News reached Theodora's ears that Gideon had been invited to the Winter Ball. She suddenly threw the phone that she had been holding in a fit of rage. Emilia had just entered the room where Theodora was currently residing. Seeing the situation, she had planned on leaving and coming back again later but suddenly Theodora called for her.
"What is it Emilia?"
"I came here to report that there had been suspicious activities in the borders. Colin and his team came back to find that some of the monsters had retreated"
"Retreated? Where's Colin?" the faster she's done with her tasks here, the faster she can return home. If all else fails, she'll try to convince her Lady to watch over Gideon for her. Theodora has faith in her husband being able to fend for himself as he is also in the same faction as her but not Gideon.
Theodora and Emilia met up with Colin, the captain of the Lycan Division. Although it is true that Lady Kassandra despises men, she still gladly took over her deceased brother's divisions. He was a tall man who had black hair, brown eyes, and a tanned skin that was a huge contrast to the Pale to light skintones that vampires had. Colin had been discussing with his subordinates, perhaps it's regarding the report Emilia had given to her.
"Colin" She called out to him
"Theo" He responded and dismissed the other Lycans to leave the room.
"Emilia had mentioned to me that the monsters were retreating? Does this mean they show sign of intelligence?"
"yes and not entirely" Colin had laid out the map of the Northern Region and their current base had been marked on the map. There were areas that hand been crossed out with red markers indicating that there were concentrated amounts of monsters in that area as well as other markers that indicated if the area had been cleared out and made into a temporary retreat for the front liners.
"I and several others went to this area" Colin pointed to a part that was on the right side of the map. Theodora's team had went to the left side, discovering that the area they had thought to have monsters had been cleared out already.
"There were monsters that attacked us but suddenly we heard a weird howl. Immediately all of them retreated and when we tried to follow them, we got attacked by holy magic. Several of the wolves got killed and we lost them in the process to prevent further loss."
"Did you report this to her Lady Kassandra?"
"I haven't, she still can't look at me properly when I tried approaching her last time."
Theodora sighed and looked at the rest of the markers before grabbing the marker nearby. She drew a circle at several approximate areas basing on the previous scouting reports and the current situation.
"I'm fairly certain that there would be hordes here and here. But we can no longer handle this on our own given that we are now being attacked by whom we can speculate to be Matthew's Resistance members"
They were no match to pure blooded angels. She couldn't blame Colin for retreating instead of pursuing because they would just lose more men if they tried. Theodora clenched her fists realizing that she won't be able to come home now.
"I'll report this to Lady Kassandra once she returns and I'll suggest for us to merge with Lord Damien's team since it now involves Matthew"
"I'll do my best to support you with this Theo"
"I know that Colin. I just hope that things back in the capital would be fine."
.
.
.
Gideon had already put on the suit that Amias had gifted him. He was a little unsure of how he should do his hair so he went out to ask Stephen. To his surprise, Stephen was definitely dressed for the occasion by having his Light brown hair swept up to the side and he wore a dark green suit. He glanced at the hallway and saw how Gideon looked. It reminded him of the first time Gideon went to prom and thus he got a little bit teary-eyed because this child was growing up.
"Are you crying?"
"What?" Stephen immediately looked away and quickly wiped his tears before Gideon could notice.
"I'm not crying. Also, your hair is so messy..."
Stephen walked towards him and used his fingers to brush up Gideon's hair. He frowned because it wasn't cooperating so he had to go around the house first looking for something. When Stephen came back, he had bobby-pins and quickly fixed up his hair.
"Once we arrive there, just stick next to me alright? If it's not possible, at least just remain in my sight" Stephen sighed and grabbed their invitations.
Gideon followed Stephen to the car and the two drove off to the venue. He kept thinking of what's going to happen in the ball. Perhaps he was just nervous because he has never attended this huge of an event. He just laughs at himself because even though he wanted to live quietly at the sideline away from the protagonist, here he is on the way once again to the main story points.
What happened to this arc again? I know my character is supposed to attend there as an employee but right now I'm a guest. I've been in this place for so long I can't remember the details of the book anymore.
Gideon could only hope that things would go well.
The two safely arrived there and Gideon was in awe with how many guests were here. It was a mix of Demons, Humans, and Angels. Well to be fair, the winter ball was meant to be a celebration of peace for all races. But Gideon just did not expect the volume of guests. There were even people outside just looking in. The rest of the capital were holding street festivals since they couldn't attend the Winter Ball themselves. It really was the festive season.
The two showed their invitation to the demon who was guarding the entrance. As soon as the demon saw Gideon's invitation, they kept glancing at him. Their Arrival was announced but everyone else was too busy to even bat an eyelash at them. Well, he knew exactly what the staff was thinking thanks to what Damien had told him a while ago. Gideon sighed, fully knowing that their opinions will never change.
Aren't I the victim here?
"Gideon, as much as possible don't talk to anyone you're not familiar with here." Stephen warns Gideon. He would have grabbed Gideon by the hand like old times but he was an adult now.
"Why's that?"
"Considering there are three races with each of their own hidden agendas and your unique status in this kingdom, there will be those who will manipulate you." Stephen bluntly states with irritation written on his face. A wave of concern hits Gideon as he thought of the fact that Stephen had blurted this out loud.
"Stephen, the others can hear you..."
"Then let them hear me, it's not like they're not thinking maliciously of me right now are they?" He lets out a fake smile and it wasn't helping Gideon's feelings right now.
"If they decide to act just because of a few words then that would mean I was right"
Stephen continued to make risky statements that could be counted as a threat as glanced at one of the servants that had been serving wine to several of the guests. The servant immediately ignored the others who had been asking for a glass of wine and went straight to Stephen to hand him one. Stephen takes another and pours half of it into his glass before handing it to Gideon.
"While you're here, just enjoy the food at least. That's the only good thing here"
Stephen glanced to his side and noticed Lady Kassandra was staring at him with mixed emotions. He himself felt conflicted and thought of his wife holding down the fort in the front lines while their boss is here socializing. It's not like their Lady liked it any better but of course, Stephen is still pissed.
Gideon walked to the buffet and couldn't help but think that this scene was familiar.
Oh yeah, Gideon was a server in this party right? Then..
This would be the party where Kaiden exposes his identity as a Half-Angel, just like him. People are still wary of Angels despite the fact that Luciel had been trying to make amends with them. Most of the time they'd be left alone but there are still those who would go out of their way to harrass an Angel for the sake of "revenge". And because in the original story, Kaiden pushed the hatred for Angels even more... Gideon ended up becoming a villain.
But that won't happen anymore.
Gideon had been spacing out for a while that Damien managed to make his way next to him. He had a disappointed expression and next to him was Amias who was all smiles.
"You'll burn a hole at that dish if you keep staring at it" Amias playfully states before handing Gideon a serving.