~No One's POV~
Many days have passed since the tragic incident. A black stain had been splattered on the reputation of the academy that day. They had lost 22 students to a monster that had hidden from the recent purge of the adventurers and gotten to their young boys and girls. Many noble houses mourned the loss of their children. A funeral had been held a week after the massacre, one that the young Baron Bartfort funded and personally attended along with the captured targets, Angelica, Olivia, and finally (Much to the surprise of Leon) Marie.
The rain is pouring above the building where the funeral is being held. Very fitting weather for this sorrow-filled day. The day of the funeral had now come and many people attended. From the families of those who perished to the staff of the school, even her majesty the Queen found time to come to this funeral. Laying before the crowd lay the 22 white coffins holding the remains of the dead students.
At the front of the group, their families openly cried for them. Mothers, fathers, siblings, cousins, uncles, and aunts, all grieved. Behind the families are the school staff and among them is the teacher who had been assigned to govern the entire class. She felt only sorrow and guilt for her failure as a teacher. Then finally there are the few academy students who decided to attend.
Like the others, they too grieved. Brad laid his head low, Chris tried his best not to openly cry, Brad tried to do the same but the tears slipped through as he clenched his fists, Jilk just continued to stare with a sad look, and Julius wallowed in left guilt. Next to Julius is Angelica who tried her best to comfort her fiance but none of them are working.
Besides the daughter of the duke is Olivia and she stared with teary eyes at the coffins. She didn't know any of them. Some of them may have even treated her badly. However, she still cried for them. Her kind heart just cares too much not to.
As for Leon? He stuck to the very edge of the crowd. He, like everyone else, wore black-colored clothing to the funeral, and the young man went with a cloak over a plain black suit. Beneath his hood, he looked towards the coffins and then at the grieving family with eyes filled with sadness. Seeing them all like that...made him wonder if his past family did the same for him. His mother and father surely would. Despite the lack of connection they had, he knew they still cared for him. As for his adopted sister? He had no idea.
Unknown to him, his sister did grieve. She was the most devastated when she heard the news. When it was time for his burial, she was the one who cried the most. When she lost him, it felt like she lost a part of herself. Despite all the differences they had, despite all the arguments and fights, she still loved him. He was her best friend. Beneath all those groans and protesting of his, he would always try his best to help her. So when she heard the news...the poor girl was traumatized.
This is why Marie did not dare look towards the front. It reminded her all too much of that day, too much of her suffering. Yet something inside her made her turn her head and she watched the grieving unfold before her. In an instant, the memories came rushing back. The sadness, the sorrow...the hate.
'Use the memory and all the pain within to fuel you. Let it feed the inferno. Use it as your motivation to achieve your goal.'
'Yes...I will. For my brother, for my unknown savior, for our lover's sacrifice, and our daughter. Nothing will stop me. Nothing shall stop us.'
Leon felt something with his psionics, something...dark. Raw and pure emotions of hate and sorrow. He could feel the same emotions coming from the people in the room. Sorrow for the fallen and hate for the monster who killed them. Yet this one was much more potent and somehow familiar...
Leon tried his best to search for the source yet no matter how hard he searched he could not find it.
Then he caught the sight of Marie in the corner of his eye.
"I wonder...", Leon furrowed his eyes and reached out with his mind towards Marie. He had searched everyone in the room but her. Maybe she's-
Nothing.
Leon could not find anything. Not even a trace. Sighing, the young man eased his mind and returned his sight to the front after sensing that the emotions did not come from her, "Guess it's not her."
And just like that, the funeral went on normally. However, if only Leon had paid more attention when he tried to sense Marie's mind, he would have noticed the lack of detecting anything. No surface thoughts, no hints of emotion, just nothing. As if something was preventing him from entering the short scarlet-eyed girl's thoughts...or rather something...but he would never know. Not unless he tried again and concentrated but since he is too busy focusing on the funeral and mentally creating plans with LUXION, he won't figure it out today. or even a week from now, maybe even never if fate had its way.
One thing is sure. The entire kingdom is reminded that being an adventurer is risky and there will be casualties. This a lesson that all the students in the academy will never forget.
After the funeral and the burial, life went on. Much time has flown by since the incident and the students once more roamed around the school ground, attending their classes and studying for tests. However, sensing the depressing atmosphere in the air, the school staff decided to do their best to lift the students' spirits.
They gave fewer assignments than usual, tests aren't too stressful, and they are even planning of throwing a grand party to celebrate the end of the school term. For this, they decided to consult the assistance of Leon's Master of Tea Parties. The aged gentleman knew of the school's genuine intentions and accepted. However, despite his experience and skills in planning parties, he decided to ask for help from his most promising student, his prodigy.
"It would be my greatest honor, Master! I shall give it my all and surpass your expectations. I swear to you that this party shall be worthy of your sight.", Leon proclaimed while kneeling before his Master, the man who opened his eyes to Tea Parties and other kinds of festivities.
The man could not bring himself to ask Leon to stop seeing him so highly. The sheer amount of admiration he saw in those youthful eyes was simply too much. Besides, if this is what his student wishes, then what else can he do but accept it, "I shall be looking forward to what you have in mind, Sir Leon."
With a polite smile and wave, the man walked out of the room Leon had rented once again to practice his skills, and skills in party planning mind you, and the young man smiled with stars in his eyes. Then he laughed in joy as he could not help but dance around the room.
"HAHA!~This is it! This is my moment to show how much I have improved to Master! And then I shall be one more step ahead toward my goal! Oh, I am simply brimming with excitement!"
Leon was already making plans and designs in his head, trying to think of the best theme for the party that is a week from now. He was too deep in his thoughts that he forgot the presence of the other people in the room. Before his Master arrived he had been in the middle of creating designs while serving Olivia and Angelica another batch of his self-baked sweets.
Earlier Olivia had come across Angelica in the halls all depressed after she had a quarrel with the prince about his continued pursuit of Marie, which she lost. Seeing her like this left Olivia with heartache and she decided to invite her for some snacks. It took a bit of convincing but when she mentioned that it would be treats made by Leon, she accepted. So the two girls had made their way to the room and since Leon was in the middle of his gentleman phase, he welcomed them inside and he treated this as a practice tea party.
Then his Master came in after he served the two blonde girls a plate of treats and we already know what happened next. Olivia and Angelica get to enjoy delicious tea and treats while watching Leon show off a side neither girl knew about.
"It seems Sir. Bartfort has a rather deep passion for facilitating parties.", A shocked Angelica said to Olivia. Both girls continue to watch as Leon dances around the room, levitating objects, and changing the colors of the walls around them, "And he is quite skilled in magic."
To say Angelica is surprised is an understatement, it was even weirder when Olivia acted like everything was normal, "He is, isn't he?"
The pure girl innocently smiled, "Leon truly looks up after Master. We were both surprised when we found out that we had the same teacher, but that only made our bond grow stronger. He is even helping me with my studies and magic!"
"Really?", Angelica looked at Olivia with a surprised look that changed into a small smile, "I'm glad to see that you two are getting along with each other.", Then her smile dropped into a frown as her thoughts went back to her fiance Julius, "If only Julius and I had the same bond."
"Is he still chasing after Lafan?", Leon stopped, causing the flying items in the air to pause.
Angelica sighs, "You've heard the rumors I assume?"
"Well, that and I've seen it myself.", Leon shrugs before putting the items back into their proper places.
"Ever since the first day many have already noticed the attraction the prince has for "The Maiden of Scarlet Thorns". Not only that, his majesty's friends and several boys, from the first years to the third years, have been showing similar signs of interest in Lafan. I've already seen a couple of them trying to swoon the girl on my way here."
atAngelica's lips formed into a frown, "It is simply ridiculous. Half of them even have fiancees of their own! What do they even see in Lafan to cause them to act like this."
"Well, there is the fact that she's a famous adventurer and a very wealthy Marchioness. Just those two factors can earn her a lot of suitors, mostly from low-ranking nobles like countryside Barons.", Leon answered plainly and truthfully as he refilled the two girls' cups.
"D-does that mean Sir. Leon likes Miss Lafan?", Olivia stuttered. She didn't know why but the thought of Leon and Marie being together made her feel...uncomfortable. At the same time, Angelica stopped herself from drinking her tea and eyed Leon. Both girls waited for his reaction-
CLANG!
A levitating empty plate fell to the floor, followed by a second one, and finally a third. Leon seemed to be stunned by Olivia's question and it made them worry...until Leon started moving again and picked up the plates with his psionics.
"Nope! Never in a million years am I ever going to become some lovesick mutt aga-", Leon's true self slipped through his facade before he recollected himself, "I mean, I simply don't see myself ever being paired up with Lafan in a romantic sense. We are too different. That and she isn't showing any sign of interest to anyone of her admirers, I highly doubt she'll even notice me."
Leon turned around after setting down all the items in his hold only to find Olivia and Angelica, shocked, startled, and...relieved? He stopped himself from diving deeper into the pair's minds. Dozens of simulations and hours of training had helped Leon keep his psionic abilities in check, most specifically mind reading, but there are times like this when his control unknowingly slips. Usually happens when a memory of his with heavy emotion is triggered and Olivia's words made him remember his past life's love life.
Even in his new life, those scars still haven't faded.
Anyways, Leon needs a way to change the subject of the conversation. Thankfully it came in the form of knocking coming from the door and his older sister's voice.
"Leon! Leon, I need to talk to you about something. It's urgent!"
Jenna waited patiently on the other side of the door, half expecting his brother to turn her away. However, that has been crushed when the door flew open and Leon swiftly dragged her inside, set her down on a chair, and began pouring her a cup of tea."
"What seems to be the problem, sister?", Leon asked with a bright but made upon smile.
There is a moment of silence with the three girls just staring at Leon. After a minute or so, Jenna thankfully decided to break the ice, looking toward her brother with a concerned look, "It's...It's about Miauler-"
"You have my blessings. Just be sure not to do anything intimate yet because I am not ready to be an uncle at such a young age."
"""PFFT!"""
Jenna spat out her drink, as did Olivia and Angelica, at Leon'swords and how bold he had said that.
Despite her throat slightly burning from the tea and her face equally burning with a bright red blush, Jenna shouted a response, "NOT THAT! IT IS NOT LIKE THAT!"
"Oh?", Leon tilted his head to the side, "But I had thought you are fond of him. I've even noticed the signs but oh well. I guess he isn't the one then."
"NOO!", The sheer volume of her voice startled the others in the room but Jenna noticed this and quickly tried to salvage the situation, "S-stop putting words in my mouth Leon! What I've been trying to tell you is that the Prince and Sir. Marmoria has been trying to buy Miauler!"
"...what?", All the playfulness disappeared from Leon, his grin turning into a frown.
Jenna sat back down on her seat, a stressed look on her face, "Earlier this morning while I was changing in my room, I heard his highness trying to convince Miauler to end our contract and become a servant for Marie. They even offered him ten platinum coins a week but thankfully he decline then Jilk tried to convince him to change his mind and then it slowly started to become threats and-"
"Calm down Jenna. Relax or you'll have another panic attack.", Leon quickly intervened. Rubbing his sister back, and subtly using his psionics to calm her mind, Jenna shook like a scared kitten.
"Just breathe sister, just breathe. In and out. In and out. Stop thinking and just focus on breathing. In and out."
Olivia and Angelica looked in concern as Leon calmed down his sister. Seeing her act like that, Olivia could already tell just how much this Miauler meant to her. It was like how important she sees Leon and the mere thought of losing him...Olivia stood up from her seat and walked to Jenna's side, helping Leon ease Jenna's nerves with her own kind words. All the while Angelica was lost in thought.
'Julius is going to give Lafan a servant?! Jilk too! Even when this Miauler already has a charge and they ended up resorting to threats.', Angelica's hand clenched into fits under the table. Her anger towards the prince's actions and Marie grew inside her chest.
It took quite a while but Jenna had finally managed to return to normal, although still a bit shaky.
"Here Miss Jenna.", Olivia offered her a handkerchief. Leon's older sister accepts it and begins to wipe away her tears.
"Thank you. I'm so sorry you all had to see that.", Jenna sniffed as the last of her tears were wiped away. She turned to Olivia, sending her a grateful smile as she handed back her handkerchief.
"There is nothing to apologize for Jenna.", Leon answered before his narrowed, anger flashing in his eyes, "If anyone should be apologizing it should be those two brats."
"What about Miauler? Where is he?", He asked her.
"B-buying time for me to get you.", Jenna answered before she turned to Leon with pleading eyes, "Leon, please, don't let them take him away. I can't lose him. I just can't."
"Don't worry. He belongs by your side and your side alone. I'm not going to let anyone change that.", Leon immediately stood up and headed towards the door, but stopped when Angelica called out to him.
"Wait! How exactly are you going to do that? It's his highness and-", Angelica began only to be cut off by Leon when he glanced back toward her. His once grey-colored eyes had flashed into a bright silver color for a second while his lips formed a thin smirk.
"Whether they be the prince, a duke, a king, or a saint. No one makes my sister cry without facing the consequences...but don't worry. I won't harm the prince if that is what you are concerned about. I'll just have a word with him. I am very persuasive after all!."
With one last smile that sent shivers down her spine, Leon Fou Bartfort closed the door behind him and headed toward Miauler's location.
Once out of sight, Leon turned a right and headed down the hall.
'Silver Cat.', He called out to Jenna's Sigma Phantom through their psionic connection. At once, Silver Cat sent a pulse down the connection, a sign that he hears him and is waiting for orders.
'You know what to do.'
'Affirmative, Commander.', By now Miauler would have already grabbed a hold of Julius and Jilk's minds and begun rewriting their memories, for the third time this week. Leon had already known Jilk and Julius's plan in trying to hire Miauler. He was strong, fast, nimble, knows how to please his charge, and most of all, obedient, which was why those guys went for him four days ago.
The first time they tried to do it in a secluded spot while Miauler was alone. It was laughably easy to wipe their memories of the encounter and even come but with the idea. Then two days later they tried again after they saw him effortlessly save a tea set from falling when a maid had tripped. Again, he had to lure them away to a secluded spot and wiped their memories.
Now though Leon and Silver Cat decided to do something else. They rewrote their memories, making it so that they gave up on Miauler and decided to buy a young elf boy instead, as a present for Marie of course. Miauler also made sure those two guys would have the nightmares of their lives later tonight. After all, they had made Jenna cry and no one gets away with that.
'It is done.'
'Good. Now go back to Jenna, she needs you right now.'
'Affirmative but may I ask where you are off to?'
'I'm going back to The Coalesce, get some new upgrades to my suit, test them and then personally check up on 'that'.'
'I suppose I should say to your sister and friends that you went out on a walk to cool your head after speaking with the prince?'
'Eeyup.'
'Wouldn't they get worried?'
'Yeah, but it'll be fine. I'm sure they wouldn't overreact.'
Poor unfortunate. If only he knew that Olivia and Angelica would do the exact opposite. This would cause them to grow concerned for him and make them care for him more in the long run. Hopefully, those razor-edged jet wings and new highly advanced cloak are worth it. Can't blame him though, after all, that has happened in the past Leon needs to become more prepared. That means making more troops, creating more machines of war, and even improving himself with mechanical upgrades. All to protect his family and to make sure he'll never have to bury them in an early grave.
~Time Skip - A Day Before the Party~
Daniel, Raymond, and the rest of Leon's followers are seen walling down toward the ballroom. They had just received a letter from Leon, asking each of them to go help him with something important. Of course, as his loyal followers, they headed his call without hesitation. However as they neared the doors to the ballroom, they could not help but talk amongst themselves.
"So, do any of you know what Sir Bartfort needs us for?", A girl student asked Daniel, who shrugged his shoulders, "Not really but the letter made it sound important and if we're heading to the ballroom then it has to be."
"I don't care about what it is, as long as I can help Sir Leon. It's the least I could do for him.", Raymond proclaimed as they neared the doors. He moved forward and was about to open the doors for the others when they suddenly opened by themselves to reveal a sight that left most of them slackjawed.
In the center of the room with his back to them is their leader, waving a baton in his hands like an expert composer. However, instead of guiding symphonists, he guided decorations, and decorative items, and even changed the design of the entire room. Everything flying in the air followed a rhythm that only Leon could hear as he lost himself to the silent melody, and his followers stood back to watch it all happen.
"Mm~ mmhm~ hmmm~ mmhhmmm~", Leon hummed happily, raising his baton before lowering it, bringing an end to his performance. Taking in a deep breath, Leon opened his eyes to his work and smiled. Everything was coming together. Now all he needed are his-
"Oh! There you all are. I'm so glad you all could make it.", Leon turned around to face his group of surprised, and slightly flustered, followers with his calm yet bright smile, "I won't be able to add the finishing touches to this place without you all."
While most are still trying to recover, Raymond rushes in front of his leader and presented himself with a salute, "Ready and willing my lord!"
Leon's smile turned playful while trying to stop the urge to roll his eyes, "Just Leon is fine Raymond, we are all friends after all."
That only made the boy stand straighter and bow his head in respect, "Of course! My apologies Leon!"
Letting out a sigh, Leon shrugs his shoulders before motioning everyone to walk inside. They followed after snapping out of their trance and the door behind them was closed.
Now they stood before Leon like innocent lambs waiting for their shepherd's guidance. It honestly startled Leon to see just how willing and loyal his followers have become. A few wise words here, some matchmaking occurrences there, and an all-around supportive and protective nature that a good leader should have was all it took for him to earn their complete trust.
This is a little weird for him since the trust and loyalty of the people in Leon's previous world aren't so easily gained. Which made him a little bit suspicious, but thanks to his psionics, he was able to tell that it was all genuine.
Nevertheless, he kept his composure as he addressed his friends and followers.
"So, I know you are all wondering what you are all called for and I will get straight to the point. I want you all to help me with the end of the school term party."
All of them blinked in surprise. This wasn't what they expected. Usually, only the school staff get to prepare such celebrations like this one in the past. They would have continued to wonder if they didn't know just how talented Leon is in designing parties. A few of them had been invited for a practice tea party before and those select few could tell that the staff had made a great decision.
"We will do our utmost best Leon!", They all declared. All of them were ready to follow his command and Leon smiled, vowing to them that he'd reward them with proper compensation, mentally of course because he knew if he said it out loud since this is going to be a surprise for them.
"Thank you", Leon looked at them all with a proud look on his face before he snapped his fingers, causing dozens of fabrics, scissors, needles, threads, and several other ornaments, "Now for the first step. You all need to dress up to match the theme of the party."
"Which is?", Daniel could not help but ask.
Leon smirked, "All that glitter, shine, and gleam~."
~The Day Of The Party - Night Time~
This is it. The time for the celebration has come and all are excited and prepared. Some of them are ready to enjoy themselves and rid of the worry and misery in their hearts. Most of them are already going back to their routine, the girls dressing up all pretty and the boys preparing all they could to impress a girl and maybe get one to agree to their proposal.
Posters around the school highly suggested everyone wear a dress or suit that is bright in color. The girls and boys of higher nobility had no issue with this since they are rich and had plenty of clothing that suit the poster's requirements. The same can't be said for those poor countryside sons of barons, who couldn't afford such a suit. Fortunately for them, the poster also had details saying that those who don't have an outfit can rent one in room B45, which is the room to the right of the ballroom's door.
So everyone, in short, everyone is happy.
Well...maybe not everyone.
Angelica's woes continue even to this day. Her dress is ready, all red, and bright, and brings out her fiery beauty. Her attendants are prepared and waiting for her outside her room. Even Olivia, someone she has started to see as a friend, is at her side to give her encouragement. Yet even then, her gloom continued.
All because her fiance, his highness Prince Julius, ignored her once again in favor of Marie Lafan who, to her absolute horror, started to show signs of interest in Julius when she accepted his offer for a dance. Not only that but she also accepted several other boys' similar offers, including the other love interests. It was starting to get to her, all this pain in seeing the one she loves the most chasing another girl had been bottled up for too long inside her and it was on the brink of erupting.
Yet somehow Olivia's presence was able to help her rebuild her composure.
"Thank you for being here Olivia. You did not need to do this but you still do.", Angelica thanked her, causing Olivia to smile.
"It's no problem, Miss Angelica. I'm always happy to help."
Angelica's lips curl up slightly as she turned away from the mirror to Olivia and then frowns, "Olivia, where's your dress? It's almost time for the party."
"Oh that, I don't have any dresses. Just my uniform.", Olivia waved off her concern, trying to show that she'll be fine without one.
Angelica frowned, not buying her friend's words. That simply won't do. Although she has done her part and kept the transfer student's bullies at bay, she could already imagine that those at the party will surely look down on Olivia for her lack of a dress. No problem, she can borrow one of her own.
Just as Angelica was about to give her the offer, one of her followers knocked on the door and then peeked inside, "Excuse me, Miss Angelica. Jenna Bartfort has arrived and wishes to be invited in. She says she has a present for the transfer student."
Angelica hummed in thought. She could relate to the young girl's pain during that incident a few days ago and had gotten quite close to Leon's sister. It's still too early to consider them friends but it's a possibility. Jenna and Olivia on the other hand had become friends immediately on that day. Every so often she could see them talking to each other in the past and Jenna would always try to help Olivia whether it be in her studies or simply having a conversation with each other. It...made her feel a little bit jealous on the inside but she pushed that feeling deep down until she could not feel it anymore.
"Let her in."
By her order, Jenna soon entered the room carrying a bag and immediately headed straight for Olivia, a big smile plastered on her face.
"Olivia! I have a present for you that you'll surely love~", Jenna said in a sing-song voice, "Something that will make you shine like a star at the party!"
"Eh?", Olivia tilts her head, confused before her entire vision is covered by a blue glittering fabric.
~A few minutes later~
"Are they here?"
"Affirmative."
"Great! Everyone! Get to your places, it's time to spread these doors open wide! Daniel! Raymond!"
"On it!" "Yes Sir!"
Finally, after waiting for a few minutes, the doors to the ballroom opened wide, letting in a crowd of excited students. They chatted with their fellows, saying things like "It's about time" and "Finally!". However, all noise died down from the crowd as they stood still with bewildered looks at the room they have entered. Everything about the entire room was breathtaking. The walls sparkle like silver, the floor a glittering elegant pattern of gold, and the ceiling is painted with colors like gemstones and diamonds, forming a picture of two faceless nobles, one a man and the other a woman, dancing.
Tables made from amber and gold lined the edges of the room, filled to the brim with food that they all had mistaken as decorations. They were like real gems but edible, and the smell, oh the smell. If they weren't controlling themselves they all would be drooling right now. The next thing that stood out from the entire room are those who were already there.
In clothing that would make the riches of nobles green with envy, boys and girls of their age formed a line straight up towards the stairway. Deep blue and pure white are their color schemes and all of them wore masks made from lapis lazuli. The boys wore suits and capes while the girls wore a dress and a blue rose on their right ears. The crowd stared, impressed and even a little flustered at their charming appearances.
Then as one, they all look to the crowd and bow, "Welcome everyone, welcome all who glitter, shine, and gleam! Please, enjoy yourselves! Let us all celebrate!"
Right on cue, the musicians placed all around the room took up their instruments and an enjoyable yet calm melody soon filled the entire room. At that point, the crowd of students stopped gawking and went on to do what they came here to do. Throughout the room they all scattered. A few went towards the tables to taste the eye-catching culinary cuisines (which were delicious), a couple of them went into groups to chat amongst themselves, and the rest, mostly boys, went on to try and get a wife or at least a fiance.
Speaking of fiance, Angelica was left in awe at the appearance of the entire room. She knew that Leon had talent but the sight before her blew away any expectations she had. She was having some thoughts about asking him to manage other similar events like this one in the future. For now, she is simply content with observing the surroundings.
Which then made her glance to her right. Standing by her side being gushed over by Jenna stood Olivia in a dress that contrasted her own. It was as blue as the ocean and sky, tiny glittering sapphires decorated her dress from the waist down and at the center of her chest is a star-shaped symbol made from the purest sapphire she has ever seen. It looked very expensive but it made Olivia stand out like a true gem in a treasure room.
If she didn't know any better she could have mistaken her for a noble...though the image is ruined by an excited Jenna smothering the poor flustered Olivia.
"Excuse me Jenna but I'm going to have to ask you to let Olivia go. She can't breathe.", Angelica said in a commanding tone which was enough to bring Jenna out of her excited state and let go of Olivia.
"OH! I'M SO SORRY! It's just, I mean look at her. She just looks so adorable that I can't help myself!", Jenna replied, though she felt guilty when she saw Olivia trying to recover her breath. Fortunately the kind blonde girl swatted away her guilt with a wave of her hand and a reassuring smile on her face.
"I-it's okay Jenna. I'm fine. Thanks again for the dress! I'll be sure to-", Olivia is cut off by Jenna holding up her hand.
"No need! This is a gift from me to you. After all, you are my and my brother's friend", Jenna spoke with a smile, until realization hit her, "Say, have any of you seen Leon? I can't seem to find him anywhere."
Angelica and Olivia both shook their heads, not having seen even a glimpse of the black-haired teen.
"Maybe he's already here somewhere and blending in with the crowd.", Olivia guessed. Then just before they were about to venture to find Leon, a commotion nearby caught their ears.
Not far from where they stood a crowd had begun to form near the entrance of the room. Whispers and murmurs rose in volume, contesting against the serenading music around them. Curios, the three girls walked over to get a closer view of what's all the commotion about.
"Oh my goodness..."
"I can't believe my eyes..."
"It's the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen..."
"Where did she even get that dress?"
"She's so beautiful."
Growing more curious because of the comments the crowd spoke, the three girls doubled their speed and when they finally managed to get to the front...well...to say that they were stunned is an understatement.
To Olivia, she saw an idol, to Jenna, she saw a breathtaking maiden, but for Angelica, she saw her worst nightmare.
Entering the room are the five most handsome-looking and popular guys in the school. Julius, Jilk, Chris, Greg, and Brad walked inside with suits that matched each of their hair color and personalities. Despite this group of guys being quite a sight, they aren't the ones responsible for this commission, no, that honor goes to who they were following like lost puppies.
Wrapped in a scarlet-colored fabric decorated with diamonds as red as blood is a maiden who walks with the grace and confidence of a queen. Petals made from rubies adored her shoulders and chest, resembling an alluring rose that attracted everyone's eyes. Yet from the waist down, designs of thorns wrapped around her dress, which was short enough to reveal red ruby slippers.
Truly, Marie Fou Lafan is a beautiful yet deadly sight to behold. Even though she is shorter than most of the people in the room, her dress that matched her red-colored eyes made all eyes in the room turn to her. Just as she wanted them to do.
Let them watch all they want. They can continue to stare at her with awe, lust, or jealousy yet the air around her made her seem unapproachable to even the most daring of men, yet that did not stop them from wanting to get closer to the blonde beauty.
Angelica gritted her teeth upon watching her man, her beloved, stare at Lafan with lovesick eyes and follow after her every step. Even Lafan's enchanting appearance can't distract her from the pain in her heart. It was infuriating. 'Why? Why is it always her? Why can't you look at me with those same yes?! WHAT DOES SHE HAVE THAT I LACK?!'
Knowledge and powers beyond her compression. Those are what Marie possesses that allowed her to become what she is today. It took a few days for the spirit of the bracelet to fully fuse with the spirit from the necklace, yet all that time waiting was more than worth it. Now she can passively attract the interest of men without even batting an eye. Yet, the most groundbreaking ability she gained...is being able to feed off the magic of other people through physical contact.
She accepted all those dance requests from those fools caught in her trap just for this perfect moment. So as she reached the center of the room, she turned around and held her hand towards the 5 princes of the school and sent them her most alluring smile, "Come~ Dance with me~."
The music in the room stopped for a moment before switching to a tone most befitting of dance with such beauty and with that, her feast began.
First up was Brad. Being the most magically inclined of the group she expected a delicious meal...that wasn't what she got. By her calculations, Brad had about 10% more magic power than anyone in the school, and he was supposed to be the mage prodigy. It wasn't enough to even be called a meal, appetizer maybe but just barely.
'Oh well. I suppose it's quantity over quality for tonight.' Marie thought to herself as the dance continued.
From one dance partner to another, Marie continued to consume magical energy but left just enough to not look suspicious. She didn't want anyone getting suspicious just because her dance partner had just fallen to the ground in the middle of the dance. Though she did make sure to drain more from Brad, Greg, Chris, and Jilk to leave them weak in their knees.
The others would simply pass it off as fatigue from dancing too much.
Now after about an hour of constant dancing, which showed off her large amount of stamina to the entire school body, Marie was finally down to her last victim, the prince himself. Thankfully the prince had more magical energy than average because Marie was planning to drain him until he can't stand on his own two feet. The memories of what his ancestor did to the spirit inhabiting Marie's body made her thirst for vengeance too great to deny.
Marie didn't notice the other dancers that joined in after her 7th dance partner, she didn't care about Angelica glaring daggers at her, she didn't care about anything but her desire for payback. Yes, she'll make a fool out of the prince and lower his credibility. She can imagine it now. People whisper all around about how the Prince often tripped during a dance, committing mistakes unbefitting of a prince, and even 'I can't believe the prince threw up in the middle of the dance!'
Marie giggled at the thought, which Julius mistook as a good thing and it made his heart skip a beat along with leaving him weak in the knees.
Meanwhile, Angelica was at her breaking point. The anger and jealousy she had been bottling up inside are about to burst to the point that no one would be able to stop her from marching into the dance floor and slapping Marie's face. With each passing moment, that idea becomes more and more tempting to do. Olivia and Jenna tried to do their best in keeping her calm then Jenna has to excuse herself when she spotted a random girl flirting with Miauler, who had just arrived.
Though seeing her rush up towards the demihuman servant, kissing him in front of the flirting girl, and then dragging him towards the dance floor did make her laugh and distract her from her anger...but that was 10 minutes ago. Olivia stuck to her side like the caring friend she is and Angelica was very thankful for that. Then she requested her to grab a drink for both of them, which now left her on her lonesome, on the edge of giving into her rage.
"I can help you if you want."
Just like that her anger and jealousy vanished in an instant. Confused and caught off guard, Angelica could not react in time when she was dragged toward the center of the room. By the time she recovered, she found herself already dancing with a stranger amongst the other dancers. Their movement was swift yet smooth, moving towards a direction that she could not see since she was too busy looking at her dance partner.
She tried to figure out who it was but the gilded mask on his face made it difficult to identify his identity.
"What are you-"
"Follow my lead and we can free the prince from Marie."
"...Lead the way.", Angelica threw caution into the wind by trusting the stranger but a chance to get the prince away from Lafan is a chance she was willing to make.
With determination in her eyes, Angelica did her best to follow the stranger's flow. With each step they took, they were getting closer and closer to the maiden of thorns and the prince. Thankfully none noticed their advance. Which made the stranger's next move that much more surprising.
"Here we go, get ready to grab the prince."
"Okay."
The music reached its peak when the stranger and Angelica made their move. With a swift turn, the two intertwined with the dancing Lafan and Julius, becoming a spinning mess until they separated. When everyone regained their bearings, Angelica found herself pressed up against a dizzy Julius on the edge of the dancefloor. The blonde felt relieved and happy about her current situation.
"Wait, what about-"
She turned her head back towards the center of the room and she, along with everyone else in the room, watched with wide eyes.
Standing in the very center are two figures bowing low to each other with their right arms to their chest and their left arm stretched up high. On is the Maiden of Scarlet thorns, who stared in shock at the figure in front of her. He wore a suit as pitch black as the night sky. Gleaming streaks of gold traced the edges of the suit and brought out the muscled yet slim figure that lay underneath the fabric. He wore goldenly gloved and golden shoes, two items that matched the gilded mask he wore on his face that made his dark eyes stand out. His posture is elegant yet steadfast, gentle yet passionate. His very appearance spoke authority but the way he held himself showed that he did not demand it, but already owns it.
Another thing that shocked the crowd around them, and even Marie herself, is the pose they are in. They all knew too well what it meant.
"Oh Maiden of Thorns, are thou Noble Bound?"
Marie knew what those words imply...and she, along with the spirit inside her, was thrilled.
"Indeed I am oh stranger in gold. Are you?"
Both parties smirked and rose to their full heights. The stranger held out his arm, raising his hand with its back facing toward Marie.
"My blood is as blue as my mask is gilded."
Marie mimicked his movement and now the back of their hands touched. Black words met red as the music in the room changed into a melody fit for the dance ahead.
""Let us see if your words are true, Noble Bound.""
With those words, the two dancers took a step and the dance began.
At this moment Olivia had finally returned with two glasses of wine in her hands, one for her and one for Angelica. She was making her way through the crowd, which had oddly become silent much to her surprise, and after a while, she finally spotted her friend.
"Angelica! There you are! I brought you your drink!", Olivia offered her the glass and she was startled when she grabbed the drink, downed it in a single gulp, and gave it back to her, all without taking her eyes off of the dance floor.
"Angelica?", Curios, Olivia turned to where she was staring and watched in awe at the dance that played before them. It was quick, sleek, smooth, and magical. The moves the two dancers made were precise and graceful yet some parts of it were daring and allowed them to show off their *ahem* plump backsides.
"Uhhh...what is happening?", A blushing Olivia asked out loud. Fortunately, Angelica was still able to answer despite her state of shock. ( I think)
"Noble Bound. An ancient dance rite that originated at the founding of the kingdom hundreds of years ago. It's a dance between nobles that tests their grace, posture, stamina, flexibility, and even magic, all the while they have to keep a calm look."
"Magic?"
Right as she said that the two dancers suddenly took to the skies and continued to dance in the air.
"Oh...I see now. Is this why everyone is so surprised?"
"That's part of the reason. Another is that no one has been able to do the Noble Bound successfully for over a decade. The requirements one needs to accomplish this rite have only been met by prodigies."
Now even more stunned than before, Olivia muttered, "Which means that their-"
"True prodigies? Yes, yes they are."
No more words were spoken after that and all simply watched in absolute awe at both the maiden in a dress of thorns and the gentleman with the gilded mask.
~An Hour of Continuous Dancing later~
Marie and the stranger bowed to each other after finally reaching the end of their dance. Marie looked slightly winded but the stranger didn't even look like he broke a sweat. She didn't know why but the Maiden of Scarlet Thorns could not help but be lost to those dark eyes of his. Everything else seemed muted and insignificant as she continued to stare. The cheering of the crowd, the roar of the applause, and the praises her admirers threw her way fell on def ears. All she could hear is the beating of her heart.
Doki Doki
"You are an impressive dancer.", Marie commented and the stranger bowed his head in thanks.
"Thank you. All those dance lessons my sister taught me paid me quite well.", The stranger replied in kind.
"Yes, it seems so.", She said with a small smile before she decided to ask, "May I ask for your name?"
To this, the stranger chuckled, "You can call me Gilded but as for my true name, well, I would like to wish for one request."
Marie raised a brow, "Do tell."
"Well, this may seem unorthodox but I wish for us to have a friendly spar."
"A spar?", All the noise in the room become silent upon those words.
"Yes.", The stranger nodded, unnerved by the silence, "I wish to see the power of The Maiden of Scarlet Thorns myself. I'm a fan of how you defeated the Death Thorns Drake and conquered the Blood Garden Dungeon you see."
"Really?", Marie's interest in the masked man seemed to grow. Playing hard to get? Oh this will be fun~
"Well if that is what you want then how about two days from now? Though I'll choose which kind of spar we'll have."
The stranger nods his head, "Very well. Seems fair. What will it be?"
"Armor. I have seen that you are quite capable on your own but I wish to see how well you do in an Armor."
"It sounds good to me.", The stranger stands up and places a heart to his chest, "I will tell you my name during our spar. I will do my best to not disappoint you."
Marie replied with a sultry smirk, "I sincerely hope so~"
Sending her one last polite smile, the stranger snapped his fingers and disappeared in a flash of light, sending the entire room into a startled uproar of whispers and murmurs..yet Marie continued to ignore them. All she could think about is the stranger whom she danced with, "Gilded huh?", She whispered his name with a gentle whisper...contracts to the sinister thought she had in her head, 'You shall make a fine pet~ Hhmhmhmhm~'
~Meanwhile Somewhere Else~
FLASH!
"I see that the mission is a success Commander."
"Yes, now we have her right where we want her."
"Shall I prepare Arrogance?"
"No. I hate to admit it but I can't use him in the spar. He's one of our trump cards after all."
"Then what shall you use Commander?"
"...prepare Zeratul's Honor."
"Very well Commander. I shall prepare the prototype and have it combat-ready in two days."
"Good. Now if you excuse me I'm going to sleep now. Wake me up when the sun is up."
"But Commander, with your new implants you should only need one hour of sleep."
"Yeah but I like dreaming."
"As you say commander, have a good night."
"Goodnight LUXION."
Just like that, the body of Leon Fou Bartfort fell face-first onto his bed and drifted off to sleep. The exquestion of the dance and the stress of the reports he had to deal with while he designed the ballroom drifted away from his mind as he began to dream.
LUXION faithful watches over his commander's sleeping form, guarding him while also processing all the information he had obtained for today.
"Archiving Planetary Confinement Anomaly...Complete. Marie Fou Lafan's information...updated. Archiving Unknown Magic Drain Anomaly...Complete."
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"Notification received. The salvage operation of the unknown damaged Protoss vessel is complete. Proceeding with the assimilation process."
Well, there you go, everyone. Chapter 10 is officially here. Marie and Leon have finally encountered each other again, though Marie still doesn't know who Leon actually is It's for the best. We all could probably guess how she is going to react when she sees who Leon actually is. There's also the teaser about a new project and his discovering some Protoss technology, along with a few questionable anomalies, questions that will be answered in the next chapter, which is going to take a long while since I'm going to be taking exams this week and then theirs my other school assignments that I have to deal with. But make no mistake, "Chapter 11: Unity & Will vs Evolution will arrive one day, just not this week or the week after and maybe even the week after that but it will arrive. Until then everyone! Stay Safe and Good Luck!
