After the bath that lasted almost half an hour, it was time for the attire. Aglaya picked up a tuxedo tailored for Edgar, with impeccable details.

The black jacket shone slightly under the soft light of the room. Hendrina adjusted the white shirt, impeccably starched, with a perfectly aligned collar. The vest, in a dark gray tone, contrasted subtly with the black of the suit, while the bow tie, a small elegant touch, completed the ensemble.

Hendrina helped put on the black shoes, and Aglaya gently adjusted Edgar's shoulders, making sure everything was perfect.

With Edgar's long hair, Aglaya combed all of it back, but did not alter the clear naturalness and softness of the locks that were part of Edgar's style. The red locks stood out randomly throughout his hair.

By the time they were done, Edgar looked like a mini-gentleman, his suit tailored so that his posture still had a touch of childish sweetness, but the elegance of a true host.

“How do I look?” Edgar spun on his heel, showing off his attire with a touch of youthful vanity.

“Looking handsome as always, Young Lord…” Aglaya commented with a fond smile, watching Edgar admire himself in the mirror, clearly pleased with the result.

“You should dress like this more often. It suits you perfectly, Young Lord.” Hendrina added, her voice carrying an evident sincerity as she analyzed his appearance.

Edgar chuckled softly and hummed mischievously, “Mmm, mm, mm, thank you, girls. Every time you say that, you inflate my ego…” But soon his face fell, his posture becoming more hesitant. “Only for him to be trampled and torn to pieces every time Akachi enters the scene… And even worse today, at a ceremony packed with Dragon Lords.”

Dragons are beings blessed with Aura, and their Transfiguration magic allowed them to shape their appearance to reflect the essence of their souls. Their human forms were not just beautiful—they were the embodiment of perfection, the height of aesthetics and grandeur. Comparing oneself to them was a cruel game, and anyone who was not a Dragon was doomed to lose.

“Looks aren’t everything…” Hendrina said softly, approaching from behind and adjusting Edgar’s attire with delicate hands. Her gaze met his through the reflection in the mirror, and her voice was filled with understanding. “And if there is one absolute truth in this world, it is this: it is not healthy to compare oneself to Dragons. Beauty, power, intelligence, patience, wit… whatever it is, they are beyond.”

Edgar let out a short, humorless laugh. “Sad reality, I guess…” He murmured, his reflection returning a self-deprecating smile.

“Be that as it may, you must not feel inferior to any of them, Young Lord.” Hendrina stated firmly, adjusting his cuffs. “You are the Nexus partner of Dragon Lady Inessa Crimmont and future Consors of Great Dragon Lady Nala Diguard.”

“Hendrina is right.” Aglaya joined them, her expression serious but encouraging. “Many of those present today are merely consors and socius who, even after centuries of life, have barely managed to establish a Full Link with their partners. Meanwhile, you were born with the ability to form a perfect Nexus Link—something that even Great Lord Akachi acknowledged with admiration.”

“Exactly. Furthermore, Lady Inessa chose to bring you to Avaris, Young Lord, as it is the perfect opportunity for you to be introduced to Dragon society. I believe that today you will be the center of attention, so hold your head high and do not lower it for anything.” Hendrina continued.

Edgar took a deep breath and clenched his fists, feeling determination ignite in his chest. “Okay… that’s it… Thank you, Hendrina, Aglaya.”

Without hesitation, he turned and wrapped them both in a tight hug, feeling the silent comfort that only their presence could offer. The trio remained chatting for a while longer, discussing the details of the ceremony and the etiquette that Edgar should follow.

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Hendrina and Aglaya gave valuable tips on behavior and avoiding faux pas in front of the draconic nobility, until they finally heard the sound of the door opening. Inessa and Abigail had returned and, without wasting time, they also began to get ready.

Inessa opted for a gala dress that balanced elegance and mobility. The deep black fabric hugged her silhouette in a sophisticated way, with a fluid cut that adjusted to the body without restricting her movements.

The sleeves were long and fitted, ending in delicate lace details that gave a refined touch to the design. The thigh-high side slit allowed her to move with ease, while a faint sheen shimmered under the light, giving her a majestic presence.

Abigail chose an equally stunning dress, but in a dark wine tone and sleeveless, which highlighted her firm and imposing posture. The neckline was modest, but her breasts seemed to refuse to be hidden, while the flowing skirt naturally adjusted to her walk.

The dress was neither heavy nor restrictive, allowing her to maintain her impeccable posture without compromising comfort. Gold details adorned the fabric, further enhancing her striking presence.

With everyone properly dressed, a carriage was called and, without further delay, Edgar, Inessa and Abigail set off for the ceremony.

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As one of the dependencies of the Darkhan Palace, the Ballroom is an imposing structure, designed to host gala events of the highest class. It was strategically located close to the entrance gate, allowing easy access.

The main road split into three directions just after the entrance—one leading directly to the ballroom, another leading to the heart of the palace, and a third winding down to a majestic lake in the distance.

The ballroom’s architecture blended opulence and modernity, with elegant lines and an immense structure capable of comfortably accommodating 300 guests. Its greatest distinguishing feature was the transparent ceiling, made of an exceptionally resistant material, allowing a clear view of the starry sky.

With a simple adjustment, this same ceiling could be completely darkened, adapting to the needs of the event—whether to create a more intimate atmosphere or enhance visual effects with sophisticated lighting.

In the main ballroom, the round tables were arranged with millimeter precision, ensuring not only aesthetic harmony but also efficient circulation of guests and service staff.

All were adorned with fine fabric tablecloths and discreet arrangements, while the ambient lighting projected a soft, enveloping glow.

In the center of the room, a giant table stood out, boasting an impressive tower of sparkling orange drinks, whose vibrant hue contrasted with the more sober decor of the venue.

In addition, a variety of appetizers—from fine pastries to refined seafood selections—were impeccably arranged.

Just ahead of the social area, the main stage stood as the main attraction of the evening. It remained hidden by navy blue velvet curtains, saving the surprise of the event until the right moment.

Its structure was equipped with intricate lighting and sound effects equipment, allowing for quick changes in ambiance and lighting, as well as impeccable acoustics for speeches and presentations.

Above, surrounding the entire main room, a set of elevated boxes offered exclusivity to the most select guests. The boxes were independent rooms, designed to provide luxury and comfort.

Inside each room, there were comfortable velvet seats, small service tables and individual lighting and temperature control systems, allowing each group to personalize their environment as desired.

Each room had a privileged view, but the same transparent and resistant material as the ceiling was in their window, to guarantee absolute privacy, while allowing a wide view of the event.

Access to the boxes was via discreet side staircases that gave access to a corridor that connected the entrances. This ensured that the occupants could arrive without attracting attention, while maintaining exclusivity and security.

In addition to the architectural grandeur, the practicality of the room was carefully planned. Hidden corridors allowed the service team to circulate without interfering with the guests' experience.

Mechanical and magical engineering also played a key role: dynamic lighting systems and advanced acoustic insulation guaranteed a perfect ambiance for every moment of the evening, from dinner to the high-profile auction that would take place later.

The room was full of life and brilliance, and soft string music filled the air, while laughter and conversation mingled with the sound of crystal glasses clinking, reverberating in an atmosphere of sophistication and celebration.

The air was thick with the scent of exotic flowers and the faint hint of citrus essence and alcohol. People of various races were present, far outnumbering the Dragon Ladies present.

But all of them, regardless of size or race, were exquisitely dressed in dazzling attire that reflected their status and prestige. The women wore long, sparkling gowns, while the few men, impeccably dressed, exuded power and charm.

Each face seemed more interesting than the last, a sea of calculated expressions and measured smiles. In every corner of the room, groups formed, exchanging words softly, their gestures measured and subtle, but with a palpable tension, as if everyone there was more attentive to each other than to the event itself.