The golden sun bathed the lush gardens of Marquis Henry’s estate in a warm glow as Audrey sat beneath a flowering pergola, surrounded by her closest friends. The air was thick with the scent of fresh blossoms, mingling with the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft laughter of noble daughters enjoying their afternoon tea.
The topic of the hour? The highly anticipated Accession Banquet—and the shocking transformation of King Arthur Jr.
"Audrey, has your father mentioned whether he’ll be taking you to the banquet?" Lillian asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "It’s only two days away!"
Audrey sighed, absentmindedly twirling a strand of her golden hair between her fingers. "I still don’t know… My parents haven’t brought it up yet."
Lillian gasped, setting down her teacup with dramatic flair. "What?! But nearly every noble family is bringing one of their daughters this year! Even my parents are making me go. They said it’s important to pay respect to King Arthur Jr.—and if the opportunity arises, I should try to get closer to him."
Isabelle leaned forward, her eyes dancing with curiosity. "Same here! My parents insisted I attend, saying it’s a vital event for noble families. But honestly, I would have gone anyway—even if they hadn’t suggested it." She clasped her hands together, excitement bubbling in her voice. "I mean, I have to see for myself if the rumors about King Arthur Jr. are true!"
Lillian nodded eagerly. "Oh, absolutely! Everyone is talking about him. The new tax system he developed, his sudden sense of duty… People say he’s become a completely different person—a true king, someone who actually takes his responsibilities seriously. But you know what’s even more shocking?" She leaned in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "His appearance. They say he’s completely unrecognizable now."
Audrey furrowed her brows. "You mean how he was… well, overweight? And, um… not exactly considered handsome?" She hesitated, lowering her voice as if speaking ill of the king might bring trouble.
Isabelle smirked, waving a hand dismissively. "Exactly! Don’t you remember? He used to indulge in excess—food, wine, luxury—anything to avoid responsibility. He never cared for appearances or governance. But now?" Her eyes glinted with intrigue. "They say he’s transformed—disciplined, sharp-minded, and, believe it or not, even charming."
Lillian sighed dramatically, fanning herself with her hand. "A prince who went from a lazy glutton to a strong, mysterious ruler? If I didn’t know better, I’d say this sounds like something out of a romantic novel!"
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She grinned. "Honestly, can you imagine? A man everyone dismissed as hopeless suddenly emerging as a striking, disciplined figure—it’s almost too good to be true!"
Audrey’s fingers tightened around her porcelain teacup. "Well… if he truly dedicated himself, I suppose it’s not impossible. Hard work can change a person."
Isabelle nodded knowingly. "That’s exactly it. They say he’s been working in secret for months—training, studying, preparing for something grand. Some believe he’s become a brilliant strategist. Others whisper he’s grown cold and calculating. But one thing’s certain—he’s no longer the Arthur Jr. we once knew."
Lillian nodded and added. "As if that weren’t exciting enough, there’s also the fireworks show!" Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "It’s supposed to be a brand-new spectacle—something never seen before! No one knows exactly what it will look like, but they say the night sky will be filled with dazzling lights and colors."
Isabelle added, "It’s set to take place in an open field where nobles and commoners alike can attend. I don’t particularly love the idea of mingling with commoners, but if the fireworks are as grand as the rumors suggest, I suppose I’ll endure it."
Audrey tilted her head. "Wait—fireworks? What exactly are they?"
The reason they knew about the fireworks was that, after Arthur had explained them to Klein, he had instructed him to spread rumors about the event—how it would take place at midnight on Accession Day, and that everyone, noble or commoner, was welcome to witness the spectacle.
Lillian leaned closer, her voice hushed. "That’s the thing! No one really knows. But the strangest part? It’s not magic at all—it’s some kind of invention."
Audrey sat up straighter, her curiosity piqued. "A colorful explosion in the sky… without magic? That sounds incredible."
Isabelle smirked. "Now you’re interested, aren’t you? I knew it. If it’s a new invention, it’s exactly the kind of thing that would capture your attention."
Lillian giggled. "Honestly, Audrey, I’m starting to think you’d rather spend your time with alchemists and engineers than at fancy banquets."
Although Audrey possessed a natural talent for magic and came from the esteemed and powerful Marquis Henry family, her true passion lay elsewhere. Unlike most noble daughters, who immersed themselves in politics, courtly affairs, or refining their magical abilities, Audrey was captivated by something different—innovation that doesn’t require magic. She was fascinated by machines, discoveries, and the way ideas could shape the world.
She tapped her fingers against the table thoughtfully. "Are your sources reliable about the firework which could make colorful explosion without needing to use any magic?"
Lillian shrugged. "No idea since I only heard about it from one of our maids. However, some say it’s Arthur Jr.’s invention. "
Audrey’s eyes widened. "Wait… he’s the one behind it?"
Lillian nodded. "That’s what I heard. They say he’s been working on all sorts of strange projects lately. First, he changed himself, and now he’s changing the kingdom. Some find it inspiring… others are wary."
"Well," Isabelle mused, "whatever the truth is, you’ll see it for yourself soon enough—at the banquet, the fireworks, and of course, from King Arthur Jr. himself."
Lillian suddenly perked up. "Speaking of King Arthur Jr., I just realized—on this Accession Day, he’ll be changing his name. I wonder what it’ll be."
Isabelle considered it. "Since our former king was Arthur III, he’ll likely continue the tradition and become Arthur IV."
Lillian shook her head. "He’s changed so much—I wouldn’t be surprised if he broke tradition and chose something completely different."
Audrey took a sip of her tea, maintaining her composed demeanor even as curiosity bubbled within her about the mysterious fireworks.
As the conversation wound down, Lillian and Isabelle eventually took their leave.
Once they were gone, Audrey approach to her father, Maquis Henry, her expression unusually serious. "Father, I just spoke with Lillian and Isabelle about the Accession Banquet. May I accompany you?"
Henry blinked in surprise. His daughter had always found excuses to avoid such gatherings, yet now she was asking to attend of her own accord. "Well, this is unexpected," he mused, studying her curiously. "What could possibly make my daughter—who usually detests these banquets—want to attend?"
Audrey hesitated before answering. "I’m curious about Arthur," she admitted. "I’ve heard that he’s changed… and that he even invented fireworks that could create colorful explosions in the sky without magic."
Henry chuckled, a knowing smile crossing his face. "I had a feeling that might be the reason. Truth be told, I was planning to ask you to come with me anyway—so yes, you may accompany me."
A small smile tugged at Audrey’s lips. "Thank you, Father." With that, she gave a respectful nod and left the room, her mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming banquet—and the mysterious innovations of King Arthur Jr.