The capital at dawn was loud.
Not the chaotic kind of loud, no shouting vendors or clashing steel, but a restrained, ceremonial noise.
It was still early in the morning, and barely anyone other than nobles who had a meeting to attend were awake.
Carriages rolled over stone roads in steady rhythms, hooves striking in practiced cadence. Bells rang from distant towers, each chime measured and deliberate.
The Imperial City was now going to host every single influential figure all at once.
I stood at the balcony of my temporary residence, dressed in layered black and violet, the fabric heavy but warm. The outfit fit too well, tailored, imposing, unmistakably noble. The kind of clothing that made people straighten their backs just by looking at it.
Yeah. Definitely villain-coded.
Even when I took the time in picking something that looked the most friendly, I still looked like I'd stab a man...
Behind me, Edward adjusted the clasp of my cloak with professional efficiency.
"Your attire suits you, my lord," he said. "The other nobles will take notice."
I resisted the urge to say that's what I'm afraid of.
Instead, I nodded.
"That's the idea, I suppose."
But in truth, I really didn't want anyone to notice me.
The conclave hall was located near the imperial palace, an architectural monstrosity of white stone, gold trim, and banners bearing the sigils of every major house in the empire.
It wasn't subtle. It wasn't meant to be.
Especially my banner... it was bigger than most, second only to kings and emperors.
Guess that's the benefit of being a duke.
Power liked to announce itself.
By the time we arrived, the courtyard was already crowded. Nobles in lavish attire mingled in loose clusters, their smiles sharp and calculating. Each laugh sounded rehearsed, each bow measured to the exact degree that conveyed neither submission nor disrespect.
"Igmund, it's been a while since we've met."
"Likewise, Howard, where's the wife?"
That was certainly the most stereotypical small talk I've ever heard of...
The moment I stepped down from the carriage, the air shifted.
Conversations faltered. Eyes turned.
Whispers followed.
"Duke Noctierre…"
"He actually came."
"So young as well…"
"Think he'll agree with an alliance for my daughter's hand in marriage…?"
Ah.
Do they really have nothing else to do than watch me step down from a carriage?
Edward stepped half a pace behind me, hand resting casually near the hilt of his sword, not threatening, just present.
Not sure if his intimidation works or not, I doubt anyone here would actually think a blade will be drawn.
I walked forward without hesitation, posture relaxed, expression neutral. Cold, but not hostile. Aloof, but attentive.
'Guess years of forced drama class really paid off.'
Apparently, my body knew this role better than I did.
Inside the conclave hall, the scale was overwhelming. Massive pillars stretched toward a vaulted ceiling painted with scenes of imperial conquests. Long tables lined the chamber in a semicircle, each marked with house insignias.
I found my seat near the outer edge, impossible to miss considering the huge gold engraving on the back of the furniture.
Fitting.
As I sat, a few nobles dared brief glances my way. One older duke scoffed quietly. Another, a count masked his discomfort with a stiff smile. None approached.
'Is it too late to say I don't even know how to rule...?'
I awkwardly chuckled.
The imperial herald stepped forward, voice booming as he announced the opening formalities. Titles were read, oaths reaffirmed, and polite applause followed each speech.
I listened. Mostly.
But most of the things he said just couldn't help but fly past me, I have no idea what he was talking about...
Instead, I focused on something else, searching faces and scanning the hall.
A minor noble, one who looked around my age and earnest.
The heroine should be here...
Then I saw her.
She stood near the far end of the hall, half-hidden behind a taller noblewoman. Her attire was modest compared to the others, with soft colors and simple embroidery.
Her face even spelled it out if I still wasn't convinced she was the main heroine.
She looked out of her depth.
The feeling was mutual...
Brown hair pulled back neatly. Eyes pretending to be sharp and observant.
She looked… normal compared to the other people in the crowd.
Not overly dazzling, well... other than her appearance, of course.
She was stunning, for lack of a better term.
It was certainly her.
A strange tension settled in my chest
This was the girl who would one day stand against Duke Noctierre. Who would help bring about his downfall. Who believed, stubbornly and sincerely, that the world could be better.
I leaned back slightly in my chair.
"So this is where it starts…"
The herald's voice rang out again. "Let the conclave formally commence."
At the same moment, something flickered in my vision.
[Task 1 Progress Updated]
[Objective: Meet the Heroine — Pending]