_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5">The tournament schedule posted that evening confirmed blood quality assessment would be next, followed by diplomatic negotiations. Nathaniel felt mixed emotions studying the announcement in his quarters. Blood quality evaluation had been one of the few practical skills Natalia had been permitted to master - even noble daughters in Orlov's court were taught to assess blood properly. Diplomatic negotiations, however, would be challenging. Women were strictly forbidden from participating in those functions.

  "At least I know what to focus on tonight," Nathaniel murmured, setting aside the schedule.

  After finding an unused meeting chamber, Nathaniel slipped inside and locked the door behind him. He moved to the center of the room where a rge negotiation table dominated the space. Standing at one end, he practiced formal diplomatic openings.

  "Lord Nathaniel Hargrove of House Hargrove, representing the Southern Reaches under Archduke Orlov," he announced, working on his tone and inflection.

  He continued with territorial acknowledgments, then moved to practicing negotiation parameters. Despite hours of observing from the sidelines while serving refreshments at diplomatic functions, Natalia had never been allowed to participate. Now Nathaniel needed to appear as though he'd had years of training.

  "The Southern Reaches enters these negotiations prepared to discuss territorial access while maintaining absolute sovereignty over the Southern Waterways," he practiced, trying different approaches.

  Hours passed as he worked through different scenarios, occasionally pying both sides of a negotiation to better understand the dynamics. He was so engrossed that he didn't hear the door open until it was too te.

  "Lord Nathaniel."

  Startled, Nathaniel spun around to find Duke Aric standing in the doorway, surprise evident on his face.

  "Your Grace," Nathaniel responded, quickly regaining his composure. "I didn't expect anyone to be using these chambers so te."

  "Nor did I," Aric said, stepping inside. "Most contestants would be practicing for the blood quality assessment. It takes precedence in the schedule, after all."

  Nathaniel kept his expression neutral despite the sudden tension in his shoulders. "House Hargrove emphasizes blood quality education from childhood. I'm more concerned with diplomatic protocols, which benefit from actual practice rather than just theory."

  Aric studied him for a moment, and Nathaniel had the unsettling feeling the Duke saw more than he was saying.

  "An admirable approach," Aric finally said. "Perhaps you'd benefit from practicing with an actual opponent rather than an imaginary one?"

  Nathaniel hesitated. The offer was tempting—real practice would be invaluable—but it also risked exposing his limited knowledge.

  "That would be... helpful," he admitted.

  Aric moved to the opposite side of the table. "Let's begin with standard protocol for territorial disputes. I'll represent the Central Kingdom."

  They started formally, with proper introductions and acknowledgments. Nathaniel was surprised at how naturally the words came once he stopped overthinking them. The Duke was an excellent opponent—challenging without being overwhelming, occasionally leading Nathaniel toward better phrasing with subtle cues.

  "The Southern Reaches notes significant interest regarding Western access routes while maintaining established sovereignty over Southern waterways," Nathaniel stated, keeping his voice steady and authoritative.

  "The Central Kingdom acknowledges historical cims," Aric countered, "but proposes mutual access protocols reflecting actual usage patterns, establishing cooperative administration while maintaining appropriate territorial recognition."

  As they continued, Nathaniel found himself enjoying the verbal sparring. For the first time since the tournament began, this felt less like a performance and more like something he genuinely wanted to master.

  After an hour of practice, they paused. Aric leaned against the table, his formal posture rexing slightly.

  "Your diplomatic foundation is impressive for someone with..." he hesitated, something flickering in his eyes, "...limited practical experience."

  Nathaniel tensed. "House Hargrove emphasizes comprehensive education."

  "Indeed," Aric acknowledged, though a momentary hesitation flickered across his features. He seemed about to say something more, then appeared to reconsider. His eyes briefly showed concern as he chose his next words carefully. "Theoretical understanding frequently benefits from practical implementation, particurly regarding diplomatic engagement."

  There was something in his manner—a subtle discomfort—that suggested he knew something he was deliberately choosing not to mention. The slight tension in his shoulders indicated this restraint wasn't merely diplomatic courtesy but genuine concern about causing offense.

  "I've found observation can be educational, even when participation isn't possible," Nathaniel said carefully.

  Aric's expression shifted, his eyes meeting Nathaniel's with unexpected warmth. "Some of the best diplomats I know developed their skills by watching rather than doing. Observation often reveals what participants miss while focused on their own agenda."

  The comment seemed to carry deeper meaning than its surface, and Nathaniel felt a strange connection form between them—as if they were having two conversations at once.

  They resumed practice, but something had changed. The formality had diminished, repced by a more genuine exchange. Aric occasionally offered direct suggestions rather than just leading by example. By the time they noticed the te hour, Nathaniel felt significantly more confident about the upcoming diplomatic trial.

  "You're a natural diplomat," Aric said as they prepared to leave. "You have an unusual perspective that serves you well—seeing connections others miss."

  "Thank you for your assistance," Nathaniel responded, surprised by the genuine gratitude he felt. "It was... unexpected."

  "The tournament frequently reveals unexpected alliances," Aric said, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. "Good night, Lord Nathaniel. I suspect you'll surprise everyone in the trials ahead—perhaps even yourself."

  As he returned to his quarters, Nathaniel reflected on the evening. For all his worries about the diplomatic trial, it was the blood quality assessment that now occupied his thoughts—specifically, Aric's strange hesitation when discussing it. What had the Duke been reluctant to say?

  Despite this new question, Nathaniel felt more confident than before. The diplomatic practice had gone well, and he already had extensive training in blood quality evaluation. As he prepared for dawn, he realized something unexpected—he was actually looking forward to seeing Duke Aric again at tomorrow's trial.

  What had begun as desperate escape had unexpectedly led to something more—not just potential freedom from Duke Hargrove, but genuine connections and possibilities Natalia could never have imagined.