The middle aged man with ordinary features- black hair and brown eyes- had an extraordinary demeanour. Each of his steps left an invisible mark on the grounds.

His aura was almost visible, ethereal- it was giving off a golden glow. He looked as if he was the incarnation of authority and majesty itself. His broad shoulders looked as if they could lift the entire sky.

But unlike the other attendees, he was not enamoured in gold or other shiny jewels. The golden crown on his head was all the pieces of rare metals and gems he had. Though the robe he wore was majestic and extravagant, it felt short of many of the clothes of worn by other nobles in the party. But none dared to mock or laugh. Because they knew- the man before them was the richest man in the entire Confederation and one of the richest in all of Ervilia.

The lavish hall they were in was something they could only dream of. And this very same hall belonged to that man. They also knew that the King was arrogant, but definitely not ostentatious.

The atmosphere became quiet. Utter silence prevailed as everyone stopped their gossips and looked at their mighty king, But a glance was all they could take before they subconsciously bowed their heads. He was- too majestic, too great.

He walked slowly but steadily walked to the pedestal and climbed step by step to the top. The same silence ensued. Once he was before the lavish throne, he turned around and looked at the crowd, scanning through. His moving eyes did not stop on anyone, not even on his daughters and Adrian who was with them.

He sat down. His right elbow touched the lustrous but cushioned right armrest. His right cheek lied on the back of his fingers.

Everyone looked up at the majestic figure sitting upon the Royal throne with awe.

Adrian walked to the centre of the hall, right in front of the high stage where the throne lied upon. He arched his head up, a bit higher than what he should have and rolled his eyes down, fixing it upon the man sitting on the royal seat.

The man, for the first time- showed an emotion other than his nonchalance and extreme arrogance as he furrowed his brows. Suddenly, a majestic aura filled with authority and absolutely power pressed down onto the hall.

Everyone, including the man’s own daughters knelt; Everyone- except the one youth who was looking down upon the sovereign of the nation despite being on the lower ground.

Sovereign’s aura was earned through the respect and loyalty of the people. Even the most respected man in the Confederation, the Everking’s aura could hardly make him bow; what could a mere tier 2 King do? Moreover, he himself had stronger sovereign’s aura than before. He was the Royal Advisor of Nemphis after all, respected by the nobles and commoners alike.

The two pairs of eyes- a brown pair upholding endless magnificence and a black pair as deep as the abyss- were staring at each other, fighting a battle unbeknownst to all.

Finally, it was over. The aura completely disappeared, causing the ones kneeling to stand up on the ground. The King himself removed his gaze from the abyssal orbs of the youth before him and scanned around the room.

Everything of the attendees eyes were now locked upon the chief guest of the party, the Royal Advisor to her majesty the Queen Evelyn Greatwoods. Though all of their eyes were on the glossy floor a few moments ago, looking at their own reflections- they knew what transpired. Who of the highest echelons were not at the very least- mid tier circlers?

They could sense that someone was standing high where everyone else was down on the ground. And everyone present at the scene were intelligent enough to deduce who was the one.

Now, every bit of the disdain they had in them for the utterly handsome youth disappeared. What remained was burgeoning awe and admiration.

Only the young ladies beside him had complex emotions in their eyes. ‘Father lost?’

The man bowed his head down a bit, his pupils were now at the very centre. His head was still resting on the fingers.

“Greetings.” For the first time since his arrival, the King spoke. His very greetings was oozing authority and power.

Adrian followed and lowered his head down by a little. His pitch black orbs were infinitesimally below the epicentre nonetheless. “Greetings, your Majesty.” He smiled, his voice was as noble as noble could be- full of grace and elegance.

“How was your journey? Any difficulties?” The man asked.

“The eccentric weather did annoy us a little, causing the delay. And other than a sleepless night, everything was fine.”

“Hmm. Good to know.” He said. “We can discuss things later. Enjoy the party.” He gestured at the hall with his free left hand.

Adrian nodded and turned towards the princesses. “Shall we?” He bowed.

Both of them looked towards their father before looking at the handsome man before them and finally, they looked at each other. They shrugged and followed him into the crowd.

Soon, the party began with full vigour. Beautiful and luxuriously dressed maids brought in food, tobacco and wine. Their fragrance was enough to make the fullest of men make hungry. The sound of the music rose up, resounding throughout the room- prompting the men and women to subconsciously tap their feet underneath the lavish dining tables.

The party went on for three whole hours. Adrian did not waste a single moment there. Why would he? He ate till he was full, drank all those different flavours of century old wines, even sniffed a bit of the rare and fragrant tobacco. But most of his time were spent dancing on the hall- with beauties of course. Especially the twin princesses.

Soon, the party was over. Everyone left one by one; they had a smile of satisfaction and delight plastered on their face. The young Royal Advisor was not that bad after all.

In a small room, lit by a small light magic circle- lied an archaic, round and small tea table. On both sides of it lied two lavish sofas facing each other. On one, sat the king of Aurgoth, Leopold De Auras and on the other, sat the Royal Advisor of Nemphis- Adrian Darkheart.

Adrian smiled and directly got to the point.

“I observed that a few more students got into the Academy from your Kingdom than it should have.”