The Dreamer's POV

We were led to the section of the massive palace designated for the ball. On our way there, we met servants lined up like statues ready to do our bidding, not only that, but there were unique artworks on display across the wall as we walked.

Human artists back on earth were good, but I didn't think they could replicate the artworks I saw that night.

And then finally, we got to the massive hall that hosted the ball.

I stiffened a little, feeling a little nervous–though not because of the people, but rather the lack of space, the clashing bright colors the nobles fancied and the waft of perfume that was overly present.

Theo smiled and went into their midst, it was like he enjoyed this, being amongst his people. Drius followed him, and I chose to remain behind.

What was a butler that refused to tail his master? I think the right response should either be traitor or conspiracist, but I'm neither, I just wanted to do as I pleased this time, enough of the facade.

"Cremy puffs?" A manservant holding out a plate spoke beside me, with the most stoic face I have ever seen on a person.

The creamy snack looked great, but I was full and so I declined.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The ball in itself had not begun, this was just the important nobles hanging around.

I walked into their midsts, leaned when I needed to, trying to eavesdrop while I blended in.

The nobles however had nothing interesting to say, all they were on about were money, land, and annoying family members.

I cared not for any of that.

I then heard a familiar laugh and I turned to see who it was. Unfamiliar nobles blocked my sight, and I had to push through to see what had caught my attention.

And like I had guessed, it was Lord Markus Gloria, and Theo and Drius were with him. It was like the two didn't even know that I wasn't with them anymore.

Theo seemed to be engaging the duke well, and he had quite the attention from the nobles, with a number circling the group, listening to what they publicly said.

Theo was quite young, I bet his presence was quite a surprise to the lords and ladies, chances were that some felt insulted by his presence, that the ball was no place for a child.

Nevertheless, Theo carried himself with the polished grace of a noble, and his age accentuated that, I could tell he was going to be really really popular.

A maidservant brought a tray of drinks, and the two dukes toasted to each other, others too joining their merriment.

'Things seem normal here.'

Though the nobles were plentiful, the hall accommodated us all with room to spare, and I soon found the perfect corner for little introverted me.

There I sat, and accepted a juice from a passing manservant.

And then came a voice, that silenced the rest.

"His royal majesty, King Alphonse Wilhestein of the Southern Kingdom." An ornately armour clad knight declared and his majesty revealed himself.

The nobles lowered themselves at once like they had rehearsed this–almost in unison.

"Okay…" I muttered as I slowly went to my knees and bowed. I could afford not to bow, but I didn't want to cause Theo any trouble so I just went along with the act, deigning myself to bow at a monarch that wasn't mine.

'Perhaps they could use some democracy.' I smirked at my joke, and tilted my head so that I could see this monarch.

The king was the most ornately dressed man I have ever seen. He had on him an outfit of pale blue–a shirt and trousers embroidered with golden designs, like they had actually threaded them with actual gold.

On his chest rested several drooping gold ornaments, and on his shoulder was a row of tiny precious stones.

I had seen his face on the coins.

'So this is King Alphonse Wilhestein.'

The king was young, he looked a little older than I was, which was totally surprising. For reasons I couldn't tell, I had expected his majesty to be an old ugly man, and I got the opposite.

He even had on a deep red cape that went with his outfit. He almost seemed like a superhero.

I activated my <Absolute Appraisal> to probe the emperor, and though I didn't think he was an Earthling, climber or what not, I didn't dismiss the possibility.

[This is a Mage'Earth Native. NPCs aren't recognized by the system.]

Fair and understandable, it was partially a relief.

The alliance, the Nine-Headed Dragon alliance and whatever was in charge of the dark spawns I had seen the other day were clearly busy, but the people of the southern kingdom seemed strong enough, at least for now.

"Rise my lords and ladies. We are glad to receive you here, you all have been the most useful and effective tools of the kingdom, may Iysa bless you all. Without further ado, let the ball start!" He announced, and clapped.

Music had been on since I was in the hall, but I had just noticed, seeing as the nobles partnered and began dancing.

"Oh rich people, cringe as always." I shook my head disapprovingly and down the last of my drink.

I got up to look for Theo.

I found him, but he was with someone. Someone beautiful, and strange.

She was an awfully pale woman, beautiful with black lips, I reckoned that she must have painted them, and she was clad in a large ball dress of black.

It was a gothic aesthetic and I was suspicious.

The woman took Theo in her arms and the two began dancing, gracefully twirling around as if they were in love.

Drius came behind me and held my shoulder.

"The Lord is growing so fast. The Lord and Lady would be so proud." he said, his voice shaky.

'Is he crying?'

I turned and saw that the soldier was on the verge of tears. My mouth was agape, and I didn't know what to do.

Then it left my mouth.

"Yes, his parents would be so proud."