Lesser and Greater Houses

Dozens of well-dressed men and women paraded through well-lit marble hallways that glimmered under the sunlight. They all wore various coloured robes and outfits that were fitted with ornate crests on their sleeves and backs, symbolising the noble houses that they derived from. Despite their seeming significance, none of these nobles seemed anything above the age of twenty-five. In terms of their houses, they were fledglings. Children, teens, and young adults had gathered in a large room illuminated by lamplight. They each took their assigned high-back seats around a long table, getting comfortable before initiating the processions of the gathering.

Sons and daughters of the Noble houses would gather within a fantastic palace at the center of the world. It is made of marble that glistens like God in the sunlight, and stretches high into the clouds, piercing the blue sky. On a quiet week-long excursion to the capital of the Forger Empire at the end of the spring months, this was exactly what many did.

“You’re a fool, Cattleya.” A man with flowing bright red hair leaned on the long and ornate long table as if he were about to fall asleep. “What worth does your family have if not its slaves? Why did your father bother sending someone who doesn’t even agree with his own family’s trade?”

The man who bore the surname of Cattleya, who had flowing lilac hair cut at the base of his neck responded with anger. “What point is there in arguing this, Argyle? I’ve been sent as the negotiator of my family’s position. If I say no to your offer, then that is my House’s final stance. Why can’t you accept that? Are you so much of a spoiled child that ‘no’ isn’t an acceptable answer?”

“Depending on the circumstance, ‘no’ is definitely not a good answer.” A feminine voice cut into the conversation. She had flowing black hair and a sun-bitten complexion that made it clear she grew up wealthy. It was the genius blade of the Fencer’s association, Artis Faulkner. “If we let your pitiful arguments take up any more space on this floor, we won’t have enough time to discuss actual important matters. Let me tell you now, ‘no’ is definitely not an acceptable answer to this.”

The representative heirs of the Argyle and Cattleya Houses bowed their heads in silence, deferring to her point. Since she had left Leiden to return to the Capital, Lindgram, where her family had a large home she could reside in, she had simultaneously put it upon herself to be the representative at the Noble’s gathering. She had expected it to be filled with professionalism, but upon arriving, only found that it was filled with children who wished to play Lord. So, she had taken it upon herself to enact a certain level of ‘order’ in the processions. After all, there were truly serious matters to discuss.

At the long ornate table where the meeting place was held, dozens of familiar faces sat. They were the heirs of lesser Noble Houses who held various amounts of power. Hers, however, far exceeded theirs. The Faulkner family was a direct branch of the royal lineage family- the Barron household. Artis was not just nobility, she was direct royalty- part of a Greater House. As such, she had a path to the throne- being eighty-sixth in the line of succession. This meant it was realistically impossible for her to hold the ultimate seat of power, but it did give her a direct chance at ending up in the Emperor’s court.

Glancing at the other end of the long table, she expected a familiar face she had grown cordial with each year at the gatherings. However, at the end of the table was where a new face appeared. He had feminine aesthetics, with long orange hair and bright green eyes. Instead of the suit and light cloak that many noblemen had taken to wearing as a matter of fashion, the man at the end of the table wore a bright-green dress. He seemed to glance around at each of the dozens of noblemen and women who had gathered in the room, as if assessing them individually.

“You’re a new face, sir.” Artis greeted him politely with a smile. “May I have the honour of knowing which House has sent you here?”

At the Noble’s gathering, it was far too impolite to call someone by their given name. It was already known by most, anyway. It was common practice to remember most things about the Houses and heirs one would encounter at the gathering. Knowing each minute detail about a person was enough to give one the upper hand in a discussion. This was exactly what made an unfamiliar face so terrifying.

The man with orange hair smiled genially and responded, his mannerisms timid. “Callister, Lady. I’m here in place of my brother who had urgent business to attend to. I hope I won’t be too much of a nuisance…”

‘He’s timid, and careless with his words. In just a single sentence, I’m sure he’s already become a target by most in this room. It’s a shame. Callister family, huh? Did Orion ever mention having a brother? I’ve read nothing about him having a brother in the briefs…” Artis ruminated. ‘There was only mention of that tragic tale… to lose a sister and a father in the same week… I always wondered how that boy was able to keep it so together. Now, I had begun to hope we would meet once more. He always manages to make these gatherings entertaining…’

“Not at all, Callister.” Artis spoke kindly. “Don’t worry too much about such things. Just listen to the discussions, input your piece when prompted, and try to enjoy yourself. Welcome to our little gathering, friend.”

Pandora Callister nodded his head. “Thank you, Lady.”

“Please, there’s no need for formality. Here, I’m just ‘Faulkner’.”

‘Has he not even read the briefs his family gave him? No, actually, it’s unlikely. After Orion Callister became the head of the family, his uncles withdrew all support of him. If Orion had urgent business, it was likely he was both the only one who could, and the one who was also too busy to provide him with the necessary information to attend this gathering.’ Artis sighed inwardly, leaning her head on her hand. ‘Really, what was that man thinking?’

“Faulkner, there’s an important matter that needs be discussed regarding my sister, who had been born a few months prior.” A man from beside Artis spoke. “It regards your younger brother.”

“You want to speak of such a thing at this time, Bonaparte? Why is your House trying to make deals in advance- so many years away? Are you really comfortable to the extent to try and secure a legacy so many years from now?”

“So you’ve already guessed that much?” The man chuckled softly, interlocking his fingers. “Yes, my family wishes to offer my sister’s hand, even if she is only just newborn. As you have guessed, this is a deal that will take place over a decade from now, if it were accepted. While many things can change, this much is normal for our Houses, isn’t it? Deals are often made in advance.”

“The difference is that the deal is made before the object of it can even speak, much less think. Why would we accept this?” Artis spoke calmly, with a hint of annoyance in her tone. “Offer it again when she has a mind of her own to make up about this matter.”

Suddenly, the soft and timid voice at the end of the table took on a deeper, more serious tone. "House Callister would like to offer something to you as well, Lady Faulkner. I'm sure that it will interest you, of all people.”

"Really, I've told you to drop the respectful pretenses. It's just not necessary here." Artis sighed. "The other Greater nobility houses have been tied up for today as it pertains to a serious matter. However, if they were here now, they might take offense to this show of respect. Here, at least in terms of conversation, we're all equal. It only matters how you speak, what bargaining power you hold, and how you approach matters. Please keep this in mind."

Pandora Callister bowed his head in shame. "I'm sorry, I didn't know it was to that extent. I'll heed your warning and be cautious in the future. Thank you, Faulkner."

Artis nodded her head. "Very good. So, what is this matter you wish to offer me? Knowing House Callister, can it really be so much? Of course, we aren't averse to smaller matters in our gatherings, but I wonder what exactly you could want from me in return?"

A grin curled up Pandora's expression. Seeing this, Artis was immediately reminded of his brother, Orion, who always carried an entertaining yet scheming expression on his face. It was, of course, indicative of a greater scheme. Then, Pandora spoke aloud.

"Croft."