Chapter 416 - Emerith Grand Ball (Patreon)

Opulence.

The Emerith Grand Ball proudly represented the very meaning of that word.

It was hosted in a palace like the Versailles, decorated to the highest standard. Not only for the Level 5s that would attend and the multitude of foreign representatives but also showed the significance of the event to the future of the Latias Kingdom.

Though no one spoke of it, those who were able to see the signs knew the Grand Prix that followed after the Ball was the competition to determine the future monarch.

Viers came to the venue with Croix, Boram, and Alfred. The four rode a special carriage for this occasion. It much resembled a limousine though the style might differ. Behind and in front of them, were a long line of other carriages carrying other guests to the venue.

The security was very tight. Strong people were everywhere and there were lots of defenses, both mundane and magical. Even a skilled infiltrator like Viers couldn't say he could enter the Ball for certain.

But why would he? He’d gotten an invitation to the high-society event. This was precisely one of the perks he aimed for when agreeing to become Croix’s vassal. While Viers wasn't overly fond of living a pointlessly lavish life, he wouldn't mind enjoying things every now and then.

Croix was led to the ‘backstage’ for VIPs by a butler. Viers separated from them and went straight to the ballroom alone. The excuse he gave was to gather information and feel out the situation from the other guests. Valid reasons indeed and he successfully removed some longass noble customs from taking up his time.

And so he was here, at the most amazing ballroom he had ever seen. The vast room he entered was enchanted with space wizardry so the inside was bigger than it should’ve been.

The whole floor was made of mana crystals, polished to perfect shine. The lines and patterns on the walls were unbelievably ornate. The opened curtain of the baby-smooth velvet silk allowed the guests to view a majestic starry sky standing on the periphery. There was a second floor that overlooked the main dancing space. Yet above, were diamond chandeliers, floating and giving blessed illumination.

And of course, the people.

Both men and women wore the best attire with their most exquisite accessories. To Viers’ observation, the men preferred things that showed their power as adornment, like shoes made of skin from a powerful monster. On the other hand, the women preferred jewelry and top-of-the-line cosmetics.

There were already a couple of hundred people in the room and it was still early. That number would unexpectedly grow after the VIPs and the other guests arrived.

The entrance to the room was on the second floor so the ones in the room were able to marvel or judge the new arrivals as they walked down the carpeted stairs to the ballroom.

Viers' entrance made no waves because he was an unknown nobody. The villain took one of the free drinks and retreated to the other end of the second floor so he could survey the entire venue.

“Wow, what a party.”

“Darling, watch the kids. They mustn't embarrass us.”

“My Lady, allow me to introduce myself.”

“Ah, if it isn't Lord Beaumont. How long has it been?”

“Hahaha! You've got a good eye. My wife’s necklace is indeed made by Master Jefferson.”

“Those Coalition folk have not fully recovered from the soul crisis. How embarrassing. Perhaps we should show them how it’s done, eh? Huhuhu.”

“Mother, look. That lady’s dress is so gaudy.”

Among the flowing music in the background, there was a cacophony of conversation of all sorts and flavors. Most were useless, but there was some interesting info now and then, even blackmail materials.

Like a certain eminence in shadow, Viers enjoyed his solitary position with a glass of drink in hand. He couldn't help but feel a little bit of superiority. He started out as a weak reincarnator with a mediocre water 2 affinity. Now he was a Level 4 that had gotten a place in an event like this.

He had come far, and he would go farther still. He would accept no other outcome.

It was amusing for Viers to watch the ladies with their colorful gowns and hair. They had hair of blue, orange, green, and other varieties. It wasn't hair dyes but an effect of special disposition. For example, Countess Grace Weiss had blue hair because of her powerful mastery over ice. Luca, who wasn't yet a Pathseeker, had dark purple hair from birth because of her darkness 5 affinity.

Therefore, colored hair was a status symbol.

Viers found it amusing because they were like birds with their colorful feathers.

“Madam Blume, good evening. I wonder what sort of news found its way into your ears today.”

“Oh, darling, you’ve no idea. Ohoho!”

Not far from Viers, a middle-aged woman was surrounded by a group of other married ladies. The one called Madam Blume hinted at all sorts of interesting things about some of the guests. A few of the women around her even gasped at the depth of the tidbits.

“So that boy was Lord Brooke’s child out of wedlock? My word… As expected of Madam Blume.”

“And did you know, there’s-”

While Viers would like to eavesdrop more on the madam’s gossip, three sounds of a trumpet from the master of ceremonies near the entrance signified the event had moved to the next phase.

“Presenting, Prince Darios Wood Latias, the 54th Prince of Latias Kingdom.”

A young man entered along with a young lady with locked arms. Following them a bit later were their vassals and entourage.

“Ooh, the royals have come. How exciting. Is there anything you’d like to share, Madam Blume?” A woman in the gossiper’s group asked.

“Not about this fine young man, unfortunately. You certainly didn't hear this from me, but the earlier the prince’s appearance is, the lesser their prospect is for the upcoming competition. Uff, don't get me started on the politics behind the scenes. Why, that particular week alone had enough drama for me to write a book. Remind me to tell you about the duel between a certain earl and count at our next afternoon tea.” Madam Blume used a feather fan to hide the smile on her face.

“If it’s coming from the Madam’s lips, then it must be true.”

“Indeed. Soon it would be evident to the other people too. Look behind Prince Darios. He wasn't able to garner any noteworthy support, apparently.”

The gossip lady was right. In a place like this, information was a weapon. Viers made sure he didn't enter the den of snakes unarmed. With soul searched and whatnot, he knew many people in the venue. He put particular importance on the information involving princes and princesses. The ones that showed up here would become Croix’s competitors in the Grand Prix.

Prince Darios was nothing special. A harsh truth, but not untrue. For whatever reason, he threw his hat into the ring, entering a struggle for the crown and throne.

The second prince that entered was nothing special either.

“I suppose it would take a while until the big players grace us with their presence,” a member of Madam Blume’s group said.

“Not necessarily.”

“Presenting, Prince Croix Ash Latias, the 51st Prince of Latias Kingdom.”

Only the third royal to make his appearance, but Croix’s brought gasps of surprise from the audience.

It was because the now eighteen years old young man had a dragon at his side.

Boram, Alfred, and some others walked behind him but the people’s attention was caught by the young prince. Falmerion had grown to the size of a pony and proudly roared against the gaggle before him. Viers was sure the dragon felt he was surrounded by inferior beings.

“So, the rumors are true. There is a prince that has been chosen by a dragon.”

“A dragon… Even the previous king didn't have one. The royal blood is thick with this one.”

“But Ash…? It seems his aptitude and his mother's status aren't high.”

“I heard rumors he also forged his Intio at the Archion Volcano. If that is true…”

“Balderdash!”

“His supporters don't seem much. Even though he has a dragon, how are his capabilities?”

Whispers and discussion were thrown about. The excitement in the room rose greatly. As soon as he reached the floor, many people approached Croix, introducing themselves and or their daughters.

Falmerion also got as much attention as Croix, much to his chagrin. At least the dragon seemed to know not to bite the fingers of kids that were trying to touch his red scales. He had an intimidating hiss though.

Since the prince didn't come accompanied by a lady, that meant he was ‘fair game’ for the ladies who wanted to gain his attention or mothers who wanted to arrange a match for their daughters.

Viers watched Bridgerton so he didn't find it strange. Was it historically accurate? Absolutely not. He just wanted to be entertained. And this Ball was starting to entertain him.

Earlier when they met, Viers asked if he had a lady companion in mind. He said no. He further elaborated on the reality that he might need to make a political marriage in his bid for the throne.

Viers didn't judge him on this decision. For now though, there were no ‘heavyweights’ approaching Croix. Only ‘lightweights’.

“My my, an interesting prince, is it not?” Madam Blume’s voice entered Viers’ ear from the side. “There are many rumors about this one. His progress in the Sinclair Academy painted quite a picture about the dashing young man.”

“Oh, do grace us with your tale, Madam.”

“Yes, yes. Please tell us.”

“Very well, since you asked so nicely.” The Madam then easily blabbered gossip about Croix.

“His backing is Countess Grace Weiss… The ruler of Stormberg famously despises Latias politics. What changed?”

“Poor Man’s Prince? Goodness. I do hope he understands his station. It wouldn't do if the masses started to get ideas.”

“...Is that true? One of his main vassals, that boy there is a Coalition slave?”

“The Sinclair coup attempt a couple of years back? He was one of the heroes foiling it? Headmaster Castellos praised him personally?”

“Already at odds with two of the main lines of the Four Duchies? How bold and foolish.”

“That is not all. Do you know about the Masere Port Incident?” Madam Blume teased.

“You don't say…” A lady placed a hand on her chest in a gesture of shock.

“But I do. He was there. Hard to miss with his dragon raining down fire. If the administration was not controlled by the Chancellor, he would have received a medal for his valor. And there’s something else…”

The madam lowered her voice as she was about to reveal the most juicy of gossip. The circle of lady gossipers around her also closed ranks. Viers’ with his super hearing could still hear them though and he suspected he was not the only one eavesdropping on Madam Blume.

“My sources heavily suggest Prince Croix might not control one but two dragons. The other one was a water dragon. Older and mightier than the young red wyrm down there. It was briefly witnessed by some during the port incident. So, what do you ladies think? In this lady’s humble opinion, this young prince is quite the dark horse in the competition. I’ll look upon his progress with interest.”

“...T-two? My word. One is great enough, but two?”

“It will be interesting if it’s true.”

Viers almost smiled but betrayed nothing. He slowly walked to join his liege, to save him from the swarm of young ladies.

In the meantime, other princes made their appearance.

“Presenting, Princess Elvina Cinder Latias, the 38th Princess of the Latias Kingdom.”

“Presenting, Prince Vadym Sapphire Latias, the 34th Prince of the Latias Kingdom.”

“Presenting, Prince Cassian Onyx Latias, the 26th Prince of the Latias Kingdom.”

“Presenting, Prince Lutz Diamond Latias, the 11th Prince of the Latias Kingdom.”

Throughout the hour, Croix’s half-siblings entered one after another. As expected, the older siblings had more support from various forces.

After the royals had all been announced to the venue, next was the grand appearance of the four heads of the duchies.

As they entered, four banners unfurled from the ceiling, each showing the heraldry of the houses.

House Lucan with two wolves' heads.

House Valentine with a white gryhon.

House Crowe with five black suns.

House Mercea with swords and roses.

The heraldry of the King of Latias, a red dragon, was absent. Symbolizing the vacancy of the throne.

The young bloods who would rise up to meet the challenge had gathered here.