The Great Summit.

It has been a tradition of the Eastern Federation to have a month-long formal get together annually to confide in each other about one another's country's troubles. This annual summit was established to be a formulation of strategy to ensure that other continents will not stand a chance if they invaded a territory belonging to the East.

Sixteen countries, including Kriseon who was mainly the one that took the lead in the summit, attended this aristocratic gathering with countless goals in mind. The most important one is getting allies and stepping into the good side of strong forces to save themselves from possible invasions. Only royals, imperials, and a small number of high ranking nobles are included, making the summit the most prestigious event held in the East.

However, aside from befriending powerful nations, there is another connection as to why influential people are elated to be included in this gathering—that is, searching for a suitable partner.

It is known that each and everyone that would be present during the summit holds either title or power, making it the best hunting ground for those who are looking for a potential betrothal. They would be guaranteed wealth, military prowess, prestige, or even all of them. Moreover, there are some families that are mostly anticipated by others to attend.

The Arkwright Family is one of them.

"Am I seeing this right? The infamous ducal princess shows herself at last!"

"Maybe the sun will not rise tomorrow."

"It was indeed the best choice to attend this year's summit."

Countless whispers and statements flying everywhere could be heard as the ruby-eyed family entered the intricate big doors of the luxurious main hall where all the important representatives of each nation were present. As if everything came to a halt, all the eyes were focused on the Arkwrights' arrival.

Each was dressed in black, with the soles of their shoes hitting the marble floor. The hall was silent for a while with only the sound of their walk resonating in the quiet air. The glimmering lights illuminating the place reflected on six pairs of blood-red eyes with cold, mind-numbing gazes that could make the weak fall down on their knees.

Their majestic presence stole the breath of the crowd, an impact only the most powerful noble house of Kriseon Empire could have. Led by the current duke, His Excellency Alton Arkwright, the murder of crows strode with their heads held high—confident and secure. And in the center, like a jewel guarded by monsters, there stood the lady that everyone now had their attention onto.

Even so, in the eyes of the hungry aristocratic hyenas, it was not a person that was there.

It was an opportunity.

Lady Vin Avanaveronica Searra Arkwright, the only female with Arkwright blood, is the easiest way to enter the unrivaled duchy of the Kriseon Empire. She is yet to make her debut in society and there are no rumors regarding a marriage proposal that her family has accepted.

A pure daisy surrounded by thorns.

Everyone knew that once they got a hold of the princess' heart, they would have the privilege to use her name for their own gain. Fools they may be, but the power they could have is worth every drop of blood that might be shed.

~~~

Avy herself was not one for social gatherings. It was a surprise since she grew up with a pretty well-known mother who dragged her around for her to meet new people. Her mother, a model, would often come to formal parties with her as plus one. It was something she failed to understand as she was just a child whose presence was of no importance whatsoever.

She was always told that she resembled her mom, but got the traits of her dad who worked as a university professor—calm, reserved, and quiet. And Avy believed it to be true. She bonded with her father through complicated studies ever since she was a child. He was also the reason why she took interest in mechanical engineering and robotics, the field where her father excelled in.

Hence, she disliked crowds the most. She started to regret agreeing to attend the summit without her mom and dad to fend off any stranger who tried to initiate a meaningless conversation with her.

She simply inwardly sighed. Perhaps, it would have been fine if Lucy was there.

"Do not falter. You are an Arkwright."

She was brought back to reality by the voice of Ashton who sternly spoke. That was when she realized she was shaking slightly, almost as though her body was telling her to run away, to hide. She was not afraid, of course. It must have been the original Avy's response. She ignored it knowing it would go away once her body knew there was nothing to be afraid of.

Her arm was linked with her elder brother's as they walked inside the spacious palace hall. She could feel the weight of all the attendees' stares as they walked, whispering to themselves about things that she did not bother to listen to. Although, it was unfortunate that she was still able to hear them.

As keen as Avy was, she noticed that no one bothered to hide how they looked at her family. However, somehow, she felt shielded with the Arkwright men walking on both of her sides. She could feel how they were used to the attention like they have been through the same exact thing every single day. Their eyes were focused upfront, not minding the unfamiliar faces that tried to get closer. Therefore, Avy did just the same.

"Oh, look. Our dear prince is here. Go give him a hug, we've been waiting for so long."

As per usual, Ares spoke without a single care. Avy looked in the direction where her curse servant told her to, and she then saw the person she was expecting to see. Crown Prince Lucifer walked alongside the man who looked a lot like him, who, in Avy's assumption, was the emperor. Looking tired as ever, the eldest prince composed himself with much dignity befitting of the heir to the throne. Of course, Prince Light was with them, too.

The youngest imperial royalty of Kriseon Empire looked as though he was searching for someone in particular as he scanned the attendees. His gaze landed on Avy before his expression lit up, and his lips formed a small, upward arc on his face. The lady only nodded her head in response.

"This is not a place for shameless behavior. Keep your words to yourself, Ares."

Another voice became an addition to the annoying noises inside her head, and it was no other than Andras. Although, unlike Ares, he did not reside inside her soul. However, much to the said curse's dismay, he was forced to hear Ares' voice because of their connection through their master.

Avy did not pay attention to them. After all, it was not like she would actually latch onto the prince like a creep. Even with bubbling desperation, similar to a beast starved for weeks, she prided herself enough not to be tempted.

The banquet began after a short while, with the emperor coming down from the balcony where he spoke of formalities. His two sons followed his steps as he moved from groups of people to another, conversing about matters that did not concern Avy. Nevertheless, her observant eyes still followed them as she did not have anything better to do.

Her father, along with the former duke, was occupied, talking to a random stranger. He must be a noble or a royal, she could not fathom which is which. She did notice how her family did not really turn more respectful whenever they are approached by a higher ranking person. They treated everyone equally and with elegance and confidence. Avy commended them for having the guts to do so even in front of literal kings.

"Are you okay, Sister?" Avy looked at her left side once she heard the voice of her little brother. She was met with a pair of concerned blood-red eyes.

"Uh-huh. Why do you ask?" she questioned, although she obviously looked too bored to conceal with a poker face, hence the question from Ciel.

"Should I get you something to eat?" the youngest1 Arkwright asked, but Avy raised her hand a little and dismissed his offer.

"If you leave me alone, I'll get swarmed by weirdos. Stay with me. That's all I ask." She looked around, referring to a number of preying men eyeing her, obviously waiting for her to be alone.

Ciel was the only family member that was left with her, although the others did not walk too far away. Maybe three or four meters from her, but still not close enough for her to be guarded. It was a good thing that her little brother refused to leave her side even though a couple of people tried to talk him out of his self-proclaimed job as Avy's bodyguard.

"Those nobles are itching to ask you for a dance." Ciel was not amused in the slightest, considering how he glared sharply at those who were shamelessly looking at his sister. Avy just shook her head, chuckling in mild entertainment. The younger was doing a great job scaring them away, at least.

"I don't know how to dance, they can't drag me there anyway," she told him, again searching for the men of their family if they had already wandered off too far away. Seeing as they were still within a short distance, they had not gone too far off.

Ashton was the first one to come back, clearly vexed. With his lips drawn in a tight line forming a frown and his brows slightly knitted together, there was no indication that he was having fun.

"One word and I'll make a commotion so we can all go home early," Avy asserted as soon as her elder sibling halted next to her right.

"I would rather you not," Ashton answered, shooting down her suggestion, much to her dismay.

A couple of minutes later, it was the duke and the lord, Alcasser Arkwright, who returned. Again, with visible irritation decorating their faces.

"Are we going home?" Avy cracked their stifling silence.

"We are not," her father replied, his frown not going away in the slightest.

"Just checking," she muttered with an unbothered shrug. The noble lady once again spoke when she noticed that one more person was missing. She looked around before leaning closer to Ashton.

"Where's Uncle?" she asked, curiosity slightly filling her.

"Uncle is yet to be married or engaged. He is a good husband candidate considering he has the title and education. Not to mention he has never been involved in a scandal." Ashton glanced somewhere which Avy followed with her eyes. There she found their uncle being swarmed by ladies of varying age. Even men are trying to start a conversation with the poor man. They must be recommending a relative for his partner.

Avy deadpanned at the sight. "Isn't he too old for that?"

"The concept of marriage is entirely different to men compared to women. As long as they have wealth and power, they can stay as bachelors until they desire to settle down. Unlike women who are basically raised to find a good husband, men grew up knowing they will not run out of options as they are the one who does the choosing. An eighty-year-old aristocrat could choose a fifteen-year-old girl with a lower standing to be his bride," Ashton explained, leaving Avy a little speechless. It was the most she has heard him speak.

"Society puts deadlines on women, whereas men can stay unmarried and no one will berate them for it. Do you think it's fair?" she questioned, hoping to squeeze more words from her quiet sibling.

"It is not fair, but it is practiced within the upper class."

"I'd rather be kicked out from aristocracy than marry someone three generations older than me." Avy grimaced at the thought, but she was soon answered by another voice.

"That only applies to lower ranked nobles, child. You will not live the same fate as long as one of us still breathes. Rest assured," her grandfather joined in the conversation as he was previously quietly listening to her and Ashton's small talk.

The duke was as silent as ever, but Avy knew that he was also aware of what they were talking about. She confirmed it when she caught a glimpse of the older man glancing at them for a second.

Their conversation was cut short when they noticed that the emperor was heading their way. They must have already grown tired of talking with the other nobles and royals from neighboring countries that they decided to confide in their most trusted guest.

The first prince along with his younger brother and the emperor stopped in front of them. Avy did the same as her family and bowed with respect to the crown, not meeting the eyes of the imperials until she lifted her head. The first thing that greeted her was the golden hues of Lucifer's frigid stare.

"I am overjoyed that Lady Avana finally decided to join us this year. Had I known of this sooner, I would have offered Lucifer as an escort," Emperor Lucian's smile reached his eyes as he stated those words.

Avy was not used to formal talk but she surely is smart enough to be able to choose her words wisely lest she gets beheaded.

"I would not want to trouble His Imperial Highness, Your Majesty." The ruby-eyed lady lowered her head respectfully. Of course, it was not genuine, but what else could she say?

The emperor laughed a little. He has the same snow-white hair as his children that he could even pass off as Prince Lucifer's twin if he tried to due to their uncanny physical similarities. His eyes, on the other hand, lacked the dark circles that the crown prince has, making his crystal-gold eyes stand out even more. With one glance, even the weakest of the weak could tell how his presence held more power.

His features were youthful even though he was probably in his early forties. Avy was not surprised, especially when Duke Arkwright also looked the same, with him looking younger than his actual age. It was because powerful mages physically aged slower than normal, ordinary people. It was also the reason why her old grandfather seemed like he could take down a tiger with his bare hands even at his age.

"Nonsense," the emperor claimed heartily before glancing at his eldest son. "Lucy. Would you mind accompanying the lady?"

Avy's body tensed up hearing a familiar name coming out of the white-haired lightning mage's mouth. A name that holds too many memories for her to ignore. The unexpected recollection made her rather melancholic.

"If I may interfere, Your Majesty," the duke interrupted, his tone still calm yet his stoic expression faltered slightly, implying his displeasure with the higher ranking man's statement.

"Avy is yet to feel comfortable dwelling on her own. I must request that one of my sons be with her at all times." His eyes did not lose their strength, standing in equal footing as the most powerful man in the empire.

Avy was not ignorant of the fact that she was helpless on her own despite being a ducal house's lady. In a room full of predators, she was nothing but a prey, and the only way for her to live peacefully is by standing close to the beasts she calls her family.

Leaving her alone means throwing her for the wolves to feast on as she was not used to social gatherings. If not the men who are going to use her as a ticket to their authority, it will be the inferior women who will try to destroy her.

Emperor Lucian's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Worry not, Alton. Lucifer will not leave your daughter's side. That, I guarantee."

The duke was about to speak more only to be stopped by the old lord who put his left hand on his right shoulder, giving him a mild look of disapproval.

Avy did not need to look at her family's face to know that they were watching as she walked away with the prince. They played right through the emperor's hands because of the weakness they brought to light. It was Avy.

However, before she disappeared from their sight, she met with her brothers' eyes and smiled, her own blood-red eyes displaying a message for them to read.

Don't worry. I'm an Arkwright.

Those were the last words she mouthed before following her fiancé.

"Kriseon's emperors have always been cunning. How commendable." Ares made himself known again as Avy walked away. Disguised as a hair ornament that mimicked that of a small black serpent, he was able to observe as much as he wanted. Avy's hair was tied neatly in a bun being secured by a silver hair stick with a golden stone on the tip.

"Making his son accompany you is a silent declaration that you already belong to his empire, and no one else should attempt to ask for your hand in marriage. He is sealing away any opportunity of another man stealing your heart away."

Avy could agree with the same sentiment. Even though she was already engaged with the crown prince, the news was not yet made public due to the agreement of both families. That agreement being that their engagement must not be known outside until the lady makes her debut. It was so that she could still break free if ever she finds another man that she actually chooses for herself.

It was a disadvantage to the imperial family since giving away Avy to another nation meant having to share the military power of the Arkwrights. They are aware of how desired the lady was simply because of her position, and it was certain that she would be approached by countless men in hopes of capturing her affections. By putting the crown prince beside her, he would be a walking sign that Avy was already taken.

"Annoying..." Avy whispered to herself. She did not like how the whole ordeal never made her sound like a person, but an object fancied by everyone instead. She felt like a trophy, something to be acquired.

She ignored all the eyes that were glued onto her as she walked and continued to follow the prince. Just as expected, he did not offer his hand to normally escort her. Instead, he walked next to her, although he was clearly leading the way. Avy did not ask where they were heading and neither did she open her mouth to initiate a small conversation.

It was only moments later that she was led into the balcony, away from the disgusting gazes of strangers, where the music is quiet enough but still heard. The comforting breeze of the night could clearly be felt, and the view of the moon visible in the sky.

She was silenced—relaxed, even. It was a breath of fresh air with the comfortable atmosphere hugging her with warmth.

"Why are we here?" she looked to her side right where he was and asked him quietly. It was the only thing she could come up with, breaking the quiet air that did not feel as suffocating as it should have been.

"You never liked crowds…"

•••

Hello! Sorry for the late update, this week has been so busy and exhausting for me:'DD But anyways, if you've already noticed, I started updating weekly and it's all thanks to my editor/proofreader/buddy LRX_Laien. I started following a schedule, no more slacking off!! Please say thank you to her, she's an angel.

It's really nice having someone to talk to about my story, really. It motivates me to write more. I do hope you comment your thoughts more frequently because I love reading them. Let's interact more! Next update will be on Saturday!!(I'll try making it more frequent if I could) see ya:D