The clinking of silver glasses, the gentle laughter of the nobles, and the strains of the harp filled the banquet hall.
The flames from hundreds of candles reflected off the crystal goblets, creating sparkling lights that danced across the gold-ornamented ceiling.
But amidst all the warmth, Arthur remained aware of a girl's piercing gaze.
He only had a glimpse—eyes full of meaning, too deep to be mere curiosity. Then she turned, slipped through the crowd, and disappeared behind the red velvet curtain.
Arthur almost got up to chase after him, but a sudden cheer broke the silence.
The main door swung open, and a man entered with a steady stride: Jilld de Lombardi. A long black cloak wrapped around him, and a golden winged lion glinted on his chest. The servants bowed low, while the other nobles stood in salute.
Arthur smiled faintly. "It's been a long time, Jilld."
"Four years isn't a short time, Arthur," Jilld replied. Her hand patted Arthur's shoulder warmly, but her eyes held a wariness she didn't hide at all.
"I heard you're going to Piece Academy. It seems we'll be on the same path again."
Arthur sipped his tea slowly, holding back a smile. "I guess so."
They briefly chatted about the journey to the academy capital. However, in Arthur's mind, the image of the mysterious girl hadn't faded.
It wasn't just any look—it was like someone holding a secret… or a warning.
The conversation was interrupted when a servant hurried over to Duke Stico. The brief whisper made the Duke's face harden. He immediately raised his wine cup, his voice heavy but clear:
"Guests, please be at ease. News has just arrived: a trading caravan on the northern route has been robbed. The cargo destined for Emperor Centio has vanished without a trace."
The hall fell silent. Whispers filled the air, tones of anxiety and suspicion mingling. Some nobles lowered their heads, while others exchanged glances, as if trying to determine who would benefit most from this chaos.
Jilld turned to Arthur, her eyebrows raised. "The northern route… isn't that the route you listed in your service proposal?"
Arthur simply nodded. His throat felt dry, but his mind was racing. He knew full well that losing cargo for the emperor was more than just a loss of trade.
It could be the spark that ignites a turf war—or open the way for a new power to rise.
That night, before the feast ended, Arthur made a decision. He would find out who dared to rob the caravan. And somehow, he was certain the girl's mysterious gaze was no accident.
But he also understood: stepping into this game meant stepping into a trap-filled field.
Outside, the winter moon hung pale over the Stico mansion. And behind the stone walls, hidden in the shadows, someone waited… watching his every move.