“I’m here to see Lucavion. I’m with him.”
She felt annoyed.
Whether they started as normal or not, Valeria knew that she had every right to be there for Lucavion by this point.
Since she herself was someone who had been with him for a long time already.
The guards exchanged a brief glance, their expressions betraying no emotion. “Apologies, Lady Valeria,” the other guard replied, his tone polite but resolute. “The Marquis has given explicit orders. No one is allowed to follow or disturb him.”
Valeria’s brow furrowed, irritation flickering across her features. She was well aware of the Marquis’s influence, but this seemed excessive. “Do you know who I am?” she asked, her voice low and steady, carrying an unmistakable edge of authority.
“We are aware,” the first guard replied, nodding slightly. “Lady Valeria Olarion, semifinalist of the Ventor Martial Tournament. Your prowess is acknowledged, but our orders are absolute.”
Valeria’s lips pressed into a thin line as she studied the two guards. She could feel the weight of their duty in their stances, unwavering and unyielding. But her own resolve was no less fierce. She took a step closer, her voice firm. “Lucavion is my companion. I have every right to ensure his well-being.”
The declaration struck her ears a beat too late, and she froze, momentarily taken aback by her own statement. ‘Companion?’ The word rolled through her mind, unfamiliar yet strangely fitting. She hadn’t thought of him that way—not consciously. Yet as the idea settled in, it felt less like an assertion and more like a truth she’d only just realized.
The guards exchanged glances, their previously stoic expressions giving way to faint unease. They stood stiffly at their posts, but the tension in their shoulders betrayed their discomfort.
One of them cleared his throat. “Lady Valeria, we… understand your concern,” he began, his tone noticeably softer. “However, the Marquis’s instructions were clear. No one is permitted to follow or disturb Sir Lucavion.”
Valeria’s eyes narrowed as she caught the hesitation in his voice. She could tell they were wavering, likely aware of how often she and Lucavion had been seen together in the city. Their reluctance wasn’t born of defiance—it was uncertainty. ‘So they know,’ she realized, though the full implications of her own words still eluded her.
The other guard looked as though he wanted to speak but stopped himself, his gaze darting between her and his companion. Their dilemma was evident. They wanted to let her through but were bound by their orders.
The awkward standoff was interrupted by the steady echo of approaching footsteps. Valeria turned, her annoyance giving way to a wary curiosity as a figure emerged from the corridor behind her. The man wore a gleaming suit of armor emblazoned with the insignia of the Ventor family, his presence commanding yet calm.
“Lady Valeria,” he greeted her with a respectful bow. “I am Sir Maynter, of the Ventor Knight Order. Please excuse the delay; I was informed of your arrival.”
Valeria studied him carefully. His armor, polished to a mirror shine, reflected the torchlight and his composed demeanor suggested a knight accustomed to mediating tense situations. His brown eyes held a warmth that contrasted with the stern expressions of the guards, though his bearing left no doubt that he, too, was a man of discipline.
Sir Maynter turned to the guards, offering a slight nod of acknowledgment. “Thank you for your diligence. I will handle this matter personally.”
The guards visibly relaxed, stepping back to their posts with palpable relief. One of them murmured, “Thank you, Sir Maynter,” before falling silent.
Maynter turned his attention back to Valeria, his tone calm but authoritative. “Lady Valeria, I understand your concern for Sir Lucavion. You are not alone in your worry; his condition is being closely monitored by the finest healers in the Marquis’s employ.”
Valeria met his gaze, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “I only want to ensure he’s unharmed,” she said, her voice steady but firm.
“Of course,” Maynter replied with a small nod. “But as you may understand, the Marquis’s orders are absolute. For now, Lucavion’s recovery requires rest and privacy. However…” He paused.
The pause stretched only a moment before he continued, his voice calm and deliberate. “However, I have another matter to relay, Lady Valeria. The Marquis has instructed me to find you and extend a formal invitation to his mansion.”
Valeria’s brows lifted slightly, her surprise tempered by an almost immediate understanding. She had anticipated this, though she hadn’t expected it to come so soon. She crossed her arms, her posture shifting subtly as she regarded the knight.
“An invitation?” she asked, her voice steady, though the slightest trace of curiosity tinged her words.
Maynter inclined his head. “Indeed. The Marquis was already aware of your identity as early as the fourth stage of the tournament. He observed your skill and determination and found it most impressive. It was his intent to extend his hospitality much earlier, but he refrained, recognizing that you came here as a participant and not in the capacity of a noble seeking connections. The Marquis wished to honor your focus and privacy.”
Valeria’s lips pressed into a thin line, her thoughts racing as Maynter continued.
“However,” he added with a faint smile, “your accomplishments have now reached a point where they cannot be ignored. Your name is spoken widely among the city’s circles, Lady Valeria, and it is no longer feasible for the Marquis to overlook formal etiquette. He wishes to meet with you directly, not only to commend your performance but also to discuss matters that may benefit both of your houses.”
Valeria regarded him in silence for a moment, her gaze steady and contemplative. She had known this would happen—it was one of the reasons she had entered the tournament in the first place. Making a name for herself wasn’t just about proving her strength; it was about securing recognition, forging connections, and advancing her family’s interests. Marquis Ventor was a key figure in this endeavor, and she had been preparing for this moment since her arrival in Andelheim.
“I see,” she said finally, her voice measured. “The Marquis is an astute man. I expected no less.”
Maynter’s smile widened slightly, though his demeanor remained composed. “He values foresight and discipline, qualities you have demonstrated in abundance. That is why, rather than sending an attendant to deliver this message, he deemed it appropriate to send someone who could meet you as an equal.”
Valeria’s eyes flicked to the guards, who still stood silently at their posts, before returning to Maynter. “And you, Sir Maynter, are here to ensure I take this invitation seriously?”
“Not at all, my lady,” Maynter replied smoothly. “I am here to ensure the invitation is delivered with the respect you deserve.”
Valeria allowed a faint smile to touch her lips, though her posture remained guarded. “Very well. I will accept the Marquis’s invitation.”
Maynter nodded, clearly satisfied. “Excellent. The Marquis will be pleased.
Maynter’s smile remained as he gestured subtly toward the hallway leading out of the arena. “If you are ready, Lady Valeria, I would be honored to escort you to the Marquis’s mansion. The Marquis has also expressed a concern for your safety, given the current climate in the city.”
Valeria tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing in curiosity. “What exactly do you mean by that, Sir Maynter?”
Maynter’s expression grew more serious, though his tone remained calm. “The Cloud Heavens Sect is not known for taking perceived slights lightly. Sir Lucavion’s actions have drawn significant ire from them, and given your close association with him, there is a chance they may seek to involve you in their grievances.”
Valeria’s gaze sharpened, though she remained composed. “You believe they would target me?”
“It is a possibility,” Maynter replied. “The city is teeming with people due to the festival and the tournament, making it far too easy for tensions to escalate. Ensuring your safety is a priority, not only because of your association with Sir Lucavion but also because of your standing as a semifinalist. It would reflect poorly on the city and the Marquis if any harm were to come to you during this time.”
Valeria exhaled quietly, the weight of his words settling over her. While she prided herself on her ability to handle herself in dangerous situations, she couldn’t ignore the reality of what Maynter had said. With the festival in full swing and sect tensions rising, anything could happen.
“Very well,” she said after a moment, her voice steady. “I’ll need to gather my things from the Iron Matron. After that, I’ll accompany you.”
Maynter inclined his head. “Of course. I will escort you to your inn and ensure your journey is uninterrupted.”
With that, the two set off through the city streets. The crowd was as lively as ever, with vendors shouting their wares and spectators from all walks of life filling the thoroughfares. Valeria’s sharp eyes scanned her surroundings as she walked beside Maynter, his presence drawing respectful nods from passersby who recognized the insignia of the Ventor Knight Order.
When they arrived at the Iron Matron, Valeria wasted no time collecting her belongings. She packed efficiently, her movements precise, though her thoughts were divided between the upcoming meeting with the Marquis and the lingering unease about the Cloud Heavens Sect. Maynter waited patiently near the entrance, his posture relaxed but his gaze vigilant.
At the same time, both Mariel and the other members of the inn like Liora were curious as to what happened to Lucavion
She replied to their questions with a quick briefing. Knowing that Marquis would be looking after Lucavion, neither Mariel nor others said anything more.
Once she was ready, they stepped outside to find a well-appointed carriage waiting for them. The Ventor family crest was emblazoned on its side, a subtle yet unmistakable sign of prestige. Maynter gestured toward it, his armor catching the late afternoon sunlight.
“The Marquis has arranged for your transport,” he said, holding the door open as Valeria climbed inside. Once she was settled, he took his place beside her, the interior spacious enough to accommodate his imposing armor without discomfort.
The journey to the Marquis’s mansion was smooth but deliberate, the carriage weaving through the bustling city center before ascending toward the estate. The mansion itself loomed ahead, an elegant structure of white stone and gilded accents surrounded by manicured gardens. As they approached, Valeria felt a shift in the atmosphere—a palpable sense of order and influence that marked the seat of one of Andelheim’s most powerful figures.
As the carriage came to a stop, Maynter stepped out first, extending a hand to help Valeria down. She accepted with a nod, her gaze immediately drawn to the grandeur of the mansion. The towering gates, guarded by knights in matching insignias, swung open to reveal a path lined with lanterns and vibrant blooms.
“This way, Lady Valeria,” Maynter said, gesturing toward the entrance
‘An audience with a Marquis.’
For the first time in a while, Valeria was much more nervous than before…..
Since she would be having an audience with a noble much higher ranked than herself.