Chapter 6: A Dance of Politics

The Imperial Summit was supposed to be an academic event, but Alistair knew better. Nothing involving nobles was ever just about learning.

Now, thanks to Duchess Vivienne Devereux's unexpected arrival, the evening had turned into a full-blown political battlefield.

Alistair resisted the urge to sigh.

First, Felix's fight. Now, foreign politics. What's next? Assassins?

Vivienne still stood before him, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. Beside her, Princess Eleanor and Lady Seraphina were far less entertained.

"Oh my," Vivienne mused. "You're quite popular, Lord Ashencrest."

Alistair took another sip of wine. "I'd prefer to be left alone."

Vivienne smirked. "A shame. I was hoping to get to know the famous Minister a little better."

Eleanor finally spoke, her smile polite but sharp. "What exactly is Aurion's interest in the Imperial Academy?"

Vivienne tilted her head. "Why, simple curiosity, Your Highness. Aurion always takes an interest in… future leaders."

Alistair narrowed his eyes slightly.

So that's her angle. She's here to gauge the next generation of nobles.

Seraphina sighed dramatically. "Honestly, must we play these word games? Duchess, what do you really want?"

Vivienne laughed softly. "So direct, Lady Reinhardt. But very well." She turned to Alistair. "I'd like a dance."

The entire group went silent.

Alistair finally set his wine glass down. "No."

Vivienne blinked, then chuckled. "You don't even hesitate, do you?"

"No."

Eleanor coughed into her hand, clearly enjoying this more than she should.

Vivienne's golden eyes sparkled. "I see why they call you merciless."

Alistair shrugged. "I prefer the term 'efficient.'"

Before Vivienne could press further, a loud voice interrupted.

"Lord Ashencrest!"

A new noble pushed through the crowd—a young man with arrogant features and an embroidered doublet that screamed 'I'm important, notice me'.

Cedric muttered under his breath, "Oh great, another idiot."

Alistair didn't react as the noble swaggered forward, stopping just a little too close.

"I am Viscount Raoul of House Vernier," the noble announced. "And I challenge you to a duel!"

Alistair blinked slowly.

"…What."

By now, the entire ballroom had fallen silent. Nobles whispered, scholars exchanged glances, and even the foreign dignitaries looked interested.

Cedric massaged his temples. "Why does this always happen?"

Alistair tilted his head slightly, eyeing the so-called Viscount Raoul.

"Who are you again?"

Raoul's face turned red. "I just introduced myself!"

"Did you?" Alistair mused. "Must not have been important."

The crowd suppressed laughter.

Raoul gritted his teeth. "You're mocking me!"

Alistair sipped his wine. "Yes."

Raoul trembled with fury. "You've insulted my House's honor! As a noble, I demand satisfaction! A duel!"

Alistair exhaled slowly.

"I see," he said finally. "And… why do I care?"

Raoul gawked at him. "You—! Are you too much of a coward to accept?!"

Alistair gave him a bored look. "I am a Minister of the Empire. I don't duel over childish provocations."

Raoul smirked. "Ah, I see. So you are a coward."

Alistair set his wine glass down.

The room suddenly felt colder.

Alistair took a calculated step forward, his blue eyes piercing through the Viscount like a blade.

"I don't duel," he said softly. "Because my battles are fought in courtrooms and council chambers—where real power is decided."

Raoul visibly hesitated.

Alistair took another step forward, voice lowering.

"You? You're just a brat with a sword."

Silence.

Raoul paled slightly.

Then, in desperation, he blurted out, "If you refuse, I will spread word that Alistair Ashencrest is a coward who hides behind politics!"

Alistair's expression didn't change.

But Eleanor sighed dramatically. "Really? This is your strategy? Blackmail?"

Seraphina shook her head. "I thought House Vernier had higher standards."

Vivienne smirked. "This is quite entertaining."

Raoul, now clearly realizing his mistake, turned bright red.

Alistair finally sighed. "Fine."

Raoul perked up. "You'll duel—"

"No," Alistair interrupted. "Cedric, deal with this."

Cedric grinned viciously. "With pleasure, sir."

Raoul barely had time to look confused before Cedric rolled up his sleeves.

A minute later, Raoul was on the floor, groaning in pain.

Alistair took another sip of wine. "Handled."

The crowd burst into murmurs.

Vivienne laughed. "Oh, I like you."

Eleanor smiled approvingly. "That was entertaining."

Seraphina smirked. "I almost feel bad for him. Almost."

Raoul wheezed from the floor.

Cedric dusted off his hands. "That was fun."

Alistair sighed. "Let's get out of here."

And with that, he turned, leaving behind a ballroom filled with stunned nobles, amused women, and one very broken Viscount.

End of Chapter 6