Around six in the evening, as the sun of Aegsburg neared the horizon, music began to waft through the foyer.
"It looks like the ceremony for the guest of honor is about to start. Let's go inside."
My mentor, it seems you are the true protagonist of this event; the guests inside are likely all waiting for you.
In the foyer, Councillor Carter and his wife stood with their daughter at the center as the guests formed a circle around them.
"Thank you all for taking the time to join us for my daughter's coming of age. We are grateful for the blessings of the divine that have allowed her to grow up healthy and happy," the councillor said, drawing a heart with a line through it across his chest—a sign of his religious faith.
"Next, I thank the kingdom, which continues to grow stronger under the leadership of the king and all you distinguished gentlemen." Councillor Carter finished his remarks, picked up a glass of champagne, and the surrounding guests did the same.
"Lastly, I thank my precious daughter for the joy she brings to her mother and me. Cheers, to the gods, the kingdom, and all of you." After his speech, everyone raised their glasses and drank.
A maid brought forward an elegant gift box, which the councillor opened to reveal a luxurious ruby necklace, the gold chain adorned with a gemstone slightly smaller than an egg. The opulence blinded Elyon for a moment.
"Annie, you are the brightest ruby in Aegsburg tonight. Let me adorn you with this, a celebratory gift from your mother and me. Our love for you is as everlasting as this gemstone."
"Thank you for your generosity, Father," Annie replied, her expression not as jubilant as expected.
Now was the time for the ball, and a small orchestra of about a dozen players on the second floor of the foyer began to play a lively dance tune. The first dance should be between the birthday girl Annie and her father.
Elyon, knowing no one else, decided to avoid any awkwardness by fetching himself a cocktail.
"Could I have a cocktail, please?" Elyon asked a passing servant, who was busy collecting empty glasses.
"Are you sure you want a cocktail now?" the servant hesitated.
"Yes, I am certain."
"How about a gin, tequila, and juice cocktail?"
"That would be fine."
The servant quickly gathered the remaining champagne glasses.
As the opening dance concluded, guests with companions prepared for the second dance. Chief Orion had already invited a lady in a fine dress, and Professor Russell was invited by the hostess.
Elyon moved to a window, trying to look inconspicuous.
"Here is your cocktail, sir." The servant handed Elyon his drink.
"Escaping so soon? With that attitude, you'll never climb the social ladder. Unlike your charmingly straightforward sisters, you seem to be playing the naïve fool. But it's the direct ones who get welcomed," the voice of the guest of honor, Annie, and her two companions approached Elyon.
"I'm just a poor policeman earning a weekly wage of 5 pounds. Your birthday gift could be ten years of my salary. Don't bear me any ill will. I have no aspirations of climbing your social ladder," Elyon explained.
Annie didn't seem convinced by his words and returned to the dance floor with her companions.
Servants brought out iron rolling tables laden with food, and enticing aromas wafted through the air. Exquisite dishes like roast chicken, beefsteak, and caviar were served on silver platters. Elyon filled a large plate with food and found an empty long table to dine.
The medium-rare steak was succulent, with juices bursting with each bite, and the pepper sauce provided the perfect complement to cut through the richness.
"Big brother, it's not very nice to ditch your adorable sisters and eat like a cheating cat," Nyara chided, joining Elyon with Seraphina, both carrying plates of food. Elyon could feel envious glares from other males.
"Don't use such ambiguous phrases. Why didn't you continue dancing?" Elyon asked while continuing to load his plate with meat.
"They're all just kids trying to act grown-up. When they see us, they just show off their family wealth as if they earned it themselves. It's like toddlers bragging about their toys," Nyara retorted with her usual sharp tongue.
Nyara seemed to be struggling with a fish, separating the flesh from the bones with her cutlery.
"We might as well focus on eating," Elyon suggested, sipping some juice since he was never good with alcohol.
Scanning the hall, most of the high-society guests were still dancing. Annie appeared to be talking to a councillor before leaving the foyer with her companions.
What caught Elyon's attention were two men dressed in high-collared, face-obscuring black attire. Their woolen suits looked far more expensive than his own blended fabric uniform, yet they too had taken seats near the entrance to dine.
"We're not the odd ones out here; those two gentlemen are also enjoying their meal."
After stuffing himself, Elyon chatted with his sisters for a while.
Annie returned, now dressed in more casual clothes, the necklace no longer around her neck. Could changing clothes take half an hour? Checking his watch, it was about 7:30 PM.
An hour later, his sisters were yawning, and Elyon looked for Chief Orion to inform him they would be leaving early.
Orion was at the entrance of the foyer, smoking and chatting with Professor Russell and Councillor Carter.
A burly servant rushed in, whispering something in Carter's ear. The councillor's face turned pale, and he seemed unsettled. With guests still around, it was hard for him to leave.
"My friend, it seems you're facing an emergency. If you need help, we have two policemen and a professor here who could assist," Chief Orion inquired.
"It's just a small matter; I can handle it," the councillor tried to downplay the situation, but his fleeting gaze betrayed him.
"Carter, if you need help, just say it. I believe my reputation will carry some weight across Aegsburg," Professor Russell interjected.
"It's not a big deal; it's just that my daughter's room seems to have been burglarized..." Carter replied hesitantly.
"Mr. Carter, why 'seems'?" Elyon questioned.
"A servant reported that the patrol found a broken window in my daughter's room facing the backyard upon hearing a sharp noise. All the keys to our main residence's doors are with me, and my daughter has gone to check for losses. I don't wish to upset the mood of the other guests," the councillor explained.
"Carter, I think you could use our help. Let's go, Elyon. You and Carter check out the situation, while Russell and I will stay here. We can't all investigate at once; it would raise suspicion among the guests. Besides, this will be a good test for you as a policeman," Professor Russell said.
"Alright, Professor. Let's go, Mr. Carter," Elyon replied calmly.