As the couple drew closer, Iris saw that the two were both older with the terran man accompanied by a high elf noblewoman. The woman was tall and regal, with long silver hair that was done up in an elaborate hairstyle that had to have taken hours.

Iris was impressed. She didn’t have nearly enough patience for that shit.

The noblewoman wore a flowing gown of deep blue velvet that complemented her complexion, and her eyes sparkled with warm intelligence.

The terran with her was a stark contrast, with short grey hair and piercing green eyes that flickered with a curious light. He wore relatively simple clothing compared to the rest of the nobles around, and for one, she was impressed that he actually wore the semblance of a suit.

Maybe he had someone recreate what he is used to, like me.

The elf woman spoke first, her voice smooth. “Good evening, we couldn’t help but notice your wonderful display with Lady Imogen. I am Lady Delphina of House Darrow, and this is my husband, Lord Reginald. He–”

“Just absolutely wanted to meet you! I don’t get to meet other hu–terrans very often, so I couldn’t help myself,” the man interrupted with a bright grin. Iris couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.

“Nice to meet you both,” Iris replied. “I’m Iris Stuart. This is my escort, Lady Kaira of...”

Kaira smiled and bowed her head. “House Harken. It is a pleasure to meet you both.”

Iris then gestured to the other two. “And this is Sera Timrel of the Fenren Merchant Company and her escort, Tanith Aldridge.”

Lady Delphina smiled. “I am pleased to meet all of you,” she said before looking at her husband who stood unfocused.

She huffed in amusement as the man stood there.

“Stuart…” Lord Reginald repeated thoughtfully, stroking his chin. “You wouldn’t happen to be from the United Kingdom… No, your accent doesn’t fit. The United States of America?”

Iris smiled. “I am from the US! What year are you from?”

The man chuckled deeply. “That’s a question I will not get used to, I assure you,” he said with a smile. “I am from eighteen ninety-four, in Cambridge.”

“Cambridge?” Iris confirmed. “And wow… you’re from the Victorian Era…”

The man raised a brow. “They named an entire era after the Queen?”

She smiled. “They sure did,” she confirmed.

Lady Delphina spoke up again. “Forgive my husband, he can be quite charming but sometimes forgets his manners in Lehelian society,” she said with a chuckle and an expression that betrayed her true opinion on the matter. “We were curious about your magic, Miss Iris. Your display as you entered the hall, and with Lady Imogen was quite impressive. May I ask what all types of magic you specialize in?”

Iris shifted a bit, curious about where the woman was going with this. “Oh, it’s nothing special really,” she said modestly, not wanting yet another situation where people want to use her. “I mostly focus on electricity… err, lightning magic.”

“Fascinating,” Lord Reginald said with a small smile. He looked at his wife. “That’s another one. We really need to fund research into this, it’s clearly not as rare as you suspected.”

His wife smiled. “Oh, husband of mine. Let’s not speak in front of Miss Iris as if she is not here,” she gently admonished the man before focusing on Iris. “My husband appeared in a Flash and quickly captured my heart. His fascination with magic and industry is so endearing.”

The woman turned her attention to her husband and smirked. “But not really appropriate for such settings.”

Reginald rolled his eyes. “Appropriate this, appropriate that. My dear, magic is more important than your nation’s silly customs.”

“Oh, Reginald. This is your kingdom now too, my love,” she said.

Iris laughed. “Sorry, you two are adorable. How did you two meet?”

Reginald huffed a laugh while Delphina’s face filled with mirth. “He literally appeared in my bathroom as I was bathing. The surprise the both of us had…” the older woman started chuckling.

“She nearly drowned in her own bath,” Reginald said, taking over. “Naturally, I had to save her.”

“And save me he did. It didn’t take much to woo me after that,” Delphina said, smiling fondly at her husband. “It was fate, I suppose.”

Iris smiled at the couple’s love story. “That’s amazing. It’s not every day that you hear about a love story that starts in a bathroom,” she joked.

The two nobles smiled and gave each other a look that made Iris want to gag.

It’s like watching two love-struck grandparents.

The group chatted for a few more minutes before Lady Delphina excused herself, promising to invite Iris over for tea at a later time. Lord Reginald stayed behind for a bit longer, asking Iris more questions about her lightning magic and the technological advancements of her time. Iris was happy to answer and found the man to be a delight. She couldn’t express how much relief it brought her to find another human who was just… nice and didn’t want to take advantage of her.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

As they spoke, she found that Lord Reginald was quite knowledgeable about science and technology, even for someone from the Victorian Era. Eventually, Lord Reginald had to leave as well, but not before he gave Iris a friendly pat on the shoulder and thanked her for the enlightening conversation that left her groaning and Kaira laughing heartily.

Iris smiled as she saw the man rejoin his wife and immediately put his hand on her back, effortlessly joining in the conversation she was having. It made Iris feel grateful for the chance encounter, and hopeful that there were other terrans out there that would be worth meeting.

Maybe this princess that Sera keeps talking about.

Iris turned back to her group and they returned to various chats, laughing as they enjoyed each other’s company. Iris found herself feeling more relaxed and comfortable than she had been all evening. It was refreshing to talk to people that didn’t seem to be focused on their own gain. As the night wore on, the music grew louder and more people began to dance. Iris was content to stay there and watch, but before she knew it, Kaira was holding out a hand toward her.

“Come on, Iris,” Kaira said, gesturing with a come hither motion. “Let’s dance.”

Iris hesitated for a moment, feeling self-conscious. She didn’t know any of the dances, and she didn’t want to make a fool of herself in front of her friends. But Kaira’s infectious smile and gentle urging were hard to resist.

“Okay,” Iris said, taking Kaira’s hand and letting herself be pulled onto the dance floor.

Iris pulled mana into herself even as she moved, casting [Rushing Wind] to make herself as graceful as the breeze.

“Don’t worry, just follow my lead,” Kaira assured her with a whisper and put a hand on Iris’s waist that made her tingle.

The next song began and Kaira took an exaggerated movement to begin the dance, and Iris easily moved in sync with the high elf.

Iris and Kaira moved gracefully across the center of the grand hall, their steps in perfect sync as she [Focused] to ensure she could perfectly follow her date with the rhythm of the music. The melody was beautiful, with flutes and strings coming together to create an enchanting tune. As they twirled and spun, Iris couldn’t help but laugh as her dress flowed in the air just as she had imagined it. Lightning sparked as she moved, and soon the others on the floor moved away to watch the display of magic.

As Iris let go of her anxiety and just gave into her instincts and magic, their feet glided smoothly over the wooden floor, and their movements were so precise that they seemed to be performing a carefully choreographed routine. The dance was elegant and sophisticated, and as the music reached a crescendo, Iris found herself spinning away from Kaira. The two ended up on opposite ends of the opening in the crowd.

Kaira gestured her over, and Iris couldn’t help but return a mischievous smirk. She spun, pulling mana into her core before she used [Lightning Step].

Mana surged within her until her entire form shimmered with electricity. With a mental nudge, she transformed into a being of pure lightning, crackling with raw energy as she hurtled across the floor toward Kaira. In an instant, she coalesced into solid form, gracefully coming to a halt right in front of her partner with her hands poised for the next step of their dance.

Her beautiful elf dance partner smiled broadly, eyes wide in amazement, as she took Iris’s hand and they continued their dance in perfect harmony. As they continued the dance, all of the other dancers stood still. Their faces froze in awe as the two of them seemed to move effortlessly across the floor, their bodies meshing together as if they were made for each other. When the song came to an end, Kaira dipped Iris low, causing her to laugh in delight. The other dancers around them cheered, and Kaira helped Iris back up, grinning from ear to ear.

The crowd around them murmured and talked amongst themselves about the magic show Iris had just performed, their attention still on the beautiful pair. Whispers of amazement and admiration spread throughout the room. Iris could feel eyes on her, but instead of feeling self-conscious, she felt proud and accomplished.

The elf in front of her leaned close and whispered into her ear, “That was amazing… You are amazing.”

Iris blushed at the compliment, feeling her heart swell with happiness. Everything had gone so poorly since arriving in Eona, and until this moment, she thought she was relegated to a life cursed with bad luck and misfortune. Looking down at Kaira, she saw the warmth and admiration in the elf’s eyes, and she knew she had made the right choice in inviting the woman to the ball. In never giving up hope for a better future.

“Thank you,” she murmured back, a smile playing at the corner of her lips. “Kaira, I–”

Their lips met.

As their lips touched, it was like a jolt of electricity shot through Iris's body, igniting every nerve ending with a surge of raw power. It was like a lightning strike, fierce and intense, yet at the same time, gentle and tender. The kiss was charged with the same energy that had fueled their dance, crackling with passion and desire. Sparks danced between them, casting a warm, electric glow that illuminated their faces. Iris's heart raced as she felt Kaira's arms wrap around her, pulling her in close. It was as if they were two halves of the same circuit, completing each other and creating a powerful, unbreakable connection. For that moment, they were lost in each other, enveloped in a storm of passion and love that was electrically charged, yet also peaceful and soothing. As they finally pulled away, Iris felt a sense of completeness wash over her.

Kaira smirked up at her. “Thanks for the dance,” the woman said softly.

Iris smiled back at Kaira, her eyes sparkling. “Thank you for the kiss,” she replied, feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Kaira chuckled, tucking an errant strand of hair behind Iris's ear. “Anytime,” she said, her voice low and sultry.

Iris felt her pulse quicken at the sound of Kaira's voice. She leaned in for another kiss, but Kaira gently pulled away.

A feeling of longing fell over her. No…

“Let’s get back to the others, you still have your meeting,” Kaira said with a tinge of disappointment.

As the next song began to play, and the other dancers returned to their festivities, Kaira took her hand once again and led her back to the others, where a telv woman stood.

The woman inclined her head and offered a small smile. “Adventurer Stuart?” she asked.

Iris tilted her head slightly, a soft smile spreading across her lips. “That's me,” she said, meeting the woman's gaze.

"Lady Arden awaits you," she said in a calm and measured tone.

Iris took a deep breath and looked around at the others, seeing their determined faces. Kaira gave her a reassuring smirk, and any hesitation left her. With a confident nod, Iris signaled her assent. “Let's do this.”

She was ready for the next part of the main questline.