Chapter 41: Ragna II
It came from a tall youth with crimson hair, lounging with one leg crossed over the other. He wore the blazing crest of House Ignivale, the Western Seasonal House—Autumn’s Blaze, renowned for their explosive combat styles and fiery tempers.
The one speaking was Cael Ignivale, third in line to the duke and known for picking fights the way others picked wine. His narrowed eyes glinted with irritation as he watched Fenric leave the chamber.
"Yeah," another voice chimed in, light but laced with scorn. "I remember him being cold-headed—but a coward when it came to standing his ground."
The speaker was a noble girl with sun-kissed golden hair and eyes like polished sunfire. Draped in loose silk lined with woven sigils of flame, she bore the unmistakable crest of House Solmere, the Southern Seasonal House—Summer’s Brand. Her name was Siena Solmere, niece of the Southern Duke and infamous for her blunt tongue and dueling reputation that left most would-be suitors in bandages or silence.
She tilted her head slightly, watching Fenric’s retreating figure with mild curiosity. "Looks like he finally learned how to walk in a straight line. Still doesn’t mean he’s worth following."
The last voice didn’t speak—only watched.
A girl with pale olive eyes and short-cut dark hair remained silent as the others jeered. Her expression was unreadable, thoughtful. She wore a muted green robe embroidered with coiling vines—the symbol of House Verdanthe, the Eastern House—Spring’s Thorn, a lineage that prided itself on cunning, patience, and long-term plays.
That was Elya Verdanthe, known within certain circles for her scholarly accolades and the quiet, precise manner in which she dismantled her opponents. She didn’t insult Fenric. She simply studied him, as one might study a blooming sprout after a long drought—wondering what it might one day grow into.
Meanwhile, Lex Granda, seated at the head of their informal gathering, remained still.
He was the second son of the Grand Duke of House Granda, the Northern Seasonal House—Winter’s Lance. Calm, cold, and cut from imperial steel. Lex’s pride had already been bruised by Fenric’s earlier defiance, and now, his silence was the stillness of a sword waiting to be unsheathed.
One thing was certain to them all:
The Third Prince was no longer invisible.