As though, it all took place for a matter of seconds, the hall had its glory unchanged. The ball continued with the same grace with the guests seemingly undettered from all of the surrouding movements.
Enya puffed her cheeks, looking around, "Did that Squire Joe even come here?" she held cross. Roaming around in a circular motion, she tried to spot her target near the seating of General Void and commanders.
Eventually, Arawn and Zayne crossed paths within the Banquet hall silently, exchanging subtle nods, while acknowledging their commitment that the celebration flowed uninterrupted.
Zayne lifted his right hand, gazing upon his palm, where a faint green mark shimmered subtly bearing a faint trace of poison. With an intense and silent exchange, Zayne addressed Arawn, his voice a mere murmur, "And this concludes it..."
In the meanwhile, an Imperial court attendent, regally attired, quietly approached, having received a discreet nod of approval from Emperor Vladimir. The courtier swiftly took charge, directing guards to secure the incapacitated intruders and oversee the situation. Arawn and Zayne shared an unspoken accord, acknowledging the attendant's dispersal.
Zayne, with graceful humility, lowered his head toward Arawn, his eyes briefly shut in a bow. Arawn responded in a whisper, "The suspects may have fallen within our grasp...but the remains have not." A black crescent mark beneath his left eye glinted and momentarily diminished, fading back to silver.
Unseen assurances coursed through the hall, and the banquet could now continue in an atmosphere of safety and security. The attendees, unaware of the shadowy dangers that had loomed, continued to revel in the festivities.
Each potential threat further was silently and deftly managed.
As Zayne stepped gracefully forward, the ladies of the Imperial banquet couldn't help but cast lingering glances in his direction. His presence, like a refined gentleman, drew their attention--more like charmed them.
Realising, that he was caught in a spotlight, Zayne gulped. But before he could make an escape, a group of lively ladies encircled him, their laughter like tinkling bells. With mischievous grins, they whisked him away amid the dance floor, leaving him flustered but unable to resist. Zayne couldn't help but smile with teary eyes, glancing at Arawn, as he found himself swept up in the joyful dancing revelry.
Arawn, on the contrary, silently stepped away with a book in his hands. He gently evaded the situation, moving to a quieter corner.
But, through fate or luck, Enya, still on her quest to find the squire, unknowingly collided with him.
Her brows furrowed in annoyance as she began to scold, "Where in the world do you think you're goi--"
However, as Enya turned to face him, she was completely taken aback. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she instinctively covered her mouth with her hand. Inwardly, exclaiming, "OH MY GOODNESS!"
Arawn, unfazed by the collision, looked down at her back, silent. Enya gulped inaudibly, bowing, "I am sorry..." she requested awkward.
"Never mind," Arawn responded calmly, keeping his distance. Enya stared in shock, "Now, this was...effortless." she thought, considering Abel in his place could have made a fuss.
Realision hit her as she asked once more, "Um. Have you seen a squire named Joe? An escort squire?" Hoping not to get the correct answer this time either, she bit her lip.
Arawn maintained his composure, simply stating, "...I must deny."
Enya scratched her head confused, "Where can I find him, then?" she moaned depressed. Arawn overlooked her, uninterested in delving deeper.
Gazing at Arawn for a while, Enya commented, "Oh~ By the way, your hair looks nice. Who made them?" Arawn preferred to remain silent prompting a sigh from Enya, "It's a genuine appreciation," she clarified, her enthusiasm fading.
Considering her curiousity, Arawn lightly responded, "Raven—my younger sister tends to braid it for me..." Enya's eyes lit up, enthused, "Woah. Lady Raven is awesome." she held.
Enya's curiosity never fading she questioned, "How long does it take to braid it all like that." Arawn, focused on his book, shifted his gaze aside, "I try to copy how she does it. But even then, quite a while... I presume." Enya smiled, nodding, "Oh..."
Stepping forward, Enya placed her fingers on her chin, inspecting him keenly, "Hm...Gloomy, mysterious, -Boring....yet, suprisingly handsome." she commented, her tone free of her thoughts.
"Hey, you know what I think?" Enya told with a twinkle in her eye, "What lacks here, is your clothing. It is... somewhat... well, dull. It could use a bit more, you know, brightness. Maybe some vibrant colors? A dash of red, perhaps. A-ha! Marvellous. You'd leave a lasting impression on the ladies, that's for sure." With a snap of her fingers, she suggested grinning.
Though expected, Arawn paid no heed. Another thought crossed Enya's mind as she glanced at the revelry and then Arawn again, "Oh. Everyone is dancing and enjoying. Why are you alone here? You are a prince, after all. This event is meant for you." she asked concerned. Gazing at Arawn's reserved facade, she continued, "Don't tell me you lack the confidence, huh? No problem. I understand; it can be daunting to step forward alone. But don't worry, I'm here now. I'll help you."
Arawn eyed her disturbed, responding, "Whether alone or with someone, it matters not to me. I'm just here to do what needs to be done." He stepped aside. Enya blinked following,
"Alright. Alright. Don't be grumpy. You know, you can totally rely on me." Enya remarked, undeterred by his response, "Well, then! Whether alone or with someone, you're in for a good time tonight. Give me a moment; Let me find you a dance partner." She scanned the room for a suitable candidate.
Arawn could offer no words, and showed no signs of concern either way, returning to his contemplative reading. Enya, noticing his ever stoic attitude, shook her head hopeless, "Well, it seems you're determined to remain in your own world tonight," she remarked still urging, "Aw, come on."
Enya's eyebrows furrowed as she lectured, "Look, most princes here aim for the grand entrance, the spotlight! Now you tell, if you won't step forward, then, who will?"
Arawn closed his eyes, silent.
Enya couldn't help but chuckle, "Believe me, I know how to keep a secret a secret,"
"After all, you don't know how to dance, right?" Enya began suddenly, "What a coincidence? I don't either. Which means. You and I are same," she continued with an unexpectedly proud beam. Arawn, giving up even his slightest bit of indifference, turned his back to her, looking away--unamused.
For a while, there was silence. Raven approached Enya from the revelry. She arched an eyebrow and asked, "Enya. You?" Enya kept her finger firmly pressed with her lips, refusing to utter a word. Raven stared, he confusion growing, "Huh...?"
Sensing that the tension needed breaking, Enya changed the topic. She glanced at the other guests, ensuring no one's attention was drawn to them. With a sigh of relief, Enya complimented, "Your dress looks really pretty. Lady Raven," Raven smiled heartily, "Thank you."
Unable to resist the opportunity to tease her friend, Raven added, "And your singing was a blast." Enya scratched her head, flustered, "Man, that was embarassing..." she muttered. Raven laughed, and her eyes landed on Arawn, "Right, brother?" she asked. Arawn eyed her back as Draven made his way, "Hey!" he winked at Raven, who stepped aside, slightly flustered.
With a mischievous grin, Draven turned to Enya, "Little knightess, do we have to request you? To please come and spread the magic of your voice? No, dance, this time. I must say." he teased.
Enya blinked, taken aback, "W-What?" she stammered. Raven chimed in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Now that you're here, you have to join us."
Enya smiled awkwardly, trying to find an excuse, "M-me? Um, well. No, I have a sour throat all of a sudden." she coughed lightly for emphasis.
Draven chuckled, undeterred, "Come on," he insisted. Enya shot a desperate glance at Arawn, who respected his own concern. Enya befuddled, retorted, "No- I can't dance. Um. I am not even a guest."
Raven tugged her arm, "So what? You know why no one denied your presence? It's because of Commander Roy there. Come on. You are already very pretty."
Enya shook her head bewildered, "I swear. I have never danced before. Spare me." she cried perplexed. Raven pulled her together with her into the center of the dancing circle. Some guests stared, while others continued their own dances.
Draven stood beside Arawn smirking, "You could have at least tried to entertain the little girl," he spoke eyeing Enya, who was now being twirled around by Raven. Arawn shook his head discreetly.
As the night's ball reached its near end, Enya finally managed to escape the dancing revelry, taking deep breaths of reief, "Phew." However, all this time, she couldn't help but notice the undeniable awkwardness between Raven and Draven. Draven shared playful smiles with Raven who in turn, shrugged uncomfortably, her gaze darting everywhere but at him. It was becoming increasingly apparent to Enya that there was something amiss.
With a mischievous quirk of her lips, Enya decided to intervene. In a split second, She gently tugged on Raven's arm, pulling her out of the dancing circle, much to Raven's surprise. In a hushed tone, Enya asked, concerned, "What's wrong with you Lady Raven? You're dancing somewhere but looking somewhere else?"
Raven's brows knit as she tried to explain, "...What do you mean, I..." But before she could finish, Enya snapped her fingers and continued, "It seems Prince Draven will be leaving soon."
Raven's eyes widened slightly, and she glanced in Draven's direction, then back to Enya. "So... what?" she replied hesitantly.
Enya, unamused, retorted, "So what? Like it matters to me? Your cousin is about to leave, and you, my dear Lady Raven, should have the duty to entertain him with your lively personality."
Raven stared at her, reluctant, "You won't understand my condition," she mumbled, covering her face with her hands.
Enya, speechless, shook her head in disbelief, "Uh-huh." she responded, unconvinced by her response.
Raven, feeling nervous, gulped to admit, "Entertaining him...mother said so too. But- it makes me nervous."
Enya couldn't help but wink mischievously. "Don't worry," she assured, seemingly enjoying her own plans. "I'll manage that well." Raven gasped in suprise, "...Wha? I can't believe you..."
As the guests gradually ceased their dancing one by one, Enya seized a thoughtful moment to create an opportunity. She quietly cleared the way, making her presence discreet.
Taking another contemplative pause, she gently pushed Raven forward, causing her to gasp in bewilderment. Enya, however, acted as though it didn't concern her, turning away with a mischievous grin.
Raven stumbled slightly, surprised by the unexpected push. As she regained her balance, she found herself colliding with Draven, who instinctively reached out to hold her hand, his expression one of genuine concern. "Raven?" he said, his voice soft.
Raven gazed at him, her eyes wide with no words to say. She gulped nervously and took a step back, attempting to leave. But Draven, with a gentle yet firm grip, pulled her towards him once more. Raven jolted, her heart racing, as she met Draven's gaze.
With a usual genuine smile, Draven extended his hand to her with respect, "Little Raven," he said, "Shall we dance?"
Raven with her mouth slightly a gape, stared wide eyed. Draven winking, chuckled, "Just teasing you." he clarified, running a hand through his hair as Raven suddenly placed her delicate hand in his, "S-sure, Brother Draven." she spoke, looking below, her voice a soft melodic whisper.
Enya gazing at Draven and Raven gasped, "Beautiful people..." She spoke to herself quite envious yet sincere. "Heh...it must be enjoyable." She smirked, turning around and ruffling her hairs. Abel with his mouth agape, stared at Raven in shock. The nobles clapped their hands, entertained while Enya, clasping some flowers from the nearby bouquet, secretly showered the petals over Raven and Draven. Glancing at the final rose, she clasped it tight moving away.
Arawn's lips curved slightly. Seated at the side with his gaze fixed on the book, Enya approached him with a rather cheerful beam, "Haha! Look how beautiful they look. It is a game of seconds and all about seizing the moment, you see. I've always been good at making people shine in the spotlight." she laughed, proud.
However, her cheerful demeanor took a sudden dip as realization struck. Enya stammered, "Ah! I forgot to find a lady for you." she scatched her head sighing deeply, dissapointed, "No way...I messed up big time...Neither did I get my sword nor a lady. But don't you worry. Let me see," she assured Arawn.
Twirling a white flower in her hand, Enya offered it to him, "There you go. Silent prince." she spoke with a teasing grin. Arawn gazed at it, wordless. Without any hesitation, Enya playfully attempted to place the flower into Arawn's hand without hesitation, "Pfft. Too conscientious," she giggled, her voice carrying to the surrounding crowd, "Cheer up."
Arawn, ever so apathetic, placed the flower on the table beside him. The onlookers, noticing the exchange, couldn't help but whisper amongst themselves.
"Look. Look. Isn't he the Second Prince?"
"Yeah. That's him. Always dressing in eerie black."
"He looks so stoic and heartless,"
"...I doubt anything can make him smile. Tsk,"
"Hey, aside from that sombre presence, he does appear shockingly handsome, doesn't he?"
Enya, hearing the less-flattering comments, shot the onlookers a displeased glare. Her silent but stern rebuke was enough to silence the gossipers, and they quickly turned their attention elsewhere, yet murmuring,
"Who is she, and what is her problem?"
Enya with her expression darkening, faced Arawn, "Don't mind them." She told, irked.
But- It was strange. Much to her concern, it least affected him. Though, to her it was clear that he may be detached from everything but considering how much of a stab, gossips are, Enya squinted her eyes, asking,
"It appears you're carrying some burden. Is there something that troubles you? What makes you so distant from those around you?"
Arawn stood up, his gaze momentarily lowered, and his eyes closed briefly as he shook his head, "Such questions serve no purpose," he whispered to Enya, "In this world, darkness exists beyond the perception of a pure and naive mind like yours."
Enya heard him, her expression thoughtful. Soon, frustration washed over her as she momentarily dumbfounded, retorted, "How can you be so...confusing? (sigh) Naive? Me? No way! How can you say that?" Placing her fingers on her forehead.
Arawn merely responded, "You cannot possibly determine, for you've never witnessed it."
With a smirk, Enya said, "Heh... Enough of that. Darkness resides in every mind. It's up to us to conquer it, you know? Maybe some day, I'll show you how a knight doesn't entertain evil thoughts." she challenged.
"Very well..." Arawn responded, tilting his head ever so slightly, with his eyes shut. Enya realising reminded, "Hey, don't abandon the flower, I am telling you. I really got it with so much effort, you know," she exhaled giving him a knowing smile and then rejoined the crowd.
The Empress gazed at Enya from afar, her gaze immersed. A thoughtful expression crossed her face as her lips curved into a faint smile.
The Empress and Emperor, lifting their glasses in a symbolic gesture, offered a toast once again: "To the unbreakable bonds between realms."
In unison, the guests raised their glasses, and the room filled with applause. Soon, the ball dance took a closure, giving way to the grand opening of the feast.
The opening of the feast was a grand display of opulence. The waitstaff, impeccably attired, orchestrated the feast's opening with a practiced elegance. The feast was officially underway. The waitstaff, moving together like a finely tuned dance troupe, served each delectable dish with meticulous care, transforming each table into a culinary masterpiece. Under the head waiter's watchful eye, the banquet showcased the flawless service on the large nobles' table. Before long, all the guests began to eat.
Enya, roaming around the hall, stopped at each table, asking the same question, "Excuse me. Has anybody of you, seen an escort squire named Joe?" And so was the answer. The response was a unanimous repitition of "no."
Particularly, she had been evading General Void's sight. Avoiding General Void's vigilant gaze became a challenging game of hide and seek, and Enya couldn't help but let out an exasperated sigh, perhaps louder than intended.
Amidst the applause and clatter, Arawn and Zayne eventually met, exchanging a knowing look. Discreetly, departing- amid the shadows, their silent communication served a testament to a shared fulfillment.