Karna woke up from the noise of door knocking. He slowly opened his eyes lazily, his eyes opened wide fully when he again heard the sound of door knocking, and it was even louder this time.

The room was very dark, but the combination of a bit of moonlight mixed in with the dimmed glow of the magic lamps gave off a mystic feeling to the vicinity. Stars were blinking in the night sky, and a slight tail of smoke could be seen far away in the distance from the direction of the woods, probably because of the bonfire made by someone.

The City of Berteira was shining in the darkness as the magic lamps were lit on the streets. The light coming from the torches on the walls of the houses mixed with the luster of the full moon and the numerous magic lamps around the city gave an impression of a 'Heavenly City' of some sort.

Karna saw a glimpse of this scene while getting off the bed. Chilly air was blowing which made the balcony's and window's white contain flutter. The sound of fluttering created another lair of otherworldly effect.

'Knock Knock'

"Yes, I'm coming!" Karna exclaimed in annoyance.

The sound of Knocking stopped abruptly as a gasp sounded from the outside. Karna opened the door and he saw Lara in her usual maid outfit, she looked a bit flustered. Karna's expression changed as he saw her. he said in a gentle tone,

"Oh... it's you, Lara! What is the matter?"

"Uh? hu... Y-Yes, My Lord." Lara stuttered as she averted her gaze, It looked as if she wanted to say something but was hesitating whether to say it not not. Karna did not notice. Lara continued, "Did you forget? you have to attend the banquet in one hour... What's this? you haven't bathed yet? you're not ready at all!"

"Oh? sorry, I kinda forgot and fell asleep." Karna said as he hopelessly scratched his head ignoring his noble identity.

"My Lord! Don't break the noble etiquette!" Lara scolded.

"I have a small request of you, Lara."

Karna's expression grew complicated as he said in a somewhat pleading tone.

Seeing such a sudden change, Lara was startled.

"Wh-What is it?" Lara said hesitantly.

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

"When we are alone, do not mind if I break etiquette or speak strangely."

Lara was surprised to hear such a request. Usually, nobles asked for different types of 'requests' from girls. Although Lara for some reason did not think that Karna would ask for anything like that but even so she was astonished anyways.

Lara being Lara, she began making delusional explanations for Karna's odd request in her mind. At last, she came to an conclusion that 'Rudra' was pressured by his Noble identity and wanted to act casually out of the restraints of etiquette.

"hmm, Yes!" Lara said timidly.

Karna smiled as he suddenly had a mischievous idea after Lara's cute appearance. He suddenly leaned closer to Lara as he bent slightly and whispered In her ear,

"It's our little secret then."

Lara froze on the spot, she felt the ticklish sensation of air going through her ear. She turned red, but she also felt joy in her heart.

"Alright then, I will get ready," Karna said as he went inside leaving behind the frozen Lara by herself.

Lara came to her senses and said hurriedly,

"I will leave your today's clothing for the banquet in the room."

Karna simply weaved his hand indicating that he understood as he walked towards the bathhouse in his room.

Lara looked at Karna's broad back thinking that he looked quite reliable. She again opened her mouth to say something but closed it right after.

After realizing that Karna had vanished from her sight she got out of daze and left to get Karna's clothes.

When Karna returned after bathing, he saw the clothes on the bed which was folded neatly. There was a long coat closed up to the neck which reached to the knees, the coat was purple with a hint of light blue in it, the coat had linings of golden strands intertwined together creating beautiful patterns and intricate designs with few pearls of various colors here and there.

The pant was not too tight but not too loose either. Compared to the coat, the pant was less fancy. It was white but with a shade of golden hue.

When Karna wore the outfit, he looked like an imperial prince with his sharp looks, Red hair, and extremely luxurious outfit.

At that moment, Lara came to check up on Karna. She nearly skipped a beat seeing his dashing and devilish look. But this was just for a moment as she quickly regained her calm.

"Please sit, Lord. I will make up your hair."

Karna nodded and sat down.

Lara then began combing his hair, she applied a bit of ointment to make the hair shine with a luster like silk. She then moved his long hair back into a ponytail.

Lara also gave Karna the waist belt on which one can hang his sword. Usually, Karna did not care for it but he had to now because it was a social etiquette and many important people of Bronzwood county will be there. He did not want to embarrass the Zarx name and it wasn't a big deal anyway.

Just like that, Karna was ready for the banquet.

Karna suddenly noticed a strange look in Lara's eyes.

"You look troubled, is there anything wrong? do I not look well?" Karna asked as he was puzzled.

"Huh? Nothing... there's nothing." Lara said in a rush.

"Are you sure?" Karna raised his brows as he asked again suspiciously.

"Yes," Lara said.

"Fine then, let's go!" Karna said as he left for the banquet, Lara followed behind.