Arias takes a step outside of the palace and walks into the garden. The crowd here was sparse and the evening air was fresh. Enraptured by the moment, Arias takes out his pipe and begins to fill it with tobacco, then with magical fire at his finger tip, he began to smoke.

Arias takes a deep breath and exhales a cloud of smoke. “Ah, that's good shit.” He says.

Suddenly, Arias felt an immense pressure, setting off his flight response. Arias turns his head to look and his eyes widen. Oh no. He thinks, dreading what was coming next.

“Arias Jasmine Nalzor!! What is that in your hands!!!” A shriek pierces out into the garden.

Fear overtakes Arias and his hand lets go of the pipe causing it to clash against the ground, it’s fading echoes reminiscent of Arias’ powerlessness. Instinctively, Arias turns his feet to run.

“You stay right there young man!!! Don't you dare to move!!!” Myriam screams as she struts over, ready to kill. Following her was the dark-haired beauty from before.

“Mom! I swear I didn’t want to! Rodrick gave it to me! I swear!” Arias exclaims with his hands raised to the air.

“Then where is he Arias!! Where is he!! Did he light the pipe and disappear!!? Are you dense!!?” Myriam screams as she approaches. Within in an instant, Arias’ ear was between her firmly pressed fingers, being twisted into an unsightly shape.

“Aaaagh!!” Arias screams. “Easy!! Easy!!” He yells.

“Who taught you to smoke!? And what’s that on your breath?? Is that alcohol!! You fiend of a child!! When I’m done with you, you’ll be running at the sight of alcohol!!” Myriam yells, her fury still going strong.

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“Okay!! Okay, mom!! I won’t smoke or drink! I promise!” Arias exclaims, his body at the mercy of his captured ear.

Myriam takes a deep breath and lets go of Arias’ ear. “We’ll talk about this later. For now, say hello. This is Violet, from the Emerald Trident kindom.” She says before turning to the dark-haired beauty. “He’s normally much more behaved than this, I promise.” Myriam says with a bitter smile, her breathing slowly easing.

Violet also offers a bitter smile. This is so awkward. She thinks, almost dying from second-hand embarrassment. “Nice to meet you.” She says politely with a nod.

Arias rubs his red ear. Damn. Who knew she was so strong. He remarks with slight regret. “Hello.” He says, more focused on his ear.

Myriam frowns and it wasn’t long before Arias’ other ear was in her hand. “Introduce yourself!” She exclaims.

“Yes! Yes!! Alright!! My name is Arias!! Nice to meet you!!” He exclaims under threat.

Myriam lets go once more and gives Arias a stern look. “I’m going to go cool down. Make a good impression.” She says before turning and leaving.

“Ughh.” Arias groans before turning to Violet.

With Myriam gone, Violet felt free to smirk and begin laughing. “I've never cringed as much as I have today.” She exclaims before continuing to laugh.

Arias frowns and instinctively, like a crab in a bucket, he reaches out and pinches Violet’s stomach.

“Hey!! What was that for!?” She exclaims, quickly brushing Arias’ hands away.

Arias smirks. “I’ve always hated suffering alone.” He says without a care.

Violet frowns. “You’re evil. There’s no way I’ll ever marry a loser like you.” She says dismissively.

“Swinging for the other team, right?” Arias says, hoping to pry.

“Hmm? So what?” Violet says, ready for a fight.

Arias raises his hands to show that he was unarmed. “Hey, no complaints from me. In fact I prefer if all women play for that team. I think the world would be a better place.” He says honestly.

Violet furrows her brows. “You’re a weird guy.” She says, slightly curious. “But whatever. I’m going. I have to find that sweet young girl again. I can’t let go of her.” She says before turning and leaving.

“She’s literally thirteen. You’re gross.” Arias calls out.

…

…

“To the continued solidarity between our kingdoms! Together we shall overcome all obstacles!” Prince Edgar calls out with a raised glass.

“To our kingdoms!” A few call out.

“Overcome all!” A few others calls out.

Glasses clink and wine was chugged as the various people rejoiced with each other.

Arias also chugs down a glass of wine. Then, as if remembering something, he quickly looks around before letting out a sigh of relief.

“Why are you so nervous?” Alice asks.

“Why are you so nervous!” Arias yells in defense.

Alice furrows her brows. “Some crazy lady is chasing after me. I’m scared she’ll find me again. What’s your excuse?” She asks.

“I'm also afraid a crazy lady will find me.” Arias says with a sigh.