I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my collar as I examined my reflection. The suit was sleek and fitted, a dark navy blue with subtle silver detailing along the edges. My hair, which I hadn't cut in a while, was tied back loosely.
'Not bad,' I thought as I straightened my cuffs. Tonight was the Sophomore Ball, and I had three dates—Rachel, Seraphina, and Cecilia. I still couldn't believe I was going to the ball with all three of them, but that's how things were now.
'Better get going,' Luna's voice echoed in my mind.
I stepped out of my dorm room and made my way through the dorm to pick up Rachel first.
I knocked on the door to Rachel's dorm, and she opened it almost immediately. For a moment, I just stood there, staring.
Rachel looked stunning. She wore a soft white gown that clung elegantly to her figure, the fabric shimmering faintly under the light. Silver accents traced along the edges of her dress, and her golden hair, usually tied up, cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. A simple silver necklace adorned her neck, adding to the angelic look she had.
She smiled when she saw me. "You look amazing, Arthur."
"You too, Rachel," I replied, offering her my arm. She took it, and we walked down the hall together, heading toward the limo parked outside.
Next, I made my way to Seraphina's dorm. When she opened the door, I almost forgot how to breathe.
Seraphina was wearing a flowing silver dress, the material catching the light and making her look like she had just stepped out of a winter dream. Her silver hair was braided intricately, with a few loose strands framing her face, and she wore a simple blue pendant around her neck. Her crystalline blue eyes sparkled as she looked at me.
"You clean up well," she said with a small, teasing smile.
"You look incredible," I replied, holding out my hand.
Seraphina's cool, composed demeanor never wavered as she took my hand, and we walked together to meet Rachel.
Finally, I stopped at Cecilia's dorm. The door swung open, and Cecilia stepped out, a playful grin on her face.
Cecilia was wearing a deep crimson dress that hugged her curves perfectly, with lace details that gave her a fiery, bold look. Her blonde hair was swept up in an elegant updo, and her crimson eyes sparkled with mischief. A ruby necklace rested at her collarbone, perfectly matching the fiery vibe she gave off.
"You're late," she teased, crossing her arms.
"Better late than never," I replied, offering her my arm.
Cecilia smirked as she took it, and we joined Rachel and Seraphina by the limo waiting outside. All three of them looked absolutely breathtaking, each in their own way, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as we made our way to the ball.
The AI-driven limo glided smoothly through the academy grounds, heading toward the grand ballroom. I glanced at each of the girls, feeling the weight of the evening ahead. As we approached the venue, I wondered how the night would unfold, knowing it was sure to be unforgettable.
As we stepped out of the limo, a crimson carpet stretched before us, leading up to the grand entrance of the ballroom. The red carpet was illuminated by floating orbs of mana light, casting a soft, ambient glow that made the entire scene feel even more glamorous.
Students from all over Mythos Academy were already gathered along the sides of the carpet, dressed in their finest attire, whispering excitedly as they spotted us. Some of the students gawked openly, their eyes wide with awe, while others exchanged curious glances, clearly trying to comprehend what they were seeing.
The sound of soft chatter, gasps, and murmurs filled the air as Rachel, Seraphina, Cecilia, and I walked down the red carpet together. Each step felt deliberate, almost choreographed, as if the world had slowed down just for us.
Rachel, walking beside me with her arm linked with mine, looked like an ethereal goddess.
On my other side was Seraphina, walking with quiet confidence, her gaze cool and distant as she ignored the curious looks from the crowd. Yet, despite her aloofness, there was an undeniable grace in every step she took, and I could sense the admiration she drew from those watching.
Then there was Cecilia, who walked with fiery confidence on Rachel's other side. She gave a little wave to the crowd, clearly enjoying the spotlight, and I could practically hear the whispers growing louder as people tried to process the fact that I was arriving with not just one, but all three princesses.
The entire walk down the carpet felt surreal. The atmosphere was electric, and I could feel the weight of countless eyes on us as we approached the grand entrance.
The towering glass doors loomed ahead, glistening under the soft lighting as we neared the threshold. The mana-infused patterns on the glass pulsed softly, like they were alive, responding to the presence of the guests approaching. As we stepped closer, the doors began to swing open silently, revealing the grandeur of the ballroom beyond.
Before we crossed the threshold, I stole a glance at the three girls beside me, my lips curving into a small smile. This night was going to be unforgettable, for better or for worse.
"Ready?" I asked, my voice low but playful.
Rachel nodded with her usual calm grace, while Seraphina gave me a small, determined smile. Cecilia, of course, winked at me, her fiery spirit fully on display.
"Let's make it a night to remember," she whispered back, her tone filled with excitement.
And with that, we stepped into the ballroom, the night truly beginning.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Whispers broke out immediately as Arthur and the three princesses entered the ballroom together. The grandeur of the venue, with its shimmering chandeliers and polished marble floors, momentarily dimmed in comparison to the spectacle that had just arrived. Eyes, wide with astonishment and disbelief, followed their every step.
The sophomore students, many of whom were already mingling in small groups or dancing in the center of the room, turned their heads in unison as if the air itself had shifted. Conversations faltered mid-sentence, drinks paused mid-sip.
"Is that… Arthur?" someone near the entrance whispered, barely concealing their shock.
"I heard he was coming with a date, but three dates?" another voice murmured incredulously. "Princess Rachel, Princess Seraphina, and Princess Cecilia. How does that even happen?"
"How did he pull that off?" one boy asked, eyes flickering from the trio of royal figures to Arthur, barely able to comprehend the scene.
Those who had been at Mythos Academy long enough knew the weight of each name that accompanied him. These weren't just any students—these were heirs to some of the most powerful forces in the world. Students whispered their names as if invoking myths: Rachel Creighton, Seraphina Zenith, Cecilia Slatemark. And Arthur Nightingale, a Rank 2, but still…
"I didn't think anyone could manage to bring one princess, let alone all three," a girl said, her voice tinged with awe. "And look at how comfortable they are with him!"
A group of students near the side of the ballroom, all in the same year as Arthur, exchanged glances, unsure whether to be impressed or concerned.
"Lucifer didn't bring anyone?" a boy asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and hesitation. He was clearly aware of the usual tension between Lucifer and Arthur, especially regarding Rachel.
"No," someone replied. "He's probably watching this and not happy about it. At all."
"How can he not be?" another girl muttered. "It's practically a declaration."
A group of girls nearby, all dressed in their finest gowns, shared glances filled with disbelief and a tinge of jealousy. "That's crazy," one of them said softly, shaking her head. "Arthur of all people… and those three?"
Others seemed torn between admiration and envy. The dynamic was undeniable—Arthur, walking confidently beside the three most admired girls in the academy, as though he belonged in their circle. And maybe, some realized, he did.
But others were less generous. One boy, clearly bristling with annoyance, muttered to his friends, "Just because he's close with them doesn't mean anything. He's not royalty. He's just… well, lucky, I guess."
"Lucky doesn't begin to describe it," his friend responded, a bit more pragmatically. "He almost beat Lucifer. He's earned his place here, royal or not."
Despite the murmurs of disbelief and curiosity, all eyes remained fixed on the group as they made their way deeper into the ballroom, the buzz of reactions growing louder with each step. Arthur's calm, composed expression did little to ease the tension. Instead, it only fueled the questions.
In a corner of the room, a group of boys, some of the more prominent sophomores, stood silently, their gazes following Arthur and the three princesses. One of them, Luke Orden, clenched his fists, his eyes flickering with resentment and frustration.
"I thought…" Luke started, but the words died in his throat as he watched the group. His friends shared uneasy glances, recognizing the envy radiating from him. There was no mistaking it—Luke had been captivated by Rachel for a long time, and now seeing her walk so closely with Arthur was a bitter pill to swallow.
"Just focus on yourself, Luke," one of his friends said quietly, sensing his frustration. "There's no point in dwelling on it now."
As the night progressed, the ballroom hummed with energy, but one topic dominated every conversation: Arthur Nightingale had arrived with three princesses. And nobody was sure what that meant for the power dynamics at Mythos Academy.