Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 90: Imperial Banquet.

January 8th, 1835.

It has been a few days since Luxia Neveah became my subordinate. The deal between Zircon and Neveah has also been finalized. We will become allies who support each other's causes to some extent.

Of course, Luxia is interested in this whole thing, although she seems quite fragile sometimes when we talk about Vincent and his remnants. Still, she was beyond excited when she met the creatures inside the Backrooms—like a child.

As for me, I have not invested any points into skills just yet as there is nothing too urgent at the moment. And regretfully, both [Horror Lord] and [Monarch] have not shown any sign of advancing just yet. Perhaps they will once I conquer more land.

Nevertheless, the next event is near.

Soon, an annual grand banquet will be held at the Astra Academy's HQ, heeding the emperor's words of wanting to welcome the third-year students back to school after a long internship. According to everyone, it has been a long time since the emperor attended this banquet, so this time, it'll be special.

I need to focus, even if I'm not going to participate in the scenario.

glug—! glug—! glug—!

''Phwa...!''

''...''

Astra Academy's HQ, January 10th, 1835.

Quietly and helplessly looking at Chloe, who has chugged a whole glass of wine, I can't help but sigh. The usual classy image of Amelia Luminous has now been reduced to nothingness, and unsurprisingly, we do get quite a lot of attention.

Attention from all the students and nobles alike attending the banquet.

At this point, I'm starting to think that she is doing this on purpose. The central figures have not yet arrived, but that does not to say that there are only small fries in this hall. Moreover, I also attract quite a few people as I am bearing the 'Miss Astra' title.

But I do admit, Chloe looks quite incredible in this dress...

''Aurora~''

Right then, the drunkard approaches me with two full glasses of wine in her hands. Sensing her intention, I immediately hold the naughty wrists in place.

''My lady, please refrain from showing unbecoming behavior.''

''But...''

Then, I close the distance between us, pushing aside her arms.

''Get ahold of yourself, Chloe.'' I whisper. 

''!!''

In an instant, Chloe's body trembles as she bows down, and beyond her smooth golden bang, I see the sparkling ocean in her eyes ripple. A deep pink shade falls onto her cheeks, overshadowing the slight one she got from drinking.

''Oh my...!''

''Look at that...''

''As expected, those two...''

With my excellent hearing, even the smallest of gossip can't escape me. For quite some time, it seems the sentimental idea that Chloe and I are in some sort of relationship has been instilled into people's minds.

Though, I can understand why when we do these acts.

In any case, I quickly release Chloe, who has completely lost her power and is on the verge of collapsing. Guiding her to a table nearby, we both take a breather and observe the surroundings for a while.

''...Don't do this to other people.'' Chloe says, glancing at me judgingly.

''Do I look like that kind of woman?'' I reply.

''Once you know the taste of the flesh, you won't be able to come back, especially when you have such a large fanbase.''

''Speaking from experience? And is sex truly that good?''

''I'm still a virgin thanks to someone, idiot. And yes, allegedly.''

Now I'm a bit curious. But it's not like I'm frustrated or anything, so this can be done later.

''What kind of conversation is this...?''

Oh, it's Nydia. And she seems quite salty.

''...''

''...''

When the atmosphere reaches the absolute height of awkwardness, thankfully, a shout from afar intervenes.

''Her Holiness Luxia Neveah enters!''

With a simple sentence, the hall's attention is immediately on the person who has just come in. Donning an exquisite peplos, Luxia calmly steps into the scene, this time without her signature twin tails and smirk, appearing quite serious.

A good portion bows at her, which shows the power Neveah still has.

''Wow~ She does look pretty when properly dressed up, huh?'' Chloe exclaims.

''Isn't she normally pretty?'' I tilt my head.

'''' ... ''''

Ah. Okay.

''Her Highness Sierra Alaina Astra and His Highness Killian Kassius Astra enter!''

Following that, the imperial siblings come in, dressed exactly as one would imagine two imperial siblings to dress. Fancy outfits and flawless, meticulous makeup.

Almost everyone bows at them—they have to, except people from duchies and some from marqueses. Chloe doesn't bow, and I don't either.

Why? I don't like it.

I don't like bowing to people.

Nydia seems to be urging me to bow, but I won't budge. This is my pride, my arrogance, and my stance.

Soon enough, the two settle on their chairs on the second floor, leaving only one left: the throne. As soon as I see the guard inhaling for another announcement, I activate [Stealth] and fade to the background.

''His Majesty Kaiser Kassius Astra enters!''

The door opens slowly, and a lone figure emerges—a tall man bearing the weight of his crown—the emperor of Astra. He has long, straight hair that has turned white, cascading past his shoulders. On his wrinkled face, the signature silvery-white pupils are embedded—a full-on white tone, making his presence feel almost divine.

Following him three steps behind are around a dozen nobles, all solemnly advancing forward.

The place immediately turns quiet as everyone bows deeply to show respect to the emperor—except me. 

clack—! clack—! clack—!

The sounds of Kaiser's steps reverberate through the hall as he walks the red carpet on his own, darting his eyes around. For a moment, I feel his gaze meeting mine.

Then, he finally ascends to the second floor. Sitting comfortably on the throne, Kaiser sighs lightly before opening his mouth.

'Good evening, everyone.'

''Tonight is a festive night.''

'To congratulate and commemorate the sprouts of our proud country,'

''Who have traveled across the continent to learn from other civilizations,''

'And contribute to our blooming, flourishing, and inevitable prosperity. Everybody, tonight,'

''With me, we raise our glasses!''

I'm surprised I can remember this much. In any case, the party has officially begun, and that means it is time to... Dig in!

The dessert. It's why I'm here in the first place. I don't care much about the plot at this point, to be honest.

''Mhm...''

There are so many to choose. Let's try this fluffy cake first—

''Aurora.''

''Hm?''

Nydia? Does she want this, too?

When I'm about to give her the slice of cake, Nydia suddenly extends her hand out with a slightly flushed face; her wings cupped behind her as if to show embarrassment.

''W-Would you like to... Dance with me?''

''...??''

Two maids dancing with each other... Wouldn't that be too eye-catching?

...Wait. 

Why did I think of that first? Normally, dancing is...

At that moment, a burst of emotion suddenly spreads across my heart. Turns out, I don't hate dancing with this woman—not at all. Perhaps I even like it.

My heart is beating faster than usual.

Weird.

What is this feeling of wanting to yearn for something?

''...Ah.''

Unknowingly, I find my hand already placed on Nydia's, and with that, my fellow maid shows the sweetest smile I've ever seen from her and drags me to the balcony.