Adelheid Chapter 10 Part 2: The Day of Creation Banquet (Patreon)

Adelheid walked towards the ballroom with light steps. The sun had already begun to dip into the horizon, and the banquet had begun for a little over an hour now. On her adolescent face, a touch of make-up could be seen. Her cheeks appeared rosier, her eyelashes longer and more delicate than before, and her lips were a lovely complexion. It was not only her face that underwent a glamorous makeover but her hair and clothes too.

Her bun was coiled elaborately, far more than before, and gold dust was sprinkled in her hair, giving it a unique sparkle. Gone was the red half-cape that she wore on the day she met the emperor. In that place was a red and black waistcoat embroidered with intricate designs at the edges.

There was a stage at the back, an elevated platform, where numerous musicians sat and played varying types of instruments, some Adelheid recognized, and others, she did not. The orchestra played a calm yet festive tune that elevated the ballroom's atmosphere to another level as if it was not a land inhabited by mortals but a paradise.

"Are you nervous?"

Adelheid turned her head and glanced at William, who was dressed predominantly white and red. If there were a fairy tale of a prince on a white horse, William would have been the perfect representative.

"No, Miss Sauer has already informed me of the necessary etiquette and procedures," Adelheid said in reply.

William made a face at the mention of the governess. "That woman was also my teacher for a while. It's already been years, yet she does not look a day older than when she taught me. I admit that she is competent at her job, but some things can only be experienced."

Adelheid gave William a meaningful smile and said, "I know."

William scrunched his brows, not understanding Adelheid's smile, but he did not have time to ponder anymore as the two entered the ballroom. Their servants, the butler and maids, all retreated aside. Inside, there would be dedicated servants to serve the two imperials.

The lavish marble tiles filled the floor with a lush red carpet atop, tables filled with delicacies and liquor lined the edge of the room, magic lights—a magic item that shone brighter and lasted longer than fire—lit the room as if it was still day, a grand chandelier hung at the center of the ceiling, dazzling the room with its reflective lights. However, those were all external factors. The true stars of the banquet were the participants dancing and conversing within.

Adelheid spotted a woman in her fifties sporting pants and an overcoat. At her waist was a decorative sword that espoused her military background. She was Hilda Werner, a Countess, and head of her household. Years ago, when the Empire still warred, she contributed significantly to the expanding territory.

The former general had a soft smile on her face as she conversed with several young men and a few women wearing a uniform of the imperial army. They all had smiles as they spoke with one another, but there was a hint of strain on the young men and women's faces compared to the countess's leisurely expression.

At another corner, the seventh princess spotted a noblewoman covering the lower half of her face with a fan. She was dressed meticulously and grandly, catching the eye of many young men and women alike.

She smiled softly to each and every person who passed by, but Adelheid could sense the calculative gaze in the young noblewoman's eyes. It was as if she was not interacting with living people but assessing the value of goods.

Near the center of the room, off of the dance floor, a group of elderly men and women were conversing. Each held a glass of wine in hand while smiling and occasionally taking a sip. However, there was a wide berth between them and the rest of the attendees.

"Addie, do not go over there." William quickly whispered into Adelheid's ears upon noticing where her attention was placed. "Those are the current former and current dukes and the most powerful marquises. Several of them hold the position of ministers. It would not be wrong to say that they hold the most power after the emperor. Not even father alone is more powerful than them."

Adelheid nodded and placed the group into her 'do not interact' list for the moment. Before she could ask for more information, the occupants of the ballroom quickly noticed the arrival of William and Adelheid.

"Prince William! It is a pleasure to reunite with you so soon," A jolly voice said. The owner of the voice was a man in his forties of a sizeable height. He would have resembled a barrel had it not been for it.

"It has been quite the time, Viscount Schmid. The soldiers at the borders only have praise for your timely supplies. Had it not been for you, the fort may have been overrun by those barbaric beastkins," William said. At a young age, he had already mastered the perfect politician's smile.

"Nonsense, I only played a supporting role. Why, I heard that Your Highness personally repelled the beastkin's prince and even managed to disarm him." The fat on Viscount Schmid's face trembled as he released a burst of gurgling laughter.

Viscount Schmid looked at Adelheid. His towering height highlighted the seventh princess's age and stature all the more. "And this must be Her Highness, Princess Adelheid."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Viscount Schmid." Adelheid lightly nodded her head. It was a simple action but filled to the brim with elegance and maturity beyond her years.

There was a twinkle in Viscount Schmid's eyes. "As expected of His Highness, Abrecht's child. If only my youngest child were as sensible as Her Highness, then I would have no more worries."

"How could it be? It's good for the younger child to be naughtier. However, if you are truly worried, how about I recommend him to the Vuldar Military Academy?" William spoke as his smile's deepened.

Viscount Schmid made an awkward face before he quickly excused himself. After he left, William whispered to Adelheid. "His youngest son, Jurg Schmid, is a well-known troublemaker in the capital. He wanted to tie you to his youngest son because none of his family is talented, even he got his position thanks to his father's connection. It is better to stay away from House Schmid. They might not even hold the title of viscount after his generation."

Adelheid nodded, then she paused. "How old is his youngest son if he is so well-known as a troublemaker?"

"Twelve, if I recall correctly," William said non-committedly.

'Age is not too far apart,' Adelheid thought, but soon, she did not have time to ponder over such inconsequential matters because more and more attendees were noticing William and Adelheid.

Compared to Albrecht, who had arrived at the banquet's start, the people who came to toast William and Adelheid were of fewer numbers, but that was only natural.  Albrecht was the first-in-line to the throne, although he hadn't been officially titled crown prince yet, but all he lacked was a name. Forging a connection with Albrecht was more dependable than his child, even if they were second and third-in-line to the throne.

Still, the number of people swarming the two imperials was staggering. After all, there were only three people capable of legally inheriting the throne after Emperor Wilheim passed away. It was as if everyone had forgotten the two children of First Prince Friedrich.

The current situation of so few potential heirs hadn't always been the case. During Emperor Wilheim's time as a prince, he had been seventeenth-in-line to the throne.

Not long after, William had been led away—whether it was intentional or not remains to be seen—by his former classmates from the Vuldar Imperial Academy and other colleagues he had not seen for almost a year. Without William hovering over her, Adelheid was exposed to the cunning gazes of the aristocrats.

The ballroom of the imperial palace was not a place of pleasure nor leisure. It was a battleground between aristocrats, the powerful imperial family, the declining nobles, and the rising uncrowned nobles. Marriage alliances and deals that influenced the whole country were made under the jubilant cries of the harpsichord and various instruments.

"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." The euphoric tone of voice caught Adelheid off-guard, and she closely observed the newcomer.

The owner of the voice was a girl not yet a woman of about thirteen to fourteen. She wore a forest green dress that made her dark brown hair all the darker and highlighted her emerald eyes all the more. Furthermore, her skin was a healthy white and did not seem to have been touched by any artificial enhancers, making her appear like a woodland nymph.

The woodland nymph covered her mouth as if she had just recalled something. She bowed and did a formal curtsy. "Where are my manners. My name is Giselle Enede Holstein, the fiancee of Prince William. It is my pleasure to finally meet Your Highness, Princess Adelheid."

The seventh princess was only surprised by Giselle's action for a moment before she acknowledged Giselle's curtsy. With a slight smile on her face, she replied, "I've been curious to meet you ever since I woke up."

A smile blossomed on Giselle's face after hearing Adelheid's response. Adelheid naturally did her research and memorized crucial information pertaining to her brother, such as who his fiance was. "You must simply visit me after the banquet. My family's garden is unparalleled in the whole capital. We could have the most delightful tea party there."

Giselle Enede Holstein was the current daughter of Marquis Holstein. The most important information of note is that her grand-aunt, the Marquis's aunt, was Justine Chelle von Vuldar nee Holstein, the current empress of the Vuldar Empire. Of course, during that time, her brother, the then-current head of household, was a duke of the third rank.

'Is she engaging with for such simple reasons, or does she have ulterior motives?' Adelheid could not be blamed for being wary against a fourteen-year-old child; in the world of the powerful, no children were purely innocent.

"I'm afraid that is impossible at the time. My health does not offer me a wide range of movement." Adelheid politely rejected. She did not mind weakening her presence until her strength had grown. "Might I suggest inviting my brother? He has just returned from the borders, and a time to relax is what he is dire need of."

Giselle's lips formed a pout and looked at where William was standing. "I tried to, but he just ran away without speaking tonight. He never accepts my invites. Does he not like me?"

The seventh princess followed their line of sight and saw William looking towards the two. He quickly shifted his gaze away like a deer caught in headlights, but if Adelheid's eyes were working correctly, was that some redness on his cheeks?

'Is it really so simple?' Adelheid turned towards Giselle with a smile once more.  "How about you ask again? Say that I think he needs to relax. What do you think?"

"Will he really accept?" Giselle asked, her earlier exuberance all but gone.

"Perhaps, it is worth a try. What is there to lose?" Adelheid suggested.

In response, Giselle glanced at the young ladies that were eyeing her. Making up her mind, she thanked the seventh princess before trying her luck once more.

Adelheid saw William notice his fiancee's action. Her brother attempted to walk away, but one of the boys near his age grabbed his shoulders with a smirk and whispered something, causing William's ears to redden and his cheeks to flush.

With Giselle gone, more and more aristocratic ladies rushed forward in an attempt to deepen their relationship with Adelheid. Even Adelheid, with her mature mindset, had trouble managing all the heated greetings, especially since children did not know restraint like adults, even if they were at least twelve years old.

"Y-Y-y-your H-Highness, I am B-Bertina Jutte I-Irmen. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance!" The girl's chin-length dark blue hair covered her face as she bowed far too low than etiquette demanded. Her lavender dress matched well with her hair, but it was a pity that it was far too large for her build.

"A pleasure," Adelheid acknowledged with a picture-perfect smile.

The girl, Bertina, tried to speak and converse with Adelheid, but her stuttering did no favors for her, causing her to be even shyer and introverted, almost close to tears.

Adelheid pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and presented it to the girl. It was against conduct to touch another person's face in high society, an etiquette that had been born out of the fear of assassinations. "Please wipe your tears. Tears do not suit someone as lovely as you."

Her words were not a lie. Bertina's eyes were large and doe-like, filled with innocence and naivety. It really made people want to protect her. Unfortunately, such advantageous features were covered by her bangs and further hidden by the incompatible dress and jewelry.

Bertina took the handkerchief with wide eyes of disbelief and elation. However, the seventh princess had no plans of continuing to accept greetings and quickly made herself scarce. It was almost comical how the girl was eyeing the princess, a girl at least a head shorter, full of worship.

She had noticed that most of the people who came to greet her were under a certain age, fourteen and younger, with most of them being girls with very few boys. It seemed that there was an unspoken rule.

Adelheid took a glass of iced juice from a server, and just as she took a sip, someone greeted her.

"My dearest cousin, I had thought that I would have never been able to meet you so soon."

The seventh princess turned her head and scrutinized the two newcomers. The one who had spoken earlier was a woman in her late teens. She wore the characteristic steel-colored eyes of the Vuldar Imperial Family with pride, and her long blonde hair fashioned into curls swayed as she walked. Coupled with her marron dress, she appeared regale and elegant.

"Cousin Antonia. I am also happy to finally meet you," Adelheid replied. The speaker's appearance, coupled with her earlier words, the seventh princess easily pieced together the newcomer's identity.

"Wow, so clever at your age." Antonia showed an expression of surprise and delight at Adelheid's response. She turned towards her companion with an elated expression. "Is she not the cutest?"

"Huh? Yeah, she's like a doll." Alexander added after being prompted by his twin sister. Unlike Antonia, he inherited the cerulean blue eyes from his maternal family. Alexander's blond hair shifted as he dodged Adelheid's gaze. Had he shown more confidence, his attire would have made him stand out, but now, Alexander appeared like an unknowing child playing adult.

"Thank you for your compliment," Adelheid also smiled at Alexander, feeling no sense of danger from the introverted teen.

"You are absolutely right. Why, if I had a daughter as adorable as Addie, I would lock her up in the world's most beautiful cage, just like Uncle Albrecht!" Antonia loudly said. She turned her gaze back to Adelheid with eyes full of fondness. "Addie, you must simply come visit me at my mansion. It is better than being cooped up in the castle all day. What do you say?"

However, before Adelheid had a chance to answer, the trio's attention was drawn towards another trio walking towards them. "Antonia, Alexander, I have not seen you two for a few years. How have you been?"

"It has been quite good, Uncle Albrecht," Antonia replied with warmth as if she genuinely enjoyed being in Albrecht's presence.

Alexander, on the other hand, openly revealed an expression of fear as if he had been beset by some monstrous beast that would swallow him whole. The fifth prince's act of timidly hiding behind his elder twin sister caused Albrecht to frown in disapproval.

Not needing to hide his thought, Albrecht directly admonished Alexander. "Are you a man of eighteen or not? Always hiding behind your sister like she is your mother, where is your pride as an imperial?"

"Uncle Albrecht, Alexander is still besotted by the sadness of father and mother's passing. Please, give him some more time to recover." Antonia swiftly came to her brother's defense, her smile dimming.

"It has already been over a decade. Either Alexander grows up or hides forever in his home. Adelheid has just awakened from her long sleep, yet she shows more composure than a man twice her age," Albrecht said, dissatisfied by Antonia's coddling. This was precisely why Alexander remained frightful, always running behind Antonia at the slightest problem.

"Then we shall bid Uncle farewell for the night." Antonia gave a curtsy, with Alexander following clumsily after. She gave Adelheid some parting words before leaving with her brother. "It is a shame, I would have loved to speak with you more, but circumstances will not allow it. If you ever leave the palace, remember to drop by. My mansion will always welcome you. And one final thing, happy birthday, Addie."

Adelheid smiled and replied before looking at her father. Before she spoke, she felt a sinister gaze on her back and turned towards the source, only to see the retreating back of the two siblings.

"Is something the matter?" Abrecht asked.

Adelheid shook her head. "Is there something that you require of me, Father?"

At Adelheid's words, Albrecht showed one of his rare smiles as he gestured towards the portly man and skinny teenager next to him. "Allow me to introduce Count Auor, count and the owner of one of the empire's largest guilds."

Adelheid nodded and acknowledged the man. She had naturally heard of Hans Auor, head of House Auor. It would not be an overstatement to say that they control nearly a fifth of all the transactions that occurred within the border of the empire.

Unlike the rest of the nobility, House Auor's title of Second Rank Count never degraded, nor did it rise, but their nobility was all but guaranteed because it was a mercantile title. House Auor had to pay an astronomical sum to the imperial family as tribute every year in order to keep the title.

Their title originated from the time when the Vuldar Empire was still the Vuldar Kingdom and launched a war of unification on the surrounding lands. To fund this, Ofnir von Vuldar promised a noble title to those merchants who funded his campaign. Nearly two hundred years later, the only original mercantile noble to remain was House Auor.

However, this was not without benefits. The Vuldar Imperial Family controlled certain rights to precious materials. Selling these materials with the empire's approval was punishable by death. And it wasn't just the death of the participants but the death of the participants and their families. As a mercantile noble, House Auor was one of the few businesses capable of distributing iron.

Albrecht then introduced the youth next to Count Auor. "And this is Heinrich, a promising businessman, just like his father. He already owns several thriving stores in the capital."

Heinrich Auor was nineteen years old. He was slightly taller than his father, but his willowy body greatly contrasted against his father's girth. His hair was a hazel brown slicked neatly to the side that paired well against his chocolate-colored eyes. He gave a simple but elegant salute to Adelheid. "It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hope our future cooperation will be long-lasting and fruitful."

At this point, Adelheid would have to be a dullard not to put two and two together. Heinrich was the partner her father found for her foray into business. As far potential business partners went, Heinrich was hardly the worst, nor was he the best, but his current achievements and status paired with Adelheid's current influence and status.

Naturally, she didn't discuss any business with Heinrich at the banquet. They had set a date for a meeting in a month. After that, the rest of the night went by like a blur for Adelheid. By the time she returned to her room, her head was pulsing from the number of faces and names she had to remember.

"What is this?" The seventh princess asked as she gulped down her tonic. In Matilda's hand was a small box wrapped in ribbons and a sealed letter in Sofia's hand.

"One of the butlers sent it here, saying it was a gift in celebration of Your Highness's birthday," Sofia answered as she handed the letter to Adelheid and accepted the empty bowl.

Reading her name in cursive script on the letter, she saw no indication of who sent it, but that changed when she saw the wax seal with the symbol of the Vuldar Imperial Family. 'Did Albrecht send me a birthday gift?'

Adelheid did not think it was likely. Even after Antonia mentioned it, Albrecht did not say anything concerning her birthday. It was much the same for the rest of the people who greeted her. The Day of Creation overshadowed the fact that she had turned eight today.

There was some disappointment in her heart. No one had celebrated her birthday ever since her parents died in her previous life. She broke open the wax and opened the letter inside.

Dear Cousin Addie,

You do not mind if I call you Addie, right? Of course, you will not. We are cousins, how could you mind? I must say that when I heard of your awakening, I was filled to the brim with joy. I had always wanted to meet you, but Uncle Albrecht would not allow you to meet other people. I heard that before you fell into the long sleep, only a few servants knew of your appearance. It was to the point that many thought the seventh princess was just a legend, but I know the truth.

I had wanted to give you your birthday gift during the banquet, but etiquette demands that gift-giving be inappropriate on such occasion and time. So, before I left, I asked the servants to send my thoughts to you. I hope you enjoy the gift. I know that you possess excellent magic talent and hope this will aid you in your future endeavors.

From your dearest cousin,

Antonia von Vuldar.

P.S. Alexander sends his regards as well.

After reading the letter, Adelheid opened the package in Matilda's hand. Inside was a fiery red egg-like object with skin that resembled scales. Picking it up, Adelheid felt a warmth transmit into her body through her skin. It reminded the seventh princess of the sensation of holding a fire-attribute magic stone, only far gentler.

"What is this?" Matilda asked. She had never seen an object quite like the egg in Adelheid's hand. Even Sofia could only shake her head at her lack of knowledge.

But it just so happened that Adelheid recognized the object gifted to her. "It's a Fire Dragon's Egg."

"Like THE fire dragon, dragon?" Matilda repeated as her gaze towards the egg in Adelheid's hand heated up. Even Sofia felt dizziness in her head at the information.

Dragon were creatures that stood on the pinnacle of might and magic. If a dragon were to appear, it could easily cause turmoil and devastation to the capital if not outright wipe it off the face of the continent. Only legendary heroes passed down through fable could combat them.

It was one of the reasons the Dragonic Dukedom was so powerful because their ruling family inherited the blood of dragons. There were even rumors that the true ruler of the Dragonic Dukedom was a dragon.

"Do not overthink it. It is not a literal egg, but what the fruit is called." Adelheid explained.

"Huh? Why? I mean, it does look like an egg, but why call it a Fire Dragon's Egg?" Matilda's amber eyes stared quizzically at the fruit in the seventh princess's hand.

"I would like to be enlightened as well, Your Highness," Sofia added. As someone who prided herself in her knowledge, it hurt her pride not to know more than the now eight-year-old princess.

"There's a reason that it has such a fantastical name," Adelheid started explaining. "There are legends that eating the flesh of dragon will cause an ordinary man to possess the same strength as an aura grandmaster, and the heart of a dragon, the legendary magic stone is known as a Philosopher's Stone, is able to grant miracles, even drinking the blood of a dragon can heal all disease and ailments, and a dragon's bone can create the greatest weapons and armor."

Maltida and Sofia nodded. This was common knowledge passed down in fairy tales. However, the last time a dragon was slain was hundreds of years ago, a few years before the Vuldar Empire was founded. There are rumors that the dragon's corpse is still in the Holy Kingdom's treasury vault, hidden away from the world.

"This fruit is not some part of a dragon or even an egg, but it does possess miraculous effects slightly inferior or equal to a dragon's flesh or bone. Whoever ingests this will have their mana capacity increase and gain increased fire affinity. " Adelheid finished as she closely inspected the object in her hand. In truth, she was not a hundred percent confident that the fruit in her hand was a genuine Fire Dragon's Egg simply because it was too rare.

For a Fire Dragon's Egg to be born, the tree that bore it had to be practically doused in a fire dragon's aura for decades. So the only reliable way to attain one was to risk your life and find it in the Dragonlands, a forbidden land of dragons that constantly warred against the Giant Nation.

"Wow, someone must really respect Your Highness to give such a gift," Matilda exclaimed in amazement, her eyes never leaving the fruit.

Even Sofia, who was not talented in magic at all, felt her eyes glued to the fruit. The status of a mage in the Vuldar Empire was not low. Mages of the third circle could enjoy the same benefits as a knight of the empire.

"Yes, someone must really like me," Adelheid muttered. The seventh princess's knowledge of the Fire Dragon's Egg did not originate from her interest but because it was one of the items listed that she must not consume. Otherwise, it would aggravate her body and might even induce mana mutation, or worse, death.

'But does she know?' Adelheid questioned whether Antonia truly didn't know or wanted to cause her death through failed mana mutation. It was a question that she would not discover in the near future.

The next day, to her surprise, William took her to celebrate her birthday. The fifth prince gifted Adelheid a monster's egg and taught her how to ride a horse.