Chapter 41

After explaining everything to Gauriash, I began scanning the crowd, my eyes sweeping across the sea of guests. In one corner of the grand hall, I spotted three familiar figures seated near a table, deep in conversation—Vireth Serpentins, Victor Dainhart, and Varian Storme from the beast market. Not far from them stood a second group—Aldric Valtorian, Darius Valen, Aldric Valefang, and his son Zephyr Aldric Valefang, quietly observing the crowd, no doubt assessing like I was.

I stood from my seat, dusted off my cloak, and turned to Brakthar. “Brakthar, I have a present for you,” I said with a small smile.

From the ring gifted to me by the Oracle, I withdrew four identical swords and two specially designed belts. As I handed them over, Brakthar’s reaction was something I’ll never forget. His usually stoic face lit up like the sun itself—so radiant it felt like the entire castle could be warmed by it.

Tears welled in his eyes as he reverently strapped each sword to his waist, his massive hands trembling slightly. “Bonded believe. Brakthar good. Bonded give swords. Brakthar protect.”

I stepped forward and placed a hand firmly on his shoulder. “I always believed in you, Brakthar. We are bonded. Now stop crying.”

“Brakthar happy. Not cry,” he replied, though a few tears still escaped the corners of his eyes. His pride in that moment was overwhelming.

I gave him a reassuring nod, then strapped on my own sword. Turning to Gauriash, who was still seated beside me, I said in a calm but purposeful voice, “Gauriash, do you see the trio behind me? The ones from the beast market?”

He followed my gaze. “Yes, I see them.”

“You and those three have a job now,” I continued. “Approach them quietly. With their help, find the spy hidden in this crowd.”

Gauriash’s eyes narrowed in understanding. “It will be done, Asher,” he said firmly, then stood and moved toward the three men with purposeful steps.

Brakthar, however, grew tense the moment Gauriash left. His aura flared, his muscles tightened, and he clenched his fists with silent rage.

“Brakthar kill. Spy bad,” he growled through the mind link.

“Easy, Brakthar. Easy,” I soothed, sending calming thoughts his way. “You’ll get your chance when the time is right.”

He blinked at me, then nodded slowly. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him in a hug. At first, he stiffened—shocked by the sudden gesture—but he soon relaxed, gently wrapping his powerful arms around me in return.

“You good, Brakthar,” I said softly.

“Brakthar good,” he echoed, the words almost reverent.

With that moment shared, I gave his shoulder a final pat and turned toward the group of Aldrics and Darius. I forced a smile on my face—a smile I hoped looked genuine, though inside I was a storm of tension. My steps were measured, deliberate, as I moved across the hall.

Halfway there, Angela and Cassie intercepted me.

“Are you okay, Ashy?” Angela asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

“Yes, Angela, I’m perfectly fine. Why do you ask?” I replied, though my smile slipped slightly.

She leaned in closer. “Because of your fake smile.”

I sighed softly. “Angela, I’m trying to find a needle in a haystack.”

Cassie tilted her head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Before I could answer, Angela gently nudged Cassie and said, “I’ll explain it later.” Then she gave me a warm smile and tugged Cassie away, letting me continue toward the next step of this intricate night.

As I reached their table, I looked at Valtorian and Darius and asked politely, “May I borrow your seats for a while?”

They looked slightly confused at first, but both stood up without hesitation, offering their chairs with smiles. I nodded in thanks and took my place. Brakthar sat to my left, while Valtorian settled beside him. Aldric Valefang took the seat next to Valtorian, and Darius positioned himself on Brakthar’s right. Zephyr, Aldric’s son, sat across from us, his posture stiff but attentive.

I made quick introductions. “Everyone, this is Brakthar, my bonded and closest companion. Brakthar, these are some of the finest men in Aldrenour—my friends and allies.”

Brakthar gave a single respectful nod. “Friends of bonded. Friends of Brakthar.”

Valefang was the first to break the brief silence. “Asher, that sword of yours ... It looks new. Where did you get it?”

I smiled, tracing the hilt lightly. “It’s a gift—and a story best told at tomorrow’s council meeting. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.”

Then I turned toward Zephyr with a raised eyebrow. “Zaphyr, why don’t you go and fetch your future wife and her friend? I’d very much like to meet them.”

Valefang’s expression contorted with confusion, while Zephyr’s face turned a shade of crimson so deep it almost matched his tunic. He realized he’d been caught.

“Yes ... of course,” Zephyr muttered and stood quickly, excusing himself to fetch the two girls.

As he departed, I held up a hand to Valefang, who looked like he was about to protest. “Aldric Valefang, don’t dwell on this matter right now. We have more pressing things to observe. Aldric Valtorian, keep your eyes on Gauriash, but subtly. Let’s make sure he’s safe—and see who interacts with him.”

We began chatting casually about mundane topics—banquet arrangements, recent magical breakthroughs, and updates from the northern trade routes—when Zephyr returned with two young women by his side.

I rose from my seat and extended a hand as he introduced them.

“Asher,” Zephyr said, trying to compose himself, “this is Seraphina Blaze—the one I ... fancy. She’s a gravity mage. And this is her friend, Terra Sylva, an earth mage.”

Both girls bowed politely. Seraphina carried herself with confident grace, but Terra looked slightly nervous under the attention.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I said, smiling as I shook their hands.

After a few light words, I glanced at Terra and asked, “Miss Terra, I couldn’t help noticing that you’ve been casting glances toward someone over there. May I ask who he is?”

She blushed instantly and glanced down. “His name is Theron Lysander. He’s a commoner ... and my mother says there’s no future for us.”

“And why would that be a problem?” I asked gently.

“She says a noble girl and a commoner boy can’t have a future together. But ... I believe otherwise. I even arranged for him and his friend to get into the banquet—with Seraphina’s help.”

“I see,” I replied, impressed by her courage and heart.

Spotting a nearby runner girl, I beckoned her over and pointed toward Theron and his friend. “Please guide those two young men to us. Tell them Prince Asher requests their company.”

As the runner departed, I excused myself from the table. “Gentlemen, allow me a moment,” I said, walking toward where the boys now hesitantly approached.

They looked visibly nervous, clearly aware of how out-of-place they felt among nobility.

“Mr. Theron,” I said warmly, “will you introduce me to your friend here?”

Theron gave a stiff bow and replied with a shaky voice, “This is Lucian Umbra, my prince. He’s a dark mage.”

I smiled and offered my hand. “Welcome, Lucian. You’re among friends now.”

Both of them relaxed slightly at my calm tone. We chatted like old companions discovering each other anew. They told me about their struggles, their dreams of becoming adventurers, and their love for magic.

It was during this exchange that Lucian, perhaps forgetting the formality of the moment, let something slip.

“I ... I was lucky to be here tonight,” he said. “I’m still technically a slave—bound to the auction house owner. He brought me as a display.”

A heavy silence followed his words.

I froze for a moment, looking at him more carefully now. My gaze softened. “You were brought here ... as property?”

He nodded slowly. “Yes, but I’m a free man in heart and mind. I’m not allowed to say more.”

“Don’t worry,” I said firmly. “I’ll say it for you. Not for long, Lucian. Not for long.”

I scanned the hall and eventually found Gauriash, chatting animatedly with a small group. To my surprise—and a great sense of relief—I spotted the man I was looking for among them: Victor Dainhart, the slave auction master.

Turning to my companions and new friends, I spoke gently. “Please wait here for a moment. I won’t be long.”

They nodded, and I moved purposefully toward the group of five. As I approached, I greeted them politely, but my eyes locked with Gauriash’s in a silent question.

He gave a subtle shake of the head—no lead yet. That confirmed my suspicion: the spy hadn’t revealed themselves yet.

I turned to Victor Dainhart, maintaining a composed expression, though my words held a pointed edge.

“Mr. Victor Dainhart, I must admit I’m a little disappointed. You broke a promise to me.”

Victor blinked, visibly startled. He scanned my face to judge if this was another one of my infamous pranks, or if I was truly angry. After a moment, he realized I was being serious—but not furious—and responded carefully.

“I don’t believe I have, my prince.”

I crossed my arms. “Oh, but you have. You once told me that if you ever came across a jewel—a slave truly worthy of my attention—you would bring them directly to me. And now I hear that such a jewel is being displayed in public during this very banquet.”

A flicker of understanding passed over his face. “My prince, there are fifteen slaves present at this event. If you can tell me who you’re referring to, the matter can be resolved easily. Name the slave, and he is yours. We can discuss the payment later.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly, still keeping the tone civil. “And how do I know you won’t cheat me later by demanding more than what I truly owe?”

He gave an exasperated laugh and waved his hand. “Come now, Asher. Everyone here knows your taste for drama and pranks. Stop the performance and name the slave already.”