The Eclipsed Order

Chapter 55: Chapter 55: The Royal Gathering

The royal palace was already filled with people by the time the gathering officially began.

The largest reception hall had been prepared for the occasion, but even its enormous size seemed almost insufficient for the number of guests who had arrived. Hundreds of nobles, wealthy merchants, military officials, influential families, court administrators, and other important figures from across the kingdom had gathered beneath the grand chandeliers.

Soft music played from a group of musicians positioned near the far end of the hall, filling the room with an elegant melody while servants moved between the guests carrying trays of wine, tea, and carefully prepared refreshments.

The atmosphere was lively.

Nobles stood in small groups, discussing politics, business, marriages, military affairs, and the latest developments within their territories. Merchants spoke quietly with officials, while younger nobles gathered together and exchanged gossip about the academy, the royal family, and the people attending the gathering.

Despite the casual atmosphere, everyone understood that this was still the royal palace.

Every conversation carried a certain weight.

A few words spoken to the wrong person could become a political issue.

A simple introduction could lead to a future business arrangement.

And a casual meeting between two noble families could eventually become the beginning of an alliance.

That was the nature of gatherings like this.

They were not merely celebrations.

They were opportunities.

Near the center of the hall, several marquises and dukes were speaking with senior officials from the royal administration.

"The western territories have finally recovered from last year’s harvest problems."

"That’s good to hear. Several merchant families were worried about the trade routes."

"The roads are being repaired as well. The knight orders have increased patrols around the region."

"Then perhaps the situation will stabilize before winter."

A short distance away, several military commanders were discussing the recent criminal incidents throughout the kingdom.

"The number of disturbances has been increasing."

"Bandits and smugglers?"

"Among other things."

One of the commanders lowered his voice.

"There have also been reports of unknown groups interfering with criminal organizations."

"Unknown groups?"

"Apparently. The intelligence division is investigating."

The conversation quickly shifted when another noble approached, and the matter was left unfinished.

Elsewhere, the atmosphere was considerably lighter.

Several young nobles had gathered near the refreshments, laughing among themselves while discussing the academy.

"Did you hear? The tournament was cancelled."

"Of course I heard. Half the academy has been talking about it."

"It’s unfortunate. I wanted to see the third-year students compete."

"Perhaps they’ll hold another one later."

"Maybe."

A young noblewoman smiled.

"At least we have this gathering."

Her friend glanced around the enormous hall.

"You’re only saying that because you wanted to see the fifth princess."

The girl’s face immediately reddened.

"I did not!"

Her friends laughed.

Near one of the large windows, several members of the kingdom’s merchant families were engaged in a much more serious discussion.

"Have you heard about Starlight?"

"Who hasn’t?"

"Their expansion is becoming ridiculous."

"I heard they’ve already begun purchasing properties in Valeris."

"Not just purchasing them. They’re apparently planning to build an entire commercial district."

One merchant shook his head.

"Whoever is behind that organization certainly isn’t thinking small."

"Do you know who owns it?"

"No."

"That’s the strange part."

The two men exchanged a glance.

"Everyone knows Starlight’s name, but almost nobody knows who actually controls it."

Before they could continue, a servant quietly approached and informed them that several members of the royal administration were requesting their presence.

The conversation ended immediately.

The hall continued moving around them.

Hundreds of people.

Hundreds of conversations.

Hundreds of ambitions hidden beneath polite smiles.

And yet, despite the sheer number of people gathered inside the palace, everyone had come here for essentially the same reason.

To maintain relationships.

To exchange information.

To strengthen alliances.

To celebrate the stability of the kingdom.

The royal family had organized the gathering as a formal social occasion, but everyone understood that these events served another purpose.

They allowed the most influential people in the kingdom to meet under one roof.

Dukes could speak with generals.

Merchants could negotiate with nobles.

Officials could meet foreign representatives.

And members of the royal family could observe the people whose decisions influenced the kingdom.

At the far end of the hall, a group of knights stood near the entrance, maintaining security while trying not to disturb the guests.

The royal guards were stationed closer to the inner corridors, while several court officials quietly moved between the rooms to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.

Then the music gradually became quieter.

The conversations throughout the hall began to fade.

One by one, the guests turned toward the grand staircase leading to the upper floor.

The doors at the top opened.

A royal attendant stepped forward.

"His Majesty, the King."

The entire hall fell silent.

The king descended the staircase with several members of the royal family behind him, dressed in formal attire suited to the occasion.

Beside him walked the queen, followed by several princes and princesses.

Among them was the fifth princess of Valerian.

Her long white hair was tied into an elegant ponytail, and despite being one of the younger members of the royal family, she carried herself with the composure expected of a princess.

The nobles immediately bowed.

"Your Majesty."

"Your Highness."

The king gave a calm smile and raised one hand.

"Please, everyone. There is no need to make this more formal than necessary."

The guests gradually straightened.

The king looked across the enormous hall.

"It is good to see so many of you gathered here."

His voice carried easily through the room.

"The kingdom has enjoyed a period of relative peace, and that stability is something we should all value."

Several nobles nodded.

The king continued.

"Tonight is not a political assembly. It is simply an opportunity for the families, officials, merchants, knights, and other people who contribute to this kingdom to gather together."

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Enjoy yourselves."

The musicians immediately resumed playing.

The conversations slowly returned.

The gathering had officially begun.

I had been looking around the hall for my family when I suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"Ares."

I turned toward the sound.

My mother was standing a short distance away, accompanied by my father, my two older brothers, and my older sister.

The moment she saw me, her expression immediately softened.

"There you are."

I walked toward them and stopped in front of the group before giving a polite bow.

"Father. Mother. It’s good to see you again."

I then turned toward my siblings.

"Brother. Sister."

My two brothers nodded in return, while my sister smiled.

"It’s good to see you too, Ares."

My mother stepped closer and looked at me carefully.

"It’s only been a month, but you seem to have changed."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Have I?"

"Perhaps not physically," she said with a small smile. "But you certainly seem more mature than I remember."

My father gave a quiet laugh.

"He’s been away at the academy. It would be strange if he hadn’t changed at all."

One of my brothers looked me over.

"You’ve certainly grown."

The other nodded.

"I noticed it as well."

I glanced between them.

"It’s only been a month."

My sister smiled.

"That may be true, but we haven’t seen you since you returned to the academy. Your mother has been looking forward to seeing you again."

My mother gave her a slightly embarrassed look.

"I simply wanted to know how he was doing."

"I understand."

I smiled faintly.

"I’m doing well. The academy has been rather uneventful lately."

My father nodded.

"That’s good to hear. Your studies and training are going well?"

"Yes. I’ve had no particular problems."

"Good."

My father placed a hand lightly on my shoulder.

"You’ve been away from home for some time now. It is good to have the family together again."

I nodded.

"Indeed."

The conversation continued naturally for a while, with my parents asking about the academy, my studies, and how I had been spending my time. My siblings occasionally joined in, mostly asking about the people I had met and whether I had made any friends.

It was strangely normal.

For a moment, I almost forgot that we were standing in the middle of the royal palace.

Then the announcer’s voice carried across the hall.

"His Excellency, Marquis Albrecht and his family have arrived."

The conversations around us briefly quieted as several nobles turned toward the entrance.

A moment later, another announcement followed.

"His Excellency, Duke Reinhart and his delegation."

More nobles entered the hall, followed by officials, military commanders, wealthy merchants, and representatives of several influential organizations.

My father glanced toward the entrance.

"The guest list is larger than I expected."

"That is to be expected," my mother replied. "The royal family rarely gathers this many influential figures without a reason."

I looked around the hall.

She was right.

Nobles from different territories stood together in small groups, discussing politics, business, marriages, military affairs, and the latest developments throughout the kingdom. Several knight commanders were speaking with officials, while wealthy merchants quietly discussed trade opportunities with members of noble families.

The atmosphere was elegant, but beneath the music and polite conversations, there was an obvious sense of calculation.

Everyone here had something to gain.

Everyone was watching everyone else.

I accepted a glass of juice from a passing attendant and took a small sip.

Then the announcer spoke again.

"Representing Starlight..."

The hall gradually became quieter.

"...Lady Aurora."

A young woman entered through the main doors.

She immediately drew attention.

Her long light-blue hair flowed elegantly down her back, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue gown she wore. The dress was clearly made by Starlight itself, with delicate patterns woven throughout the fabric and countless small diamonds and gemstones arranged along the sleeves, waist, and edges of the skirt.

It was luxurious without being excessive.

Even from a distance, it was obvious that the dress alone was worth a considerable fortune.

But what attracted everyone’s attention wasn’t the gown.

It was the woman wearing it.

She looked far too young.

A few nobles exchanged surprised glances.

"Is that really the representative from Starlight?"

"She looks like she’s barely 15 to be a representative."

"Perhaps she’s the daughter of the owner."

"That would make more sense."

The whispers spread quickly.

Even several young nobles around my age had turned their attention toward her.

I watched Aurora calmly make her way through the hall.

Then the announcer continued.

"Lady Aurora is one of the principal founders and owners of Starlight, the rapidly expanding commercial establishment whose influence now extends throughout the capital and several surrounding territories."

The whispers immediately stopped.

"Owner?"

"One of the owners?"

"At her age?"

My mother looked toward Aurora with visible surprise.

"She is one of the owners?"

My father nodded slowly.

"Apparently so."

He looked toward the young woman with a thoughtful expression.

"That explains why Starlight has been represented by someone with such authority."

My sister stared at Aurora.

"She’s incredibly young."

"Yet she manages one of the most successful businesses in the capital," one of my brothers added.

My father gave a quiet hum.

"That is not an ordinary achievement."

I took another sip of juice.

Hmm.

Where are the others?

Aurora is the only one attending?

I glanced around the hall.

I had expected at least one or two of the other Black Roses to appear.

But there was no sign of Herrera, Octavia, or Leonora.

Aurora continued forward until she reached the royal family.

She stopped at an appropriate distance before lowering herself into a graceful bow.

"Your Majesty. Your Highnesses. It is an honor to be invited to this gathering."

The king smiled politely.

"Lady Aurora, welcome. Starlight has become quite the topic of conversation throughout the capital."

Aurora maintained her composed expression.

"We are honored that His Majesty thinks so highly of our establishment."

The queen looked at her with evident curiosity.

"Your reputation has reached the palace as well. I must admit, I did not expect one of Starlight’s owners to be so young."

Aurora smiled faintly.

"Starlight has been fortunate to have many capable people working behind the scenes."

A diplomatic answer.

I almost laughed.

That’s certainly one way to describe it.

My mother continued watching Aurora from a distance.

"She carries herself remarkably well."

My father nodded.

"Indeed. She doesn’t appear nervous in the slightest."

My mother smiled faintly.

"At that age, most young nobles would be terrified standing before the royal family."

I glanced at Aurora.

She certainly wasn’t.

If anything, she looked as though she belonged there.

The music resumed shortly afterward, and the conversations throughout the hall gradually returned.

Yet Aurora’s arrival had clearly changed the atmosphere.

People who had previously been discussing minor matters were now looking toward Starlight’s representative.

Several nobles were already approaching her, eager to introduce themselves.

My father watched them for a moment before speaking.

"Starlight’s influence has grown considerably."

"It has," I replied.

My mother looked at me.

"You seem rather familiar with them."

I took another sip of juice.

"Only slightly."

She gave me a curious look but didn’t press the matter.

I looked back toward Aurora.

She was already surrounded by nobles and merchants.

And judging by the number of people trying to speak with her, I had a feeling that this gathering was going to become considerably more interesting than I had expected.

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