Flame and Tide: The Rise of Thalia Astoria

The day of the banquet arrived, and the Astoria estate buzzed with energy. Though Thalia had no intention of revealing her deeper secrets, she understood the significance of her presence at the event. The exclusive gathering of business leaders hosted by Collet was an invaluable opportunity to solidify the Astoria family's standing.

Thalia decided to wear the floral pastel dress Collet had designed, the one that seemed to radiate an ethereal charm. Its delicate embroidery of soft pink and lilac flowers enhanced her graceful figure, and with her silver hair cascading freely down her back, she looked like an angel descending from the heavens.

"You look breathtaking, my lady," Alan said as he helped her into the carriage. "I doubt anyone will forget the name Astoria after tonight."

Thalia smiled softly. "Thank you, Alan. Keep things running smoothly while I'm gone."

He bowed. "Of course. I'll await your return."

---

The Charis estate was as grand as expected, its banquet hall a dazzling display of opulence. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, and floral arrangements adorned every corner, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

As Thalia entered, the chatter in the room quieted momentarily, eyes turning toward her. Whispers filled the space as people took in her angelic appearance.

"Who is that?"

"She must be someone important."

"Could she be Lady Astoria?"

Thalia held her head high, exuding calm confidence despite the attention. Collet spotted her from across the room and practically glided over, her lilac hair and elegant gown making her look equally radiant.

"Thalia!" Collet beamed, taking her hands warmly. "You look absolutely divine! Everyone's talking about you already."

"Thank you, Lady Collet," Thalia replied with a slight bow. "You've outdone yourself with this event."

"Nonsense," Collet said, waving her off. "Come, let me introduce you to a few people."

---

Throughout the evening, Thalia met numerous influential figures. While she kept her comments measured, her genuine charm and intelligence left a strong impression. Many were eager to learn more about the Astoria family, intrigued by their sudden rise.

During one conversation, Thalia overheard a nearby group discussing the recent sightings of the mysterious hooded figure who had been saving villages and slaying beasts.

"They say the hooded one killed two high-rank beasts alone," one man said incredulously. "That's unheard of! Even the heads of the top families need assistance for such a feat."

"Do we know who it is?" another asked.

"Not yet," the first replied. "But we should find them. A fighter like that could tip the balance of power."

Thalia's heart raced, but she kept her expression serene, sipping her wine. They have no idea it's me. But I need to be more careful. This kind of attention could be dangerous.

The Charis banquet was a lively affair, filled with the hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the rustle of elegant gowns. Thalia, dressed in a pastel floral dress that seemed to glow under the chandelier lights, moved through the crowd with practiced grace. Her silver hair flowed freely down her back, and her calm yet confident demeanor turned heads wherever she went.

She found herself by the refreshment table, sipping a glass of wine when a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You must be the elusive Lady Astoria. I didn't expect you to be so... angelic."

Thalia turned, her red eyes meeting a pair of piercing blue ones. Standing before her was a man with blond hair neatly styled and an aura of confidence that rivaled her own.

"Alexander Wilder," he said with a slight bow, "head of the Wilder family."

Thalia inclined her head. "Thalia Astoria. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Wilder. I've heard of your family's impressive advancements in medicine."

Alexander smiled, his gaze steady. "And I've heard of your family's surprising resurgence. The floral dresses are a sensation in my estate. Even my sister has insisted on wearing them to every gathering."

Thalia chuckled softly. "I'm glad to hear that. It's always rewarding to see our work appreciated."

Alexander leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Tell me, Lady Astoria, do you have any particular interest in medicine? Or is your brilliance confined to fashion?"

Thalia smirked, raising her glass. "I dabble in many things, Lord Wilder. Medicine happens to be one of them. Tell me, have you ever considered using a person's pulse to measure their health conditions?"

Alexander blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Pulse?"

Thalia nodded, her tone thoughtful. "Yes. The rhythm of the heartbeat. For instance, an irregular pulse could indicate heart issues, while a racing pulse might suggest fever, anxiety, or even infections. If one could create a device to measure and monitor the pulse, it would revolutionize diagnostics."

Alexander's blue eyes lit up, his curiosity now fully engaged. "A device to measure the pulse? That's... fascinating. How would you suggest it be done?"

Thalia's mind raced. She couldn't give away too much, so she kept her explanation vague. "Perhaps a simple mechanism—a band or strap that could apply slight pressure to the wrist and translate the beats into something measurable. It would take experimentation, of course, but I believe it's possible."

Alexander stared at her, a mixture of admiration and astonishment in his expression. "Lady Astoria, you think like no one I've ever met. Most of us are bound by tradition, yet you seem to see the world in a completely different way."

Thalia smiled slyly. "Tradition has its place, Lord Wilder, but progress requires innovation. If the Wilder family were to pioneer such a device, imagine how many lives could be saved through early detection of illnesses."

Alexander laughed, his tone warm. "You're not just brilliant, Lady Astoria—you're inspiring. I would very much like to continue this conversation another time."

Thalia tilted her head, her amusement evident. "If you can keep up with me, Lord Wilder, I'm sure we'll have plenty to discuss."

As the banquet continued, Thalia and Alexander's animated conversation drew attention from other guests. While Alexander had initially approached her out of curiosity, he left the encounter deeply impressed—not just by her beauty but by her intellect and vision.

By the time Thalia returned to the Astoria estate, she couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. The Astoria name was no longer one of ridicule but one that carried intrigue and respect. And perhaps, just perhaps, Alexander Wilder would prove to be a valuable connection in her journey to rebuild her family's legacy.