The Astoria family's summer estate was renowned throughout the Empire for its magnificent gardens and its tradition of hosting intimate gatherings that brought together the most thoughtful members of society for genuine intellectual discourse. As I arrived for what had been billed as an afternoon of philosophical discussion and cultural appreciation, I felt the familiar anticipation that came with knowing these smaller gatherings allowed for more meaningful interaction than the typical crowded social events.
Elara had extended personal invitations to a carefully selected group of young nobles and intellectuals, creating an environment that would encourage the kind of substantial conversation that represented the best of Imperial cultural life. The guest list was impressively diverse—scholars, artists, political theorists, and social reformers who rarely gathered in the same setting.
