Walking up towards the house, she could not help but be amazed at how opulent and expensive everything around her appeared. The path was laid with polished marble, what looked like a gold statue adorned the massive multi-stage fountain in the middle of the plaza. Up and down rows of perfectly trimmed hedges, bushes and benches carved from wood she had never seen before, let alone touched.

“Is It frightening?” Elistin held out her hand to her, and she took it, partially to remain upright on the heels, and partially due to the overwhelming sights before her.

“… Your house is not at all small, but this is a little too much for me… And even walking in the front door…”

“Don’t worry. Just remember what I taught you earlier today, and you’ll be fine. Stay close at first though.”

“Can I take off my shoes? They’re awful.” Her request was met with a clean denial from Elistin.

“Don’t talk to anyone… And if you must, keep it short, and polite… Then walk away.” Carys gave her a stern glance.

They walked up the large steps to the house, easily wide enough to allow an army to traverse all at once. Behind massive pillars smooth, cut marble were equally massive, gilded doors which swung up with uncanny ease. They reminded her of the archive doors.

What met her inside was an equally vast entrance hall: Gilded frames, vast draping curtains of the finest silk and velvet. Expensive vases, even a carafe of pure gold, and cups of silver had been brought out for the occasion. To top it off, the hall was flooding steadily with people. A short wait of uncomfortable stares followed as she could not help but feel vulnerable and exposed in such a vast crowd. It was nothing like a crowd at the marketplace or even in front of a band of musicians. Where a merchant or customer is focused on the product, everyone inside the hall seemed focused on a single issue: Namely to observe one another for error, for improper dress, or perhaps even to judge the value of the next person’s rings, or social standing due to a lack of such.

Hushed whispers echoed in the hall until someone banged a stick on the floor.

“Noble folk! Your attention please, your host; Radwind of Wellitz!”

She tried to look, but extravagant dresses and headwear whole décor easily her own height, blocked any chance of having a look. Frank curiosity had taken over inside of her, and she felt like trying to jump to see.

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“Psst… Come here, I’ll piggyback you.” Rein knelt and allowed her to climb onto his back. He stood back up and though still difficult, she could finally see the steps, upon which stood a big muscular man in military regalia. Behind her, she could hear a few whispers commenting on Rein’s uncouth behavior. She drew his attention to it, but he merely scoffed and raised her just a little bit further up.

“Welcome dear friends! Colleagues! Enemies! People I know! People who I lent money! Those of you who found my invitation in the gutter and decided to tag along!”

A wave of laughter swept over the assembled masses.

“Today! I invited you all here to share in the festivities! As the newly appointed Chief Imperial Advisor, I urge you all to be nice to me if you wish to mooch me for some favors!”

Another round of laughter and some added applause rolled over the room.

“Jokes aside! The ballroom is open, the buffet is open. Please do not hesitate to ask my servants for anything you desire, and I do really mean, anything! Except my money! You won’t get any! I promise you that!”

“Hey Raddy! You don’t suppose you’ve opened up your cellar eh?” A voice shouted back.

“Oy! Lord Erdwin, naughty bastard! This is an unseemly thing to announce, but yes, for any basic needs like water, wine or recreational activities, please ask the servants to show you the way!”

“Thanks Raddy! You’re a real boon!”

“Ahem… And now! Mingle! Enjoy the music and please… For the love of the Empire, dance!”

The crowd began spreading itself out. Most headed for the sound of the most grotesque string instrument music she had ever heard in her life. A few obviously gluttonous people nearly devoured the servants for directions to still their hunger. Especially in the corners, nobles shared hushed whispers with servants whom nodded and led them out of the room. Some sort of high-pitched screeching sounds began flowing from a balcony overlooking the ballroom.

Rein knelt and let her climb off. Carys whom kept looking around for prying eyes nodded and they all began heading for the ballroom.

“Are they mincing live bats up there? She whispered to Rein, whom almost burst out into laughter.

“Ferran! It’s music! The very best of it. The finest of stringed instruments, and likely some brass too…” He stepped in behind her and unceremoniously put his hands over her ears, giving her a moment’s relief.

“You should just wait and see! Lots of people today will fall over when a particularly sweet note stirs their bodies… Like all of their blood suddenly gathering in one place!” Tilia grinned, but was almost immediately given a determined whack on the head by Carys. “Tili… Language!”

“Sorry… It’s true though.”

“Even rats would fall over if exposed to this…” She mumbled, while removing Rein’s hands from her head, instantly regretting her decision.

“That’s enough.” Elistin cut through the conversation.

“Hey, how come I get wacked on the head, but Ferran doesn’t!”

“Her first time at such an event… Deal with it.” Carys retorted.

“Time for you all to do your jobs… Good luck out there, and please… Please don’t find yourselves in the cellar… After what happened to you two last time…” Elistin threw both Carys and Rein a look of concern.

“It’ll be okay.” Carys nodded, and began to slowly melt into the crowd.

“I can have a good time if I have to.