The Villain Professor's Second Chance
Chapter 85: The Royal Banquet (2) The Arrival

The air was abuzz with anticipation, the soft hum of conversations punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter. As the attendees filtered in, the atmosphere was charged with the subtle tensions and alliances that defined the kingdom's politics.

"The Duke Blackthorn has arrived," a voice murmured, and heads turned to observe his entrance. Tall and imposing, Duke Blackthorn moved with a confidence born of power and lineage. His arrival was met with a respectful nod from the queen, who observed from her vantage point above the ballroom. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, missed nothing.

Following him, Earl Falken entered, his rugged appearance at odds with the opulence around him. Whispers of admiration and respect followed his every step. Known for his formidable prowess in battle, Falken was a man to be reckoned with, and his presence commanded attention.

"Look at Falken, always looks like he's just come from a battlefield," someone whispered with a hint of admiration.

"He commands respect wherever he goes," another replied. "It's no wonder the queen holds him in high regard."

Count Valen's entrance was greeted with similar murmurs. His connection to Elara, the genius child, made him a figure of considerable interest. As he moved through the crowd, there was a mix of deference and curiosity in the air. His every movement was calculated, a reflection of his strategic mind.

"I hear his daughter is a prodigy," one noble remarked, eyes following Valen. "They say she's even caught the eye of Professor Draven."

"Let's hope she doesn't inherit her father's arrogance," came the sharp retort.

Then came Duke Icevern, represented by Lancefroz, Sophie's elder brother. His entrance caused a stir, not only because of his status but also due to the rumors swirling around Sophie and Draven. Lancefroz's eyes swept the room, taking in every detail with a cool, calculating gaze.

"Is that Lancefroz?" a young noblewoman asked, craning her neck to get a better view. "I thought he rarely attended these events."

"With Sophie's rumors and all," her companion replied, "I'm not surprised he's here to keep an eye on things."

The queen, watching from above, let out a soft snort. "Such predictable entrances," she muttered to herself, her eyes lingering on each of the arrivals with analytical precision.

Finally, the murmurs reached a crescendo as Earl Drakhan, Draven, made his entrance. He arrived last, yet his presence eclipsed all those who had come before him. His cold, indifferent expression did nothing to diminish the aura of power and authority that surrounded him. The crowd parted for him, their whispers a mix of awe and trepidation.

"There he is, Earl Drakhan," a voice whispered urgently.

"I heard he's unmatched in his magical prowess," another added, eyes wide with a mix of fear and admiration.

"Cold as ice, that one," an older noble said, shaking his head. "But no one can deny his power."

Draven moved with an elegance that belied the coldness in his eyes. He exchanged polite, effective greetings, each word measured and precise. His indifference was palpable, yet it only added to the mystique that surrounded him. As he entered the ballroom, he gave no hint of hesitation or fear, seamlessly integrating himself into the gathering.

The queen's gaze sharpened as she watched Draven. "Always the enigma," she mused, a smirk playing on her lips.

Draven's entrance did not go unnoticed by Count Valen, who approached him with his usual spite. "Alfred, you should serve someone more deserving of your loyalty," Valen said, his voice dripping with disdain. "It's a waste to see you with him."

Alfred, ever the consummate professional, responded with a silent bow, his expression unchanging. Draven, however, met Valen's gaze with an icy smile. "It is not loyalty that binds Alfred to me, Valen. It is efficiency. And efficiency is something you have yet to master."

Valen's eyes narrowed, his face flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Efficiency, you say? I suppose it's efficient to keep company with a snake," he retorted, his voice lowering to a venomous whisper.

"Better a snake that knows when to strike than a dog that barks at shadows," Draven replied calmly, his tone cutting through Valen's bravado like a knife. The tension between them was palpable, drawing the attention of those nearby.

Elara, standing a few steps away, noticed her father's interaction with Draven. She had been bored by the constant attention from admirers questioning her about her future plans and her reputation as a genius. Deciding to intervene, she approached, offering a respectful bow from behind Valen. "Father, Earl Drakhan," she greeted, her voice composed.

Draven acknowledged her with a fleeting, uninterested glance. "Elara," he said curtly, his tone devoid of warmth. She straightened, her expression neutral, though a flicker of something unreadable passed through her eyes.

"Elara," Valen said, turning to his daughter with a softer expression. "Have you had the chance to speak with Duke Icevern yet? He's eager to hear about your progress at the university."

Elara nodded, though her attention was still partly on Draven. "I will, Father," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.

The murmur of the crowd grew louder, a hotbed of speculation and curiosity. "It's said Draven has a significant interest in Sophie," one woman whispered to her companion. "Yet, here he is, not even acknowledging her presence."

"Perhaps he's playing a longer game," the companion suggested. "Draven is known for his patience and strategic mind."

Draven could hear the whispers and murmurs around him. It was impossible to escape the gossip in such gatherings. Despite the rumors, he remained focused, his mind already working through various strategies and plans.

As the queen observed this from above, her smirk widened. "Interesting," she thought. "Very interesting."

Nearby, a small group of nobles watched the interaction between Draven and Valen with keen interest. Among them was Lady Mirabelle of House Blackthorn, a woman with an air of icy elegance and sharp intellect. She leaned in closer to her companion, Lord Aric of House Falken, his rugged appearance betraying his reputation as a formidable warrior.

"What do you make of that exchange?" Mirabelle asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aric shrugged, his eyes never leaving Draven. "It's nothing new. Valen has always harbored a grudge against Draven. But it's clear who holds the upper hand."

Mirabelle nodded thoughtfully. "Draven is an enigma. Cold, calculating, but undeniably powerful. It's no wonder he garners such attention."

Aric's gaze shifted to Elara, who was now engaged in a conversation with Duke Icevern. "And his interactions with the younger generation? What do you think of his relationship with Elara?"

"It's hard to say," Mirabelle replied. "Elara is a genius, but Draven treats her with the same indifference he shows everyone else. Perhaps he sees potential in her, or maybe she's just another pawn in his game."

As the two continued their quiet discussion, Draven moved through the room with purpose. He exchanged brief, polite greetings with various nobles, each interaction carefully measured and controlled. The whispers followed him, a constant reminder of the scrutiny he was under.

"Did you hear? Earl Drakhan barely acknowledges Sophie's presence," one young noblewoman said to her friend, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"I did," her friend replied. "But I wonder if it's part of his strategy. Draven is known for his long-term planning. Perhaps he has something in mind that we can't see yet."

Draven's indifference towards Sophie did not go unnoticed by her brother, Lancefroz. He approached Draven with a calculated smile, his eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and challenge. "Draven," he greeted, his tone polite but cool. "I see you've been making quite the impression tonight."

Draven inclined his head slightly. "Lord Lancefroz. It's always a pleasure to see you."

"Likewise," Lancefroz replied, his smile widening. "I've heard many things about you recently. It seems your reputation continues to grow."

"Reputations are fleeting," Draven said, his voice calm. "What matters is the substance behind them."

"Indeed," Lancefroz agreed, though his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism. "I hope you replace tonight's banquet enjoyable."

Draven's gaze flickered briefly to Sophie, who was engaged in conversation with a group of young nobles. "I'm sure I will," he replied, his tone dismissive.

Lancefroz's smile tightened, but he maintained his composure. "Enjoy the evening, Draven. I'm sure we'll have more opportunities to speak."

As Lancefroz moved away, Draven felt a surge of satisfaction. He had played his part perfectly, maintaining his composure and subtly asserting his dominance. The whispers and murmurs around him continued, but they only served to reinforce his position.

This is the start. The start of everything.

He already set his cards well.

Time to wait and see.