If some shadowy syndicate or rival noble house thought they could simply steal my intellectual property, duplicate my hard work, and push me out of my own market without facing any consequences... they were badly mistaken.
But before I could steer the conversation with Matthew any further, a sharp chime echoed across the grand ballroom.
Aldric Raith stepped onto the raised pedestal at the head of the hall.
"Honored lords, ladies, and esteemed guests of the Empire," Aldric announced, his chest puffed out with a textbook display of aristocratic pride.
"Today marks a momentous occasion for the House of Raith. We gather tonight to celebrate the coming-of-age of my son, Jin Raith, who has not only reached his eighteen years but has also brought immense honor to our lineage by securing the second rank among the elite prodigies of the Royal Academy!"
