Attention immediately shifts to the second level platform as rows of knights walk out of the double glass door and line the platform to the stairs.
With a young lady in a luxurious and glaring dress in hand, a man wearing a red coat and black long pants walks out of the door to the platform and looks over the railings. He smiles at everyone with his blonde hair and eyes.
"Welcome, valued ladies and gentlemen!" The man says. "Thank you for attending and celebrating this joyous occasion! I, Armin Levia Veila, am truly grateful for each and every one of you. If you need anything, you may come to me."
That last sentence sends various thoughts to many nobles. Some grin maliciously. Unfortunately for them, it is a trap laid by Prince Armin and they will pay dearly for it.
"The dusk paints the sky. Without further ado, please enjoy yourself tonight." He says.
*clap clap clap*
Waves of claps echo.
Armin starts to descend the stairs. He subtly glances at Rena and me.
...
Many males start to approach Rena who sits alone at her small table.
Ion and I take a seat at the empty table near us.
"Woah...those are guys from big families." Ion whispers.
A servant comes to our table and asks for our meal. Ion replies for Truffle Meatball Spaghetti and some other sophisticated dish names. I simply order a steak and whatever Ion is having.
The servant bows to us and goes out of the ballroom.
Ever since I stepped inside the ballroom, I've been getting glances from women and glares from men. But none approach me. Probably because they don't want to be seen associating with someone of an unknown origin. Thus I was baffled upon Ion's arrival...
It doesn't hurt to keep my guard up.
*BAM!*
A loud sudden bang from Rena's table.
One man is furious that Rena, a mere commoner, rejected him but realised the interruption he caused and apologized before leaving in humiliation.
Rena sighs at the constant contempt by the nobles, annoyed not ashamed.
She looks around and our eyes met and she walks towards my table.
"Wait is she..." Ion mumbles.
He exchanges glances with me before he stands up. "Ahem...uhh...I will leave you with it. Nice to meet you. If you need anything, you can tell me." Ion says.
"Sure...likewise."
He leaves Rena and me alone. Rena smiles at me. "Sir Arsto. Am I right?" She asks.
"Yes..."
"Mind if I take a seat?"
"Sure. It will be an honour."
Rena sits opposite me. I try to avoid looking at Rena, nevertheless, she viciously stares at me with a firm smile.
F-Fuck...what does she want??
The waiter swoops in at the right time to break the tension. He places the food and bottles of drinks on the table. My piping hot steak is sizzling on the ceramic plate sprinkled with some sauce.
"U-Uh...I've heard about you. The Knight of Justice. You've singlehandedly led the end of the source of the Insanity Worms and stopped the spread, saving many lives." I say.
Rena nods and picks up the knife and fork, stabbing the fork into the meat and cutting it with the knife. "I've heard about you too, from your siblings. I wanted to see the man with such ambitious goals."
"Haha..." a drop of sweat flows down my forehead.
Shit...this might be the toughest challenge I've faced: socialising with someone you don't want to meet.
"Hmmm..." Rena stares at me from head to toe.
I cut a piece of meat and cool it with mana before taking a bite.
"Have we met before?" Rena asks.
"Ngh!..."
I almost spit out my steak.
"I don't think so but I've always wanted to meet you. Your elegance and beauty certainly surpassed my expectations." I quickly gulp down the steak and reply.
Rena grins and continues eating.
...
"Is this your first time in a noble banquet?"
I nod.
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Rena relates to your experience and found something in common.
+15 favourability
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"Despite the peaceful and thriving atmosphere, for us commoners, this place is a battlefield. Some nobles will do whatever they can to humiliate us. Don't give them the response they desire. Stay calm." she says.
Rena is awfully comfortable with me.
"Anyways, what I've done cannot be compared to your achievement. While you ask your siblings to help me end the source, you were able to create a diversion to capture the real mastermind. That's impressive." she says.
...
I cannot read Rena; I can't tell if she is being sarcastic or impressed. For five years I've been with her yet her mere smile hides her true emotion. Rena hates being used as a scheme and she loves to save people, often putting herself in deeper trouble for the commoners. There is a dilemma. (Author note: Samuel "saved" more people by using Rena to capture Haren.)
Thus I simply reply: "Right...thanks."
At that moment, waves of servants enter the banquet at each table. Since this is a birthday banquet, presents are essential.
We are of no nobility and exquisite gifts, or even any, are not expected from us. Prince Armin is a dangerous person, getting on his good side is stepping on hot coal. Too much or too little will kill you. Best to avoid it.
Surprisingly, Rena did bring a gift for Prince Armin.
A few minutes after everyone submitted their gifts, a group of musicians enter the hall. They position themselves below the platform and the light dims. Soothing music buzz on the count of three.
Most nobles pick up someone of the opposite sex to the space in the middle, preparing to dance.
Rena stares at me. "Do you want a lady to invite you?" she says.
"I can't dance," I say.
"I can teach you."
...
I extend my hand out and she grabs it. Her hand is smooth and soft, contradicting all her efforts with the sword.
I glance at Prince Armin. For some reason, he is staring at both Rena and me.