Chapter 654

【 NOBLES OF THE EMPIRE 】

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Sophia did not wait long before the guards escorted her into the noble district. Before long, a splendid carriage rolled to a stop in front of her.

An elderly gentleman soon stepped down from the carriage and performed a proper noble salute. His voice was gentle yet carried the practiced warmth of someone accustomed to courtly etiquette.

“Miss Sophia, I am Baron Scott, steward of House Lawson. His Lord, the Duke has already been informed of your arrival. He is most pleased and awaits you at his residence. Please, come with me.”

Sophia carefully glanced at the emblem on the carriage.

Upon recognizing the twin-lion crest of House Lawson, she gave a slight nod and accepted the baron’s hand as she stepped inside.

The interior of the carriage was just as luxurious as its exterior, a clear reflection of the Duke’s immense wealth.

Once Sophia settled in, the carriage lurched forward, beginning its slow, deliberate journey deeper into the noble district.

Within moments, the scenery outside transformed.

It felt as if she had crossed an invisible boundary separating the district from the rest of the world. The streets widened and straightened, paved with smooth stone that gleamed faintly under the light. Rows of stately manors stood on either side, each one more extravagant than the last. Crystal-like magic lamps illuminated the roads with a soft, steady glow, their reflections dancing across the windows like rippling stars.

Patrols of guards in polished silver armor moved with precision, their presence both reassuring and intimidating.

This was one of the richest districts in the entire western territory, rivaling even the central district of Zelouan where Sophia had once lived. Yet as she watched the familiar scenery unfold beyond the window, a faint, bitter irony stirred within her.

For some reason, the sight of such splendor only brought back the haunting images she had seen in Riverside Town.

The contrast was almost unbearable.

Behind her closed eyelids flickered the scenes of crumbling houses, the wary gazes of the commonfolks, and the lifeless infants she had seen discarded in the ditch beyond the town’s edge. The scent of rot and damp earth seemed to rise once more in her memory, clashing painfully with the sweet fragrance that filled the carriage.

Sophia’s grip tightened slightly on her skirt.

After about ten minutes, the carriage finally slowed to a stop before the Duke’s residence in Morningstar City. The Lord’s estate stood before her in all its majesty.

Unlike Zelouan, Morningstar’s reigning lord’s residence was not a castle but a vast manor. At this moment, numerous carriages had already gathered there, each bearing the crest of a noble household. Aristocrats, high-ranking officers, and attendants moved about busily, filling the place with lively chatter.

“Why are there so many people?” Sophia asked curiously.

“Since the estate became Duke Lawson’s residence, it has also served as the temporary headquarters of the Imperial Expeditionary Army,” explained Baron Scott. “As such, many nobles visit daily to pay their respects to the Duke. It is particularly busy today, as a banquet is currently being held at the moment.”

“A banquet? Right now?”

Sophia’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. The timing seemed almost absurd, given the seriousness of the situation.

“That is correct,” the baron replied with a faint sigh, his tone tinged with polite regret. “Unfortunately, since Zelouan has now been declared a rebel region, your identity, my lady, has become rather sensitive. Otherwise, I would have been honored to present you formally to the attending nobles.”

Sophia frowned, her expression tightening for a brief moment before she composed herself again.

“I have no interest in attending a banquet.”

“What a pity,” the steward answered kindly, as though trying to lighten the mood. “Several of the young masters of House Lawson are present today. But since the Duke is preoccupied with the event, I’m afraid you may have to wait a little while before he can receive you.”

Sophia exhaled quietly, a restrained sigh that betrayed her impatience. Still, she kept her poise.

“Then I shall wait in the lounge. I have no suitable attire for such an occasion anyway, and I would rather not draw attention to myself.”

“As you wish, my lady,” said Baron Scott with a respectful bow. “Please follow me.”

Under his direction, Sophia was ushered into the estate through a side corridor, away from the grand entrance. The moment they stepped inside, a wave of warmth and light washed over her.

The interior was grand and luxurious. The main hall, illuminated by magical lamps, resonated with graceful music. Nobles in splendid garments gathered in small groups, conversing or dancing elegantly.

Long tables were laden with ornate dishes and gleaming silverware, each platter showcasing delicacies prepared by master chefs. The rich aroma of roasted meats and sweet pastries filled the air, making Sophia’s stomach twist in quiet protest. It was then that she realized she had not eaten anything since morning, having spent the entire day traveling without pause.

“Miss Sophia, please rest in the waiting room,” Baron Scott said, gesturing toward a quiet door near the edge of the corridor. “I shall inform the Duke of your arrival at once, though it may take some time. In the meantime, you are welcome to have a small meal. I will send someone to bring it to you shortly.”

Sophia gave a polite nod.

“Thank you, Baron Scott.”

The old steward bowed once more and led her quietly down a side corridor toward a nearby noble lounge adjacent to the banquet hall. Their steps were hushed, their route deliberately chosen to avoid the curious gazes of the crowd. They did not enter the main hall directly, slipping instead through a gilded side door that blended into the ornate architecture of the estate.

However, the nobles of Morningstar City had already noticed the arrival of the Lawson family’s carriage at the front gates, and keen eyes had quickly recognized Baron Scott himself personally escorting a young woman with half-elven features into the estate. Within minutes, speculation rippled through the hall like wildfire.

“Countess Isaac, who is that woman? She arrived in the Duke’s own carriage,” whispered a lady draped in sapphire silk.

“Hmm, she doesn’t look like a commoner or a mercenary,” another murmured behind a jeweled fan. “Her posture is too elegant. Perhaps a noblewoman in disguise?”

“Wait,” said a young lord, leaning forward with interest. “Look at her ears. They’re pointed. Could she be an elf?”

“No, not quite,” came the Countess’s reply. “Elven ears are far slimmer and longer. That one’s a half-elf.”

“A half-elf? In the Duke’s estate?”

“That must mean she’s no ordinary guest. The Duke wouldn’t allow just anyone inside, let alone someone of mixed blood. She must hold special favor.”

“Countess, shall we go greet her? I admit, I’ve never met a half-elf before.”

“Best not,” the older noblewoman said with a faint scoff. “Judging by her manner, she’s likely a displaced noble from Maple Leaf Territory. That region borders the Elven Forest. It’s common for their bloodlines to mingle with elves.”

“Maple Leaf, you say? Then she’s hardly worth the attention. Most of that region’s nobles turned traitors during the Borderlord’s rebellion,” another whispered disdainfully. “I’d rather meet Young Master Joseph. They say he’s already a Silver-rank Knight at just nineteen. If I could speak with him, this banquet would be worth attending.”

“Ah yes, Joseph Lawson,” a gentleman replied eagerly. “The Duke’s most promising son and the fiancé of Her Highness, the Second Princess.”

“Unlike Lord Lukas,” someone else added under their breath. “Though both are sons of the Duke, one is destined for greatness—favored by the Emperor himself—while the other… well, they say he’s little more than a fool.”

“Hush,” came a sharp rebuke. “Do you want to bring misfortune upon yourself? The Duke forbids any mention of that matter.”

“Oh, come now, Countess,” the man chuckled, lowering his voice but not his arrogance. “No one can hear us over the music.”

The nobles’ whispers wove together beneath the soft melody of strings and harps, their words coated with curiosity, envy, and scorn.

Meanwhile, seated alone in the quiet lounge, Sophia heard every word with piercing clarity. Her half-elven heritage had gifted her with sharper senses than most humans. Even through the muffled music and the hum of conversation, each remark reached her ears effortlessly.

She sat still, her gaze distant, listening as the nobles dissected her identity like vultures over a fresh carcass. Their gossip bled seamlessly into other topics: petty scandals, whispered rumors of arranged marriages, and mockery of the lower classes.

The more Sophia listened, the more weary she became.

During her time in Zelouan, Sophia had rarely attended banquets like this one. As the ruling lord of her territory, she had always been the one others sought to please. Lesser nobles and visiting merchants would approach her with carefully chosen words and ingratiating smiles. They praised her beauty as though it were a divine gift, celebrated Zelouan’s growing prosperity, extolled the legacy of House Wells, and lauded her supposed genius in governance and development.

Now, seated alone in the lounge of another estate, she found herself on the outside looking in. The voices from the banquet hall drifted through the half-open doors, filled with shallow flattery, veiled mockery, and the hollow laughter of those drunk on comfort. Their words were painted with arrogance and false courtesy, and each passing moment made her frown deepen.

The cheerful music and laughter only made it worse.

To her ears, it sounded almost grotesque when compared to the misery she had witnessed on her journey.

Never had she imagined that the nobles of the Empire could be so self-absorbed.

“What a pack of parasites,” she muttered under her breath, the bitterness in her tone barely contained.

If not for her duty to protect Zelouan and restore the honor of House Wells, she might have walked away right then and there. The very thought of relying on such people disgusted her. Yet she knew she could not afford pride at this moment.

The Duke of Lawson was not only one of the Empire’s most influential men but also its most formidable commander. If anyone could shift the tides in Zelouan’s favor, it was him.

So she breathed deeply, schooling her features back into calm restraint.

Just as her patience began to wear thin, the door opened quietly, and Baron Scott entered with his usual composure.

“Miss Sophia,” he said, inclining his head. “Please follow me. His Lordship, the Duke, is waiting for you in the rear chamber.”

Relief and resolve mingled in her chest. Sophia rose to her feet, smoothing her attire and taking a moment to compose herself.

“Very well,” she replied.

The baron led her through a short corridor, their steps echoing softly against the marble floor. The air grew quieter the farther they went, the noise of the banquet fading behind them until only the sound of their footsteps remained.

After about a minute, they reached the Duke’s private chamber. Two tall guards stood sentinel before the heavy double doors, their armor polished to a mirror sheen.

Baron Scott stopped before the door, bowed slightly, and announced in a clear, respectful voice, “Your Lordship, Viscountess Sophia von Wells of Zelouan is here.”

“Let her in,” came a deep, commanding voice from within the chamber.

Sophia’s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively straightened her posture. A faint tremor of anticipation coursed through her chest. It was the first time she would meet a high-ranking imperial noble beyond the Borderlord himself.

This meeting would decide the fate of her household, perhaps even the future of Zelouan itself.

She took a moment to steady her breathing. Her fingers brushed lightly against the fabric of her skirt as she composed herself.

When she finally stepped through the doors, the room that awaited her was as grand as the main hall. At the head of the room sat a man who appeared to be in his late forties or early fifties.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a dignified, striking face. His slicked-back golden hair gleamed under the lamplight, and his emerald-green eyes shone with sharp intellect.

The wrinkles on his brow and the proud curve of his aquiline nose lent him an air of authority, yet the faint smile on his lips softened his presence with a touch of warmth.

He wore the uniform of an Imperial Marshal, and on his chest hung the finely crafted twin-lion emblem—the sigil of House Lawson.

There was no mistaking it.

This was Duke Franz von Lawson, Patriarch of the Lawson family, one of the Empire’s Seven Electors, and ruler of the Northern Dominion whose known across the land as the “Lion of the Empire.”

Unlike the Borderlord, Duke Lawson was not known for exceptional personal strength as he was only a intermediate Silver-rank Warrior, but his political acumen was unmatched, and many powerful figures served loyally under him.

Facing this commanding yet approachable man, Sophia gathered her composure, pinched the hem of her skirt, and offered a deep and respectful curtsey.

“Sophia von Wells greets His Lordship, Duke Lawson.”

The Duke observed her in silence for several seconds. Then, as if recalling a distant memory, his expression softened.

“Sophia, is it?” he said at last, his tone measured but not unkind. “I met your father once, many years ago. You resemble him greatly. He was a true nobleman, steadfast and principled—a man worthy of respect.”

“Please, sit. You must be weary from your travels. Try this, Hundred-Flower Tea from the Elven Forest—it is said to calm the mind and ease fatigue.”

The Duke’s composed and courteous manner eased the tension in Sophia’s chest. She nodded politely and took the offered seat. She raised the teacup and took a delicate sip, noting privately that the flavor seemed a little off.

Then, summoning her resolve, she spoke plainly, “My Lord, House Wells is in dire need of your assistance.”

At that, the Duke’s expression grew solemn.

“There is no need to rush,” he said with calm authority. “Tell me everything, and take your time. As the principal house of the Wells ancestral line, House Lawson will always stand as your shield.”

His reassuring tone gave Sophia strength. Encouraged, she nodded with gratitude and began explaining her situation.

As she described the current state of the city of Zelouan and the suffering she had witnessed along the way, Duke Lawson listened attentively, his brows furrowing and easing from time to time. Occasionally, he nodded slightly, his focus unwavering.

“My Lord,” Sophia pleaded, rising to her feet and bowing deeply, “House Wells is not guilty of rebellion. It was my half-brother who seized power by force. I beg you to help us. When this is over, House Wells will remain ever loyal to House Lawson.”

The Duke nodded slowly. His expression turned stern as he spoke with firm resolve,

“I understand. As the head of your ancestral line, it is indeed our duty to aid a vassal house in peril.”

Sophia’s heart leapt with relief. Her eyes brightened, and for the first time since her arrival, her voice softened with gratitude.

“Thank you so much, My Lord.”

But before she could speak further, the Duke’s expression hardened slightly.

“Nevertheless, the current state of the Empire is precarious. The Imperial Expeditionary Army has yet to complete its mobilization, and supplies are still being assembled. Even if I wish to act, our movements must be deliberate. Therefore assisting you may take time.”

Sophia’s relief faltered. She straightened slightly, her hands tightening at her sides.

“My Lord, the Vymur River flows swiftly through the Maple Leaf Territory, making it nearly impossible for large forces to cross quickly. However, if we could reclaim Zelouan, which is the only region with a fortified stone bridge across the river, we would seize the initiative before the rebels can reinforce themselves.”

The Duke’s eyes glinted with interest, but his expression remained unreadable.

“I am well aware of Zelouan’s strategic importance,” he said after a brief pause. “However, the Empire’s considerations go far beyond a single province. And as it stands, the position of House Wells is rather… delicate.”

He fell silent for a few moments, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest as he thought.

“Here is what we shall do,” he said at last. “You will remain here in Morningstar City for now and rest. Do not concern yourself with rumors or politics. I, Franz von Lawson, give you my word that I will personally see to the affairs of House Wells. For the time being, however, refrain from unnecessary travel or contact with others. The fewer complications arise, the better.”

Encouraged by his words, Sophia’s spirits lifted. She bowed deeply once more.

“House Wells is truly grateful for your aid, My Lord.”

༺⟐༻

After meeting with Duke Lawson, Sophia took up residence in his mansion on Morningstar City.

That night, she enjoyed her first proper sleep in more than ten days.

It was already noon when she finally stirred awake, blinking drowsily before sitting up in bed.

She changed into the fresh clothes provided by the maids and savored the delicious meal brought by the attendants. A sense of clarity and renewed energy washed over her.

For the first time in a long while, Sophia felt a flicker of genuine hope for the future.

Yet, just as she was about to step outside her room, two guards stopped her.

“Forgive us, Miss Sophia,” one of them said respectfully, “but by the Duke’s order, your current status is considered sensitive. Thus, you are not permitted to move about freely for the time being.”

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