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"Not this time, my son. This matter is... more delicate," she said, her tone heavy with meaning. "It's just a royal summon..."

"Let me come with you, Mother," I interrupted, feeling a sense of urgency. "I have a bad feeling about this, and I can't let you face it alone."

Elysia gave me a long, searching look before finally nodding. "Very well, Samael. Your presence might indeed be beneficial."

"Thank you," I said, feeling a mix of relief and determination. I turned to the rest of the family. "I'll be back soon. In the meantime, please stay safe and look after each other."

Alice and Sionna both nodded, their concern evident but unspoken. Lily and Liliana gave me encouraging smiles, and I felt a surge of gratitude for their support.

As we left the main hall, Elysia filled me in on the details of the royal summon. "It's from King Cedric Blackthorn," she explained. "In the letter, he said 'It has come to our attention that recent events have caused considerable tension within the the noble houses. The Royal family wishes to extend an invitation to discuss matters of mutual interest and ensure the continued stability of Blackthorn.

A meeting will be held at the Royal Palace in three days' time. Your presence is requested.' those were his words."

I absorbed the gravity of my mother's words, feeling anxious and determined. King Cedric Blackthorn's invitation was not to be taken lightly. The political landscape in Blackthorn was fraught with tension, and any meeting with the royal family had the potential to reshape alliances and power dynamics.

"We need to be cautious," I said, my mind racing through possible scenarios. "The royal family might have ulterior motives. We must prepare for anything."

Elysia nodded in agreement. "Indeed. This meeting could be an opportunity or a trap. We must be vigilant."

As we made our way through the corridors, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something significant. The integration of my new powers, the changes within me, and now this royal summon—it all felt interconnected, as if the threads of fate were weaving a complex tapestry.

We arrived at Elysia's study, where she had gathered several documents and maps. "We need to review our current alliances and understand the potential risks," she said, spreading out the materials on the desk.

I joined her, scanning the documents. "We have allies within the noble houses, but we must be wary of those who might seek to undermine us," I said, pointing to specific names and factions.

Elysia nodded. "Lord Whitewood has been supportive, but we need to ensure his loyalty. And there's Lady Stormrider—she's been unpredictable. We can't afford any surprises."

"Those are just count-level houses, what about Rutherford's house, It is the duke-level house after Clearwater; who will support us

Elysia's face grew serious at the mention of the Rutherford house. "The Rutherfords are indeed a formidable duke-level house, and their position is crucial. They have significant sway in the political landscape and their support or opposition could greatly impact the outcome of any negotiation."

I leaned in closer, studying the documents and maps spread across the desk. "Do we have any intelligence on their current stance or potential inclinations? Their neutrality could shift easily, depending on recent developments or incentives."

"I have but it's not good for us, because according to my contacts Lady Clarissa: the eldest daughter of Lord Rutherford is seen with the crown prince frequently."

I furrowed my brow at the mention of Lady Clarissa Rutherford. "Lady Clarissa? She's been seen with the Crown Prince? That could indeed be a troubling sign. If she's aligning herself with the crown, it could mean the Rutherfords are leaning toward supporting the royal family."

Elysia nodded, her expression grim. "Yes, Lady Clarissa's association with the Crown Prince is certainly a red flag. Her influence within the Rutherford house is considerable, and if she is indeed aligning herself with the crown, it could signify a shift in their allegiance.

The Rutherfords are known for their political maneuvering, and this could be part of a larger strategy to gain favor or secure concessions from the royal family."

I took a deep breath, processing the implications. "If the Rutherfords are leaning toward the Crown Prince, we need to act quickly to either secure their support or at least neutralize any potential threat they might pose. We can't afford to lose their influence or face them as an adversary."

I continued "Our only saving points are you; the strongest mage of the kingdom and alliance with the Clearwater family."

Elysia's gaze softened at my words, but her seriousness remained. "Our strength and alliances are indeed vital. The Clearwater family's support could be a game-changer. We should reach out to them immediately to solidify our standing and gauge their current stance. Their involvement might counterbalance the Rutherfords and offer us leverage."

I nodded, already considering the steps we needed to take. "I'll draft a message to the Clearwater family right away. We should emphasize our mutual interests and reinforce our commitment to the alliance. It's crucial that we present a united front."

Elysia gave a firm nod. "And I'll work on fortifying our position with Lord Whitewood and other supportive count-level houses. We need to ensure that they remain steadfast in their loyalty and ready to back us if necessary."

"Also, we should keep a close watch on Lady Stormrider," I added. "Her unpredictability could become a significant factor. If there's any opportunity to influence or secure her support, we should seize it."

"Agreed," Elysia said, her voice steady. "I'll have our agents discreetly gather more information on Lady Stormrider's recent activities and any potential motives she might have. If we can understand her current disposition, we might be able to leverage it to our advantage."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders. "We have a lot to manage before the meeting with King Cedric. Let's ensure that our preparations are thorough and that we are ready for any eventuality."

Elysia and I worked through the night, drafting messages, reviewing our alliances, and formulating strategies. Every detail mattered, and every decision could impact the future of the Ashwood family and the stability of Blackthorn.

As dawn approached, we concluded our preparations. The sense of urgency remained, but I felt a renewed determination. We had a plan in place, and with Elysia's leadership and our combined efforts, we were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Everything is set," Elysia said, her voice tired but resolute. "Now, we must wait and see how the pieces fall into place."

I looked at her, admiration and gratitude evident in my gaze. "Thank you, Mother. I couldn't have done this without your guidance. We'll face this challenge together."

"Go, freshen up and change into something regal," Elysia instructed gently, her eyes softening as she gave me a brief but warm smile. "You need to be ready for whatever the meeting with King Cedric brings. First impressions matter."

I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I'll be quick," I assured her, heading toward my chambers.

As I walked through the halls of the Ashwood estate, my mind was a whirl of thoughts. The meeting with King Cedric could drastically shift the political landscape, and I needed to be both sharp and composed. It was not just about presenting a strong front but also about navigating the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that shaped the kingdom.

Entering my room, I found my trusted attire laid out—an elegant ensemble designed to project both power and approachability. It was a dark, deep blue with intricate silver embroidery, symbolizing the Ashwood house's heritage. The attire was both regal and understated, perfect for making a strong impression without appearing overtly aggressive.

As I dressed, I mentally reviewed our strategies. Reaching out to the Clearwater family was crucial. Their support could serve as a buffer against the potential shifts in allegiance from the Rutherford house and provide us with a stronger position during the meeting. Securing Lady Stormrider's support was another critical task.

Her unpredictability could be turned to our advantage if approached correctly.

Once dressed, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. The attire fit perfectly, accentuating my stature and the sense of authority I needed to project. The dual-colored eyes and striking hair seemed to complement the ensemble, adding to the aura of command I hoped to convey.

Returning to the study, I found Elysia waiting, her own attire reflecting the gravitas of the occasion. She looked up as I entered, her eyes scanning me with approval.

"Excellent," she said. "You look the part. We'll make a strong impression."

"Thank you," I replied. "Is there anything else we need to discuss before we head to the Royal Palace?"

Elysia thought for a moment. "Only that we should remain vigilant and flexible. The royal family has their own agenda, and we must be prepared to adapt to any unexpected developments. Keep your mind sharp and your responses measured. We cannot afford to show any weakness."

"Understood," I said, feeling a surge of resolve. "I'll be ready."

"Here, *Chuuu*" She kissed my lips with a gentle touch, a comforting gesture that bolstered my confidence. "Let's go, Darling~ We have a kingdom's worth of matters to address."

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..

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[To Be Continued]

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