Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

Chapter 16: Royal Feast



An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.

Do you like parties? Well, I certainly do—especially for all the delicious food I can sneak a taste of.

Once upon a time, I even worked at parties. Not just any job, mind you—I was a clown.

Yes, a real clown, with the bright colors, oversized shoes, and painted smile.

I still have the costume somewhere, tucked away like an embarrassing relic of my past.

Maybe I'm destined to be a clown. But let's not dwell on that.

Instead, let me tell you about one of the strangest parties I've attended.

It took place in the kingdom of Havenvale, a land of grand palaces and formality, where things didn't quite go as I had imagined.

The day started with me strolling toward the towering palace gates of Havenvale, my luggage in tow.

The guards stationed at the front looked surprised yet familiar, as if I was some curious regular in their otherwise disciplined world.

"Ah, Mr. Arche! You've arrived!" one of the guards exclaimed, straightening up.

"His Majesty is waiting for you inside," added another, reaching for my luggage. "Allow me to carry that for you, sir."

We walked toward the palace doors, my surroundings a blend of opulence and strict decorum. I offered a smile.

"Thanks. I may not be a noble, but I appreciate the welcome."

One guard eyed my attire with a bit of humor. "You're dressed rather… casually, as always, Mr. Arche."

I chuckled. "Well, this kind of freedom isn't easy to find in the kingdom, now is it? Besides, look at you—you're all wrapped up in iron armor. Doesn't it get unbearably hot?"

The guard grinned, as much as his formal role would allow.

"We're quite used to it, sir."

We came to a halt before an enormous set of doors, the handles carved with intricate designs of the kingdom's history.

The guard pushed them open, revealing the grand hall, with a throne that dominated the far end of the room.

"Shall I take your luggage to your quarters, sir?" he offered.

"Thanks," I replied, nodding.

Inside, the king sat upon his throne, looking every inch the ruler in elegant, imposing robes, his eyes trained on me with a hint of amusement.

"Arche," he said, stepping down from the throne, "still wearing those casual clothes, I see?"

"Jealous that I can dress this freely, Arthur?" I grinned, giving him a playful nudge.

Arthur sighed, taking a few steps toward me. "Honestly? Yes. But… duty calls." He motioned to his own uniform, an outfit so formal it seemed almost ceremonial.

I reached out my hand, and we shook, though the gesture felt far too stiff for us.

"You've grown serious, haven't you, Arthur? Back at the academy, you would've jumped and tackled me into a hug by now."

Arthur's face turned a shade of pink. "That was at the academy! I don't do that anymore; I'm an adult now," he huffed, glancing away.

"Sure, whatever you say." I chuckled, relishing his discomfort. "It's good to see you, though."

"You're insufferable as ever, Arche." He shot me a mock glare, but I could see the fondness in his eyes.

I stretched with an exaggerated yawn. "So, I take it I'm here to help with cooking again?"

"Yes," Arthur replied with a smile. "The head chef is expecting you."

"Well, as long as I get paid," I shrugged. "But come on, isn't that a bit harsh? I came all the way here, and the first thing you do is put me to work?"

Arthur rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's the least you could do, especially for your dear old friend."

"Besides, let's be honest—you're terrible at cleaning, aren't you?" Arthur said with a sarcastic smile.

"Have you forgotten I was the one who kept our dorm room spotless?"

"And I was the one who made all the meals because you can't cook to save your life," I reminded him with a smirk.

"Guess that makes us even." We said it at the same time, then burst into laughter, the easy camaraderie between us taking hold again.

"Well," I said, turning to leave, "I should go freshen up. Wouldn't want to look like a complete bum."

"Good idea, Mr. Popular!" Arthur called after me with a grin.

I stopped mid-step and threw him a smirk over my shoulder. "You had a fan club too, back at the academy, remember?"

"True," he chuckled, shaking his head. "Just don't let it go to your head."

With a wave, I headed toward the guest room, a familiar warmth settling over me at being back here with my old friend.

As I approached the guest room, I was greeted by a familiar face—a servant bowing politely in my direction.

"Oh, long time no see, Vera," I said, giving her a friendly smile.

She looked up, visibly startled. "Huh? You remember my name, Master Arche?"

Her voice trembled slightly, as if she were bracing for something.

"It must be because of… my past mistake. You still hold a grudge against me, don't you, Master?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "No need to be so nervous. I remember you because of your hard work, Vera."

"And don't worry—I've long forgiven that little misunderstanding. It was my fault, anyway."

Her face softened, but I could see she was still thinking back to the first time we met.

The poor girl had stumbled upon me giving Arthur a light knock on the head for saying something particularly stupid.

Misunderstanding the situation entirely, she'd rushed at me with an axe, ready to defend her king from harm.

I'll admit, I was impressed by her speed and bravery. She didn't hesitate to charge in, even against a complete stranger.

But when she found out I was Arthur's close friend, she was mortified and immediately offered herself for punishment, feeling guilty for her

"rash and foolish behavior."

Frankly, the whole situation left me just as flustered—I hadn't intended for an innocent girl to prostrate herself in front of me.

In my confusion, and a bit of amusement, I'd decided on a whim to ask her to call me "Master."

I'd been reading a book on masters and maids at the time and thought it might be fun to experience it firsthand.

"Master, thank you for forgiving me for my rash and foolish behavior,"

she said now, still sounding earnest.

"I promise I will never make that mistake again."

I gave her a reassuring nod. "Everyone makes mistakes. By the way, did the guards bring my things?"

She perked up, nodding briskly as her face turned serious again. "Yes, Master. The guards placed your bag and belongings inside the guest room."

She paused, then added, "All of your clothes have been put away as well."

"If you have any other instructions, please let me know—I am here to assist you at any time."

I waved a hand dismissively. "You may go now, Vera. See you later."

She gave a quick nod, maintaining her composed expression. "Very well, Master. I shall take my leave now."

With one last bow, she turned and walked away, her face as neutral and professional as ever.

Once she was gone, I muttered to myself, "Alright, it's fashion time."

With that, I stepped into the room and swapped my travel-worn clothes for something a bit more fitting for palace life.

Once I was presentable, I headed off to the royal kitchen—a bustling scene of energy and activity, with chefs working intently at every station.

Just as I stepped into the kitchen, a firm pat landed on my back.

"You finally showed up, huh?"

I turned, grinning. "Ah, Head Chef! Long time no see!" We launched into our usual handshake, one we'd perfected back in my first days here—a handshake that involved far too many steps to be practical.

"Alright, you're officially my deputy again," the head chef declared, looking pleased.

"Ready to assist, sir!" I replied, snapping into a mock salute.

Without wasting any time, I joined the team in preparing the buffet.

The energy was high, with chefs bustling about, chopping, stirring, and assembling dishes as quickly as possible.

You might be wondering what this whole affair is for.

Today, the kingdom celebrates its founding anniversary—a festival honoring centuries of tradition.

And, yes, I'm here to lend a hand, but also for the pay. Royal jobs pay handsomely; who wouldn't want that?

Meanwhile, across the palace, Arthur sat in his chamber, drowning in his duties as king.

Piles of documents towered over him, some stacks even taller than he was.

"Agh… there's no end to these,"

he groaned, rubbing his temples.

"I should ask Arche to help me with this…"

A deep chuckle sounded from the side of the room. Arthur's advisor, a man named Conrad, stepped forward.

An immortal who'd served three previous kings, Conrad wore his centuries with a dignified ease.

His hair and beard had gone gray, but his face remained that of a man in his prime, a testament to the peculiarities of immortality.

"You shouldn't rely on Mr. Arche for everything, Your Highness," Conrad chided, a hint of a smile in his tone. "You'll only burden him."

Arthur let out a resigned sigh. "I know, I know. It's just… being king at a young age isn't exactly a walk in the park."

Conrad clasped his hands behind his back, nodding thoughtfully.

"It may not be easy, but you'll find your stride. Remember, Your Majesty, I assisted with these documents last time."

"Now it's time for you to shoulder the responsibility. Maturity doesn't come from delegating every chore."

Arthur managed a half-smile.

"Yeah, you're right, Conrad."

"Though I think I preferred the days at the academy." Less paperwork, more sword fights."

Conrad chuckled, his eyes glinting with a hint of nostalgia. "Every king longs for simpler days, my lord."

"But perhaps once these documents are done, you'll have time to enjoy the festival. It is, after all, your celebration."

Arthur glanced at the mountain of papers in front of him and sighed, bracing himself for the long hours ahead.

"By the way, I may have accidentally given Arche two VIP tickets for tonight's party,"

Arthur remarked, eyes still skimming through the endless stack of documents in front of him.

Conrad raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That explains why I saw a girl with VIP pass. Odd, considering we never invited her." 

He glancing at Arthur. "She had ashen hair and lapis-blue eyes."

Arthur paused, recognition sparking in his mind. He knew those features.

He'd read about them before—in my diary, no less. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he blurted out,

"Wait… is she a witch?"

Conrad nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm… yes, she does have that look about her. Do you know her, Your Majesty?"

Arthur sat back down, sighing with a smalls for sure. "So, she decided to come here, huh…"

Conrad's eyebrows lifted as he glanced at some documents about the ballroom arrangements.

"So, the one Arche's infatuated with? Interesting. What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?"

Arthur chuckled, returning to his paperwork. "Oh, I won't meddle in my best friend's love life…" He paused, eyes glinting mischievously.

"Well, maybe just a little."

Conrad let out a short laugh, then remembered another matter.

"Speaking of which, Your Highness, have you heard about the thief who's recently been prowling around town?"

"Ah, yes, I've heard." Arthur leaned back, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on the desk.

"They say this thief is exceptionally skilled, having made off with countless valuables," Conrad continued, his expression grave.

"How should we address this, Your Majesty?"

Arthur's face lit up with an idea.

"We lure them here." He reached into a drawer and produced a gemstone that shimmered brilliantly under the light.

"Spread word about this precious gem throughout the city. Make sure everyone knows it'll be on display tonight."

Conrad frowned. "Your Highness, that's quite risky. If the thief comes, they could use one of the guests as a bargaining chip."

Arthur's eyes sparkled with confidence as he turned to Conrad. "Don't worry. I know someone who can handle it."

Conrad sighed, shaking his head.

"You trust him a great deal, don't you, Your Highness?"

"Of course. He's my first friend." Arthur chuckled.

Conrad took a deep breath, his gaze softening. "And he's yours, too. Perhaps it's fate that the two of you crossed paths."

Arthur glanced at the jewel in his hand, a grin forming on his lips. "Maybe so, Conrad. Maybe so."

In the bustling palace kitchen, I was busy directing the chefs as they prepared the buffet feast.

As I walked by, I sampled a brownie from one of the chefs' trays. I took a small bite, savoring it for a moment.

"Hmm… not sweet enough," I noted.

Another chef approached with a tray of cookies. I tried one, and it crunched too stiffly under my teeth. "These are still too hard to bite."

"Oh, really? I'll fix it!" he said, looking slightly panicked as he rushed back to adjust his recipe.

Moments later, another chef offered me a piece of fried chicken.

I tore off a bite and chewed thoughtfully. "The meat's still a bit tough."

Suddenly, I felt a firm pat—well, more like a smack—on my back. The head chef grinned, shaking his head.

"Still as strict as ever, huh? You know, I still don't have a permanent deputy. Why don't you stick around?"

I laughed. "I prefer my freedom. I can't stand the thought of being tied down here every day!"

He chuckled. "Fair enough. The world's too big to ignore."

I spent the rest of the afternoon helping them until the buffet spread was complete.

By evening, I had everything set up and finally slipped away to shower and change.

I then changed my clothes into a suit,

"Huh? Am I really this handsome..? Yes, I always am" I laughed proudly.

My mind drifted to Elaina, remembering she'd be attending tonight.

With a grin, I slipped out of the palace to find her. "Alright, it's time to locate my soulmate!"

It didn't take long before I spotted an ashen-haired figure in a simple yet elegant white dress.

She was admiring the grandeur of the palace entrance, looking a bit out of place but carrying herself with quiet confidence. I couldn't resist.

Gliding up behind her, I leaned in close, letting a cool breath ghost near her ear.

Elaina shivered slightly at the unexpected chill, spinning around with wide eyes, startled.

"Good evening, Witchy," I greeted her with a smirk, standing just behind.

Elaina's shoulders tensed at the sound of my voice, her whole stance shifting as she turned, an expression of slight annoyance crossing her face.

"You…!" she exclaimed, a mix of surprise and exasperation.

I took in her appearance—her ashen hair, the delicate white dress she wore—completely captivated. For a moment, I couldn't speak, just staring.

She raised an eyebrow, a little smirk tugging at her lips.

"What's with the staring? Haven't you ever seen someone in a dress before?"

Under my breath, barely audible, I murmured, "You look perfect…" It was only for me, but the words slipped out before I could stop them.

Elaina's eyes narrowed, clearly catching my whisper but not quite hearing it. "What did you just say?"

I quickly cleared my throat. "I said, let's go, Witchy."

She sighed, already weary of my teasing. "Aren't you being too formal?"

"Oh? What would you prefer?" I grinned. "How about 'Witchie'? A mix of Witch and Cutie."

"Absolutely not!" she retorted, firmly crossing her arms. "Just call me by my name."

"Alright, Witchie," I said, unable to resist.

She rolled her eyes, more annoyed than amused. "You didn't listen to a single thing I just said, did you?"

I only laughed in response and led the way toward the palace entrance, where guests were flowing in, dressed to impress.

The air was alive with chatter and laughter, adding an extra sparkle to the evening.

As we approached the palace guards, we handed over our VIP tickets, and they nodded, allowing us inside.

Elaina walked beside me with an unhurried grace, her gaze sweeping over the lavish decor, the gleaming chandeliers, and the fine tapestries lining the walls.

"Pretty impressive, isn't it?" I asked, noticing the quiet awe in her expression.

She nodded slightly, her usual composure giving way to a spark of genuine wonder. "Yes… it's quite something."

We stepped into the grand banquet hall, filled with the lively buzz of guests in elegant attire.

My eyes caught sight of the buffet I'd worked so hard on with the kitchen staff.

It was satisfying, knowing the feast was ready for everyone to enjoy.

"So, how about we find a place to sit?" I suggested, nodding towards the tables set up for guests.

"Sure," Elaina agreed, following me to an empty table.

We sat, and soon enough, one of the servers approached us—Vera.

"What would you like to drink, Master?" Vera asked, bowing respectfully.

Elaina's eyebrows shot up at the title. I leaned in and whispered to Vera, "Could you drop the 'Master' thing, at least for now? That's an order."

But Vera responded with, "Of course, Master, I shall follow your command."

I cringed, covering my face. "You didn't listen to a single thing I just said, did you?"

"My apologies, sir," she replied, though I sensed a hint of amusement.

Elaina smirked. "Looks like you're quite the important person here."

"Shut up…" I muttered, cheeks warming with embarrassment. "I'll have a glass of wine, please."

"And for you, Elaina?" I asked.

She glanced thoughtfully at the drink options. "I'll have orange juice, if they have it."

Vera returned shortly with a bottle of wine and orange juice, pouring each into our glasses with practiced elegance.

"Is there anything else you need, sir?"

"No, that's all, thank you," I replied, and she bowed before moving on to serve other guests.

Elaina eyed her glass with a smile, then took a sip. "You seem to know some people here, huh?"

"Yeah, you could say that. I have friends in this kingdom, so I know a lot of people here," I replied casually, sipping my wine.

She raised her brows, a trace of curiosity in her gaze. "Quite a lot of friends, it seems."

I couldn't resist a grin. "What? Did you think I was a loner? Just because I was quiet at the academy doesn't mean I wasn't popular, you know."

Elaina gave me a skeptical look, one eyebrow arching.

"You? Popular?" she said, her voice laced with mock disbelief.

She took another sip of her orange juice, her gaze playful as she looked at me, as if daring me to prove it.

I took another sip of my wine and smirked. "I bet you were the real loner back at the academy, right, Witchie?"

Elaina rolled her eyes, but I caught the faintest flicker of defensiveness.

"I didn't need to be popular," she replied, a hint of pride mixed with self-consciousness.

"And seriously, can't you just drop that nickname?"

"Better than calling you 'Cutie' outright," I countered with a mischievous grin.

She glared, her voice dripping with warning. "Don't even think about it."

I chuckled, but my attention shifted as I noticed guests starting to gather.

"Looks like the party's about to begin."

I downed the rest of my wine as Elaina quickly finished her orange juice, setting her glass down with purpose.

She followed me as I got up, her curiosity piqued.

The guests were mingling, conversations blending into a lively hum of anticipation that buzzed through the air. The evening was only just beginning.

The lively sounds of the celebration slowly faded as Arthur took the stage, lit by the soft glow of candles.

The light cast a regal aura on his face, a mix of strength and wisdom that commanded attention.

I watched his every movement, occasionally glancing at Elaina beside me—captivated, either by the grand atmosphere or by Arthur himself, now ready to deliver his speech.

The King began, his voice deep and clear, spreading calm and reverence.

"Today," he started with a gentle yet authoritative smile, "we stand together, celebrating the beginning of a kingdom built not only from stone and mortar, but from bravery, unity, and our shared dreams."

I felt my heart beat a little faster, impressed by his words. Arthur was not just a strong ruler but a leader who understood his people's hearts.

"This kingdom," he continued, "is a home for all—a place where ideals, hard work, and the hopes of every soul are given space."

"Nothing means more to a leader than watching his kingdom grow alongside its people. Each one of us is the foundation of a lasting future."

"May this kingdom endure long and strong," Arthur declared, his voice resonating, holding the room captive, "and may every step we take bring us closer to prosperity, peace, and ever-greater courage."

As he finished, applause thundered throughout the hall, but amidst the noise, I stood still, pondering the weight of his words.

I looked at Elaina, her gaze fixed on Arthur, entranced. For me, seeing her that mesmerized was a rare sight on its own.

As we stood in the ballroom, my gaze kept drifting to Elaina, who looked enthralled as Arthur spoke to the guests.

She seemed genuinely captivated by him, and a pang of jealousy flickered in my chest.

"Don't fall in love with him, Elaina," I teased, masking my jealousy behind a casual smile.

She turned to me, rolling her eyes with that familiar sarcasm.

"Don't worry. I won't," she said coolly.

"I have better taste than that, you know."

Her words made my heart lighten a bit, but I couldn't resist pushing my luck.

"Good, because you could always fall in love with me instead." I winked, a playful edge to my tone.

Elaina raised an eyebrow, her mouth twitching with a hint of disbelief.

"Fall in love with you?" Her tone was a mix of amusement and utter rejection.

She shook her head firmly, crossing her arms. "Not a chance. You're the last person I'd ever fall for."

I placed a hand over my chest, feigning a deep, tragic wound. "Ouch… right to the heart. That one really stings."

A soft laugh escaped her, light and genuine, catching me by surprise.

"Good. It was supposed to," she teased, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.

Before I could respond, Arthur wrapped up his speech, and the ballroom erupted into lively chatter as the festivities officially began.

I turned back to Elaina. "So, what do you say? Shall we head over to the buffet?"

She nodded with a grin, her eyes already glancing towards the tables piled with dishes. "Absolutely. I made sure to come hungry for this."

"Smart choice," I replied with a chuckle.

Together, we walked over to the buffet, grabbed our plates, and began surveying the spread.

I reached for a serving spoon.

"Mushrooms?" I asked, holding up a scoop of sautéed mushrooms, the steam curling up with a tempting aroma.

Her nose wrinkled instantly, and she pulled a face. "Ugh, no. Not mushrooms."

I raised a brow, feigning innocence. "Oh? You don't like mushrooms?"

She shivered a little, as though just the sight of them on my plate was enough to make her cringe.

"Hate them. They're… weird. They taste awful, and the texture—" she shuddered, cutting off her sentence with an exaggerated grimace.

I grinned, dropping a generous spoonful onto my plate as she looked away in disgust. "More for me, then."

"Elaina, you really shouldn't be picky about food, you know."

"Mushrooms aren't that bad," I said, adopting a mock-serious tone as I tried to lecture her.

She let out a small sigh, her eyes narrowing slightly, showing a trace of irritation.

"I don't care if you think they're not that bad. I've tried them, and I hate them."

"You can't just force me to like something I don't." Her words came out firm, leaving no room for argument.

"Alright, alright—relax! I'm sorry, okay?" I chuckled, backing off as I moved down the buffet.

But when I spotted the broccoli, I discreetly skipped over it and went straight for the meat.

Elaina, catching my little dodge, shot me a surprised look.

"Did you just pass up the broccoli?" she asked, amusement flashing in her eyes.

"You're being picky about food too, aren't you?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone turning mocking in the same way I had just teased her.

"They're… bland," I said firmly, as if that explained everything.

"Oh, and mushrooms aren't bland?" she shot back, her smirk growing wider.

I raised my hands in surrender. "Alright, fine. We're even."

A small, satisfied smile appeared on her lips. "Good. We're even," she agreed, with a playful spark in her eyes.

We carried our plates over to a nearby table, the rich aromas of the dishes mingling around us as conversations and laughter filled the room.

Setting down our plates, we both looked over our selections, taking in the spread with anticipation.

"Thank you for the food," we both murmured before digging in, and the first bite was just as delicious as I'd hoped.

Elaina's face lit up, and she murmured, "This is really good," a genuine, pleased smile crossing her face as she savored another bite.

"You like it?" I asked, happy to see her enjoying herself.

She nodded, still munching on her food, the rare satisfaction clear in her expression.

"Yeah… it's even better than I expected." She looked up, her eyes meeting mine with a small, content smile before she returned to her plate.

"May I join?" came a voice, and I nearly dropped my fork at the sight of him.

Golden blonde hair like threads of sunlight and striking blue eyes—Arthur, in all his regal presence, stood there holding a plate.

He looked like he'd just walked out of some romance novel, a picture of effortless nobility.

Elaina's eyes widened as she took in his face, and though she'd seen him briefly during his speech, there was something about him up close that made her pause.

Regaining her composure, she greeted him politely,

"Good evening, Your Highness."

Arthur responded with a warm smile. "Good evening to you as well," he said smoothly. "Mind if I join you both?"

"Of course," Elaina replied, her voice polite, gesturing to an empty seat across from her. "Please, have a seat."

"Thank you very much." Arthur settled into his seat, setting his plate down with grace.

"So," he said, turning to us with a curious gleam in his eyes, "you both looked like you were in the middle of an exciting conversation. Care to fill me in?"

I jumped in before Elaina could respond, not missing a beat.

"We were just discussing how amazing this food is," I said, hoping to divert the attention back to something neutral.

Elaina nodded, a faint smile crossing her lips. "Yes, the food really is wonderful," she added with a touch of enthusiasm.

Arthur's smile deepened.

"Is that so? Thank you."

"The kitchen staff will be pleased to know their work is appreciated." His sincerity was palpable, and I felt an odd pang of irritation.

I sighed, unable to keep my thoughts to myself. "Arthur, stop it already," I muttered.

Elaina's eyes darted to me, surprised. She clearly hadn't expected me to speak to the king so casually. Her gaze flicked between us, puzzled.

I shrugged, addressing her look.

"He might be a king now, but back at the academy, Arthur was just my friend."

"I'm still not used to all this kingly behavior."

Arthur chuckled, relaxing into his chair, and the air around him softened as his regal aura gave way to something more familiar.

"You'll have to get used to it, Arche. I did become king right after we graduated, after all."

I looked back to Elaina, who seemed both curious and amused.

"Elaina, meet Arthur," I said, introducing him with a small grin.

"Arthur was my close friend in the academy days. And, Arthur, this is Elaina—my friend."

Arthur extended a hand toward her. "Nice to meet you, Elaina," he said, his tone as warm as ever.

Elaina took his hand, offering a polite smile. "Likewise, Your Highness."

Arthur shook his head, laughing. "No need to be so formal with me. Arche here calls me an idiot half the time, so just call me Arthur."

Elaina's cheeks colored slightly, but a small, relaxed smile touched her lips. "Alright then, Arthur."

Elaina was surprised to hear that, and she nodded. "I didn't expect the friend you were referring to to be the king, Arche."

"Well... I didn't want to surprise you at that time," I said.

"You did surprise me indeed," Elaina replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"You don't want to introduce your own friend, Arche?" Arthur said. "You really are evil, aren't you, Arche?"

"Shut up, idiot. Do you expect me to scream and tell everyone that you're my friend?" I said in a sarcastic tone.

"He's really a tsundere," Arthur remarked, a teasing smile on his face.

"You two are close, huh?" Elaina couldn't help but comment lightly.

"We lived in the same dorm room for three years, after all," Arthur said.

"I was also the first person he talked to at the academy."

Elaina listened, the pieces of information about our past now making more sense.

"So, you've known each other for that long, huh?" she asked, her tone light and filled with curiosity.

"Well, our class is filled with troublemaking students and is often considered the outcast class," I replied.

"Arthur had to take care of it as the class president," I added, glancing at him.

"I can see why you were the class president," she teased.

"Actually, I could have entered a class filled with talented students from noble backgrounds," Arthur said.

"But I wanted to enter the class that contained problem-makers because I wanted to try to be their leader," he explained. "It could be an experience."

"Trying to lead a class full of troublemakers sounds like quite the challenge," she commented, her tone hinting at intrigue at the boldness of his past intentions.

"So, what do you want? I'm sure you didn't come to me just to make me look cool for having a king as a friend," I asked him.

"Wow, my real intention was found out," Arthur said, then chuckled, his face becoming serious.

"So, actually, in this kingdom, there is a thief who will try to get the precious jewel here," Arthur said, his voice steady, as if discussing the weather rather than the threat of a heist.

My heart sank at his words. "You knew about it, and you didn't try to prevent it?!" I scolded, disbelief edging into my tone.

Arthur simply shrugged, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry. The thief won't be able to escape."

"I've put a lot of guards in place; it's impossible for them to get out."

I shook my head, frustration boiling beneath the surface. "The guests will be in danger, you know."

"I'm sure that when cornered, one of the guests will be used as ransom."

Arthur looked at me, that infuriating smile still in place, a glimmer of amusement in his blue eyes.

It dawned on me that he was counting on me if anything went awry, and the realization ignited my irritation.

"You little—"

I took a deep breath, steadying myself.

"I need to go to the toilet," I said curtly before rising from my chair, eager to put some distance between us.

As I walked away, I could feel Elaina's gaze on my back, her expression a mix of concern and confusion.

What was I supposed to do? I was caught between my frustration with Arthur and the unsettling knowledge that danger lurked nearby.

Once I disappeared into the bathroom, the echo of my footsteps faded.

Elaina glanced around the room, her mind churning with thoughts of the conversation we'd just had.

She scanned the gathering with wary eyes, her instincts on high alert as she searched for anything suspicious amid the glittering decor and cheerful laughter that filled the air.

"Elaina," Arthur called, drawing her attention like a moth to a flame.

She turned fully to him, curiosity evident in her expression. "Yes?"

"Have you been friends with Arche for long?" he asked, his gaze steady, revealing an unexpected depth of interest.

Elaina hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "We've been friends for quite a while now."

"Why do you ask?" Her tone reflected a mix of surprise and a hint of confusion, the sudden shift in conversation leaving her intrigued.

Arthur leaned back slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "It's just that you remind me of our old friend... I'm sure Arche is thinking the same thing."

Her intrigue deepened. "Who, and what do I remind you of?" she inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Arthur sighed, the weight of nostalgia evident in his voice. "Luna... she was our friend at the academy, arguably one of the students closest to Arche."

The name lingered in the air like a whisper. "Luna," Elaina repeated, tasting the syllables on her tongue as memories unfolded.

"What was she like?" she asked gently, her voice rich with understanding.

"She was skilled at magic, with a calm nature," Arthur explained, his tone softening. "She had a good heart and was always caring..."

Elaina listened intently, feeling the shadows of the past settle around them.

"She was one of the girls who liked Arche back then," Arthur added, glancing at Elaina with an expression that mixed amusement and something heavier.

"One of the girls who liked him...?" Elaina murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah. Arche was quite popular at the academy; he even had his own fan club," Arthur chuckled, a fleeting lightness brightening his demeanor.

Elaina's eyes widened in disbelief, amusement flickering on her face.

"A fan club?" she echoed, incredulity threading through her tone.

But as quickly as the laughter came, it vanished, Arthur's expression returning to seriousness. "But... there was an incident that happened."

Elaina's smile faded, her heart sinking as Arthur's demeanor shifted, his gaze darkening.

"What kind of incident?" she asked quietly, hesitantly, as if she were afraid to uncover a buried truth.

"On graduation day, our academy was attacked by a terrorist group from the Lunar Ascendance organization," he revealed, his voice heavy with the weight of memory.

The air around them thickened with the gravity of his words. "That incident... it killed several students. One of them was Luna."

Elaina felt her heart drop, all color draining from her face.

The mention of terror and death pierced her, the sharp edges of his revelation hitting her hard.

"Huh...?" she managed to whisper, her voice trembling with empathy as it wrapped around the sorrow that hung between them.

Arthur's gaze softened, but the sadness remained. "The one who was hit hardest at that time was Arche."

"Luna died lying in his lap."

Elaina's eyes widened in shock, her breath hitching as she grappled with the weight of his words.

"That.. must've been so difficult for him" she murmured, her heart stinging with sympathy for her friend.

As I returned from the restroom, I was struck by a palpable heaviness in the air that seemed to envelop the room.

"Hm? What's happening here?" I asked, my brow furrowing in confusion.

Elaina turned her head in my direction, her expression tense.

"Nothing…" she replied, though her strained tone betrayed the gravity of the topic that lingered just beneath the surface.

I settled back into my chair, deciding not to pry too much into the unsettling atmosphere.

Instead, I attempted to shift the conversation. "So… have you guys got any ideas on how to catch this thief?"

"Right... the thief..." Elaina murmured, her gaze drifting toward Arthur, silently seeking his input.

Arthur nodded, his expression serious. "I've already deployed guards disguised as guests."

"You both need to act like a normal couple," he instructed, his voice steady. "Keep an eye out for any suspicious movements."

"Yeah, let's just be a normal couple, Elaina!" I said, my enthusiasm spilling over.

She shot me a glare, her eyes narrowing as she silently conveyed her displeasure with my overly cheerful response.

"Sorry…" I sighed, averting my gaze to the table.

Elaina took a deep breath, suppressing her annoyance. "Just don't get any funny ideas," she warned, her tone carrying an edge of seriousness.

Arthur chuckled at our banter, observing the exchange with amusement.

"Okay... good luck. To be honest, I'd love to join you to find out who the thief is."

"But my duty as king must take priority. I entrust this to you!" With that, Arthur turned and strode toward the gathering of nobles, where important conversations awaited.

Elaina sighed softly, her focus shifting back to me. "Seems like we're on our own for this," she remarked, her mind already calculating the task at hand.

"But seriously… how are we supposed to find the thief in this crowd?" I asked, glancing around the opulent hall, my plate now empty.

Elaina finished her meal as well, her gaze scanning the room.

"We can't exactly question everyone without raising suspicion," she reasoned, her brow furrowing in thought.

Her expression turned contemplative, and I could see the gears turning in her mind. "We need to blend in... try to notice anything unusual."

"And first, we have to find some dessert," I declared, adopting a serious tone as if it were a matter of utmost importance.

Elaina stifled a small sigh, shaking her head slightly in amusement.

"Your priorities... always surprising," she remarked, her voice laced with a teasing, dry humor.

Spotting a special dessert buffet across the room, I darted toward it, excitement bubbling within me at the sight of the colorful array of sweets.

"Okay... which one should I try first?" I pondered aloud, gazing at the delectable offerings.

Elaina raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of concern and bemusement.

"Slow down; you'll probably give yourself a stomach ache at this rate."

"Are you really going to test every single dessert in that buffet?" she asked, half-joking yet genuinely curious.

"If I can, I will try them all!" I exclaimed, already reaching for a cookie that looked particularly inviting.

"You're like a kid with sweets," she quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Thanks! I am indeed youthful," I replied cheerfully, taking a big bite of the cookie.

Its rich flavor exploded in my mouth, and I couldn't help but smile at the delight.

As Elaina approached the dessert table, she scanned the selection and settled on a small chocolate tart—something she felt she could easily devour.

"You're not youthful; you're just a sugar addict," she teased, savoring a bite of her tart.

"Hm...?" I noticed a peculiar sweet that I had never seen before, and I couldn't recall the chefs making it.

Intrigued, I picked it up, bringing it closer to my nose.

"Hmm, what is this? I've never seen it before," I mused aloud, the unfamiliar treat piquing my curiosity.

"I haven't seen that one either," she replied, her expression turning serious as she leaned in to inspect it.

She took a deep breath, trying to detect any unusual scent.

"Be careful; it could be suspicious if we've never encountered it before."

Ignoring her warning, I popped the candy into my mouth. Nothing felt off.

"Hm? It tastes sweet... and that's all," I said, my brows furrowing slightly.

"Am I turning blue?" I joked, half-expecting to see some bizarre transformation in my skin color from possible poisoning.

"You look fine... for now," she said, her tone cautious.

Her gaze remained fixed on me, watching for any signs of discomfort.

"Honestly, it's quite delicious; you should try it," I encouraged her, unable to contain my delight.

Elaina hesitated, the cautious side of her battling with her sweet tooth. After a moment, the latter won.

"Alright," she conceded, tentatively picking up the mysterious sweet.

"But if something happens, I'm blaming you."

With an air of trepidation, she placed the sweet in her mouth, her expression shifting as she tasted it.

"You're right; it's pretty good…" she admitted, a small smile breaking through her cautious demeanor.

"We're not dead yet, right?" I asked, attempting to inject a note of levity into the tension.

"No, we're not dead yet," Elaina replied, though her voice lacked any humor.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a figure clad in black, lurking in an alley, clutching a crowbar.

"Is bringing a crowbar to a party normal? Or am I just behind the times?"

Elaina's gaze followed mine, her expression sharpening as she took in the sight of the figure.

"No, bringing a crowbar to a party is definitely not normal," she stated, her tone growing serious. "That's hardly a party prop."

"Aren't they suspicious enough?" I glanced back at her, searching her face for reassurance.

"Definitely," she agreed, her eyes still fixed on the shadowy figure.

"Okay... let's go to them," I said, already stepping forward.

Elaina opened her mouth to protest but saw I was resolute, heading straight toward the potential threat.

"Wait, you can't act so casually!" she hissed, urgency creeping into her voice.

She hesitated for a moment, weighing the risks, before reluctantly trailing behind me, trying her best to remain inconspicuous.

As we entered the dim hallway, a sense of foreboding enveloped us.

The noise of the party faded into the background, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake.

"Where are they...?" I muttered, scanning the area with unease.

Elaina furrowed her brow, perplexed by the figure's sudden disappearance.

"Where did they go?" she murmured, frustration mingling with confusion.

She stepped further into the hallway, glancing left and right, searching for any sign of the figure in black.

Then, a wave of nausea washed over me. "Ugh..." I stumbled, clutching my stomach.

"Are you okay?" Elaina asked quickly, her concern evident as she moved closer.

I could sense her worry as she reached out to place a hand on my arm.

"What happened?"

"Damn... I should have realized it..." I whispered, my voice barely audible, a realization dawning on me.

Elaina, too, felt a creeping malaise seep into her body.

"This isn't good," she muttered, her eyes wide with alarm. "I think... we've been poisoned..."

She swayed slightly, the weight of sickness pulling her down, and grasped a nearby wall for support.

"I'm sorry, Elaina... you can blame me later... when we're not poisoned anymore," I managed before the world began to spin.

With that, I collapsed, my consciousness slipping away into darkness.

Elaina's vision blurred, her surroundings growing indistinct.

She felt faint, her grip on the wall tightening as her legs weakened beneath her.

"Arche..." she breathed, the name escaping her lips like a prayer, before dizziness overcame her, and she too succumbed to the encroaching darkness.

I opened my eyes, still feeling dizzy, but there were more pressing matters at hand. "Elaina?!"

Glancing back, I saw our hands tied together. A wave of relief washed over me despite the ropes binding our feet.

The important thing was that she was okay. As consciousness began to return, Elaina stirred, groaning softly.

"Arche...?" she murmured, her voice heavy with fatigue. "Why are we tied together...?"

She groaned again, attempting to shake off the dizziness that clouded her mind.

"I don't know... but don't you think this is romantic?" I quipped, trying to lighten the mood with humor.

Elaina rolled her eyes, struggling to summon her usual irritation, but the effects of the poison still lingered in her mind.

"Very romantic..." she replied sarcastically.

She shifted slightly, tugging at the ropes, but they held fast.

I surveyed our surroundings and concluded we were in a guest room when a figure entered, casting a shadow over us.

"Oh? You're awake, huh?" the figure said, a smug grin on his face.

Elaina's eyes narrowed as she tried to focus on him.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice laced with defiance, though it was slightly weakened by her grogginess.

I chuckled, unable to resist. "You're quite smart, aren't you?"

The man smirked, his gaze taunting.

"You figured out that I poisoned the sweets, then showed up so you'd come to me."

"When we were in that quiet alley, the intention was to keep everyone at the party oblivious to our absence," I revealed, piecing together his plan.

"Huh... you're smarter than I expected to uncover my scheme," the man admitted, a note of surprise in his tone.

"Not smart enough, apparently, since we ended up tied up," Elaina shot back, sarcasm lacing her words.

"So, who are you?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

He chuckled, reveling in his moment of theatrics. "I'm called the Golden Thief!"

"Pleased to meet you!" the thief declared, bowing slightly in mockery.

I was taken aback by his name. My former identity as a thief had been The Emerald Thief.

A bitter irony, considering his golden eyes sparkled with mischief.

I glanced at Elaina, and she met my gaze, her expression reflecting a mixture of surprise and recognition.

"Wait... like the famous Emerald Thief, who's both great and handsome?" I asked, a playful smirk on my face as I praised myself.

"Famous and handsome, huh?" Elaina murmured, a hint of sarcasm threading through her words.

"You admit he's handsome and famous?" I teased, leaning into her reaction.

"You really crave compliments, don't you?" she replied softly, her expression clearly indicating her lack of enthusiasm for my antics.

"Wait, you know him?!" The thief's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes, she often works with him. Don't be jealous," I interjected with a grin.

Elaina sighed, a mixture of amusement and exasperation washing over her features.

"Yes, I know of the infamous Emerald Thief... unfortunately," she confirmed, her tone dry.

"I can't believe it! The woman who was easily poisoned is working with that great thief!" The thief exclaimed, his disbelief turning to admiration.

"Oh, you're a big fan?" I asked, surprised at the revelation. I never thought I'd meet a fan of my past identity.

"Yes! He's so great! He's never been caught by anyone!" The thief's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he praised me.

"Easy there…" Elaina interjected gently, annoyance creeping into her tone.

"You sound obsessed."

"Rather than him, I prefer you to be obsessed with me, Elaina," I said, grinning mischievously.

She shook her head, unimpressed.

"Not a chance," she quipped, her voice dripping with dry wit.

"So what's your grand plan?" I asked the thief, shifting the focus back to the situation.

"I'm going to take you hostage and ask the king to ransom you with his precious jewels," he explained, his voice filled with a sense of triumph.

"Oh? Looks like we don't have to worry about the other guests becoming hostages, Elaina," I said, trying to find a silver lining.

"Right, because our safety is such a concern right now. How reassuring," she muttered, sarcasm lacing her words.

I chuckled at her remark, all the while discreetly working to cut the ropes binding us with a small knife I had hidden.

"Okay, I'll go tell them you're being held hostage," the thief announced.

"I don't have to worry about you losers pretending to know the great Emerald Thief!"

Annoyance surged within me. "So you're saying you know the Emerald Thief better than I do?"

"Yeah! You're just okay with him!" the thief declared, puffing out his chest with pride.

My irritation grew. The Emerald Thief was me! My old identity! How could this thief know more about me than I did?

Elaina stifled a laugh at my visible frustration, a wry smile creeping onto her face. It was rare for me to be so clearly rattled.

The thief turned to leave the room, and I took a deep breath. "Let's get out of here, Elaina."

"I'll beat him up…" I grumbled, still feeling the sting of annoyance.

"No, we can't risk a fight," she warned, her voice firm. Her gaze softened slightly as she added, "You'll only make things worse if you fight now. We need to play smart."

"I'll kidnap him, take him to a quiet place, and then I'll beat him up," I concocted an evil plan.

"You always have to pick fights…" Elaina sighed, her tone a mix of tiredness and exasperation.

She rolled her eyes, her frustration mingled with a hint of amusement.

"Let's focus on escaping... and then you can play your revenge game another time."

With that, she began scanning the room, her mind shifting to the task at hand. "We need to untie these ropes."

Meanwhile, the thief hurried through the corridors, determined to find the king, Arthur.

As he turned a corner, he found Arthur leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, waiting for him.

"Hello, intruder..." Arthur said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"You! The king!" The thief exclaimed, taken aback.

"You were really lured here, huh? You must be quite confident," Arthur observed, his tone light but edged with a hint of challenge.

"I've taken two of your guests hostage, and you must ransom them with the precious jewels you possess," the thief declared, puffing out his chest as if expecting to impress.

"Wait, what do the guests you captured look like?" Arthur inquired, raising an eyebrow with feigned curiosity.

"A black-haired man with green eyes and an ashen-haired woman with blue eyes," the thief explained, perhaps feeling magnanimous in sharing this detail.

Surprise flickered across Arthur's face before he broke into a grin. "Ah, I can rest assured."

"What?! What do you mean? They're your guests! Aren't you worried about anything happening to them?!"

The thief's confusion was palpable, his bravado faltering.

"I don't have to worry about anything if it's them," Arthur replied with a sigh, his demeanor relaxed. "Okay... how about you go now?"

"No! I will take that jewel from you!" the thief shouted, his frustration bubbling over.

Arthur's smile widened, clearly unfazed by the thief's threats. "That's cute. You think I'll simply hand over my jewels just because you've taken a couple of guests hostage?"

The thief's confidence wavered, but he squared his shoulders, determined not to back down. "You'll regret this, King Arthurius!"

"Oh, I highly doubt it," Arthur said, amusement dancing in his eyes as he stepped away from the wall.

"Let's see what you really have."

As the thief lunged forward, Arthur effortlessly sidestepped, evading each stab and slash with an almost regal calm.

The dagger sliced through the air, yet never touched him.

Arthur's movements were graceful, even if the heavy robes restricted him.

Each missed blow only made the thief more frustrated, spurring him to attack faster and with more desperation.

Meanwhile, Arthur continued to move just enough, subtly turning the narrow passage into a game of cat and mouse, until the thief was visibly exhausted.

After several minutes, the thief's breath was ragged, his arm trembling as he clutched his dagger, while Arthur remained standing tall, not even a drop of sweat on his brow.

"Are you done?" Arthur asked calmly, his gaze sharp as he looked down at the thief, who was now gasping for air in front of him.

Seeing that Arthur remained completely unharmed, the thief let out a frustrated growl, growing even more aggressive.

His movements turned sharper and faster as he aimed to corner Arthur.

The blade sliced through the air with renewed force and speed, yet Arthur stayed calm, moving in wider circles to maintain distance, without any need to counterattack.

But as the thief lunged forward, Arthur seized the momentum.

Sidestepping gracefully, he let the thief's force propel him off balance.

Arthur's circular movements not only deflected the strikes but redirected the thief's own strength against him, causing the attacker to stumble.

With a swift, fluid motion, Arthur locked the thief's arm, turning him and using his body as leverage to bring him crashing down.

The thief hit the hard floor, shocked by Arthur's effortless control.

Arthur, without throwing a single punch, had taken command of the encounter.

"Hard to win without a plan, isn't it?" Arthur said calmly, his gaze sharp as he looked down at the thief now sprawled and defeated on the floor of the dim corridor.

The thief, despite being down, refused to give up. With what little strength he had left, he managed to get back on his feet and launched a kick toward Arthur's chest.

I could see that the kick was strong enough to push Arthur back, nearly making him lose his balance.

He winced slightly but stood firm, ready to continue the fight.

However, as the thief tried to escape, his body suddenly became rigid, as if something was holding every muscle in place.

I sensed something was off, and when I glanced at Elaina, I knew she was involved.

She emerged from the shadows, raising one hand with a cold smile on her face.

"You're not going anywhere," she said calmly, clearly using her magic to restrain the thief.

Before the thief could realize what was happening, I quickly moved forward.

A smug grin crept onto my face as I prepared to teach him a lesson. Without hesitation, I punched him in the gut with full force.

"Ha, you thought you could escape, huh?" I said, watching as he crumpled to the floor, completely incapacitated.

I noticed Arthur shaking his head slightly, exhaling a sigh of relief.

"Great job, you two," he said, patting Elaina and me on the back. It felt satisfying to have taken down that thief in such a dramatic way. .

"We did it," she said, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

I breathed a sigh of relief. "I managed to hit him! I hope I didn't break any bones." A wave of satisfaction washed over me as I finally got to express my irritation.

"Of course, you were thinking of doing that earlier."

"Try to be a little gentler next time, won't you?" Elaina chided, her voice laced with concern.

"Then… what should we do with him?" I asked, glancing at the thief, still groaning on the floor.

"Even though he's annoying, he's still my fan. I don't want to throw him in the trash."

"You're way too kind sometimes," Elaina commented, shaking her head.

"But he did try to poison and kidnap us. He might need to be turned in and face punishment."

"I'll leave everything to the king," I said, turning toward Arthur.

Elaina followed suit. "Well, the king should deal with this now," she stated, her tone firm.

"Okay, I'll take care of it," Arthur replied, straightening up. "First, I'll take him to one of the guest rooms."

"And I'll ask the guards to keep watch so he can't escape," Elaina added, her expression serious.

"Finally, let's get out of here. The guests are going to start dancing, you know," Arthur explained with a hint of excitement.

"That sounds like a good plan. Let's leave then," Elaina said as we followed Arthur toward the guest area.

As we entered, we found guests gathered in a circle, their laughter and music filling the air.

In the center, several couples swayed together, lost in the rhythm of the dance.

"Woah… they are dancing together," I remarked, captivated by the lively scene.

"Looks like the dancing has started," Elaina commented, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and admiration.

"Want to take a closer look?" I asked, nudging her playfully.

"Sure, why not?" she responded, her eyes glinting with a faint hint of interest.

Elaina followed me into the crowd, and we found a spot that offered a clear view of the dancing couples.

She watched, captivated, as they twirled and glided across the floor, their movements a harmonious blend of elegance and synchronicity.

The soft music floated through the air, enveloping the scene in a serene atmosphere that felt almost magical.

As I observed the couples dancing together, a longing stirred within me—I wanted to dance with Elaina.

The thought of asking her sent a thrill of both excitement and apprehension coursing through me.

I was certain she would refuse, but what was the harm in trying?

"Uh… Elaina," I called, my voice slightly hesitant.

Her attention shifted from the dancers to me, her eyes curious as she processed my words.

"Yes? What is it?" she asked, her tone calm and inviting.

"Do you—"

Before I asked her, Suddenly, a few people who had just entered the crowd moved unpredictably.

They jostled each other, and in an instant, one of them bumped into me.

I didn't have time to react and was pushed forward, causing me to knock into Elaina beside me.

"Whoa!" Elaina exclaimed as we both tumbled toward the dance floor. In a split second, my instincts kicked in.

I reached out for her hand quickly, and reflexively, I pulled her into my embrace.

I managed to catch her, and suddenly we found ourselves in a position as if we were about to dance.

Our eyes locked, and time seemed to pause for a moment. There was a hint of confusion on her face.

Our hands were clasped together, and I could feel my heart racing.

In this unexpected situation, it felt like we were the only two people in the room, as if the music around us faded, leaving just this moment.

"Shall we continue?" I said, trying to return her gaze with a playful smile.

"I suppose we have no choice, do we?" she quipped, trying to maintain her cool as a rosy tint dusted her cheeks.

With my hand resting on Elaina's waist and hers on my shoulder, I pulled her closer as the soft music flowed around us.

We stepped slowly into the crowd, allowing the world outside to fade away.

Despite knowing that Elaina didn't feel the same way, I was determined to savor this moment with her, even if it was one-sided and unreciprocated.

"Look at everyone, they seem so happy," I said, attempting to divert attention from the tension lingering between us.

She offered a small smile, yet her gaze remained fixed on the movements around us, as if she wasn't fully present in this moment.

As we twirled, I surrendered myself to each movement. Our feet fell into sync, though there was a slight awkwardness that hung in the air.

Yet, it all became beautiful when I caught a glimpse of her face so close to mine, the flickering lights casting a warm glow between us.

As we turned again, I felt as if the world around us was dissolving into a blur. The music played softly, each note touching my soul, making it seem as though we existed in our own private world.

Though my heart longed to express how much I admired her, I understood that tonight was about dancing and creating memories, not expecting a reciprocation of feelings that was unlikely to materialize.

For a brief moment, Elaina locked eyes with me, and in that instant, I sensed a warmth in her gaze, though she quickly averted her eyes once more.

With every spin, I felt my heart race faster. I knew her heart was not mine to claim, yet as we danced together, I was resolved to cherish this moment as a beautiful memory, a fleeting glimpse of what might have been.

As the music began to slow and we spun for the last time, I pulled Elaina closer, feeling the warmth of her body enveloped in my embrace.

My breath came in soft gasps, but every moment felt precious. After a heartbeat, we came to a stop, and I looked at her intently.

"Elaina, You look perfect tonight" I said sincerely, hoping she could sense the depth of my feelings behind those words.

However, Elaina merely raised an eyebrow, her expression conveying skepticism about what I had just said.

"I figured you'd start flirting at a moment like this," she replied with her usual sardonic tone.

She fought to suppress a smile, but I could see the light in her eyes that she couldn't hide.

Deep down, I knew my words were genuine. She truly looked incredible—not just in appearance, but because of her strong personality as well.

This moment felt so valuable, and I wanted her to understand that my compliment wasn't just a playful jest.

Yet, I also recognized that Elaina was accustomed to my teasing, and I didn't want to disrupt the atmosphere we had created together.

"Who's flirting?" I quipped with a mischievous smile, trying to lighten the mood and keep her from feeling awkward.

After dancing, we settled at the dining table, and I took a refreshing sip of orange juice, hoping to relieve my fatigue. "Phew..."

Elaina watched me, her thoughts seeming to settle as she regarded me.

"Tired?" she asked, her tone casual but laced with a subtle concern.

"Well, wearing these formal clothes that are layered makes me feel hot," I replied, fanning myself dramatically.

"Should've chosen something more breathable," Elaina quipped, a teasing smile dancing on her lips.

"After this party, I'll immediately change my clothes," I said confidently. "I'll head straight to my room after this."

She took a sip of her juice, her curiosity piqued. "You're going straight to your room?"

"Mm-hmm. I'll be staying in this palace for a while," I explained.

"You get to stay here?" Elaina's tone was tinged with surprise.

"Of course! I get a comfortable room and I'm treated like royalty," I bragged, puffing out my chest a little.

Elaina rolled her eyes, a faint smile creeping onto her lips, clearly amused by my boastfulness. "Sounds like you'll be spoiled rotten."

Just then, a voice came from behind Elaina. "You can stay here for a while too, you know."

She startled slightly and turned her head to see Arthur standing there.

Her expression shifted from surprise to a mix of confusion and gratitude.

"Stay here for a while?" she echoed, her brows furrowing as she glanced at me, an unreadable flash in her eyes.

Elaina looked back at Arthur, her voice tinged with a mix of hesitation and curiosity. "Why are you offering that?"

"You're a VIP guest, right? VIP guests have the right to stay here for a maximum of three days," Arthur replied, joining the conversation.

"Three days, huh?" she murmured, a hint of temptation creeping into her voice.

"All right, if you're offering, I'll stay," she said, attempting to hide her excitement while trying to maintain her usual coolness.

"Okay, I'll prepare a room for you," Arthur said with a smile.

We continued to enjoy the party until it finally came to an end.

As the night wore on, Arthur and I ended up drinking together, our laughter mingling with the music.

Elaina, observing us in our drunken state, decided to join in and tried a little wine. But before long, she went too far, drinking more than she intended.

Her movements became clumsy, and her words slightly slurred as she giggled and reached for another glass.

Our private celebration turned into an all-nighter.

The next morning, I woke up in my room, groggy and confused. "Huh…?"

Rubbing my eyes, I got out of bed and opened the door.

Yawning, I looked to the right and was surprised to see Elaina emerging from her room.

"Morning…" she mumbled, her voice still hoarse.

"Good morning! Where's your morning spirit, Elaina?!" I teased, a playful grin spreading across my face.

"I have no morning spirit… and I hate you for being so annoyingly chipper," she grumbled, scrunching her nose at me.

Despite her complaints, Elaina and I enjoyed the morning together, and I never imagined I would savor such a moment with her.

As for the thief? He was safely locked away in prison, unaware that he had crashed our party.

Oh, and here's a little secret: those people who "accidentally" nudged us yesterday? Turns out they were Arthur's men!

Apparently, he'd told them to push us just so he could get me and Elaina to dance together. All part of his master plan.

And, of course, Arthur couldn't resist capturing the moment—he even snapped a picture of us mid-dance!

What a friend. Really, the best friend I could ask for… even if his methods are a bit, shall we say, unconventional.

Life has little room for everything. Sometimes, we dance with a partner, and sometimes we dance alone. But what matters is that we keep dancing

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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