An Audience with the Duke

As Norris entered the room, he felt a subtle pressure emanating from the duke, a gentle but deliberate attempt to assert dominance. Norris ignored the pressure, his expression serene and composed.

"Ah, the esteemed mage finally graces us with his presence," the duke began, his voice dripping with condescension. "I must say, it is quite extraordinary for someone of your...background to achieve such heights. A lonely prostitute's child, raised without influence or connections—remarkable indeed."

The duke's eyes seemed to bore into Norris, the subtle venom in his tone implying, "I know all about your past, and I can use it against you if I choose to." He aimed at gauging Norris's reaction and sensitivity to his past, hoping to create an opening for manipulation, to exploit any emotional vulnerability Norris might possess.

Norris's expression remained serene, his eyes never leaving the duke's face. "Your Grace," he said with a short, polite nod. "Unfortunately, my mother passed away before she could enjoy her son's status as a Powerful mage," he replied, his voice calm and even. "And I don't have much connection to the world, Your Excellency. It allows me a certain...freedom. No ties, no weaknesses, just power and purpose."

The threat in his words hung in the air, cold and unmistakable. The duke's condescension met with an impenetrable wall of calm, revealing just how unfazed and formidable Norris truly was. He stood alone, a force to be reckoned with, unbound by moral constraints or emotional ties.

The duke's gaze narrowed slightly, his eyes searching for any hint of weakness or emotion. The duke, sensing the shift in dynamics, responded by increasing his own pressure, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to regain the upper hand.

"Be careful what you say, mage," the duke warned, his voice low and even. "Such...cavalier attitudes can be misinterpreted."

Norris met the duke's gaze, his expression unwavering. He released a gentle wave of pressure, a silent message that said, "I'm not intimidated."

The duke, sensing the unspoken challenge, hesitated for a moment before backing down, his expression smoothing out into a mask of politeness.

From the duke's perspective, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise and respect for the young mage. Norris was not what he had expected - he was more...formidable. The duke had always found it easy to manipulate mages from humble origins. Isolated and rejected by the upper class with contempt and the lower class with fear, these mages were often vulnerable to the elite's subtle manipulations. By providing a pathway to the upper echelons of society, the elite could easily recruit powerful mages, offering them a sense of belonging and acceptance.

The duke's inner monologue whispered a warning: "This one is not to be underestimated. He has a quiet strength, a hidden depth that could prove...problematic."

The duke leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile on his lips. "As a member of the imperial family, I'm sure you're aware of the intricacies of power within the kingdom. But let me tell you, mage, as a duke, I wield significant influence within these walls."

He gestured to a nearby map, adorned with symbols and markings. "You see, our kingdom is divided into several duchies, each with its own unique history and weight. And as the Duke of this land, I have the privilege of shaping its destiny."

The duke's eyes seemed to gleam with pride. "With my backing, a young mage like yourself could achieve great things. The stability and power of a duke's patronage is not something to be taken lightly."

"As a branch member of the esteemed Calantor family," the duke continued, his voice filled with pride, "I have the privilege of being part of a legacy that spans centuries. Our family's roots run deep, with ties to the imperial throne itself."

The duke's eyes gleamed with a sense of superiority. "We are the only external family to have been granted a dukedom within the kingdom, a testament to our family's influence and prestige. And though our family's fortunes may have waxed and waned over the years, we have always maintained a strong presence at the highest echelons of power."

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I have connections with the Calantor family's other branches, including those who hold sway in the imperial court. Let's just say that I received certain benefits from our mutually beneficial relationships."

The duke's smile grew wider. "I'm sure you're aware of the Calantor family's reputation. We're often referred to as the 'Extraordinary Blossom' due to our unique... arrangements."

He paused, studying Norris's reaction before continuing. "Is there anything you desire, mage? Anything within my power to grant?"

Norris's expression remained serene as he replied, "Thank you, Your Grace. But I'll ask for your assistance if I need anything."

The duke studied Norris's reaction, searching for any hint of weakness or emotion. But Norris's poker face remained unchanged, leaving the duke impressed despite himself.

"Interesting," the duke thought to himself. "This young mage is harder to read than I expected. Perhaps he's not worth the trouble after all. Mystics like him, without ties or moral or rules constraints, are often rational madmen—cold, calculating, and unbound by conventional norms. They follow their logic and goals with an almost fanatical intensity, making them exceptionally dangerous and unpredictable."

The duke leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Ava is a bright and curious child. I believe she will benefit greatly from your tutelage, mage. Teach her, mold her, and help her become a qualified lady in times to come."

The duke's words were innocent enough, but they held a subtle implication - that Norris had carte blanche to shape Ava into anything he desired. It was a trap, one that relied on Norris's interpretation of the duke's wishes. And with that, the duke waited for Norris's response, a response that would seal his fate.

Norris's expression remained serene as he replied, "Yes, Your Grace."

He stood up, his movements fluid and gracious, leaving the duke to wonder if he had truly understood the implications of his task.

The duke's eyes narrowed slightly, but Norris's poker face revealed nothing. With a nod, the duke gestured to Lady Elara. "See the mage out."

Lady Elara curtsied and escorted Norris out of the room, leaving the duke to ponder the young mage's intentions. Had he truly accepted the task without hesitation, or was it all just a clever facade? The duke's suspicion grew. "Why would someone as formidable as Norris come for such a seemingly trivial task?" he thought. "Is he here for something else entirely? As he thought more, his suspicion grew. This one is not to be underestimated."