Gradually, a swarm of guests filled the main hall, their opulent attire exuding elegance and sophistication. Clad in stunning gowns, tuxedos, and adorned with unique masks, each guest was a sight to behold.
The main hall was meticulously guarded, with sentinels positioned on both sides, ensuring the utmost security. From the vantage point of the middle floor, I gazed downward, marveling at the breathtaking sight of the grand chandelier, which radiated a perfect glow akin to dazzling stars, illuminating the entire space.
As the maestro stepped forward, orchestrating a small ensemble, a majestic symphony filled the air, serving as a captivating backdrop as people entered and exited through the main doors.
The atmosphere became infused with life and vibrancy, leaving me in awe of the sheer beauty of the surroundings. Interrupted by a tap on my back, Kev signaled that it was time to proceed towards the presence of the king.
As the king made his entrance into the main hall, the lights and the grand chandelier gracefully dimmed, creating an aura of majesty and anticipation.
Positioned in the middle of the back wall, the temporary throne commanded a higher elevation, separating the king from the rest of the audience, al of whom eagerly turned their attention towards him.
Adorned in my disguise, I stood alongside the king's personal soldiers, while Kev remained behind me, ready to react swiftly to any unforeseen events. However, although I was visible to everyone, Kev, being a spirit, remained unseen. Glancing back at Kev, I couldn't help still notice worry etched upon his face.
"Thank you for coming to our annual grand ball, to my dearest Ethyrian citizens, this is another feast, an event we must celebrate, the most memorable day of the year, let us begin to enjoy this very night while the evening lasts-" The king begins his speech.
He most likely pertained to rich people when he mentioned dearest citizens. Despite the speech continuing for a few more minutes, there is still no sign of Celesty.
The audience is completely silent as they attentively listen to his words. Finally as he concludes his speech, he offers a memorable toast to everyone.
In response, all the attendees raise their gleaming glasses filled with different types of liquor and collectively cheer for the king.
As I observed the cheerful atmosphere and the joyful expressions on everyone's faces, my attention was inexplicably drawn to a peculiar occurrence involving the king's drink.
Amidst the finest and purest wine, a mesmerizing bubble of shimmering purple materialized, seemingly defying gravity as it swayed gently from the king's hand, inching closer to his awaiting mouth.
With mere seconds remaining before it would cascade into his mouth, I became increasingly convinced that my suspicions were not unfounded.
Drawing upon my knowledge of herbs, poisons, winemaking, alchemy, and chemicals gleaned from countless hours of reading, my memory was suddenly ignited, prompting me to extend my hand in the direction of the chalice. In telepathy, I told Kev that's poisoned-
*SWOOSH*
Suddenly, A sudden rush of air brushed past me. Before I could react, Kev, startled liky myself, instinctively knocked the chalice away, causing it to crash onto the hard marble floor.
The sound of clanking echoed as the chalice bounced and rolled, while its contents spilled onto the carpet, dissolving the once vibrant red fabric.
Under the realm of potion studies and toxicology, there existed a deadly substance known as Cilacratium. This lethal concoction was renowned for its instantaneous fatality, capable of melting flesh, wood, glass, and various other materials.
It possessed a unique characteristic of being able to blend into any color, camouflaging itself cleverly. However, despite it potency, gold remained unaffected by its corrosive properties.
It was cunningly employed as a concealed and fatal poison, evidently targeting the wealthiest person who could afford a golden chalice – the king.
The mishap that led to this revelation was likely a mere accident, as the poison unexpectedly surfaced in the form of a bubble, thwarting the perpetrator's plan.
The crowd went silent for a moment.
"Hey look! It was poisoned." A man near by the chalice shouted. "That man, right there, he saved the king!" someone from the crowd shouted and pointed at me. "He's that outworlder right?!" another one from the crowd, word seems to go fast.
No, no, no, it wasn't me. People mistakenly think that I saved him but it was Kev who took the charge and accomplished the task. Kev stood beside the king after an impressive leap from a far distance.
"Everyone, search the area!" a general amongst the soldiers shouted, elite knights and soldiers followed him.
"Hahahaha! What kind of lowlife would try to assassinate me!" The king could not help but burst into laughter. He gracefully stooped down and snatched the exquisite golden chalice.
"Such an unfortunate event for the killer, how sad. But for us is not! Because tonight is ours to enjoy!" With an air of self-importance, he addressed the gathered crowd, denigrating the would-be assassin and flaunting his superior position of power. Gazing at the opulent chalice in his hands, the king paused momentarily before shifting his attention back to his subjects.
"If we find this pathetic killer, we will not give him justice, but we will give him death! An attempt to kill me or just even a sliver thought of harming me will cost one's death! Find him! And bring him to me!" Urging his loyal followers to seek out and deliver the culprit to him, the king was met with an eruption of applause and cheers.
"You there?" he suddenly pointed at me. "My savior, are you the outworlder residing under Celesty's protection?" He asks.
"Yes, he's with me." Just as I was about to respond, a person I recognized finally made their presence known. It was Celesty, adorned in an elegant red dress that showcased a glimpse of her skin.
Her short hair was expertly styled for the occasion, and she had a strikingly beautiful face, though it appeared devoid of any emotions. Now that we had managed to evade the attack, our main objective became finding the identity of the killer.