Chapter Twenty-Three: The Part Begins
The Mille Voix palace sat on top of the highest hill. The Palace of Voices is thousands of years old and is one of the most ornate and opulent buildings in the world. The gates of it have opened as enslaved soldiers named Chasseurs, line up from the city's main gates to the palace entrance. Mali admired their fortitude. Aaron tells Mali that they remind him of Iqosha soldiers, only having normal human strength. They could almost be mistaken as statues for how still they stood. But there was no mistaking they were eyeing every movement around them.
Mali strides up to a soldier and looks up. Compared to him Mali felt like a small child. The man didn't even look down. Mali wanted to look at the finer details of the Chasseur armour. The armour steel pieces are painted white, accompanied by a turquoise cape printed with the sonar sigil of the Empire. Simple yet pleasing to the eye.
"Come!" Stein says distracting Mali.
The pathway is crowded as many dragons pull the seemingly endless carriages of nobles. The carriages each being unique by country and family. Their servants and slaves follow by the side as they carry items of immense wealth. They all follow the white path that leads to the palace doors. The rest of the city roads are paved with light red brick so it is easily distinguishable.
Mali and Stein decide to leave Mercer Mansion earlier. Leaving Iolene with Constant, and Eidith. Stein despises the idea of leaving Iolene alone with the two. But in order to protect her he needs to know the environment. Constant tried hard to see if he could arrange a tour to see inside the palace grounds. He failed as they stopped the tours in preparation for the gala. The quiet before the storms Constants' servants joked.
Aaron left in the late morning, Lexi soon after to meet with her comrades, along with Lei who met with his citizens. Mali and Stein need to gain a scope of the environment, it is one of the busiest nights that turn into weeks of the year. Mali dressed as a jester wearing a colourful ensemble of red and green. Every step was noisy as bells rang on his shoes, belt and hat. It was annoying him to no end. Wanting to vomit as he felt demeaned by looking like a toy. But with his short height, it was the easiest solution. He couldn't help but think this would have been his fate if Stein didn't find him or if Khafra didn't save him.
Glancing up at his priest master. Wearing a palace guard uniform, Constant managed to get a hold of one. They had to alter it as Stein is a tall man. Finally regaining the muscles he lost, in his time as a mind-controlled slave. He felt almost himself again… Broken, but himself.
The streets were packed full of different smells of perfumes, incense and foods. It made Mali feel hungry. But he couldn't start eating now, knowing a large endless buffet is in the palace.
"I wish we had a carriage…" Mali says as several drive past, his legs have already become stiff. "Red, Blue, Black, Red, Turquoise, Orange…" He points out as they continued to ride past. The carriages from the orange country reminded him of the caravan he and Aaron travelled in. They only had the privilege to use its services because Aaron saved Mistress Sombra's dragon. The carriage is massive as it took up both sides of the street. The driver is lucky as the street is only going one way for tonight. The difference however is the carriage is pulled by thirty human slaves. The driver whips them as they scream in pain to pull faster.
Mali and Stein watch on as they knew not to get involved. No point in making a scene before the gala and making enemies. If Mali was to eventually travel to the orange empire they planned to not step on their toes. No matter how cruel they get...
"Good evening gentlemen!" Lei says as his carriage catches up to their side by lucky coincidence. His long hair is tied up in a ponytail while wearing his traditional facial makeup. Since the war is over the makeup is soft and not harsh as his mother dressed. "Come on in!" Lei says as the carriage stops and Stein and Mali jump inside.
His hanfu is large with many layers, flowing to the floor almost covering it. Everyone lifts their feet to make sure no one steps on it keeping the hanfu clean. His outfit was accompanied by matching multi-coloured ribbons and layers. The motif is dragonflies as he is covered in different patterns of the insect.
"You look magnificent, dear prince." Mali compliments. He is always such a handsome man. Born into one of the most established families on the planet. Once a man who barely knew himself as he said once preferred a life of reading, eating and cooking. Working with his father to become the best advisor for his brother the future Emperor. Lei has become confident and wise beyond his years.
Lei is a real prince, a fact that many people forget. Since he has been travelling with them, many don't realise it with Lei keeping his identity quiet. Lei looked excited for tonight as he is wearing his best attire. There was no doubt about Lei as he loves showing everyone his heritage.
Mali and Stein sit across Lei as they see three other people sitting inside. All strangers to the priests.
Lei smiles introducing them. "Stein, Mali meet Dong Wei LXIII He is the eldest son of Dong Wei LXII. Chief of the eastern province of the cliff side named Wei's song." The young man bows as Stein and Mali mimicked. He is an average-looking young man, with a chubby face with hair long enough to reach his shoulders. His hair is tied up similar to Lei's, letting people know that he is still not wed. But his smile can light up the room and looks like he has a shy disposition.
Stein smiles as he knows his father. They worked together during the civil war. They cooperated together as much of Marlowe's navy used their ports. To their surprise, Light Blue Empire ships were too large to properly port. They didn't have enough time or resources to build a new shipyard. So to make do they had to use smaller boats to transport the necessities.
Stein mentions that the elder Wei is a great man. Young Wei happily agreed, Lei, noting that every son in the direct line is named Wei after their saviour and founder. Dong Wei was the first who founded the village which eventually grew into a small city.
I can imagine the confusion of finding a specific Wei in history books... Mali jokes to himself in his mind.
Lei then points to the smirking woman in the corner. She looks sharp as her eyes scanned every part of Stein. He knows her mother by that glare… "This is Cara Chai's daughter. I take it?" Stein smiles.
"Why yes! I am! Name is Chai Kim." She sounded so elegant and mature. Holding an elegant cigarette holder as she takes a deep breath of smoke. To release it out the window. Her family is based in a village in the North of the Blue Empire. Named Biru's Eye. It was an ancient village founded long before the Blue Empire. Even rumoured to be older than the cataclysm and Loan. They take pride in this information. But they are not as powerful as they used to be. The Ju-Long family restored them into power after the uprising. Her family like the Oettan are dressed in their cultural clothes. She looks unique compared to everyone else. Wearing an ancient headdress made from griffon feathers. The feathers look tattered as the headdress is thousands of years old. Stein noted that the item alone is worth a goldmine. For griffons went extinct thousands of years ago. Only so much of the crowns remain somewhat intact. Stein looked in his mind's eye seeing one in the Gold royal family vault. He has no idea of what happened to it. But it was massive as it was made for a dragon. It was rumoured to be the feathers of Queen Sweetfeather, the last Griffon leader. Killed by Emperor Alexander's dragon Aeneas. A dragon Lord in Loan's earlier days.
Stein nods as he looks to the young man right next to him on his left. Looking close to Iolene's age young and youthful. Can easily mistake him for younger. But he tries to hide his age by trying to grow a moustache.
"And you?" Stein kindly asks.
"Ha Dillon…" He says politely saying nothing more. Lei tells Stein that he is Elric Ha and Shu Ha's son. Elric is an interesting man as he is originally from Macdan. Disowned by his family he sought a new family for himself. He did not expect it to be in the Blue Empire, but the young noblewoman Shu caught his attention. Elric had nothing… He and Shu fought to be together. By the rule of a dual to break the betrothal, Shu is bound in. Elric won her hand in marriage. But in sad prospect, Shu's family cast her out in turn. They moved up further north near the Purple border, working a simple life. But tragedy struck as Shu's family was destroyed by the southern forces. She was left as heir to her family's seat. Dillon and his two younger sisters Abigail and Nadia moved into their ancestral home. He wanted to leave to experience more of the world and so his father allowed his son to travel.
Then all glares aim at Mali. The small man groans with annoyance. "Don't ask… I mean it." He sternly says as everyone followed his wishes. But he could see they were curious about him. His mind wants a strong alcoholic drink. Not tonight… I need to be on my best behaviour and on guard. He wanted to rip the outfit off himself. But it was that or be a slave from the Light-Green country. He believes he chose the best option. Jesters can actually be useful in court, being eyes and ears.
The carriage speed goes to a standstill as everyone is trying to enter the palace grounds. Mali peered from the window seeing good old purple empire citizens causing a ruckus. A bonfire has already been lit on main Street as people and dragons scream war cries. Mali chuckles to himself. Who needs a fool when you have these people? And they are just getting started.
The carriage resumes moving forward as they finally reach the main strip. Dillon and Chai look intently out the window. The sun is setting as the sky is turning orange and purple. Winter is almost here, and a chill breeze can be felt entering the carriage. It is only four o'clock. The street lanterns are being lit up by slaves trained to do specific task. Stein remembered that in Loan they lit up automatically, fuelled by gold draconium energy in functioning factories beneath the city.
Stein sighed as he missed his home terribly. Losing himself in his memories with a young Mali and his teacher Master Tulia. A specific moment when he chose the little man to be his apprentice. Mali is the smallest and last to enter the lineup. Holding his record and results of his studying. He was just a boy then... Stein read and studied each individual student Before the choosing ceremony. Mali always gained his attention though. He never excelled in the physical exams. But his draconium mag skills and knowledge could not be compared. To also add that Mali is very kind as he proved many times. Such as tutoring other students on their knowledge weaknesses. Even Stein's... Socialising was never his strong suit. Mali is natural with charisma, always finding ways to make people laugh.
He never told Mali that many people laughed at Stein for choosing him. Mali in the end proved them all wrong and still is... His heart beams as he gazes at his old apprentice. For a moment seeing the little boy, he found in the orphanage.
"Master? Are you alright?" Mali asked worryingly, noticing Stein tearing up. "Do you want to return to Mercer Manor?"
"I will be alright!" Stein says cheerily while tapping Mali's knee. Then fixing his jester hat as it tilted off-centre.
Twenty-one years ago it was lost. He can only hope to regain it again. Iolene has gained his confidence. She reminded him of her father Aelius in many ways, stubborn and can be headstrong when she needs to be. Yet she is also somewhat gentle, and kind, wanting always to help others like her mother Laelia.
Iolene is attentive and has tried her best to prepare for tonight. Having the cuts on her fingers caused by harp practice and blisters on her feet from dancing proves it. Please gain the approval of the Queen… He prays to Gaia the world's saviour for tonight to succeed. The others in the group are already in motion as Aaron left in the morning. Dressed in slave attire that Constant attained from the palace. Beau in the meantime is Evelyn's new pet project. The poor dragon is already there being dolled up against his will.
Lexi and Iymp are arriving with another group of red priests that have arrived from the Red Empire for the event. Stein warns her to be careful as Turquoise and Red have an interesting history. Since many years ago a Red priestess and a Queen fell in love and caused Mille to avoid being occupied. Lexi surprised him by being already aware of the history. Stein knew that the Red Empire likes to pretend that the occupation never happened. So he is relieved...
After entering the gala they will need to plan their next move. Stein side eyeing Mali as the small man looked grumpy in his jester outfit. Stein giggles that evolve into full laughter. As he remembers something from their past.
Mali looks at his master weirdly. "Maybe I should take you back to Mercer Mansion..."
"No!" Stein laughs. "Remember... Remember the time Erastus was captured? You were dressed as a jester, like you are now. You just walked right up to them saying that you were the delivery man. You entered the enemy camp and entertained the bastards with your terrible jokes. Then without warning for our escape you defeated a whole room of dragon thugs!"
Mali scrunched his face trying hard not to laugh. It was so long ago he almost forgot. "For your information master, I tell the funniest of jokes! I actually felt a little bad for them cause I was having such a good time with them. Just too bad they made the wrong life decision and kidnapped a royal family member."
Stein slowly stops laughing as he needed to keep his composure. Wiping tears from his eyes, patting Mali's back. "You are no jester Mali... You are small, but you have always been mighty. It is because of you we are here... I was weak. You remained strong as the world is set to destroy us and you kept your wits about yourself. You are dressed as a jester, but here." Stein places his hand on Mali's chest. "You are a priest, one of the best. You survived my student and together we will save the Queen and keep our Empress safe. We both need to be at our best, for our Empress's sake. We will get our home back!"
Mali holding his tears nods yes in acknowledgement, having lost words to say.
"We are finally here! The palace looks so marvellous at night!" Kim says in a stern tone, trying her hardest to sound excited. Interrupting the two serious moments.
Lei smiles softly at the both of them. Having seen Stein laugh for the first time. He remains quiet as his heart warms.
It was an hour before they finally reach the palace entrance. Everyone shows their invitations as Mali the jester is guided away by a slave. Separating him from the group. Having butterflies in his stomach he grew to hate being alone. But he hoped Aaron should have already infiltrated the palace. He was led into a separate room filled with performers. He did a sigh of relief as he watches them practice their routines.
Lei guided his small entourage to the grand ballroom. The large mahogany doors are open followed by a massive line of fancy-dressed people.
Lei confused faces Stein. "Stein, why are we waiting in line? Why we cannot enter yet?" Lei asks innocently. Stein looks down at the third prince.
"My Prince, every noble in this city is introduced to a mass audience. Everyone has an entrance to wow the people and impress the onlookers who have already arrived. The Queen and King are already inside watching everyone enter that ballroom. It is a statement to the game they play, while also inventing the term of fashionably late... Being far too late can also give the label of tardy."
"Joyful..." Lei says sceptically.
"You are a beautiful young man. You will be fine! Charm every single man in that room!"
"Oh, I have no doubt about that!" Lei smiles back at Stein, as the old man playfully scoffs at his confidence.
It felt like forever as they edged closer to the ballroom. Loud classical music is heard playing as names are being called out one by one. Eventually, it is Lei's turn to be front and centre and presents himself to everyone. The prince looks at the other end of the room seeing the King and Queen.
"THIRD PRINCE LEI JU-LONG OF LAN-SE! THIRD SON OF EMPRESS ZHEN JU-LONG!" The announcer shouts. Lei walks gracefully down the grand staircase. With his arm open wide to reveal his majestic dragonfly hanfu. His sleeves are so long they almost reach the floor. Lei having walked in the royal garb since he was a child glided down the stairs without a single fault. He can hear gasps as many women and men begin to wave their fans. Most of the room had their eyes on him, such looks he does not get at home.
Finally gracing the bottom of the stairs he approaches the monarchs. Bowing low and graciously thanking them for the invitation to the ball. Everyone claps as he finishes his procession. Followed by Kim, Wei and Dillon who arrived as a trio. Dillon almost blundered his entrance by almost tripping. Kim saves him by grabbing his hanfu. Stein follows by sneaking through the other stairwell that doesn't cast attention to the eyes below. Located near the main mahogany doors.
Lei's mouth agape as he underestimated how large the ballroom is. Joining the mass crowd of dragons and people. Kim dropped her cigarette holder on the floor as Wei picked it up for her. With her graciously thanking him.
Stein shuddered as he sees the ocean of people already here. The middle of the floor is clear for nobility introductions that once finished will become the dance floor.
In the small room next to the grand ballroom, Mali awaits patiently as he claps his hands together and takes a deep breath in. Praying to Gaia that all goes as planned.