Chapter 312: Matters Of Implications

Lady Seraphina’s expression grew contemplative as she regarded the matriarch seated opposite her.

She briefly lowered her gaze towards the teacup resting upon its saucer, watching the delicate curls of steam rising from its surface, before looking up again.

The emerald eyes that had earlier held such easy warmth now carried a seriousness that left little doubt her visit concerned more than a friendly call.

"Before I answer that, Lady Regina, may I ask whether you are aware that your husband’s younger brother, Lord Goldric, and his son have returned from the Frozen North?"

Regina’s eyebrows rose almost imperceptibly. The movement was slight, but Seraphina knew her well enough to recognise genuine surprise beneath her practiced composure. Regina leaned back, resting one hand upon the carved arm of her chair.

"Yes, I am aware," she replied. "There is hardly anything that happens in Valoria without House Noctivane having at least some inkling of it."

Seraphina allowed herself a faint smile. "That is certainly true. I would hardly dispute it. Your household’s information-gathering abilities are renowned throughout the kingdom. I suspect there are very few matters that escape your notice entirely."

"An exaggeration, perhaps," Regina remarked, though the subtle curve of her lips suggested she was not displeased by the compliment.

"But I would be lying if I claimed we were unaware of Lord Goldric’s return. I must admit, however, that the news came as something of a surprise."

She lifted her teacup and took a measured sip.

"After all, I was under the impression that His Majesty had personally entrusted him with maintaining the northern frontier. Preventing the Tide from breaking through into Valoria is hardly an ordinary assignment, and Lord Goldric has been stationed there for quite some time. With the season of the Tide approaching and winter already drawing near, I naturally assumed he and his son would remain in the Frozen North, dutifully performing the task entrusted to them by the Crown."

"One would certainly think so," Seraphina replied, nodding. "However, Lord Goldric arrived in Valoria the day before yesterday. And, to make matters more interesting, his son possesses the same Soul Essence Tier as my own."

Regina’s hand paused above her teacup.

"Is that so?"

"Indeed." Seraphina leaned forward, bringing her fingers together upon the polished table. "As a fellow matriarch, Regina, I believe you understand precisely what that entails."

For several moments, Regina said nothing. Her grey eyes remained fixed upon Seraphina, while the faint amusement that had accompanied their earlier conversation gradually disappeared.

She needed no further explanation to grasp the significance. Certain matters in Valoria were impossible for even the most politically indifferent noble to misunderstand, and the traditions governing succession within the Great Houses were among them.

The possession of a high-tier Soul Essence was practically an unwritten doctrine of noble society, whether a household belonged to Valehart, Noctivane, Auricrest, Vauldryn or one of the lesser families scattered throughout the kingdom.

Customs differed, but the underlying principle remained consistent: a prospective heir required more than charisma, sound judgement and the aptitude to govern. Above all, they needed a sufficiently powerful Soul Essence.

It was a prerequisite with which practically nobody in Valoria dared trifle.

The consequences of possessing a lesser-tier Soul Essence were well known. Those who failed to meet their household’s expectations could be stripped of their inheritance, deprived of their standing or, in particularly unfortunate circumstances, banished into the abyss that was the Nether Lands.

Noble succession could be so unforgiving that even bloodline and seniority proved insufficient to protect an unsuitable heir.

Regina slowly placed her teacup upon its saucer. She was particularly familiar with House Valehart’s circumstances. As far as she knew, Seraphina’s son, Cedric, the current heir apparent, wielded two King Tier Soul Essences.

His accomplishments had attracted considerable admiration among the younger generation, and his reputation extended well beyond his household’s boundaries.

A prodigy, certainly, and one whose distinction was difficult to overstate.

Although others had awakened King Tier Soul Essences, none among the younger generation had managed to wield two simultaneously.

Cedric’s talent was therefore unprecedented, earning him admiration from his peers and envy from those overshadowed by his accomplishments.

Even within House Noctivane, where exceptional talent was hardly uncommon, his name commanded respect.

It was precisely because of this distinction that few had questioned his position as Valehart’s heir apparent. When news spread that his half-brother, Regaleon, had been sent into exile, the reaction among noble circles was remarkably subdued.

Whatever private opinions people held, few considered the decision worthy of public dispute. Cedric’s standing was simply too formidable.

But now Seraphina was telling her that another individual possessed not one, but two King Tier Soul Essences.

Even the most politically oblivious noblewoman in Valoria would have understood the implications. The development was not merely unprecedented; it threatened to alter the expectations surrounding an established heir, particularly when the newcomer possessed a claim or connection to a Great House.

Regina’s expression remained composed, but her thoughts were already moving several steps ahead. She could begin to see where the conversation was heading.

"It is precisely because of this matter that I sought you out today," Seraphina continued, apparently untroubled by the silence.

Regina raised a brow. Her slender fingers tapped once against the armrest before becoming still.

"And what exactly do you mean by that, Lady Seraphina?" she asked, her voice carrying a measured note of curiosity. "Surely, you do not expect House Noctivane to interfere in the affairs of a fellow Great House?"

Seraphina regarded her for a moment, then gave a small, almost incredulous shake of her head.

"Oh, come on, Regina."

The familiar name slipped from her lips without hesitation.

Surprisingly, Regina appeared entirely unperturbed. She merely regarded her old acquaintance with faint amusement, as though she had expected that particular tone to emerge sooner or later.

This was not indifference to etiquette, nor disregard for the dignity of her position. What most people in Aetherium, apart from a select circle within the upper echelon, did not know was that Lady Seraphina and Lady Regina were old friends.

They had attended the Royal Academy together during their teenage years, long before either inherited the responsibilities of a Great House.

Their acquaintance had gradually developed into a friendship sustained by shared experiences, youthful indiscretions and confidences neither had ever considered repeating to another soul. Over the years, their bond had deepened into something akin to sisterhood.

Their continued use of formal titles was simply a matter of appearances. Two matriarchs representing Great Houses could hardly display excessive familiarity in public without inviting speculation.

An innocent embrace might be interpreted as evidence of a political alliance, while an intimate friendship between their households could attract the attention of House Valerion, the Royal House itself. In noble society, even affection could become politically consequential when displayed carelessly.

With the doors closed and no attendants present, however, there was little reason to maintain such pretences. They could speak freely without worrying about how their words might be interpreted by an audience.

Seraphina tilted her head, her expression assuming the familiar mixture of disbelief and mild exasperation Regina had known for years.

"Do you seriously expect me to believe that you never saw the correspondence I sent you?"

Regina’s lips parted, but Seraphina raised a hand before she could respond.

"Surely, you cannot tell me you were so terribly occupied that you couldn’t find time to examine something as important as that letter."

Her tone was not particularly harsh, but the pointed look accompanying her words left little doubt that she would not accept an ordinary excuse.

Regina regarded her for a moment before allowing a faint smile to return.

"Seraphina..."

"No, don’t Seraphina me," the latter interrupted, leaning back with an unimpressed expression. "You and I have known each other far too long for you to pretend I do not understand how your household operates."

She gestured lightly, her bracelets producing a faint metallic chime.

"I know perfectly well that a letter bearing the seal of House Valehart would not simply sit unattended on someone’s desk for several days. And even if you were occupied, there are certainly enough capable people in Castle Noctivane to bring such a matter to your attention."

Regina’s smile gradually faded, although she did not appear offended.

After all, Seraphina was right.

Given the bond they shared, the Valehart matriarch knew there was little chance Regina had remained entirely ignorant of the letter’s contents.

House Noctivane’s information network was far too extensive, and Regina herself far too meticulous, for such important correspondence to escape her attention.

Consequently, the absence of a response was unlikely to have resulted from simple negligence or ignorance.

There was another reason, something considerably more complicated. And that was precisely what Lady Seraphina wanted to understand...