Wein took a slow breath and settled into his seat, keeping his expression neutral. He refused to be baited by Serandra and the rest. Still, he did not want to appear weak or at the very least let them walk over him.
"I do not presume to know," he began. "However, I am eager to learn more. As I believe it, House Voss is the House that lost most and did most during the war. As the new lord, how can I not be interested in the topic?"
The words were calm, measured and deliberate. Wein took his first jab which was noticed by the lords. Just as tensions were rising, doors opened and servants brought meal and utensils.
As expected, the meal was fitting of a galactic Empire's preference. It looked extraordinary, rare ingredients prepared with imperial precision. Wein was not aware of where the ingredients came from, the past months he himself had been eating like a king, still, this was too much.
On the side was a glass of wine that smelled ancient. It could possibly be one of the oldest wines in the galaxy.
Wein remembered his etiquette training and carried himself with more elegance than Draevan who, despite being far older, was far removed from elegance a trait of his species.
The rest noticed this about Wein, and despite him being far from being truly elegant, he was better than expected. They were surprised while Draevan was angered.
His thick, blunt fingers tightened slightly around his fork.
"So, Lord Voss" Draevan said bluntly, cutting into the silence. "Are you familiar with battle?"
Wein dabbed his lips with a cloth before responding.
"Of course," he did not rush.
"I have a history in House Voss's military. Lord Neilson ensured I went through training as a Trooper".
Draevan's heavy brow ridges shifted slightly. "A Trooper," he repeated flatly.
"Yes, I have worked all over" Wein replied. "I suppose it was the Baron's desire for me to gain experience in as short a time as possible. I have been to many battles".
"Is that so? Are you confident in your skills? "
"Combat was never my strong suit, however, I was able to ascend ranks as a strategist".
Draevan's fingers tapped against the table.
"Strategist. Those are cowards who hide behind monitors while real Troopers risk their lives. Pity, I thought there was another brave noble in imperial society".
Countess Wyren observed the exchange without interruption, her green eyes studying Wein the way one studies a pattern beneath glass. It made Wein shiver a bit, he was unsettled.
"The way you speak" she said softly. "Makes me believe you have remarkable mental strength. Tell me, have you come far with your psychic abilities?"
Her words brought a pause to the table. Wein shifted his gaze towards her, it was an attack from her and he knew it.
"Regrettably, I am still not at the place I aspire to be at currently" he replied.
"How fortunate, as a rule during this gathering we are prohibited from prying into the minds of nobles. With weaker mental strength, you would have been at our mercy. Ha ha…"
She tried to play it off as a joke, but Wein could tell she was serious. Nobles being able to push their influence into the minds of anyone was a dangerous thing. His secrets and plans could have been in their reach.
"Yes… I am fortunate".
Beside him, Duke Serandra finally spoke.
"Your Majesty, my son's birthday coming up soon. I hope you and your family will grace us with your presence".
"Which son is this?" replied the Emperor after being silent for a while.
"My second son, he has just entered knight level. I could not be more proud".
"Is it? I met him once" spoke Wyren. "He was the spitting image of you, send my congratulations".
"Will do, Countess".
From their conversation Wein could sense the animosity between them. He recalled the notes he read about the Empire's nobles. Under Duke Serandra, it was noted how he was elitist and also human supremacist.
It made sense now, the Duke had invited the Emperor, a human and not the Countess or the Marquess much less Wein himself. The Countess though elegant was an alien despite being an Original House and the Marquess, being a brute, was far from elegance.
Not to mention him, a former commoner. Duke Serandra did not care even if his intentions were revealed. Draevan was infuriated, his fist curled tighter on his fork.
The Countess was the same but she did not show it and Wein did not feel like he was losing out, at least not yet.
"Lord Wein, what are your thoughts on conflict between the Empire and the free systems" she asked, calmly shifting the topic.
"I have never thought about it in depth before" Wein said. "But I suppose, I am against it".
That line landed differently. The Emperor's fingers stilled. Serandra tilted his head slightly.
"Against?" inquired Wyren.
"Yes. I think the free systems and the Empire are two sides of the same coin. They may be different but do still form a coin".
"Philosophical are you" spoke the Emperor. "You are aware how you will be perceived going forward. What they will place you against."
"I am aware, Your Majesty" replied Wein. "Though I am of common birth, I am a noble of the Empire. If they are against the Empire, they will be against me".
Draevan set his fork down.
"You are sweet with words," he said bluntly. "However, should conflict erupt, how far is House Voss willing to go for the Empire?"
Wein was silent for a while. "House Voss bled for this Empire, Lord Draevan. I will continue from what my predecessors have left".
"How bold," the Duke said smoothly. "You are aware that certain Houses will not welcome you".
"That is expected."
"What do you plan to do if there is resistance?"
"Then I will face it head on. Whoever it may be".
That response silenced the table. Draevan's jaw tightened faintly, Wyren's eyes gleamed while Serandra was annoyed.
"That is brave," the Emperor said suddenly. "What gives you the confidence to say that? House Voss is only a Barony limited to one system".
Wein inclined his head slightly.
"House Voss holds more than just numbers. It holds a position earned through sacrifice over centuries. Few would dare move against that."
Silence fell again. Now everyone's eyes were on Wein, even the guards. From just their looks, at least the Emperor and the Duke, Wein could tell he had struck a nerve.
"Careful, just being a member of the Originals does not ensure you reverence from the others. Do not mistake that for your shield" said Wyren.
"Thank you for the advice Lady".
After a moment, the Emperor rose.
"Dinner is concluded. Thank you all for attending. See yourselves out" he said, then turned and left. For a brief moment before the doors closed Wein caught it, a tightness around the Emperor's jaw that no ceremony could smooth over, irritation.
Duke Serandra stood next followed by Wyren and the knights, carefully exiting. Soon only Wein and Draevan were left.
"You are brave Voss" he began and then chuckled. "I hope we do not meet as enemies."
"Likewise" replied Wein.
Draevan's heavy footsteps, and those of his knights, faded beyond the doors. Silence settled over the vast chamber once more. Wein remained seated, with his glass of wine still quarter full. He took a sip, just to finish it. The flavour settling on his tongue before fading.
Only then did he let himself breathe, his posture finally releasing. His fingers had gone cold. The entire dinner had been a battlefield. They had been testing him, measuring him. And still, he did not feel like he had failed. There was that, at least.
"You handled yourself well, my lord".
The voice came quietly from behind him.
John stepped forward from the shadow near the pillar where he stood the entire evening.
Wein did not turn immediately.
"Did I?" Wein asked calmly.
"For your debut, I'd say you did far better than expected."
"I suppose, you are right. Come, let's get going" Wein stood up, grabbed his staff and walked towards the door. Behind them, the remnants of the imperial feast glittered under golden light.
Wein did not look back. He was exhausted by the dinner, but he had survived and he would continue to survive. The doors closed behind them.