Iron Hearth Castle Main Gate. One Week After the Assassin Attack.
The sound of a shrill, annoying golden trumpet shattered the morning peace of Northreach. Toot-toot-tooooot!
A lavish carriage—painted white with pure gold ornaments, drawn by four white horses—halted in front of the castle gate, which still bore the scorch marks of battle.
The crest on the carriage was unmistakable: The Golden Sun. The symbol of the Aethelgard Royal Family.
A palace messenger stepped down. He wore a powdered white wig, his face caked in thick makeup, and he held a perfumed handkerchief to his nose as if the air of Northreach were poisonous.
"In the name of His Majesty King Aethelgard IV," the messenger squeaked in a high-pitched voice. "Summoning Duke Lucian Sudrath and his core family!"
The gates opened.
This time, there was no military welcome. Only Duke Lucian, Rianor, and Roland came out to greet him. They wore their best formal clothes (which were admittedly a bit dull compared to the messenger's attire).
"I am Lucian Sudrath," the Duke said flatly.
The messenger handed over a red velvet scroll.
"Official Invitation to the Capital City, Sol-Regis. You are required to appear within 14 days to attend a Hearing regarding the 'Mist Valley Incident'."
Roland's face tensed. A Hearing.
"And..." the messenger continued with a sneering smile. "Due to the King's generosity, you are also invited to attend the Grand Ball: Prince Cedric's 20th Birthday, which will be held the day after the hearing."
The messenger glanced at the gloomy old Sudrath castle.
"My advice, Duke... bring appropriate clothing. Do not embarrass the Northern region in front of the Capital nobles who are... civilized."
Lucian took the letter.
"Thank you for the advice. We will be there."
The messenger hurriedly boarded his carriage and left, as if afraid he might catch poverty like a disease.
Dining Room (Family Mode: ON).
10 Minutes Later.
SLAM!
Rianor threw the letter onto the table.
"It's a trap," Rianor said, massaging his forehead. "The Hearing is just an excuse for Morvath (the Prime Minister) to legally corner us. And that Ball..."
"...Is a social execution stage," Roland finished. "They want us to come there looking poor, tacky, and guilty. So all the nobles can laugh at us before we get sentenced."
"Prince Cedric..." Rhea murmured while filing her nails. "In Lady Rhea's memories, this Prince is my fiancé, right? But he broke off the engagement unilaterally a year ago because I was labeled a 'crude girl from the North'."
"Woah, an ex?" Riven teased while snatching a piece of bread.
"A bastard ex," Rhea corrected. "The narcissistic type who thinks the world revolves around him."
Aurelia (Mom Mode) stood up from her chair. Her eyes ignited. Not with the flame of a killer aura, but with the fire of a Bandung Socialite Mom.
"They want us to look poor?" Aurelia asked softly, but her tone sent shivers down their spines.
"They want to humiliate my children in public?"
Aurelia took the letter, folding it neatly.
"Okay. We'll play along," Aurelia said. She looked at Rianor. "Nor, how much liquid cash do we have left?"
"Still have 8,000 Gold liquid, Mom. The rest went into factories and salaries."
"Enough," Aurelia decided. "We are going to the Capital. And we won't go as defendants. We will go as Trendsetters."
Aurelia pointed at her children one by one. Team distribution began.
TEAM AWAY (Capital Team):
Duke Lucian & Duchess Aurelia: Heads of the Family. (Task: Flexing Authority).
Sir Roland: Spokesperson & Diplomat. (Task: Legal Debates & Flirting).
Sir Rianor: Strategist. (Task: Business Deals & Intel).
Lady Rhea: Bodyguard & "The Ex Who Glowed Up". (Task: Make the Prince Regret Everything).
TEAM HOME (Base Team):
Sir Riven: Guardian of Northreach. (Task: Defense General. No one attacks the factory while we're gone).
Lady Rumina: Factory Head. (Task: Boost Soap & Glass production for Capital souvenirs).
Raveena & Raphael: Lucky Mascots (and Riven's helpers).
"Aww... Riven doesn't get to party?" Riven complained. "I wanted to try the five-star hotel food there."
"Don't, Bang. You're too pure," Rianor said. "If you come, you'll end up punching the Prince. Better stay here. You are the King of Northreach now."
"Okay then," Riven resigned. "Bring me back some Satay if they have any."
Aurelia clapped her hands.
"Now, focus on appearance. That messenger called us 'tacky'? We'll make them choke on their own spit."
"Rumina!" Aurelia called.
"Yes, Mom?"
"Make a Full Body Mirror. Mom wants to design clothes."
"Rhea, Rianor, Roland. You three start a carb diet today. I want fittings for Slim Fit and Haute Couture models."
"Huh? Diet?" Roland slumped.
"In this world, noble clothes are baggy, full of frills, and gaudy," Aurelia explained, her designer soul emerging. "We will use Modern Minimalist style. Sharp Tuxedos for the boys. Elegant Silk Evening Gowns for the girls."
"And..." Aurelia looked at Rianor.
"Nor, that scented soap. Pack it in exclusive glass boxes. We'll make it a gift for the Queen. That is our weapon to seek political protection."
Rianor grinned widely.
"Bribery disguised as Hampers. I like your style, Mom."
Three Days Later – Fitting Room.
Rumina and the castle tailors (who had been trained by Aurelia) had just finished the prototypes.
Sir Roland stepped out of the changing room.
He wasn't wearing a burlap tunic or the thick velvet robes typical of old officials.
He wore a black Slim Fit Suit with a high-collar white shirt and a black bow tie. The cut fit his body perfectly, accentuating his posture.
"Damn," Riven commented, chewing on an apple. "You look handsome, Lan. Like a Korean Oppa getting married."
Then Lady Rhea stepped out.
Her gown was Midnight Blue. The material was draped silk. The cut revealed her shoulders and back (Backless), but remained modest in the front. No tacky lace. Simple, elegant, deadly.
Her hair, usually tied up messily, was now in a modern bun held by a silver hairpin.
"Crazy..." Roland murmured. "Prince Cedric is going to cry blood when he sees you, Sis."
Rhea smirked, twirling in front of the mirror. Behind the high slit of her gown, a Garter Belt was visible, where she sheathed a dagger.
"Beautiful but dangerous. I like it."
Finally, Duke Lucian and Duchess Aurelia.
The Power Couple. Lucian in a modern military suit with gold epaulets. Aurelia in a graceful modified Kebaya-style gown.
"Perfect," Aurelia said with satisfaction. "We are ready to depart."
[Mission Start]
Destination: The Capital City, Sol-Regis.
Objective: Survive the Court Hearing & Dominate the Grand Ball.
Secret Objective: Infiltrate the Palace & Rescue Scientists.