Chapter 5: The Imperial Summit and Unwanted Attention

The Academy's Imperial Summit was a grand affair—too grand, in Alistair's opinion. The event was meant to showcase the Empire's brightest minds, but he knew better. It was a political battlefield disguised as an academic gathering.

The grand hall was filled with nobles, scholars, and foreign dignitaries, all dressed in their finest attire. Lavish chandeliers illuminated the room, and a long banquet table stretched across the hall, covered with exotic dishes.

Alistair, of course, had no interest in any of it.

He stood at the edge of the room, sipping wine and silently evaluating everyone present.

Beside him, Cedric muttered, "You look like you're about to assassinate someone."

Alistair took another sip. "It's a tempting thought."

Cedric coughed. "Sir, you're the Imperial Council's representative. You should at least pretend to enjoy yourself."

Alistair sighed. "Fine."

He adjusted his posture, forced a neutral expression, and took another sip of wine.

Cedric nodded approvingly. "Much better."

Before Alistair could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Lord Ashencrest."

Alistair turned. Standing before him was Princess Eleanor Veltan, dressed in a deep-blue gown that complemented her golden hair and striking blue eyes. A knowing smirk played on her lips.

"Princess," Alistair greeted coolly.

"I must say, it's rare to see you at social gatherings," Eleanor said, picking up a glass of wine from a nearby tray. "I was beginning to think you were avoiding me."

Alistair raised an eyebrow. "I avoid everyone. Don't take it personally."

Eleanor chuckled. "Ah, but that only makes me more interested."

Alistair sighed. He didn't like where this was going.

Before he could reply, another voice chimed in—one that made his mood worsen instantly.

"My, my. If it isn't the infamous Minister Ashencrest."

Alistair turned to see Duke Reinhardt's daughter, Lady Seraphina Reinhardt, approaching with a smug expression. She was dressed in elegant crimson, her sharp green eyes glinting with amusement.

"Lady Reinhardt," Alistair greeted, his tone neutral but distant.

Seraphina smirked. "I must say, I didn't expect you to attend this event. I was under the impression you preferred the company of paperwork over people."

"I do," Alistair deadpanned.

Eleanor stifled a laugh, while Seraphina's smirk only widened. "How tragic. A man of your status, yet so terribly unsociable."

Alistair sighed and took another sip of wine. "Are you here to flirt or to waste my time?"

This time, it was Eleanor's turn to choke on her drink.

Seraphina blinked before laughing. "Straight to the point as always. I admire that about you, Minister."

Alistair resisted the urge to groan.

This is why he hated these events.

Just as Alistair was considering leaving early, a commotion erupted near the entrance.

A group of foreign envoys had arrived, their attire marking them as representatives from the Kingdom of Aurion—a nation that had complicated relations with the Empire.

Cedric tensed beside him. "Sir… that's Duchess Vivienne Devereux."

Alistair followed Cedric's gaze and immediately felt a headache forming.

Duchess Vivienne Devereux, the "Ivory Fox of Aurion", was a legendary figure in the political world—beautiful, cunning, and utterly ruthless. Her silver-blonde hair cascaded elegantly, and her golden eyes gleamed with intelligence as she surveyed the hall.

And the moment she saw Alistair, she smiled.

Oh no.

She made her way toward him with graceful steps, ignoring the whispers of nobles around her.

"Lord Ashencrest," Vivienne purred. "What a pleasure to finally meet you."

Alistair kept his expression unreadable. "Duchess Devereux."

Vivienne's golden eyes studied him with open curiosity. "I must admit, I've heard so much about you. A man who wields power without a sword… fascinating."

Alistair took another sip of wine. "Flattery won't get you anything."

Vivienne chuckled. "Oh, I never flatter. I simply state what I find… interesting."

Eleanor, who had been silent until now, smiled but her tone was ice-cold. "Duchess Devereux. I wasn't aware the Aurion delegation was invited."

Vivienne gave a serene smile. "Oh, we weren't. We simply decided to come."

Alistair internally sighed.

And just like that, the night became even more troublesome.

End of Chapter 5