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Valeria nodded, taking his hand briefly as she stepped down, her gaze sweeping over the estate\'s opulent gardens and gleaming stone facade. Despite Maynter\'s assurances, she knew better. Even if she hadn\'t come to Andelheim with the intention of seeking noble favor, basic etiquette dictated that she present herself properly—especially when the host was a Marquis. Her current attire, functional as it was, wouldn\'t suffice.

She was about to voice her concern when Maynter gestured toward a waiting attendant near the entrance. The young woman, dressed in the Ventor family\'s official livery, curtsied gracefully as they approached.

"Lady Valeria," the attendant said, her voice soft yet clear, "the Marquis has instructed that you be given time to prepare. If you will follow me, suitable attire has been arranged for your audience."

Valeria\'s surprise flickered for a moment before she quickly masked it. \'He anticipated this.\' The thought eased her nerves slightly, but it also confirmed the Marquis\'s attention to detail—and, perhaps, his desire to make a strong impression.

"Thank you," Valeria replied, her tone measured as she followed the attendant inside.

The interior of the mansion was as grand as its exterior. Polished marble floors reflected the warm glow of crystal chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and gilded accents. The sheer opulence was a stark contrast to the rugged inns and bustling streets of Andelheim, but Valeria kept her expression neutral, focusing instead on the attendant who led her through a series of halls.

Eventually, they arrived at a private chamber. The attendant gestured for her to enter, explaining, "Everything has been prepared for your convenience, my lady. Please take your time."

Inside, Valeria found a meticulously arranged wardrobe, each piece tailored to fit her build yet styled in a way that maintained both elegance and modesty—befitting her status as a knight. She selected a dark green gown with silver embroidery, its understated design striking a balance between formal nobility and her own preferences for practicality.

By the time she emerged, the tension in her shoulders had eased slightly. Though she still felt the weight of the moment, the act of preparing herself helped center her thoughts. \'This isn\'t just a formality. The Marquis wants something from me,\' she reminded herself. \'Whether it\'s alliance, recognition, or something else, I need to be ready.\'

Maynter was waiting just outside the chamber, his expression as composed as ever. "You look most presentable, Lady Valeria," he remarked with a slight nod. "The Marquis himself will greet you at the entrance to the hall."

That gave her pause. Traditionally, such a gesture was reserved for those of equal or higher rank—or individuals the host greatly wished to impress or ally with. Given that the Olarion family was not above the Marquis\'s station, the conclusion was clear: Marquis Ventor sought to establish goodwill with her.

The realization steadied her. \'This isn\'t just about courtesy. He sees value in me—or my connections.\'

Still, she couldn\'t afford to be complacent. While she doubted the Marquis would resort to deception—his position left little to gain from such tactics—she resolved to tread carefully. Trust was earned, not freely given.

At last, she was led to the grand entrance of the hall. Marquis Ventor stood waiting, flanked by two knights in ceremonial armor. His presence was commanding yet welcoming, his attire immaculate without being ostentatious. As Valeria approached, he stepped forward and offered a courteous bow.

"Young Lady Valeria," he said, his voice warm and steady. "It is an honor to welcome you to my home. Your performance in the tournament has been nothing short of remarkable."

Valeria returned the gesture with a respectful bow of her own. "Thank you, my lord. I am honored by your invitation and hospitality."

The Marquis smiled, gesturing for her to enter the hall. "Come, let us speak in comfort. I am eager to discuss matters that may benefit us both."

As Valeria followed him into the opulent hall, she felt a small sense of relief. The Marquis\'s demeanor, while polished, seemed genuine. Yet her resolve remained firm. \'This is a game of politics as much as power. I\'ll listen carefully—but I\'ll not let my guard down.\'

Valeria followed Marquis Ventor through the grand halls of his mansion, their footsteps echoing faintly against the polished marble floors. They entered a formal chamber bathed in the soft glow of a grand chandelier. The room was furnished with exquisite taste—plush armchairs arranged around a low table of dark mahogany, a backdrop of intricate tapestries depicting historic battles and alliances.

The Marquis gestured for her to take a seat as a servant discreetly poured tea into delicate porcelain cups. Valeria lowered herself gracefully, maintaining a composed posture despite the subtle tension that lingered in the air.

Marquis Ventor settled into his chair opposite her, his movements deliberate yet unhurried. "Lady Valeria," he began, his tone warm yet measured, "you honor me with your presence. I hope the arrangements thus far have been to your satisfaction."

"They have been more than satisfactory, my lord," Valeria replied with a slight incline of her head. "Your hospitality is most gracious."

The Marquis smiled faintly, lifting his teacup. "It is only fitting. Your performance in the tournament has been nothing short of exemplary. You have not only brought honor to yourself but have added prestige to this event."

"You are kind to say so," Valeria said, her voice steady. "The tournament has been a remarkable experience—one that has tested my skills and broadened my perspective."

"Perspective is a valuable thing," the Marquis mused, setting down his cup with a soft clink. "The strength you\'ve shown, both in battle and in demeanor, is rare, Lady Valeria. It is no surprise your name is being spoken so widely."

Valeria offered a faint smile in response, her mind carefully navigating the layers beneath his words. The Marquis\'s praise was genuine, but she knew it carried an intent.

After a moment of pleasant silence, Marquis Ventor leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Of course, one cannot speak of the tournament without mentioning Sir Lucavion. His... unique style has left an indelible impression, to say the least."

Valeria\'s gaze sharpened slightly, though she kept her composure. She inclined her head, acknowledging his statement without offering more.

The Marquis studied her carefully, his next words carefully chosen. "I must admit, I find myself curious about the nature of your relationship with him. You have been seen together often, and there seems to be an understanding between you."

Valeria felt her pulse quicken ever so slightly, though she maintained a calm exterior. She met his gaze directly, her tone neutral. "Sir Lucavion and I are acquainted through the tournament. Circumstances have led us to cross paths frequently."

The Marquis raised an eyebrow, his smile faint but knowing. "An acquaintance, you say? Forgive me, Lady Valeria, but it appears to be more than mere coincidence. Your presence during his moments of triumph, the ease with which you converse—these are not the marks of casual association."

Valeria straightened slightly, choosing her words carefully. "Lucavion is... an enigma. He has a way of drawing people into his orbit, whether through his skill or his character. Our paths aligned by chance, but I will not deny that I have come to regard him with respect."

"Respect," the Marquis echoed, his tone thoughtful. "A foundation upon which many great alliances are built." He paused, as if weighing how far to press. "His talent is undeniable, though his methods are unconventional. Such a man is bound to draw both admiration and ire."

Valeria\'s lips pressed into a thin line. "He is... singular," she said after a moment, her voice carefully measured. "And while his approach may differ from tradition, it is effective."

The Marquis nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on her. "Indeed. It is rare to encounter one who defies convention so completely, and rarer still to see them succeed as he has. Perhaps it is this very quality that makes him so compelling." He leaned back slightly, his expression contemplative.

Valeria\'s thoughts swirled as the Marquis\'s words hung in the air. His tone remained polished, his demeanor warm, but the deliberate nature of his probing was unmistakable. \'So that\'s it,\' she thought, her chest tightening ever so slightly. \'I was called here not for my accomplishments, but because of my association with Lucavion.\'

The realization brought a subtle pang of disappointment. She had entered the tournament to forge her own path, to be recognized on her own merits. And yet, it seemed that even here, in this carefully curated chamber, her value was being weighed against someone else\'s shadow.

The Marquis seemed to notice the shift in her expression, the faintest flicker of disappointment that crossed her composed facade. His own smile softened, his posture easing slightly as he leaned forward.

"Lady Valeria," he said gently, his tone carrying an air of reassurance, "I see what you are thinking, and I must correct a misconception. While Sir Lucavion is, without a doubt, an enigma worth studying, his presence is not the sole reason you are here today."

Valeria blinked, the words catching her off guard. She had been so caught up in her interpretation of his intentions that she hadn\'t considered another possibility.

"After all regardless of an oddball like him, you are one of the few people of current nobility that can match such talents on your own, isn\'t that so? It appears that Olarion Household\'s future is bright."

To that, Valeria felt warm in her heart.

\'Finally….\'

She felt like her efforts were working.