"So, how are your experiments going?" Mary's voice cut through the quiet morning, accompanied by the soft clink of a teacup against its saucer.
Fornos, who had been reviewing some financial reports, looked up. "How?"
Mary smiled, her expression equal parts amusement and pride. "Honey, I'm your mother. A good mother knows everything her child will want, do, or need."
Fornos raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound remotely logical."
Before Mary could respond, Voss walked in, folding a letter into his coat pocket. He smirked at the scene. "Oh, and are you logical, Fornos? I can't seem to remember... who was it that ruined the Fern Company to the ground just because they bad-mouthed his mother?"
Fornos stiffened slightly, his ears turning a faint shade of pink. "Did you both plan to embarrass me today?"
Mary's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, we thought we'd remind you that even you don't follow logic all the time. You may be clever, but you're still my son."
Fornos huffed, leaning back in his chair. "And why, may I ask, did you both decide to gang up on me?"
Voss shrugged, taking a seat across from him. "You stopped being a kid far sooner than expected. Obviously, your mother needs to get back some of that time."
Mary gave a triumphant nod. "Exactly! You're always so serious, Fornos. Sometimes it feels like I'm talking to a business partner rather than my own child. A little teasing never hurt anyone."
Fornos exhaled slowly. "I suppose not. Though I'd appreciate it if you didn't dig up every incident from my childhood."
Voss couldn't help but laugh. "You're too young to have a list of incidents worth digging up, son. Besides, you should take pride in how fiercely you protect your family."
Mary nodded in agreement, pouring more tea. "It's one of your good traits, really. But I do worry sometimes. You take too much on yourself, and I'd hate to see you burn out."
Fornos gave a small, almost reluctant smile. "I know. I'm careful."
The room settled into a comfortable quiet, with only the soft crackle of the fireplace filling the silence. Fornos focused back on his reports, though his mind wandered. It wasn't often that his parents were this openly affectionate. Their support felt strangely reassuring.
Just as he was about to dive back into planning, the door to the study burst open. One of the household servants hurried in, his face pale and anxious.
"Master Voss, Lady Mary, and Young Master Fornos," the servant stammered, bowing low. "There's an envoy at the gate... from the Nevera family."
The room tensed instantly. Voss's smile vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating look. Mary's hands stilled, the teapot hovering over her cup. Fornos narrowed his eyes, processing the information.
"What does the envoy want?" Voss asked, his voice sharp.
"They... they claim to bear a message from Lady Miralda Nevera. They requested an audience."
Voss exchanged a quick glance with Mary, who nodded subtly. He turned back to the servant. "Escort them to the receiving hall. We'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Master," the servant replied, bowing once more before leaving the room.
Fornos's expression remained unreadable, though his mind was racing. "The Nevera family... They usually don't deal with us directly."
"That's why it's suspicious," Voss replied, his tone thoughtful. "The Neveras have been consolidating power recently. They've annexed two smaller noble houses in the past year. I doubt they're here for a social call."
Mary placed her cup down gently. "Could it be about the jewel trade? We've been consolidating our own suppliers recently."
"Possible," Voss mused. "But Miralda Nevera is known for her cunning. She doesn't make moves unless there's something significant at stake."
Fornos's mind raced through scenarios, weighing risks and opportunities. "If they're reaching out directly, it means they either want something or are trying to gauge our position. We should be cautious."
Voss nodded approvingly. "That's right. Fornos, you'll join us. I want you to observe how this unfolds."
A sly smile played at the corners of Fornos's mouth. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it."
The three of them made their way to the receiving hall. As they approached, Fornos adjusted his posture, adopting a more neutral, composed expression. He knew that appearances were crucial, especially when dealing with powerful families.
Inside the hall, the envoy stood waiting—a tall man with slicked-back hair and an ornate navy-blue coat bearing the Nevera family crest. He bowed deeply as they entered.
"Lord Voss, Lady Mary, Young Master Fornos. I bring greetings from Lady Miralda Nevera."
Voss inclined his head, his expression carefully neutral. "We welcome you to our home. What brings you here today?"
The envoy straightened, a polite smile on his face. "Lady Miralda wishes to extend an invitation. She is hosting a formal gathering at the Nevera estate in three weeks' time and would be honored by your family's presence."
Fornos couldn't help but feel a pang of suspicion. An invitation? From the Nevera family? It didn't add up.
Voss maintained his calm demeanor. "A gathering, you say? That's most unexpected."
The envoy nodded. "Lady Miralda hopes to foster goodwill between prominent families. She is particularly interested in discussing opportunities related to the recent expansion of the jewel trade. Your family's expertise would be invaluable."
Mary's eyes flickered with interest, though she kept her tone gentle. "We appreciate the invitation. Please convey our gratitude to Lady Miralda."
"Of course," the envoy replied, bowing once more. "We look forward to your presence."
As the envoy departed, Voss waited until the doors closed before letting out a quiet sigh. "A gathering, huh? Sounds like a trap."
Mary frowned. "Or a power play. If they're involving multiple families, it's either to show dominance or to secure allies."
Fornos tapped his fingers thoughtfully against his chin. "Either way, we can't refuse outright. That would make us look fearful. We'll need to gather information on who else is invited and what the agenda might be."
Voss gave a satisfied nod. "Precisely. I'll send out a few messages to our contacts. Mary, make the necessary preparations. Fornos, I want you to keep an ear out for any rumors. If the Neveras are planning something, someone will talk."
Fornos smiled faintly. "I'll see what I can find out. We might as well turn their game into an opportunity."
Voss smirked, patting his son on the shoulder. "Now that's the spirit. Let's make sure we're ready. We're not just guests—we're contenders."
Fornos couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. An unexpected invitation, a potential power move—it was exactly the kind of challenge he thrived on.