Alistan:**
"I am Aldric Alistan.Are you the Rumoured lazy Ravenshade, who always lays on bed. How come you got the face to show your face here?"
*Some girls from House Alistan, standing nearby, giggled quietly, clearly amazed at Ryan's presence and his striking good looks.*
**Cordelia Alistan (Aldric's sister, blushing):**
*[quietly amazed, but silent]*
**Aldric to his sister
"Why is your face red cordelia?"
**Cordelia (slightly blushing and hiding her face ):**
"nothing brother, its just that the temprature is a bit high ."
*Ryan's gaze flickered toward Aldric, and his internal Status Window appeared:*
**Status Window — Visible only to Ryan**
**Aldric Alistan**
Class: Swordsman
Strength: A
Agility: B+
Charisma: B
Magic Power: —
Aura: A-
Reputation: Proud Heir of House Alistan
** Aldric**
"I hope you get a partner for the dance. And yeah, I assume you have read the letter? If you reject my challenge, then know your house reputation is on the line too."
**Ryan (casual):**
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. See you soon."
*Aldric bristles with anger at Ryan's nonchalance.*
**Aldric (quiet rage):**
"You just wait for the duel. I will humiliate you in front of everyone."
*Meanwhile, many nobles flock toward Parichat Ravenshade, seeking favors and greetings.*
**Noblewoman:**
"Duke Parichat, your victories inspire us all."
**Nobleman:**
"May we find your favor today."
*Then a herald's voice boomed through the grand hall.*
**Herald:**
"His Majesty King Callius Varyn, queen, their daughter, and prince enter the hall!"
*The King, golden blonde hair shining, entered accompanied by his queen and their two children — the princess of the same age as Ryan and a prince just a year older.*
*Everyone bowed deeply as the King spoke.*
**King Callius Varyn:**
"Tonight we celebrate unity, strength, and legacy."
*Ryan's gaze met the King's, and his Status Window appeared immediately:*
**Status Window — Visible only to Ryan**
**King Callius Varyn**
Class: Archmage
Strength:A
Agility:B
Charisma:A
Magic Power:SS
Aura: —
Reputation: Supreme Monarch
*Parichat approached the King.*
**Parichat:**
"Your Majesty, always an honor."
**King Callius:**
"Parichat, old friend. It pleases me to see your family thriving again."
*During their conversation, the King's gaze sharpened.*
**King Callius:**
"We have some important guests to announce."
*A new announcement echoed.*
**Herald:**
"the Queen Elenya of Sylfenya and her daughter enter, accompanied by royal knights!"
*The court gasped in awe.*
**Noble 1:**
"The Queen of Elves? This is unprecedented!"
**Noble 2:**
"She never visits human courts!"
*The Queen of Elves and her daughter entered gracefully. Everyone watched, shocked.*
*The Queen and daughter took their seats reserved for foreign monarchs.*
*Ryan's gaze fell upon the Queen of Elves, and his Status Window displayed without delay:*
**Status Window — Visible only to Ryan**
**Queen Elenya of Sylfenya**
Class: High Mage (Nature/Illusion)
Strength: B
Agility: B+
Charisma: S
Magic Power: SS
Aura: —
Reputation: Regal, Mysterious
*Next, he noticed the Queen's daughter and his Status Window flickered again:*
**Status Window — Visible only to Ryan**
**Princess Leyra of Sylfenya**
Class: Mage (Illusion/Nature)
Strength: B+
Agility: B
Charisma: A-
Magic Power: A
Aura: —
Reputation: Timid Princess
*Then, unexpectedly, the Queen and her daughter waved at Ryan.*
*The hall buzzed.*
**Noble 3:**
"Why is the Elf Queen waving to that lazy Ravenshade? Do they know each other?"
*Lira whispered to Ryan.*
**Lira:**
"Brother, why is the Queen of Elves waving to you? How did you know her?"
**Ryan (embarrassed):**
"Oh! That… well, some things happened. All…"
**Lira (teasing):**
"Well, the princess is also beautiful."
**Ryan:**
"Don't tease me like that."
*Across the hall, Aldric's eyes darkened at how the girls and even the Queen are drawn to Ryan's presence.*
*Later, the King spoke again.*
**King Callius:**
"Who is that child the Queen of Elves knows so well?"
**Parichat:**
"He is my second son, Your Majesty."
*Ryan's gaze briefly returned to Parichat with a nod of respect—and his Status Window confirmed his father's notable stats.*
**Status Window — Visible only to Ryan**
**Parichat Ravenshade**
Class: Swordsman (Duke)
Strength: SS
Agility: A+
Charisma: A+
Magic Power: B
Aura: S
Reputation: Powerful Noble Lord
**King Callius (surprised):**
"Oh! So he is your second son. Why haven't you introduced him to me?"
*Parichat nodded toward Ryan.*
**Parichat:**
"This is my son."
*Ryan stepped forward, bowing deeply with respect.*
**Ryan:**
"Your Majesty. It is an honor"
After the introductions
## The Dance Invitations and Lira's Rescue
*Several noblewomen clustered closely around Ryan, their eyes bright with admiration and anticipation.*
**Noble Lady 1:**
"Lord Ryan, would you honor me with this dance?"
**Noble Lady 2:**
"No, please, me first! I've waited all season!"
**Noble Lady 3:**
"Your grace is unmatched, your presence like the morning sun—please dance with me!"
*Ryan found himself cornered, overwhelmed, and trying to keep his composure.*
**Ryan (muttering under his breath):**
"Is this how heroes in stories always die? Trampled by ballgowns…"
*Lira, watching the growing chaos with an amused grin, stepped forward decisively.*
**Lira (lightheartedly but firmly):**
"Ladies, forgive me—but my brother did promise me the first dance at his very first royal ball."
*With a slight curtsy and a playful smile, Lira extended her hand toward Ryan and gently but quickly pulled him away.*
*The noble ladies sighed and exchanged disappointed whispers, their attention diverted but still buzzing.*
**Ryan (quietly, to Lira, clearly relieved):**
"You're a lifesaver."
**Lira (grinning):**
"I figured you'd rather survive to the Academy arc."
*As the siblings moved together onto the dance floor, the entire hall watched in astonishment and admiration.*
**Noble onlooker 1:**
"Look at them! Such grace and beauty."
**Noble onlooker 2:**
"A perfect dance."
**Noble lady whispered:**
"The Ravenshades truly dazzle tonight."
*The music swirled, and Ryan and Lira spun with elegant ease, their synchronized steps commanding respect and envy.*
## Aldric's Formal Duel Challenge
*Some while after the dance, Aldric stepped forward and called out, his voice carrying across the hall.*
**Aldric:**
"Ryan Ravenshade! I formally challenge you to a duel!"
*All noble eyes shifted toward the duo, anticipation gripping the room.*
**Aldric (loudly, badmouthing Ryan):**
"You're all too familiar with his face now, but let me remind you: he is not fit for battle. This boy was a shut-in, lazy and weak! Meanwhile, I have been training since I was little, now a top second-year student at the Academy, and the pride of House Alistan."
*Several ladies who had swooned over Ryan whispered furiously in his defense.*
**Lady 1:**
"How can Aldric say such things? Ryan is not born for the battlefield, only for beauty."
**Lady 2:**
"Aldric may be the top student, but strength aren't everything."
**Lady 3:**
"But Ryan's strength? That's uncertain."
*Ryan's thoughts crystallized with calm determination.*
Ge accepted the duel without any second thought.
**Ryan (in mind):**
*Hm, it seems like my time has come to shine in front of all of them.*
*The hall went silent. The public was shocked that the shut-in accepted the duel challenge without hesitation.*
**King Callius (to Parichat):**
"Would your son be alright?"
**Parichat:**
"Your Majesty, you don't need to worry about my son. He still has my blood in his veins."
*The princess, prince, and the queen were all listening intently.*
## The Training Ground Duel
*By the King's announcement, all parties entered the training ground for the duel, staged for entertainment.*
*Ryan and Aldric each picked up wooden training swords.*
*Ryan's thoughts swirled.*
**Ryan (in mind):**
"Why are so many people here to watch us?"
*Aldric smiled coldly.*
**Aldric:**
"Now you've made a big mistake, Ryan, showing off in front of the ladies and pretending to be strong. If you beg me for mercy, I might give you a light beating."
**Ryan:**
"Is that so? We'll see that after the duel."
*The referee raised his hand.*
**Referee:**
"Ready..."
*Ryan's mind sharpened.*
**Ryan (in mind):**
"I also have a surprise prepared for all of them after these two months of training."
*Signal given.*
*Ryan disappeared from his position in an instant, teleporting silently behind Aldric, his back turned.*
*Aldric saw nothing.*
*At that moment, Aldric's training sword broke.*
*Gasps and shocked silence swept the crowd.*
*The princesses, king, Parichat, Damian, Lira, the Elven queen, and nobles all watched wide-eyed.*
*The crowd was spellbound both by Ryan's speed and audacity.*
*Many young ladies simultaneously blushed and stared in awe.*
**Ryan (to referee):**
"It is over, right?"
**Referee:**
"Ryan Ravenshade wins the duel."
**King Callius (amazed, to Parichat):**
"What have you been nurturing in your house, Parichat Ravenshade?"
**Parichat (slightly shocked):**
"Well... I am doubting myself now."
*The crowd's enthusiastic applause echoed as Ryan's presence and capability were finally recognized.*
*Ryan understood this moment was a true turning point in courtly politics, noble rivalries, and his own destiny.*
## Aldric's Thoughts
*As Ryan stood in the center of the training ground basking in cheers, Aldric clenched his fists, a storm of confusion and frustration raging inside.*
**Aldric (in his mind):**
*What... what just happened? That speed—was he hiding all along? How can someone like him, who never trained at the Academy, move like that in front of everyone? The nobles... even Cordelia... They're all looking at him now, not me. I won't let it end like this. Next time, Ryan. Next time, I will crush you no matter what it takes.*
[End of chapter 5]