Chapter 13: Gifts (1)
The smell of roasted meats and herbs drifted through the vast dining hall as servants brought out rows of platters. Under the guidance of Thomas, the servants worked flawlessly as the political tension from the earlier arrivals also slowly dissolved into the warmth of the feast.
At the lower tables, the regional lords took slow sips of their aged wine. Lord Zephyr leaned closer to Gideon Wells as he swirled his glass to mask the movement of his lips. "Prince Asher himself coming to the border suggests the succession race is far tighter than they are letting on. He probably needs our backing."
Gideon didn’t look back at him. His gaze drifted on the four royal guards standing behind the imperial couple. "He needs the backing of the border, Zephyr. And he knows Marcus and us will support him."
Zephyr nodded at him as they began to enjoy the gathering.
High on the elevated platform, Leon sat quietly in his high seat. To anyone looking up, he was just an exceptionally well behaved and quiet child. The pendant against his chest worked in a flawless and quiet rhythm and masked his soul signature.
Leon was observing everything around him. He heard various conversations among nobles, experienced the traditions that he only read in books and also compared the foreign guests’ visual traits to the descriptions.
Hours went by as the gathering progressed. The moment the final platters were cleared, the atmosphere shifted back to official formality. Marcus leaned over to Roland and Thomas, in a low and clear voice he said, "Go check on the outer feast. Ensure the city guard is managing the perimeter and conclude the public gatherings smoothly before night."
Roland nodded as he instantly rose from his seat and went towards courtyard alongside Thomas. As the future heir, Roland also had to possess skills in leadership and handling the people.
As he came outside, several citizens stepped forward to congratulate and offer gifts for his baby brother Leon. Roland stopped at the courtyard, offering them a respectful smile. "House Hayes deeply appreciates your kindness," he told the crowd as he powered his voice to be heard by all.
"But we cannot accept your hard earned goods or personal wealth. Your continued dedication and support to our house are the greatest gifts you could ever give this house."
The citizens murmured in respectful approval as they were impressed by the young heir. At his side, Thomas was also impressed and began to seamlessly wrap the outer festivities.
After a while, Roland and Thomas returned inside. Viscount Marcus rose from his seat as his frame instantly drew everyone’s attention. Vera also stood up from her seat and went towards Leon, standing beside him.
"The feast concludes," Marcus’s voice cut through the chatter. He observed the reactions and further added. "Let the gift ceremony begin."
Prince Asher and Sofia stepped forward first as he began to approach Leon. He moved with the practiced grace of royalty. A royal guard followed half a step behind them.
"The imperial throne recognizes the unwavering deeds of House Hayes," Asher said as his gaze drifted towards Hayes’s and regional lords. He then stepped closer to the high seat, his tone softening as he looked down at Leon. "But today we come as a family. For my nephew, a blessing from us."
He gestured slightly towards the guard and the guard opened a box, revealing a beautifully crafted and dense essence amulet. Unlike raw essence, this energy was smooth and refined but was sealed and untraceable till essence sensing.
"An amulet of pure essence, refined to 96 percent purity," Asher explained to Leon as his voice carried a genuine pride as an uncle. "When you are ready to step at Vessel stage, directing this pure essence will help you build a nearly perfect foundation for your body."
Sofia chuckled at his side as she tapped Leon’s cheek while the other guests were also surprised at the display of royal family.
Leon looked at the amulet as he reached out to receive the box. He then looked up at his uncle. "Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Aunt," Asher smiled as he patted Leon’s head gently before stepping back with Sofia.
Leon looked down at the gift in his hands. He remembered that a ninety six percent purity artifact was considered on of the most rare item for the early stages.
Next came the foreign guests. Kellan and Elara Ashgrove moved with silent steps. In Kellan’s hand, he carried a big container that glowed with concealment runes.
"A gift from the depths of the elven forests," Elara announced as her voice boomed through the hall. They both stood in front of Leon.
With a snap of her fingers, the container opened as it revealed a pitch black egg. It’s surface was smooth and dark as it seemed to swallow the light around it.
"A companion born of the deepest shadows," Elara said, her voice turning gentler as she looked down at Leon. "An exclusive species raised by Ashgroves, a Shadow Raven’s egg. May you properly take care of it, Leon."
As they stood close, a sudden wave of pure and natural essence radiated directly from the two elves. Leon’s world completely shifted as for the first time, he felt something. He was startled as he suddenly sensed essence and tried sensing it again.
Vera noticing him being startled, instantly grew worried. She leaned towards him and immediately checked up on him.
Leon regained his composure as he was unable to sense anything again but the feeling still lingered. ’Is this essence? I need to feel it again. I’ve tried sensing essence many times but always failed but now, was it because of elves natural and pure essence? Since they are father’s friend and will stay for the night, I’ll ask for my parent’s permission once the gathering ends.’
Marcus’s eyes immediately turned towards Leon as he noticed the sudden movement from him. Kellan and Elara also both glanced down as well, confused. But they figured it was simply because he was seeing a different race for the first time.
Vera also, realizing he wasn’t tensed or in any pain, felt assured and smoothed down his hair before stepping forward.
Vera then received the gift from the elves and handed to Hanna to place it in a safe place.
Kellan looked at Leon as his voice was calm. "Quickly introduce the boy’s essence signature to the egg as it needs to familiarize itself with his essence before hatching," Kellan said to Vera as he smiled towards Leon before stepping down.
Turning away from the platform, Kellan walked towards Marcus. "You will need to build an incubator that matches with this species till Leon familiarizes with the egg. I can’t provide the blueprint but I can supervise the making and infuse it with the runes myself."
Marcus smiled as he nodded, deeply appreciating the gesture from his
friend.
Leon watched them step away but his thoughts were still on the strange new energy he has sensed earlier. He was completely unaware of his surroundings as tried to remember the sensation as much as he could and wanting go somewhere quiet and try sensing again.