A few rich traders did not want to waste more time. They have already exchanged pleasantries from the guests. They have found a silent corner and convinced lord Velmore to join them there.
They leaned in toward Lord Velmore, each voice coated in flattery. They had been sipping on aged wine and conversing over the subject of a recently discovered land near the eastern lake. It was an untouched stretch of wild beauty, now reportedly claimed by a group of commoners who had settled illegally along its banks.
"It is practically wasted," said Lord Garnet, a stout man with fingers stuffed with rings. His voice was full of smugness. "The commoners built huts with no structure and took the land as if it belonged to them when it was never given to them under the grant. That land has such potential as it has woods and lakes nearby. These days, these kinds of spots are popular for newlywed couples and handsome men who want to explore the world." the man sighed with regret filling his voice.
Another one nodded with a gloomy look on his face. "Yes, a hotel there could earn gold easily. perhaps even a bathhouse or tea garden. It could bring traffic from all over the empire. The lake's serenity is unmatched. If we build a rose garden, it would be a good spot for men to court their women."
"True," chimed in Lord Trevane, fanning himself lazily, "and with just a little investment and force, we could clear the place. A few gold coins to the local militia. You know how this works. There would surely be some legal loopholes. If we find them, the land could be ours. What we need is a bold investor with coin and courage."
Everyone turned toward Lord Velmore, who leaned back in his seat with a regal posture, a look of amused superiority softening his weathered features. His wine glass dangled between his fingers as he let their words fill the air enjoying their gazes full of anticipation.
He knew they all depend on him. But he could not refute that this deal would bring a lot of profits.
"You flatter me," he said at last, chuckling. "My wealth has limits, just like any other man. You speak of courage and coin. Well, there is another baron here tonight. Why not give another man a chance at glory?"
He paused, turning his gaze across the ballroom and it landed straight toward Elias Crestford.
Every eye followed and they frowned when they noticed him sitting idly and whispering words in the ears of his partner. Though they all like to indulge themselves, they still maintain their image in public. Their gaze filled with disgust at once.
But they could not refute that his partner was the most ravishing woman in the room. Others whispered to each other behind fans and gloved fingers.
"Baron Crestford?" Lord Garnet echoed, blinking. "I thought he had left the society a few months ago after bearing a big loss."
"He was gone for nearly a month," said another. "I assumed he was ill or bankrupt."
A titter of laughter floated through the group.
Baron Voltaire, standing just behind the circle, didn't hide his smirk. "The man doesn't even own a proper estate, last I heard. He had pawned his estate and if it was sold, he would soon lose his title too."
"And yet he sits here, in velvet and silver like a lord reborn," one woman whispered in a sarcastic tone.
They turned toward Velmore again, unsure if he was being ironic or serious.
The elder baron leaned forward, his eyes glittering with veiled malice. "Of course, I jest. Baron Crestford has his charms, surely. But perhaps this venture is a little too ambitious for a man who has just rejoined society."
A few chuckles answered his barb. One younger noble piped up mockingly, "Indeed. He looks the part, I will admit he is handsome. but land investments require more than a pretty face and an expensive coat."
"He probably borrowed it," another added.
The laughter spread wider now, getting bolder every second. Not a single noble addressed Elias directly. They mocked him like he wasn't in the room. But Elias heard every word.
He didn't flinch at all, his face had a strange calmness. Instead, he sipped from his crystal glass leisurely and whispered to his partner. his expressions were unreadable behind the silver mask. His hand remained resting lightly on her hands elegantly.
"You should say something," she whispered softly, only for him to hear.
"No," Elias replied in a calm and steady voice. "They want a reaction. I won't give them one."
"But they are."
"Let them talk." He shifted in his chair just enough to angle toward her. "They laugh now because they believe I have nothing. That is fine. Tonight isn't about proving anything to them. It's about watching what they reveal to me."
Seraphina blinked. She had thought she understood Elias, but this moment offered her another glimpse. The conversation at the nobles' corner continued.
"You know, Baron Crestford fell after spending a lot of money in the gambling house. I heard that they even stripped his clothes when he tried to leave without paying." one woman murmured, lifting her fan with feigned surprise. "Or perhaps I misremember."
"I have heard similar stories," said another with a knowing tone. "He must be addicted to it. Perhaps that girl was his new sponsor or else how could he return to society after losing everything.."
"It must have been a fun distraction," Lord Trevane added, chuckling.
Lord Velmore didn't speak, but his expression was content. Cladria sat farther away, her glass raised to her lips, but her eyes were locked onto Elias.
Elias had entered this ball a shadow, and yet, here they were, discussing him. Even while mocking him, they gave him attention, and that alone was power. Unwarranted ridicule had a short shelf-life. What followed, when the truth emerged, would be far more interesting.
As the nobles turned their attention back to Lord Velmore, one of them said loudly, "Still, if someone were to invest, the land could be cleared in under a month. One would only need soldiers to sweep through, burn the huts, and scare off the stragglers. It is easy money."
"Easy, if one has the gold," Velmore replied with a lazy grin. "And the stomach."
Seraphina's eyes flicked to Elias again. "Are you really going to let them insult you like this?" she asked, her voice was just a whisper.
Elias finally smiled, the kind that didn't reach his eyes. "They will remember this moment more vividly when I am the one signing those deeds."
And that was all he said before rising from his chair. Heads turned once again as the baron they mocked so freely stood. He did not approach them.
He simply turned, offered his arm to Seraphina, and walked away.
The nobles watched in silence, laughter frozen on their lips. They couldn't decide if they'd just won or if they had been mocked by his nonchalance. As if all their words had fallen on the soft cloud.
Lord Velmore's smile faded. And Cladria, still seated near the edge of the dais, leaned forward ever so slightly with her wine forgotten.
She would find out who he really was and why she had that feeling.