Ashley and Brian rode through the arched entrance of the bustling courtyard, their horses' hooves clacking rhythmically against the cobblestone. Nobles from the various branches of the De Gor bloodline mingled, their fine attire glinting in the sun.
Among them stood a cluster of commoner bastards, eager and determined, their eyes scanning the courtyard. These commoners had come with hopes of proving themselves, knowing that if their performance exceeded expectations, one of the noble branches might take notice. In rare cases, if a commoner's talent was extraordinary, they might even be adopted into a noble house, gaining not just a role, but a family name—a rare honor bestowed only in exceptional circumstances.
The air buzzed with quiet conversation and anticipation, but the tension that filled the space was unmistakable. Commoners glanced at the nobles with awe, while the nobles eyed each other with a mix of competition and pride, each sizing up their potential rivals.
