Chapter 602: [ Gathering of the Players ]
“You can depend on me, Mister Allen,” Romeia’s eyes were limpid and candid as she said those words. “…and thank you for taking this task,”
Allen smiled, as usual, “…a request from a beauty is hard to refuse, especially for a gentleman. Even if it’s walking in a tight rope—a gentleman would do it, without hesitation.”
Romeia gazed at Allen before her, and blinked incredulously at this change of front which was completely unlike from the stoic and cold attitude from just a few minutes ago, and she couldn’t help but unsuccessfully tried to restrain a giggle at him, “That’s why you are so popular with women, Mister Allen. With that kind of face, you possess an adorable roguish personality and glib lips… a fatal to any women I presume~”
“I beg to differ, that is just a misunderstanding,” Allen smiled wryly.
“No, no, no, it’s anything but misunderstanding. In fact, Miss Laura and Miss Mireya here can testify my words as they are the greatest proof to your exceptional capabilities,” Romeia covered her mouth with her hand as she let out a giggle in amusement.
“Ha ha, I thank you for the compliment then,” Allen laughed heartily.
Romeia also let out a hearty laugh, then she said with a faint smile; “Well, as for the compensation, I’ll surely do my best…”
“Then, I would like to thank you beforehand…” Allen muttered as he walked through the corridor. They passed through the picture gallery where magical artifacts and also expensive looking masterpieces of arts lined up in the wall.
He had even seen a complete look-alike of the Norwegian Expressionist artist Edvard Munch’s masterpiece; The Scream, plastered along the walls of the corridor. Even Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers were present in all of its glory. Romeia must be quite a hobbyist to even replicate such things…
As they proceeded forward, there were already varying sounds surging up and doors banging, laughter and chatter from the floors below, and apparently at the outside as well. So the guests have been heated up and were going an all-out party for these rare relaxing moments away from the dangers of life and adventurer in their original lives.
Followed by Romeia, Mireya and Laura, Allen walked down the stairs towards the party venue.
As he approached a bend in the stairs, he could see people bustling, wearing formal clothes like a tuxedo, suits, and a variety of dresses. Though judging from the fact that all of them were wearing one as if it was a party from Hollywood—
“…Did you also provide the dresses?” Allen glanced back and asked, full of interest.
Such an elaborate plan~
“Yeah, as long as I willed it, everything can be created in an instant—this was a Dungeon style Domain, after all…” Romeia boasted. “Though, those that were created are mostly normal and ordinary items—creating magical artifacts used too much of my magic power. When the notice for the Gathering was sent, a set of clothes was also sent along. It would be sad if this party turned into an out of season, Costume Party, isn’t it?” Romeia giggled.
That makes sense, Allen thought as he edged past the decorations on the stairs and continued downwards.
Waves of noisy laughter that were mixed with some melodies were emitted from the hall downwards. This caused Allen, who liked serenity to frown slightly. Silently walking around, lights flooded through the terrace where people, groups, crowds, or couples idly wandered or leaned against the stone balustrades, while others sought the shadowed intimacy of the shrubberies and rose gardens.
The faint romantic light of a string orchestra hung on the still night air. The great hall was filled with the scent of freesia and carnations, and as they mounted the steps, the lilting strains became clearer and more inviting.
Danse Macabre.
“—this is a good choice of music…” Allen muttered as he listened on the melody that seemed to cause even corpses and bones to have an urge to dance—the Dance of Death.
“Isn’t it?” Romeia happily responded. “It’s a piece of music I like listening to…”
“Isn’t this the Danse Macabre…?” Laura who had heard about it before muttered as well.
“Danse Macabre? Well, it indeed has some beautiful melody. But listening to this song seems to give me a strange feeling…” Mireya frowned as she perked her wolf ears and listened to the song intently.
The tempo, the tone, the Allegro, the song itself somehow gives people listening to a strange, slightly creepy yet for some reason, a very wonderful feeling of comfort and harmony…
“Well, that can’t be helped, after all this is the Danse Macabre…” Allen responded with a faint smile to Mireya’s confusion. “…in French, it is also called the Dance of Death. An artistic genre of allegory of the Late Middle Ages back on Earth. About universality of death—that no matter what one's station in life was, the Dance of Death unites all.”
“Dance of Death…?”
Although there were several version of this music, the one playing within the hall was the Danse Macabre of Camille Saint-Saëns. It was a wonderful masterpiece.
“But isn’t it fitting for the occasion?” Romeia grinned. She puffed her chest, seemingly proud of her taste and style, “... Here, no matter what you are, all of you are equal, neither kings or princes are present!”
The Danse Macabre—in all meaning, the Dance of Death consists of the dead or a personification of death summoning representatives from all walks of life to dance along to the grave, typically with a pope, emperor, king, child, and laborer.
Similar to this occasion, all players were summoned, ignoring the world, status, or life.
“Though, it also an expression or a reminder to the players gathered of the fragility of their lives and how vain were the glories of earthly life…” She laughed.
“…that’s quite a reminder you have there…” Allen mused.
As the group walked down the stairs, many people had started to turn their heads towards them, focusing their attention on them,
—A handsome youth followed by three beautiful women, was extremely eye-catching even if they want to stay low-key, it was impossible. There were many men and youths that had brought their own harems, so it was not rare of one man to be escorted by numerous women. However, the beauty of the three that followed the youth was just too different and above most women present in the hall.
Though, what’s stranger was the youth himself, causing all attention to spike on his person.
From far away, they could only see his snow-white hair, but now they saw the youth’s eyebrows and eyelashes were all white. He even had crimson pupils, akin to that of a serpent glaring, a pair of burning ruby-red eyes. However, as a whole, he looked pretty good, just a little bit strange…
Men and women alike couldn’t help but be attracted the moment the group of four appeared, walking down the stairs with poise and style. From the large groups of players gathered to this very night, there were quite a number of handsome men as well, but not as much as the white-haired youth who seemed to have taken the stage the moment he appeared.
He seemed to be releasing alluring pheromones that his charm boosted in Max level.
Even those with hearts of stones or made of ice, they wouldn’t be able to evade and could only let their hearts be moved by such a scene!
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In an instant, whispers, and discussions buzzed while countless eyes looked over, sweeping over Allen and his group.
There were really many people, at least several hundred, and they were all exuding quite a magnificent aura that was completely out of the norm, displaying their status that is above the masses.
Strong, powerful, murderous, saintly—all kinds…as if displaying their prestige and presence to every people in the Hall!
Not one dared to act weak and inferior as all of them seemed to be competing silently against each other. Although there was no fight, a strange tension loomed over almost everywhere.
Aside from the fact that this was a social party of humans, Allen seems to surmise that this party was also one of those animals would find interesting. Both not letting their guards down, releasing their pressures and presence, that caused the air of the party hall, tense but excited.
They are like beasts, trying to build a hierarchy…!
I am the top—who can challenge me…?
Though, indeed, this is a party not by humans but animals. After all, some people were releasing their aura and presence, wanting to attract some mate for this very wonderful night.
Many people were silently competing in attracting mates all over the place—it was really funny and wonderfully amazing at the same time.
… …
For a moment they paused at the foot of the stairs and Laura, and Mireya, both gazed about, dazzled by the brilliance of the glittering chandeliers, colorful lights like spotlights, the magnificence of the ornately stuccoed ceiling and the walls paneled with apricot and pigeon-grey damask and outlined with gilt.
“It’s magnificent…” Mireya muttered, full of interest as she was fascinated by everything she saw in this place.
She can’t help but feel excited as if being infected by the mood of the Dance Hall.
“It’s a buffet-style, so please help yourselves to whatever food or drinks you’d like…” Romeia muttered with a faint smile, proud of her creation.
Slowly walking into the hall, Allen lifted his eyes and glanced around. He saw that there were quite a number of people standing and walking within.
They were smiling and conversing with each other as if it was a fun gathering—everyone is dressed up, and most of all, there are “clouds” of beautiful women floating everywhere. Because of their status as Superhumans, evolving and becoming perfect creations in every advancement of their strength, all men and women are a fine to see.
It’s as if all top models and famous celebrities gathered in one place.
There were no ugly people or mediocre, even those who were slightly fat and chubby have this kind of attracted allure and charm to them.
Most men were wearing tuxedo, suits and formal dresses but there were also those who were wearing quite fancy ones, such as medieval dresses of kings, princes, Arabian Knights and many more. Although, it hardly looked like a costume party as intended but more like people from different countries coming together while wearing their native costumes…
It was humorous, at the same time interesting…
Allen unconsciously scans the crowd, not knowing what he wants to find, probably Layla and the others. Though, they seemed to be not within the hall… are they outside…?
He looks at the side of the dance floor and there, lined up was a long rectangular table full of foods and drinks. I guess this is why she called it buffet-style…
Allen and his group walked to a slightly further place to observe the entire place. Along the way, he found several women looking at him with a smile. Thinking that it might be rude to act like he didn’t see it, he smiled back at them and nodded in acknowledgment. ‘Kyaaa!!’ immediately after, several cries rang out, catching everyone’s attention.
Watching this scene played out, Mireya and Laura could only smile bitterly, having already gone past protecting a certain someone from affairs towards ‘Well, whatever… do what you want~’ exhausted…
"Popular, huh?"
Coming up to him with an evil smile was Romeia, who had been acting like one of the players and following him since they had left the dark room.
"Thank you. To tell the truth, I'd far rather be taking it easy."
As if saying it couldn't be helped, Allen glanced over at the two women behind him, who was being eyed by a crowd from a distance. There were even some men who seemed to be trying to muster their courage and walked over, wanting to talk to them…
Truthfully he would have liked nothing more than to forcefully put those noisy and rude people away, but reading the mood and situation, Allen didn’t want to cause trouble tonight as much as possible, so he kept a low profile for the moment. Besides, it was not like he was a type of person that easily gets jealous.
The love and loyalty of the women around him is something he would never doubt.
"I'm not talking about your escorts." Hearing Allen natural reply, Romeia chuckled sadly. "...The one I'm referring to is you, Mister Allen."
From Romeia’s point of view, Allen made a tired face. Although, the women over men ratio on this occasion were obviously not equal and it was obvious that there were more men compared to women. Even still, most women and men alike were watching Allen’s every move, no, it should be, observing him.
Like beasts, eyeing their prey…!
“First you’re calling me Your Excellency and now, Mister Allen…? Which is it really? Though, if possible you don’t need to be so formal, just Allen…is fine…” Allen grinned as he picked up a small cupcake from the tray and took a bite on it, he then extended it towards Romeia, with a gaze seeming saying, ‘Have a taste,’ His action so nonchalant and casual, it’s as if he was offering it towards his own person.
Romeia was startled. Her face turned beet red, she subconsciously averted her eyes and to her much surprise she found out that almost all women were looking at her and Allen, especially when Allen had offered the cupcake. Damn bastard…!
Romeia, being the center of attention all of a sudden couldn’t help but cursed inwardly and glared at Allen, who was looking at her with mirth in his eyes.
He was teasing her and Romeia was sure of that…!
And for Romeia who had never once had a passionate experience like love in her entire life who from the very birth only suffered and experienced hardship, fighting, and battle—Allen’s teasing was giving her such tremendous damage!
Damn bastard—!! Romeia glared at Allen but he just winked at her with a grin. She let out a sigh and stepped forward, leaning her head forward, she bit at the edge of the small cupcake. Her face was extremely cute when her face was beet red from embarrassment and Allen almost couldn’t hold it, bursting in laughter.
At this moment, the girlish cries of "Iyaah!" could be heard from around them.
Turning his head back, Allen found a group of women and young girls, dressed colorful ball gowns, staring at him in an apparent state of panic. They looked like they had been frightened by something.
Allen smiled silently and waved. This was not a forced smile but one that carried the message of "my bad." A momentary teasing smile.
The girls immediately smiled back and waved, some even winked at him playfully, causing Allen to chuckle in amusement. As expected of an adorable lady though, the part she bit was the opposite of Allen’s and even just a small part of it like a little hamster.
Romeia pouting while gritting her teeth was a sight to see—
“You said that this a night of festivity and relaxation so, please do chill up and take it easy…” Allen muttered, enjoying every minute of her reaction.
“But can’t you just say it and don’t make me do something so shameful in the eyes of the public…?! This kind of act is inadequate for one of this poor maid’s stature. Mister Allen, given you are also one of high stature, do express some concern for a lady!"
Unsettled by people's stares, Romeia spoke with her face all red.
On the other hand, Allen next to her remained calm and composed. "Is this not wonderful? To be an adorable child and cute ordinary girl, from time to time. Whether you do this secretly or publicly, it doesn’t matter. Even alone in the wilderness, you will be gazed upon by the blowing wind and the constellations filling up the sky."
"...Birds, bugs, and beasts are all watching you. Humans likewise. They are the same. Those of one's stature merely need to display the corresponding solemnity." Saying that he picked up a cup of drink and raised it to his lips. “…Furthermore, just like what you had said before, in here, whether you are an Empress or a Dungeon Lord doesn’t matter. All of us are just a single individual wanting to have a fun time~”
"But your Excellency! I am neither your lover nor one of your ambiguous consorts, please be mindful—" There’s a sting on her voice, as her ‘Mister Allen’ turned into more formal ‘Your Excellency’ showing much of her displeasure of being teased amidst a huge gallery of different people!
"Hahaha. Being called that in this current state, is slightly embarrassing." The silver-haired youth smiled at the furious one he was teasing. In actual fact, Allen was drawing an equal amount of attention.
As someone who has used to it, he openly accepted it all, letting everything meld into the scenery of the party hall.
Always minding about it every time, even someone like him who has almost endless stamina would be exhausted.
Besides, it’s not like he didn’t understand the fatality of his appearance and charm—
“… And besides, I like the you that still do it anyway~” Allen grinned as he looks at the bitten cupcake, then finished the cupcake under Romeia’s complicated gaze. Licking his fingers that were smudge by cream, he stared at Romeia, who was fidgeting, all while glancing stealthily at the people around her.
Her actions look like that of an embarrassed child amidst the sea of strangers.
“Do relax, they are not going to eat you,” he jokingly muttered as Allen brushed past her and went towards the location where the delicious-looking lasagna was placed.
“Just think of them as cabbages and a bunch of potatoes—besides, isn’t it quite interesting being a center of attention sometimes. Showing your superiority to others, displaying your awesomeness…although I’m not fond of the crowd, as a man, no, rather as a person, even if we tried to deny it, we are actually all attention seekers. It’s just a matter of being shameless enough to show it. Whether you are afraid to show it and be rejected or display it despite the fact that you might be denied…that’s just all there is to it,” Allen shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
Nevertheless, these words of advice failed to appease Romeia’s indignant emotions.
She finds things unbearable simply because of the crowd's stares? And not for the act itself?
Allen found it rather incredible.
He would have thought she was a woman with strict and discipline self-preservation--
"Ah yes, really?"
Discerning the reason for Romeia’s displeasure, Allen could not help chuckling to himself.
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