The first one who dragged me into the centre of the gathering was none other than Helena, who I saw was looking for me since the start of the party. She was the last person I want to be dealing with now, but I got targeted anyway after Isaac called me out. I got a smack on the head when she finally met me.

"What did I tell you a while ago?"

"There you are, Vaughn. You really got a knack on hiding your presence."

Jackson followed after and hand me a glass of wine. This might be the only glass I might be able to drink because the Children at the back are already pouring every bottle on their glass. I question myself if these people are really the foundation of this kingdom.

I observe the two a little bit. Although I barely saw her wear any formal dress, this time around, she went with a maroon evening gown paired with a couple of jewellery here and there while still wearing the sash. Her face was cleaner compared a while ago which indicates she was wearing a little bit of makeup. Never thought I will see the day.

Looking at Jackson, he is the only one wearing shorts during this occasion. Made me wonder why he was telling me to dress up earlier this day when he looks the least formal among the group. Although I had a feeling he will show up like this. His appearance was contrary to the well dressed Helena.

"You've fallen in love with your big sister, V?"

"He's probably thinking if the world has turned around since you are wearing make-up today."

*Smack* *Smack*

The one who commented got what he deserved and a fist in the stomach.

'But why also me? I only thought about it and never said anything. Maybe my face was obvious. Nevertheless, this is the third time today.'

"Oi, Helen! That's fifth time today."

"I just miss my little disciples after not seeing them for three years. Worry not, I still am not satisfied with giving my love."

"Geez, who are you calling disciples? You just taught us some moves and forced us to become your errand boy for most of the time. Now that I think about it, we made friends with the wrong woman, right Vaughn? Vaughn?"

While they were busy arguing, I sneaked away. If I stay any longer, the total amount of times Helena will be smacking us will reach double digits. I know there are sentiments for meeting again after a long time, but I did not come here to the party to get beaten up by this woman.

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'Sorry, Jackson. But I'm leaving you alone to accompany Helena this time.'

I can hear them looking for me, but I tried my best to ignore that. I feel my energy draining just being near with them even if I do not join any of their conversations. Although I am pretty sure they will find a way somehow to stick with me again based on my experience so far.

But before the inevitable happens, I scanned for a place to avoid all commotion where even Isaac will not be able to find me easily. I was able to spot a corner where anyone barely glanced over, yet Isaac who was just drinking with the others gave me a heart attack when he was suddenly beside me.

"Would they be looking for you? I prefer if you were not here since you're the centre of attraction."

"That is the very reason why I am here. Come join the group sometimes. Believe it or not, many still recognize you... It will be difficult to be together like this later on."

A hint of sadness was included in his voice when he said the last part. He looks older this past week even when he is still turning 23 this year. This is the first time I have seen him look this tired.

"What is the status of the Kingdom?"

"It's still peaceful, but I don't like this kind of peace. It feels like a calm before a huge storm and this storm is coming sooner than expected."

"Most of these problems seems to be created by those Lords and nobles. They are rather calm for people who have their places invaded by a mysterious group of the so-called gift of God. I am sure they are hiding a lot of things regarding these Travellers. Why have you easily let them go today?"

"This Kingdom is unstable. We can't afford to have another problem especially during these times."

"You're going to let Travellers run amok?"

"As much as the Pope and the others think Travellers are the one to save Astrea, they are too weak for now. If they ever do something out of what we expect them to do, it will be easy to subjugate them with our forces. They are also clearing the kingdom safe from the sudden increase of beasts all around Astrea, so they're somewhat useful for us for the meantime."

He is right about Travellers being weaker than what we expected. None of the Travellers I saw comes any closer to Opidelhm's normal knights. What more for us, Children who can probably handle a thousand of them each at a bare minimum.

"It would be nice if these people blessed by the Gods could help us in the future, but more and more Gates are opening at a faster rate"

"That sounds troublesome."

"I was hoping you can help me."

"Why do you think I will help you? I don't want to be bothered with a complicated situation."

"You've always somehow solved everything that I ask of you."

"Because every time you ask, you extort my position of being an Imperial Lord."

"Cause I'm the king."

He smiled like he regretted nothing for the blackmailing he did every time he requested me for something. Somehow I become a counsellor for this King. Nevertheless, It is also my fault why it turned like this because I solved the famine problem of Aecor City that one time.

Since then, he always comes for me for help when it concerns these kinds of problems. But I guess I cannot be having a comfortable life without working sometimes.

"I've got nothing now. I doubt I can help. But I'll try what I can do."

"That's good enough."

"…"

"What are you doing there alone, Isaac."

"I'm taking a break from all the drinking. I still have my responsibility as the king tomorrow."

"No excuses, tonight we will party till we're hungover for the whole day tomorrow."