We were quickly surrounded by aristocrats, high-society demons eager to network with the figure who had caused such a stir in recent days.
"Young Master Glenn, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I believe we've glimpsed each other before. I am Mira Lunaris Argentum," greeted a beautiful woman with the family's signature blue hair.
"Likewise. Are you related to Seraphine and Aeloria?" I asked.
"Yes, I'm their mother. I was in the stands during your duels, and I must say, I'm truly impressed by your skill."
"Mother!!!" A male voice interrupted Mira's words.
Aeloria and Seraphine approached me, both unrecognizable compared to the day of our duel. They wore luxurious attire that accentuated the Lunaris Argentum's striking beauty, their shimmering blue hair catching the light.
"Glenn!" Aeloria greeted, shaking my hand.
"Glenn!" Seraphine gave a slight bow. Even with makeup, the scar on her face was still faintly visible.
"Seraphine, Aeloria, good to see you here. I hope you enjoy the banquet!"
"Thank you!" they said in unison.
"I hope my mother hasn't bothered you, Young Master Glenn," Seraphine said nervously.
"The matriarch could never bother me. If anything, I'm honored by the respect she's shown by coming personally tonight."
"See, dear? As I told you. Young Master Glenn seems like a respectable young man. I don't know why you were so worried about..." Mira's words were cut off as Seraphine clapped a hand over her mouth and quickly dragged her away.
"We'll talk later, Young Master!" Seraphine called hastily.
I glanced at Aeloria, questioning what had just happened.
"Just ignore it! It's good to see you again. I'm looking forward to a rematch!"
"Hahaha," I chuckled. "You won't even give me a few days off, huh? We'll talk about it later!"
"Fine, but that's a promise!"
"Deal!"
"It was good seeing you, Glenn. I hope everything goes well tonight!" Aeloria said warmly.
"You too!"
Aeloria soon followed her family's retreating figures.
"Interesting family. I think I know what Matriarch Mira wanted to discuss with you," Lesley remarked with an ironic smile.
"What?"
"Never mind!"
"What???" I pressed.
"You don't need to worry about it!"
"Fine! But isn't it rude to greet me without acknowledging you?"
"Well, they're influential enough that the matriarch could act as she did," Lesley explained.
Before I could question her further about imperial politics, other families swarmed around me.
Many offered congratulations on my performance, asking if I'd already formed an elite retinue and introducing their descendants as potential candidates.
Soon, the less influential families were pushed aside by the more prominent ones. First came those I already knew—the Ferrox Umbra. Thadeus and his father, Talon Ferrox Umbra, greeted me, offering congratulations on my achievements.
"Honestly, I expected you to be breathing fire and demanding another duel," I admitted to Thadeus.
"Well, I wanted to, but Father said he'd break every bone in my body if I acted out at this banquet," Thadeus grumbled.
"Thadeus!" a deep voice scolded.
"Makes sense," I agreed.
They didn't linger long. Soon, the two northern protector families, the Lunaris and Ferrox, gave way to the eastern protectors.
The first to approach were the Plumbarius, represented by two elderly gentlemen. Twin brothers with curly brown hair, they wished me steady growth and success. They explained that due to illness, their heirs couldn't attend but would meet me another time.
"They're dangerous," Lesley warned.
"Why?"
"Poison specialists. Some with no known cures. Rumor says their heirs are poisoned by their own abilities. Not a family to make enemies of."
"Noted! Bizarre family with a weird name, don't antagonize them."
Next came the Estannum representatives, two imposing young men with well-built frames, clearly seasoned warriors. Their most striking feature was the horns adorning their bald heads.
"Master Lesley, Young Master Glenn," the elder one greeted. "I am Balthazar Estannum."
"I am Dorian Estannum," the younger introduced himself.
"We fought in the tournament, didn't we?" I recognized the latter.
"Yes," Balthazar answered. "Young Master Glenn wiped the floor with my brother's face. I swear, had I known that would happen, I'd have come in person to watch."
"Ah…" I replied awkwardly. "Glad you came anyway."
"Only those who haven't tasted your fists sing your praises. I wish you fortune and prosperity on your path," Dorian said respectfully, despite his loss to me.
"Thank you."
"And, of course, I look forward to exchanging knowledge," Balthazar added, exuding a wild aura far surpassing his brother's.
But honestly, after last night's ordeal, none of these novices could so much as ruffle my hair.
"Of course. If the opportunity arises, I'd be happy to learn from you," I replied calmly, surprising Balthazar.
"Before we go, I'd like to invite you to our region's hunting season," Balthazar said, his tone now more tempered after his intimidation failed.
"Yes, our lands house a massive underground nest of giant ants. Every year, we cull their numbers, a rite of passage for our youth. It'd be an honor to have you join us," Dorian added.
I glanced at Lesley, who gave a subtle nod.
"Certainly. If circumstances allow, I'll visit when the time comes."
The two bald brothers withdrew, mission accomplished.
The third eastern family, the Cuprium, sent an elderly diplomat who quickly introduced himself before moving on.
Meanwhile, the western families, Hidrargiros and Wolframius, arrived together, sharing a carriage. Both were Velsari, regional ladies, either concubines or secondary wives. Strikingly beautiful with voluptuous figures, they held diplomatic authority but only offered brief greetings before leaving.
"So, you're the demon from the rumors," a sharp, mocking voice sounded behind me.
Turning, I saw a tall, slender demon with slicked-back black hair, dressed entirely in blackl, suit, vest, tie, and pants, his scrutinizing gaze locked onto me.
"Admittedly, given the hype, I expected more," he said as a strange energy coiled around my body, paralyzing me.
The malicious force slithered against my skin like viscous liquid, but before it could penetrate, a familiar energy severed it.
"Azrael? What an honor to have the direct heir of your family gracing this banquet," Lesley countered, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she dispelled the oppressive sensation.
"I was passing through the capital and decided to spare my family the trouble by coming personally."
Their eyes locked, a bizarre tension thickening the air.
"After all, how could I miss seeing the new prodigy our beloved Queen Selene has taken such an interest in?"
"My Queen?" My eyebrows twitched.
My inner energy surged, stabilizing my body, but facing this man, I knew I was nothing more than a bug under his boot.
'He's strong. Insanely strong.'
"You know how people are,always exaggerating things. In the end, I see nothing special about this… pawn."
My fist clenched. Rage boiled inside me, my eyes burning with hatred. But Lesley's light touch on my arm dispelled the strange effects.
'What the hell is happening?'
"Funny, I still remember you shrieking like a little girl when I beat you in training. You've grown, but it seems the scrawny boy inside hasn't changed," Lesley shot back.
A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. My emotions were still haywire, if Lesley let go, I'd have lunged at his throat.
"Heh… Seems your time in the royal court hasn't fixed that filthy mouth of yours, Lesley. Well, I've seen what I came for." Azrael's gaze bore into me, scorching me from within. "I look forward to our next meeting, Glenn."
With that, he walked away, his steps eerily silent, the bizarre aura trailing behind him.
"Phew… What the hell was that?" I muttered.
"An old acquaintance. Be careful with Azrael, Glenn. He's dangerous."
"Careful? Why?"
"He was the prime candidate to become the Queen's consort fifty years ago."
I swallowed hard.
"But Selene never even glanced his way and rejected every meeting request."
"Noted!"
'So this bastard is my first rival?'
"And what was that? Why did I feel like I'd jump at his throat if I wasn't holding back?"
"Well, he's a powerful incubus."
Before I could process that, the last family's representatives approached—the southern protectors.
Three families should have been present, but two didn't need diplomats, Lesley and Rose represented the Vanadius Bellator, and Master Elian stood for the Cádmus Nox.
"A pleasure, Young Master Glenn," said a demon in an elegant gray suit, his blue eyes sharp against white hair. "I am Waan Índium, representative of the southern Índium family."
A tall girl, nearly 1.85m, stepped forward.
"My name is Weel Índium. It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Glenn."
The demon extended his hand, and when I shook it, a strange shock surged through me. My senses sharpened, and I met Waan's gaze firmly. In the center of our palms, our energies clashed in a silent tug-of-war.
'He's strong. And this violent energy…'
The stalemate lasted seconds before we broke apart. My expression was rigid at the obvious disrespect, but I remained courteous given the setting.
"I briefly wondered about the demon from the rumors, but I never expected someone of your… caliber," he said, a clear provocation. "It seems not everyone here has seen your true nature, Young Master Glenn."
Weel, beside him, looked me up and down, licking her lips.
"Interesting. Had I known someone so… capable was around, I'd have come myself to… humble you."
"I wish you a pleasant evening and a prosperous future, Young Master," Waan said with a slight bow before leaving, Weel in tow.
My expression hardened at the blatant challenge.
"Glenn."
"Yes?"
"The Índium replaced the Carborex."
'I see. They know about my family.'
"They know," I murmured to Lesley.
"Yes."
A voice echoed through the hall, commanding attention.
"With all honors and reverence, receive Her Royal Majesty, Selene Noctis, the Demon Queen, Protector of the Obsidian Kingdom, Chosen of Susanoo, Guardian of the Demonic Legacy, and Peerless Sovereign!"
Selene entered the hall, wrapped in an aura of power and grace, her golden gown gliding over the polished marble as all present bowed in reverence.
The hall erupted in respectful applause, the music swelling to mark the beginning of a memorable night.