Three days later.
Inside the dining room, Wein sat at the seat closer to the head. Before him were silverware arranged in precise formation. In the corner of his eye were three servants who stood at attention along the wall.
Wein was dressed formally and across him stood a woman in formal grey, an instructor to help him with etiquette.
She was older, experienced and came from a family with nobility and elegance. Wein had her recruited to help him blend well into the noble lifestyle.
"You are not just any lord at this gathering," she began. "You are House Voss, a dignified and old house holding immense influence".
Her gaze was sharp and unflinching.
"Remember House Voss is a Barony, you do not have a higher rank seat than most nobles. As such, you will have to behave in a manner that is subservient".
Wein nodded once. He remembered the lessons he had undergone the past days and the way he was to carry himself.
Before him was a unique meal, he reached for the utensils just as he was told holding the fork and knife on the respective hand. Under the scrutinising gaze of the instructor he began to cut at the meal on the plate.
He was deliberate, a swift stab and cut before drawing the piece to his mouth, taking one bite and then chewing.
"Remember not to speak while you are eating".
After Wein placed down his fork and knife, wiped his mouth cleanly and stood up.
"I get it, I'm coming along well".
His voice carried a controlled warmth, not friendliness nor aggression but a composed neutrality.
"There is still room for improvement but you have the basics rather well, my lord".
"This well is enough, I was a commoner after all. I'm sure they can forgive me for my imperfections "
"My lord, the other lords will use your inexperience as a weapon against you".
"That is true, however, if I'm suddenly a perfectionist noble even as a common born that will raise their guard against me. It is best this way."
She wanted to refute but stopped. She understood his reasoning and could only hope he was right.
He walked across the room, his walk different than his usual walk without a care. Now he had a graceful stride. Not only his attire, but his speech pattern and movement bore a significant difference from his past self.
There were hints of his more natural posture.
"Thank you for your assistance, ma'am" he continued as he guided the instructor to the door. The servants followed them.
"…It was an honour my lord" she bowed and left.
"Now, all that's left is this gathering. Astra, are my belongings prepared?"
"Yes, my lord"
Wein began his walk through the mansion to his chambers.
***
That night, Wein remained alone with Astra's projections and a pad by his giant bedside. The room was darkened save only the blue light illuminating from floating sigils and his pad.
"Astra display the major factions again please".
The hologram shifted and four huge locks emerged across the bed.
On top written in clear view were the following
Traditionalist- group of old families pro hierarchy and anti-reform.
suggests.
Wein had been seeing these blocks the past few nights in his study of the empires nobles he would soon meet.
On his pad was the image of someone possibly another noble.
He flicked it and the image appeared in front, on the side was some information known about him. Along with his noble family crest, the image was placed under the section matching the family and from there, the heads of other families appears their respective groups.
There were numerous. Wein had memorised the faces of enemies before. Back then they bore distinct marks of dangerous individuals. People you would stiffen up at their sight. These people wore silk and kind smiles, well known and pillars in communities. In a way, they were more dangerous.
"This is a lot"
Wein exhaled slowly as he gazed at the number of people to be wary of.
He had gone through most of their information, matching faces to their interests so that should he face them, he would not go in blind.
"You can turn it off Astra".
"Very well, good night my lord"
The projection turned dark as Wein placed the pad down and lay down staring at the ceiling. In his mind he was thinking about the coming days, it was truly beginning, his time as lord.
This was the true beginning of the commoner noble, stepping up into the galaxy.
***
The following morning Wein was awake ready for the journey. Standing in front of the mirror while he fixed his attire, his face stoic. It was finally that time.
Staring at his reflection he adjusted the cuff of his sleeve one final time. The man staring back was different than his usual self, he could not help but be startled.
The posture was straight, he looked elegant and his breathing was even, compared to the man he was just a few years ago. Wein had changed. He was not sure whether it was a good thing but it was necessary.
"Astra," he called calmly.
"The flagship is ready, my lord."
"Let's get going".
He made his way to the door while few servants remained bowing as he walked past them.
There were many more servants now compared to before, you could say Wein had grown more accustomed to being a lord. He was more confident and trusting enough to have other people besides him.
He made his way to the top of the building where outside were men in black waiting for him. The men in black reminded him of the day he was summoned before the baron. It was also the last time he stood somewhere not knowing what he was walking into.
The weather was clear outside, not rain or clouds just a cold breeze and quiet nature. He walked up to the edge of the walkway, where waiting for him was a transport ship.
He entered and it lifted off, soft in its ascent it shot up to the sky. Behind it followed a few fighter ships in neat formation.
The transporter broke through the upper cloud layer, soaring as the landmass shrunk beneath them. Snow covered ridges faded into a white haze and the stronghold became a dark speck carved into a mountain.
Wein did not look back. He sat comfortably while his guards were each standing on his sides.
Upon exiting Velmora's airspace the ships were greeted by a fleet. It was similar to Neilson's journey to the capital.
One Command ship, two Destroyers and three Frigates. Just like before, they were majestic indicative of a nobleman. They would serve as a symbol during the journey and show the might House Voss is capable of.
The transport docked seamlessly into the Command.
Wein stepped onto the ship's deck, strangely it was quiet with only a few officers in neat formation to receive him.
Looking around, Wein felt strangely nostalgic. It was not the first time he had set foot on this ship. He remembered his time in the military and the time he came to this very ship, he could not stop a slight chuckle.
There were two rows of officers opposite each other and in the centre was a senior officer bowing as Wein and his guards step out.
"Greetings sir, I'm …."
"Yes, yes"
"Captain Lerava is waiting for you" the officer rose, he was proudly wearing his military uniform with all the badges and accreditations he had earned.
"Lead the way"
The officer turned and stepped towards the elevator. Wein followed and his guards closely behind him.
After the doors of the elevator shut with a muted hiss, the ascent was immediate and smooth. For a brief moment, the enclosed space was filled with silence with only the faint hum of the rising container vibrating.
Wein's gaze lifted to the reflective surface of the doors. Not that long ago he had been in a similar elevator as a Trooper in a similar vessel and now he owns the vessel.
The doors opened.
***
The command deck stretched wide before him, illuminated by a strategic blue lighting and a vast holographic projection of surrounding space. Strangely there were few officers on deck.
Captain Lerava stood at the centre platform, hand on chest and bowing. In fact all the officers were the same, they knew.
"I greet you Lord Wein".
Lerava's voice was clear, all could hear.
"Captain"
Wein stepped forward, eyes briefly scanning the deck. He noticed subtle glances from the officers, curiosity.
"How long until we depart?" he asked.
"All ships are aligned, we await your command".
"Contact Prime Minister Vern"
After a few commands a video feed appeared in front of the whole deck, there stood Prime Minister Vern.
"Greetings lord Wein"
"Mr Caldic as we discussed I am heading for the gathering. I hope you can contain things here when I'm gone".
"Worry not, my lord I'll handle it".
Wein held his gaze for a moment longer.
"How are things looking with Ulix?"
"For now, everything is contained" Vern replied. "We are carefully watching them, we are ready for them."
There was a faint pause.
"The administration is fully aligned and treasury is stable. We are prepared for any outcome of the gathering".
Wein gave a small nod.
"Good"
After saying that, the doors behind him opened and heavy boots echoed across the floor. Everyone in the room besides Wein subtly straightened.
Wein turned.
A younger looking man approached, clad not in military uniform nor armour but suit similar to Wein himself. Still, he carried a presence with him.
Wein recognised him as Sir John Evan, the leader of the knights of House Voss and a member of the circle, loyal to House Voss.
He stopped several paces before Wein. On his hand was a long box covered neatly which he held up as he dropped on one knee.
"My lord."
He raised the box up towards Wein.
"This once belonged to Baron Neilson, a symbol of this house and the authority of its head. It now belongs to you."
Wein opened the box and inside was a staff.
It was slender, long metal resembling a linear stick. At its crown were intricate patterns, they could allow it to be held as a walking staff as well as a weapon.
At first glance the staff appeared plain, but the metal had a quality to it that spoke of considerable cost, especially the top crown portion. Its colour and texture were different from the rest of the body.
"This staff," John continued, "has been carried by the head of House Voss during every major imperial gathering. Inside is a thin sword made of Qorvane metal centuries ago, by a famous imperial blacksmith. The name given to it is Vaelstine."
The name settled into the command deck. Sir John remained kneeling, the box still raised.
Wein reached into the box. His fingers wrapped around the staff, he could feel the cold handle. He lifted it up in the air, it was lighter than expected.
Sir John finally rose.
"If you look at the head, my lord there is a hidden compartment try pressing it".
Wein gripped the body of the staff and pressed the head and it drew open. There was a clean fluid sound.
A thin blade extended from within the shaft in a smooth, controlled release. The sword was narrow and elegant. The Qorvane blade caught no light, it seemed instead to swallow it, a narrow sliver of darkness held in perfect balance. Wein had held weapons before, crude things built for function, but this was different. It had been made to mean something.
The blade had no markings or patterns on its side, just a smooth and clear face. Despite its simple design, Wein could sense something ancient that lived within it, and along its edge, the quiet promise of violence.
He retracted it back into the shaft until it was a firm staff once more. Using it as intended he rested his right hand on it and stared at the captain.
"Let's get going".
"Yes, my lord"