levi laughs a bit.
"Rumors are often exaggerated."
Theodores smile widened.
"Are they? From what ive heard, you slew Corvin's ignorant ass, executed the corrupt nobles, and somehow convinced the people to support you."
Theodore took a sip of his glass of wine.
"If anything, the rumors sound rather restrained."
Levi rubbed the back of his neck.
"When you put it that way it sound worse than it actually was."
Theodore chuckled.
"That is usually not a reassuring sentence"
Levi smiles a bit.
"I simply did what needed to be done."
Levi raises an eyebrow.
"And?"
Theodore smirked, swirling his glass of wine.
"Most ruler say it after making a mistake."
Theodores expression remained calm
"The difference is your people were grateful, so i suppose its no mistake then."
Levi ran a hand through his hair.
"Some are, but some are also doubtful"
Theodore nodded approvingly.
"A modest answer, a realistic one, Good."
Levi tilted his head.
"good?"
Theodore takes another sip at his glass of wine.
"A ruler who believes everyone likes him is a Fool."
nearby nobles looked over, after hearing that line, some are amused, some are offended.
King Maverick laughs and claps.
"Wonderful answer as always Marquis Theodore."
Theodore swirled his drink again.
"A ruler who believes everyone hates him isn't much better."
Levi tilted his head again.
"then what should a ruler believe."
Theodore smiled, a genuine smile.
"That neither matters as much as whether they trust him."
As the conversation continued, more and more nobles began to take notice.
Heads turned toward Levi and Marquis Theodore.
What had started as a simple exchange had quietly become the most interesting conversation in the hall.
Amused expressions spread among the gathered nobles. Soft whispers passed between them.
"That's Lord Ravenholt?"
"He's not quite what I expected."
"Neither is the Marquis."
"When was the last time Theodore looked that entertained?"
The two remained unaware or perhaps simply unconcerned as the attention around them continued to grow.
King Maverick approached, applauding lightly.
"As wise as always, Marquis Theodore."
the gathered nobles quickly parted to make way for the King.
Theodore inclined his head.
"Your Majesty."
Maverick waved the formality away.
"No, no Don't let me interrupt."
a grin spread across his face
"I've been enjoying the conversation."
Theodore chuckled.
"Eavesdropping, Your Majesty?"
Maverick laughs
"I think its called Observing, Marquis."
Theodore smirked
"Of course, a King never eavesdrop."
One by one conversations began to die down.
Heads turned toward the grand staircase overlooking the banquet.
Even Maverick glanced over smirking.
"Ah as always, you have to have a flashy entrance, Alaric."
Levi followed their gaze.
Descending the staircase was Duke Alaric Vale accompanied by his wife Duchess Celestine Vale, and his daughter Seraphina Vale.
The Duke carried himself with the confidence expected of one of the kingdoms highest ranking nobles.
But it was the young woman at their side who drew the most attention.
Seraphina.
A murmur spread through the hall. Her appearance immediately drew attention from the gathered nobles.
Whispers spread throughout the hall.
Yet Levi merely blinked.
"Oh."
Theodore glanced at him.
"That's all?"
Levi looks at him confused.
"What?"
Theodore stared.
"What do you mean 'what'?"
Theodore looked between Levi and Seraphina.
Then back to Levi.
Then back to Seraphina.
"You know her."
Levi nodded.
"You could say very well."
Theodore nearly laughed.
"That is perhaps the greatest understatement I've heard this evening."
Seraphina descends the staircase with practiced grace. one hand lightly resting upon the polished railing.
She wore a stunning crimson gown that seemed to capture the glow of the chandeliers themselves. Layers of rich fabric flowed elegantly around her with every step, the dress fitted around her waist before cascading downward in graceful folds. Delicate gold embroidery traced the edges of the gown like dancing flames, shimmering whenever the light caught them. The sleeves were a bit short but elegant, embroidered that wound from her elbows to her shoulders. A crimson gemstone rested at her throat held by finely crafted necklace. Her long red hair has been carefully styled for the evening, a few loose strands framing hair face, while the rest flowed behind her. Like a Phoenix in female form.
The entire ensemble radiated, Elegance. Noble. refined.
Levi blinked.
how the fuck do we managed to look the same. levi thinked to himself
Seraphina blinked, her face having a tint of red
W-w-what?!?! w-we look like a couple her brain overheating.
The two stared at eachother for a brief moment.
their outfits shared the same color, Even the gold accents were similar, the silence lasted a few seconds.
But it was enough, the nearby nobles had alr noticed.
"Are they matching?"
"Surely not" another nearby noble answered him.
"They look like a cute couple." a female noble whispered to another.
"It cannot be a coincidence."
Levi thought to himself.
this is going to be a problem.
Theodore swirled his wine.
"interesting..."
Levi already disliked that tone.
"what?"
Theodore took another sip
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
King Maverick and Duke Alaric grinning to themselves, even high fiving secretly.
King Maverick whispered to Duke Alaric.
"its a success"
Duke Alaric whispered to King Maverick.
"Indeed!"
Queen Aurelia bonked Maverick's head lightly.
"what were you thinking!"
scolding Maverick quietly.
Duchess Celestine Bonked Alaric's head
"You dumbass!"
scolding Alaric quietly.
King Maverick and Alaric covered their heads from their wives attack.
Queen Aurelia and Duchess Celestine stops and crosses their arms.
Queen Aurelia smirks and look at Duchess Celestine.
"I mean Levi and Seraphina do look good together."
she whispers to Duchess Celestine.
Duchess Celestine nods in agreement.
"You thinking what im thinking?"
smiling mischievously.
Queen Aurelia and Duchess Celestine in unison
"a dance!"
talking to King Maverick and Duke Alaric.
King Maverick and Duke Alaric smirks.
Queen Aurelia tilts her head.
"wait a minute, ive been thinking, How'd you manage to get them matching."
King Maverick smirks
"I got General Garrick to take notes of what Levi's outfit is like and asked him to be detailed* then when I got the info, i talked to Duke Alaric on the messenger orb."
Duke Alaric nods so enthusiastically you'd mistaken him for a kid if you squint your eyes.