I had always thought I was good in public. After all, the ability to communicate is an essential skill—so long as your aspirations don't include becoming a hermit.
Socialization is a cornerstone of humanity. It's important for everyone to build connections, find friends, form relationships, and start families. Even the high nobility, in all their vanity, attend parties to make connections and solidify their standing.
But witnessing the scene before me, I began to realize my isolation had changed me for the worse.
After being guided into the large mansion by a servant, we were led to a pair of large pearly doors adorned with religious markings—commonplace in the Empire. The doors slowly opened, allowing the dazzling lights of the party to seep into the room, with servants draped in black attire bowing on either side.
The grand hall before me was, frankly, beautiful. The architecture blended ancient Greek and Victorian styles, with massive white pillars symmetrically arranged across the room, and various beautiful paintings adorning the walls.
Many people were already present, all dressed in fancy, expensive clothing. Numerous men wore military uniforms, as the presence of the military was almost a cultural movement in this border town. While the women gossiped, the men debated and reflected on their past and future military endeavors.
We were guided to a table near the end of the hall, where a podium stood for any announcements to the audience.
"Thank you for your help, servant. We would appreciate drinks, if it's no trouble," I said.
"Of course, sir. It'll be here in three minutes," she replied.
We sat at a circular table, away from the crowd that mingled in the distance.
It seems the impressions we make are different; we both disdain small talk.
With that thought, I began to look around, seeking something to entertain me. I found small distractions in the paintings scattered across the room, most of which were religious in nature.
One depicted a man holding a bright golden sword, seated on a white horse atop a mountain, with thousands of troops following in the distance. The man in the painting had a large white beard and greying blonde hair, dressed in military garb and a large red cape. His insignia was a shield with a golden eagle in front of a blue background, clutching a thunderbolt in its talons.
This looks familiar... but I can't remember where from.
The next painting was the largest. It showed a man draped in a white cloak atop a mountain, facing the viewer. He kneeled before a sword stuck in the mountain, his hand on the hilt. A white fog surrounded him, and below, on the lower slopes, people were crawling, dying, ragged and worn. The figure exuded power and authority, standing holy above all.
I don't recognize this at all, but it's a striking painting. There seems to be a recurring theme, though.
"I see you have an eye for art, young man. I'd love to give you a tour of my collection if the opportunity arises," a voice suddenly said.
A hand landed on my shoulder, and I turned, startled. A man towered above me, a small smile on his face. Arthur, sitting next to me, offered a slight bow while seated, respect in his eyes.
"Greetings, Lord Regent. May I offer my sincerest admiration for the party you've organized tonight? Truly splendid."
The burly old man pulled out a chair and sat down to my left and Arthur's right. The multitude of medals on his chest clinked together with a metallic ring.
"Oh, stop with the formalities, would you? I've had my fill of pomp and circumstance from those stuffy council meetings. Been back from the capital a mere few hours, and I already have a headache from dealing with those royal brutes. Not to mention, my title's just Lord Regent in waiting—don't go throwing in the extra fluff!"
Arthur seemed to relax a bit after hearing that.
"Well, I guess that's true. It gives me some respite to know you don't care for that annoying drivel. Anyway, it seems you've already spoken to my associate. Damien, meet His Lord Regent Magdalene. Regent, meet my friend Damien."
With a grin, the Regent—easily three heads taller than me—slapped me on the back so hard it knocked the wind out of me. Then, in a lower voice, he leaned in slightly, still smiling.
"Ah, so this is the newly appointed sorcerer I've heard about? Don't you worry, lad, we'll have you covered in medals soon enough. One of the two surprises I've got in store for tonight's guests. And trust me, you're going to get a lot of attention from the young ladies, haha. But keep your distance from Mary, mind you. She's a thorny rose in the family, despite her beauty."
Who?
As he leaned back in his chair, I caught a flash of something golden—bright, flowing hair. A girl stood there, and upon sensing my gaze, she turned, locking eyes with me. Her bright blue eyes seemed to hold a depth that could drown you, and her face… even the gods might blush in her presence. I sat, frozen, a single thought piercing my mind:
Beautiful.
She smiled faintly, breaking the gaze, before returning to her conversation with a young noblewoman.
"Ah, looks like Mary's already snagged another poor soul. Guess there was no hope after all! As expected of my niece."
Arthur glanced at me with a sharp look, then turned his gaze to the Regent.
"So, that's who you brought from the capital! Intriguing indeed. But wait... she doesn't..."
Before he could finish, he clamped his mouth shut, an odd expression crossing his face.
"Ah, I see. Well done, Regent. Quick-witted as always."
"The royal court has a way of shaping people, doesn't it? On a serious note my friend, I have some important things to tell you after this ceremony is done. Theres some serious security breaches, and I fear the next week will be eventful."
The Regent and Arthur resumed their conversation, but my mind was elsewhere.
All I could feel in that moment...
Was fear.
Beads of sweat rolled down my face as I struggled to tear my gaze away from her.
There was a reason for my dread.
She was the one woman who could see through me.
Another Named Character. Not just anyone—Mary Magdalene herself.
The Empress of Light.
Harbinger of Truth.
She would take many names in the future, but the one feature that terrified me the most:
Her golden eyes. If they make contact with yours, she'll know every truth you hide. And she can read your thoughts. Not just a little—she can hear your thoughts as if your talking to her. Truly terrifying.
She was a Beyonder.
And I had to avoid her at all costs.