Trouble Brewing in Vela

That night, they feasted to their hearts' content. Leonardo, the steward, knew how to treat his guests. He brought out wine said to be served to royal guests, and paired with the delicious venison dishes, it left the Vela Nobles sprawled out drunk.

Alex and Victor showed more restraint. Alex had plans for the next day, while Victor couldn't set a bad example with his godson beside him.

Alex looked over the guests lying everywhere, shook his head, and called Leonardo over. "Steward, sorry for the trouble, but could you help get everyone back to their rooms? Thanks for all your effort tonight. We all had a wonderful time!"

With that, Alex pulled a dagger from his coat. It was short, with a blade of fine meteoric iron and the rest made of gold. Several gemstones were set into it, making it look far more decorative than practical.

Alex handed the dagger to Leonardo. "Steward Leonardo, thanks for all your effort these past two days. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please don't refuse it!"

Alex was firm. Leonardo tried to decline at first, but when he attempted to push the dagger back, Alex's grip was too strong to budge. In the end, he nodded and accepted the golden dagger.

Leonardo then instructed the manor's servants to take the drunken Vela Nobles to their rooms. He also had the kitchen prepare two fruit drinks to help Alex and Victor sober up.

After Victor entrusted Brando to Jarvis to take him to bed, he sat with Alex, drinking and chatting.

Victor teased Alex. "You're getting more generous by the day, and you handle things more thoughtfully than you used to. Before, you'd never have been this courteous to someone like Steward Leonardo!"

Alex smiled. "I'm a duke now, after