A loud knock echoed from my door and a maid entered holding a high quality suit. Due to our status as heroes from another world the king has been treating us as members above royalty. The suit was similar to a tuxedo and had yellow and red embroidery to look like fire. It was extremely comfortable and soft to the touch and whoever made it had altered it to fit me perfectly. Combing my hair I was ready for the event.
Stepping out of my room in some dress shoes I felt uncomfortable. Loose and casual clothes were more my style and even with comfort In mind with this suit I just felt uneasy. Walking outside we met at the throne of the king before the gala.
Young heroes please be on your best behaviour. Foreign representatives have been invited to show our power and many of the high nobility will be present. Shall we continue and heat to the ball room.
A large door next to the room we were first summoned in slowly and menacingly opened. With the light from the setting sun we could catch glimmers of cutlery and plates. Walking behind the king my classmates seemed to be ecstatic that we were going to have a party, not all of them knowing that we hadn't achieved anything worthy of celebrating. The king separated as part of the rules of nobility the highest ranking members came last and while we were above the king we didn't have to adhere to the rules due to not being a part of the nobility system.
The gala would continue into the early hours of the morning it was the perfect time to let loose.
A servant in refined attire called out
Please welcome Duke Anestra and Dutchess Vitra
A handsome man and woman entered giving a slight wave to the higher members of nobility With a simple smile on their face. Turning towards us they bowed, Shocked we couldn't respond.
""We greet the great heroes of the empire.""
Unable to respond most of my companions clammed up But gathering my resolve I responded.
"No need to bow to us sir and madam we are grateful for the respect that you have shown us,We greet the Duke and Dutchess of the empire."
Slowly my companions parroted my actions before finding a location to get comfortable until the rest of the guests arrived.
Soon another announcement was made for the king.
"Announcing the arrival of His and her majesty the King and Queen with the Prince and Princess of the kingdom!"
The king entered through a door that was further into the ballroom instead of from outside like the rest of us. Moving up onto a raised platform with a pair of thrones the king and queen sat down in followed by their children. They were all wearing luxurious attire adorned with gold and gems. The queen who we had never met before was wearing a pearl white dress with a slit in the skirt adorned with miniature gems and the king was wearing a black suit with a cape adorned with diamonds and a gold cane with incrusted red orbs that let off a slight sinister glow. The prince and princess wore simpler but just as luxurious clothes. The princess had a simple aquamarine dress that was simple yet elegant while the prince wore a white button-up shirt and black silk trousers. The family were domineering the room with a show of wealth and power. That much was for sure.
Slowly the banquet started to liven up a flurry of music and sounds creating a peaceful but lively atmosphere but the king had a dire almost begrudging look on his face.
As the party continued most of the noble children were looking at us or at a specific member of our group. Only the bold ones dared come near to us but our group mostly ignored them unless we had to give pleasantries.
The only people who weren't doing anything were Kate,Alice and the princess. They seemed to be gloomy like something was keeping them down. Slowly I made my way towards them with a drink in hand. Slowly walking up to Kate it looked like she was in a world of her own.
Hey Kate are you doing okay?
Huh...O-oh team I'm doing well thanks just thinking over some things.
What things?
Well just.. Do you think of the people who have died?
"Hmm no not really. We must strive to survive otherwise we won't be able to remember them."
A grim look spread over her face before her bangs covered her expression.
Oh did I say so etching wrong?
"Never mind!"
I could feel the spite in her voice before storming off.
"I miss him"
Who? someone who died? But she was never close to any of the students who died. Before I could mull over it a boy walked towards me, he was well dressed so he must have been a high noble. He had an arrogant smirk on his face as he walked towards me. Coming face to face with me he seemed to be sizing me up with eyes scanning every part of me from head to toe before looking directly into my eyes.
"Say why don't you work under me as a sponsored member of my guild and a bodyguard when not dungeon delving.Its better that anything you have currently and with our support you will strive further than you could ever with your so called companions"
Feeling enraged I clenched my fist in pure rage. Suppressing my anger I answered as calmly and appropriately as I could.
"Young sir I appreciate the offer however I have a duty to hold with my friends and I have sworn my loyalty to the king. However if I can help you with something from time to time I would be glad to."
His smirk turned to a frown.
You dare deny me the son of Duke-