“Have you seen The Unnamed Team?” A nobleman said. It was the only thing everyone was talking about that night. Avoiding the topic was impossible. How could they? The team stood out like a sore thumb.
“I say, I’ve never seen such apparel,” Another nobleman said. The marquess had visited all sorts of exotic places both on political missions and for vacations. Never once had he seen a sight similar to the one before him.
“Do you think they will say where they got their attire from?” A duchess asked her friend. Only a master craftsman could have made the fine apparel that these nobles were gawking at. The team’s accessories were nothing to scoff at either.
“I’m afraid to even approach them,” A countess, who was lucky to be invited to the ball at all, said. She didn’t want to do anything that could slander her good name or growing reputation. Even still, her curiosity continued to whisper tempting thoughts about discovering the truth.
The Unnamed Team had spent less than five minutes in the main hall, and murmurs were already spreading like wildfire. They were the talk of the town. Everyone had been anticipating the team's appearance. That enthusiasm and interest only skyrocketed when the team made its debut. There was a level of craftsmanship that transcended the works of some of the best artisans. The materials used may have been peculiar in origin, but whatever skills were used brought them onto a level that money couldn’t afford. That all goes without saying how unorthodox the team’s outfits actually were.
The present nobles had never seen a modern suit on men before. Vests and ties of regal colors were also alluring to the eyes. Impressive coats were breathable while still being tight enough to show their muscles. Compared to the suffocating apparel they were expected to wear, this was an outstanding change of pace. The trio of men wore their tailored outfits with pride. Rex, Xander, and Nicholas donned the same attire, but their accent colors varied to add individuality, wearing purple, blue, and green respectively. The three basked in the limelight and constant gazes.
A great number of eyes were focused on Robyn. Her captivating dress was unlike anything typical noblewomen wore. It wasn’t crushingly tight yet still conformed to her figure. Its crimson color was bright and vibrant, standing out against the sea of mediocrity and faded dresses that were compared to hers. A floral design covered her chest, prominently standing out thanks to its embedded sequin. What made it stand out more was how it flowed. The dress’s lighter materials made it bounce with each step. Robyn almost felt the urge to twirl for no reason but restrained herself.
“You looked even more enchanting than ever before. I would even argue you’ve come from the heavens.” Prince Morgan said as he approached his partner, Robyn. He was dressed in his usual princely attire. Crimson was the color typically reserved for the nation’s highest nobility, but an extreme exception was made for Robyn because she was the prince's date. It represented both their bloodline’s purity and the bloodshed that resulted from the countless wars that the kingdom experienced in its thousand-year history. That was why his outfit consisted mostly of that single color. Golden accents were used to break the solid block of red and add fine details. The king’s seal hung from his neck to show the family that he belonged to, not that no one knew.
“You’re mighty fine too, Xander. Makes me want to gobble you up.” Lust said to her partner, Xander. Her dress was extremely modest despite her name and skill. It was mainly the result of constant pleading and alterations by The Unnamed Team. Enhanced spider webs and demon threads did wonders to make all of the night’s outfits. Naturally, it would be a problem if that information got out, so the team happily stayed quiet. They also refrained from calling Lust by her actual name. For the night, she was Lucy.
“Um…you’re charming as always,” Emma said to her partner, Rex. She wasn’t used to giving compliments, especially to partners. The captivating appearance of her partner also didn’t ease her nerves. Attention wasn’t directly on her, but the side glances she got sent shivers down her spine. Emma wasn't wearing as flashy of a dress as Robyn or Lust, but it was altered by the team to suit their style and complement Rex's color scheme. As a result, more curious eyes were on her than ever before.
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“Dang Nic, you look great. Aw, thanks.” Nicholas said to himself. He had no partner. He was all alone. It was a sad situation but could have been avoided. It was simply the result of ignorance with a slight hint of apathy. Some of the nobles were judging him for not having a partner, but he didn't care about whatever rumor would spread from this.
The team returned their fair share of compliments to their respective partners. Then, the room’s music suddenly grew louder. The ballroom’s main floor was cleared out as nobles stood to the side. As a prince, Morgan was the first to dance with his partner. His equally charming brother and sister also danced with their noble partners, of whom they’d eventually marry. The song was elegant and each step was in perfect motion. The dancing couples had practiced these moves to perfection. It didn’t take long before all couples were allowed to enjoy themselves.
The next hour was what some would define as magical. It was a night they’d never forget. Arm in arm with a person they loved or felt some affection for. Holding each other close at times. Gazing into each other's eyes. The moment of peace felt like an eternity. It was wonderful. It was like a dream that no one wanted to wake from. The professionally trained bards serenaded the noble audience with perfect melodies. All of which was played on the finest instruments. Thankfully, there was nothing to abruptly end the dance. There was no announcement from the voice above. There was no emergency. For once, The Unnamed Team was able to enjoy themselves to the fullest and make everlasting memories.
Dancing was considerably more difficult than fighting. It took perfect predefined movements and grace, both of which the team lacked. Unsurprisingly, The Unnamed Team needed a break after spending enough time on the main floor. They reconvened a small table and stared at the dancefloor as they waited for dinner to arrive. Paladin Rose and Huntsman Damian danced together as mutual friends. The Heroes of the Voice were enjoying one another’s company. Peter Knight had joined the royal band. Gerhki somehow managed to get a turn dancing with Selene, Divine of the Nelendian Theocracy. Oliver and Emperor Crach were off to the sides discussing something that couldn’t be heard. King Carlos and Queen Gwen were sitting on their proxy throne watching the dancers below them. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was then that The Unnamed Team returned their attention to the table and were severely disappointed.
“Huh, I thought this was just a joke in movies,” Rex said as he gazed longingly at his plate. It was far worse than what he could have imagined. What was presented to him could best be summarized as a cracker with a sliver of meat on it. A leaf was added as a garnish, but it did nothing for the team’s appetite. How did anyone survive on this?
“No kidding. The taste isn’t much better.” Xander said. He managed to devour the smallest meal in existence within a second. No, taste wasn’t a word that could be used in this scenario. It had no flavor. It was the equivalent of the color beige and a desaturated pastel. Most foods that the nobility ate tasted like this. They prioritized sweet treats above all else, but the team wanted something with a bit more sustenance.
“Our wines are also missing something,” Robyn said. Getting drunk was something that only commoners did. It was distasteful and frowned upon from those of higher positions. Nobles drank wines that prioritized subtle flavors rather than alcohol content, and they spat out whatever they drank. To put it bluntly, noble life had very few luxuries that commons imagined them to have.
“If only there was something better,” Nicholas said. A coy smile spread across his face. He knew what was about to happen. They all did.
The Unnamed Team exchanged glances. They all had smiles now. A common thought populated their minds. There was a better way to enjoy the night. One that they did every time they celebrated.
“I know that look. Whatever you’re thinking, I won’t allow it.” Morgan said. He had to reign in the team before they did anything drastic. Tonight was not the night to pull stunts. Events like the Annual Winter Ball were special. They were not to be trifled with. Even if they were incredibly boring.
“Come on, princy. Live a little.” Lust said with a smile. She knew the best ways to get a person to do the things she wanted. All she had to do was push the right buttons. A few words could drive any person into action. A little usage of her skill wouldn’t hurt either if need be. Anything to spice things up.
“So, what’s the plan?” Emma asked with an earnest grin.