We were all escorted to the Royal Palace. Well, all except for Crimson, who was nowhere to be found. And Leonard didn't look pleased by it...

The path leading to the Royal Palace was a cobblestone walkway that gently guided the way, lined with meticulously manicured gardens, vibrant with a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers. The leaves gracefully swayed with the gentle breeze, and ornate statues stood solemnly among the greenery. Guards were stationed along the way.

As we proceeded, we reached a colossal double door guarded by two guards and a butler. One by one, we were admitted, until it was my turn.

"Good evening, madam," the guard regarded. "For the safety of all guests, I must kindly ask you to surrender your codex and personal weapon before entering. They will be returned to you at the end of the evening."

It was to be expected. I complied, handing over my codex, but the guard appeared puzzled. "Your divine weapon, madam."

"I don't have one," I replied.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you enter unless you surrender your divine weapon," he insisted.

"Well, you do put me in a difficult situation..."

At that moment, Leonard intervened. "Forgive my interruption," he said, leaning in to whisper something to the guard.

Upon Leonard's whispering, the guard's expression changed instantly, his eyes widening. He then quickly turned toward me. "Forgive my rudeness, madam. You may enter."

With a gentle nod, I stepped past the threshold. The celebration was held in the Grand Hall, a vast expanse of marble and stone, with towering ceilings and glittering chandeliers casting a warm glow across the room. Butlers roamed gracefully with silver trays, offering drinks and delectable snacks to the elegantly dressed guests, while the soft melodies of an orchestra filled the air from a corner.

The celebration was mostly for us, the guests, to mingle and converse with the members of the other guilds, while served by the King's servants. Later, we would be greeted by the King himself, who would surely enter from above the hall, where a balcony overlooked the gathering. There was also another balcony where guests could step outside to enjoy the fresh air or have quieter conversations, surrounded by whimsical round plants and lanterns, creating a serene contrast to the bustling party inside.

I did feel out of place; for some reason, many gazes were fixed on me, even though I wasn't revealing much skin, unlike many other women...

As I gradually adjusted to the mood of the evening, I approached Selena and Elizabeth, who were engaged in conversation with Leonard at a long banquet table adorned with luxurious food.

"Argenta!" Selena quipped, dressed in a golden gown, wrapping Elizabeth in an embrace from behind. "Don't you think Elizabeth looks simply divine in this dress?"

This girl has no etiquette...

"Yes, you both look splendid," I remarked.

"You look equally splendid, Lady Argenta," Elizabeth said with a delicate blush across her cheeks.

This must've been the first time Elizabeth wasn't wearing her usual ridiculously oversized hat in public; she wore a dress similar to mine. Laura, however, was the one truly stunning, wearing a purple dress that accentuated her figure and breasts. In this little corner of the room, I realized I was surrounded by beautiful women, and a grumpy-looking Leonard.

"When will that girl show up?" he lamented, rubbing his temples in frustration, likely thinking about Crimson.

"You worry too much about her," Selena remarked.

Leonard let out a sigh. "You're right... I should focus on what's here right now. We're in the presence of the first and second top guilds," he said, casting a glance towards the other side of the enormous room as he adjusted his glasses.

The first guild, the Golden Lucenti, and the second, the Amalgamated Thorny Roses, along with us, the Abyss Reavers, filled the room, giving it a powerful and imposing aura. At first glance, everyone seemed elegant, but there was an undeniable sense of strength.

"I must say, I'm surprised, Lady Argenta," Leonard said, giving me a thoughtful look. "You look like you belong here. I am really impressed by your manners and the way you carry yourself..."

Not to brag, but he wasn't wrong. To tell the truth, this wasn't my first time attending an elegant event; my mother had already made me join one.

...

"You look adorable, sweetie!" my mother exclaimed, blushing with pride as she admired how cute I looked.

However, I hated that dress. I was just a little girl, and it was excruciatingly uncomfortable to walk wearing such a thing. Whoever designed it should've been burned alive.

"You look so classy, mom!" I complimented. She wore a white, super-classy dress that made her look like a Goddess.

"Hear me out, sweetie. Whatever they give you to eat, politely refuse; and if they offer you a drink, never drink it down," she advised. "With the small portions they offer at these events, nobody fills their stomach anyway."

"Are nobles cheap?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Hmm, I suppose you could say that."

...

Not long after, a butler captured everyone's attention with a discreet cough, signaling the arrival of the King. As anticipated, He made His grand entrance over the balcony high above the hall, looking down on us as we bowed respectfully, standing in silence and stopping whatever we were doing. After a brief moment, the King gave a speech, expressing gratitude to all who had gathered, honoring everyone as heroes destined to reshape the future of Silveandria, reminding everyone about the significance of such a city, being one of the most prosperous and a major hub of commerce. After which, the King gave signal to continue with the evening, before descending the grand staircase that spiraled down to the hall's main floor, engaging in conversation with the Guild Masters.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As he descended the staircase, I couldn't help but feel even his gaze lingering on me. It was unnerving...

"Is this the dress I am supposed to dislike?" A voice from behind captured my attention.

It was Crimson; somehow, her voice sounded like silk this evening. Slowly, she circled me, drawing my focus away from the celebration around us; her gaze upon my dress, assessing, appraising.

"Every dress looked beautiful, I tried my best," I replied, stealing a glance at her attire as she kept moving around me.

Her dress looked fairly simple: long and black, but it looked extremely beautiful on her; the black fabric clung to her figure doing justice to her captivating aura at every angle. Without a doubt, a remarkable contrast to the lively colors adorning the other guests.

With a graceful gesture, she reached for my hand, the softness of her evening gloves caressing my skin as she pressed her lips to it. I hastily withdrew my hand, shaking it from the weird tingling sensation she had evoked.

"You're such a liar," she said, her voice turning husky as she resumed her leisurely circuit around me. "You've got tons of eyes on you. I must confess, I feel a pang of jealousy knowing others admire what's rightfully mine when I'm not around. Did you choose this dress on purpose?"

It was as if she were trying to confuse me. From another perspective, it definitely could have seemed like a predator studying its prey.

"Believe me, I'm surprised as well," I commented, following her with my eyes. "And I'm not yours."

"Not yet," she countered with a sly smile.

"You know... it's strange seeing you without an orb floating around."

She softly chuckled. "Right now, it must be inside a room, scraping against the wall trying to reach for me." She then sped up her steps, approaching me from behind to caress my arms.

"Shouldn't you go talk with the coordinators of the other guilds instead of playing around with me?" I asked, stepping forward to escape from her clutches.

But as I did, she grabbed my wrist, forcefully pulling me against her body. "No, tonight I'm all for you," she asserted, a hand sliding to my waist as she led a dance.

Being in such a situation, I couldn't make a scene, so all I could do was... dance with her.

Crimson's grip on my waist tightened, her fingers pressing into my side as she guided me through the steps. I could feel even more eyes upon me now... upon us.

"Are you getting embarrassed?" she asked with a smirk.

This bitch...

"Is something wrong?" she added with innocent eyes.

She's dancing badly on purpose to make me fall into her arms!

"You suck at dancing, that's what's wrong," I replied with a glare.

She giggled. "Oh, do I? If you're this mean, you must be in a good mood."

"You really want to piss me off, don't you?"

"No, you've got the wrong idea. Don't you remember? I told you I'd be listening to you, to show I'm serious."

"Then why are you doing this?"

She came closer, her warm breath grazing my ear. "I'm curious to see just how far you'll let me push your buttons." She then spun me out without warning, the room spinning with me, only to pull me back into her arms just as quickly, looking deep into my eyes. "You're not telling me to stop, Snowflake."

I felt my heartbeat accelerating with that motion; everything blurred around me, and while her ways almost sent me the floor, an unexpected thrill rushed me...

"Do you want me to stop?" she softly whispered.

For a moment, just for a fleeting moment... I felt overwhelmed by her eyes, but I promptly managed to regain my composure, along with my breath. "No..." I slowly shook my head. "But I want you to dance properly."

She smiled, and we resumed, moving together. Though, for some reason, it didn't feel like a normal, ordinary dance...

Every move...

This is...

Every touch...

Fun...?

Every glance...

I can't stop smiling...

For some reason, it felt... amusing... Each step we took, each brush of her body against mine... interesting, intoxicating... For the first time ever, I found myself wanting the dance to continue, and not just for the steps.

"Allow me to explain what I have in mind for us tonight," she said, spinning me out once more.

"You're allowed to continue," I replied, twirling back into her arms.

She led the dance with an embrace from behind, one arm wrapped around my waist while the other held my hand. Her lips were dangerously close to my ear, and that mere fact was enough to send shivers cascading down my spine, while I instinctively leaned into her touch.

"We'll go into my room," she began, her voice soft and enticing. "Where nobody could ever disturb us. It's just you and me..."

She then paused, glancing at me.

I understood she sought my approval. "Continue..."

"And there," she resumed, her lips brushing against my ear. "Just for you, I'll draw a bath, the water warm and scented, candles flickering. Fragrant oils and petals to envelop your beautiful body..."

"Hm..."

"I'll slip that lovely dress off you while you'll lose yourself to my lips kissing your neck, while we sink into the warm water together. Your soft, lucid skin against mine..." she softly recounted, her voice husky with desire, our eyes gazing into each other, while I could feel her warm breath teasing my lips. "I'll give you a night you shall never forget... What do you say?"

"I..."

She sensed my hesitation, and with a swift movement, she unexpectedly dipped me low. My vision blurred once again with the fast motion, my head dizzy as I panted, while my heart pounded in my chest. All I could see were her red-hot eyes and the soft cascade of her hair as she hovered above me.

"Or maybe you'd wish for me to be harder on you," she continued, her voice taking on a more assertive tone. "I could bite that dress off if you desire. I'd gladly do it... Making you tremble beneath my touch, your breath hitch with every bite. Exploring every curve, every contour of your body, until you can't think of anything but the sensation of my lips and teeth sinking into your skin."

"Um..."

Her wrap tightened around me, drawing me even closer. "And when I've driven you to the edge, I'll take you even further. I'll make you feel things you've never imagined, sensations so intense they'll leave you breathless, desperate, and craving for more. I'll make you forget about the world, lose yourself in the ecstasy only I can provide, give you so much pleasure that you'd scream my name."

I couldn't take it anymore; I pulled myself up and pushed her away. "Leave me," I hastily said, moving away.

"Don't you still get it?" she asked from behind, slightly raising her voice, making me halt.

I turned around, meeting her gaze as I struggled to catch my breath.

"I literally cannot take my eyes off you..." she said, keeping her distance. Yet, her voice seemed filled with earnestness.

"Even if you say so... I just can't bring myself to believe any of that..." I replied, stepping out to the balcony to breathe some fresh air and clear my mind...

... I sighed, leaning against the railing as the cool night air filled my lungs. I pressed my hand against my chest... my heart was still pounding, and my cheek burned with the mere memory of Crimson's words.

I turned my face to the sky; the stars are indifferent to such problems, but they reminded me of my mother; she shone even brighter than them...

I wonder what my mother would have done in such a situation... Would she have moved on, without thinking about the past?

Had I kept my guard high that day, perhaps now I would gladly follow Crimson... And were my mother still alive, that day would have probably never come. And this, as well...

I sighed once more; thinking about the past really is draining... But there really was no point in dwelling on it; all I could do was try my best to make sure it wouldn't happen again. Though, trying to move on seemed impossible when scars followed you for as long as Death decided to take you...

"Forgive me," a voice from behind interrupted my thoughts; it was an elderly man. "I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you, I was just wondering, are you by any chance... Argenta?"

"Hm? Yes, I am. And who might you be?" I asked.

"Ah, how incredible!" he exclaimed. "I was an acquaintance of-"

"Lucius!" Herbaleon suddenly appeared from behind the man. "Come here, let's share a drink!" he said with a smile, draping his arm over the shoulder of the man, bringing him inside.

Huh, well. Goodbye Lucius, I guess...

As I observed the two men stepping away, I noticed a familiar figure approaching me.

"Crimson..."