Lilith and I headed towards the location where the ball was supposed to take place.
As I stepped into the ballroom, its magnificent beauty enchanted me. The glittering chandelier shone under elegant candlelight, and the flawlessly placed golden-embroidered walls reflected the grandeur of royalty. Moonlight and stars streaming through the windows cast a romantic light on the dance floor.
Guests, adorned in elegant ball gowns and gold-embroidered suits, created a dazzling scene as they walked on the red carpet. In one corner of the ballroom, a long table resembled a luxurious paradise filled with rich snacks and champagnes. This lavish presentation completed the splendor of the ball.
Aristocrat1: "Look at how good this couple looks."
Aristocrat2: "They must be from a famous family for sure."
Aristocrat3: "Isn't that guy the one who came second in the tournament?"
Aristocrat4: "Then he must be one of those sent people, maybe he married a daughter of a famous family."
Aristocrat5: "That must be it. Look at how beautiful the woman looks; I should've been in that guy's place."
I could hear people talking about us. I had anticipated this might happen, but I didn't expect them to make it so obvious. At least, my second-place finish in the tournament hadn't hindered my goal of gaining recognition, and it would make it easier for me to reach those responsible for the mysterious slave trade.
Lilith suddenly held my hand, probably thinking I was bothered by what people were saying. However, I didn't care about their opinions. Nevertheless, I was happy Lilith was by my side, so I decided to let the events of the night unfold and enjoy them. Moreover, if people continued to think I was with the daughter of a famous family, more individuals would become aware of me, facilitating my access to those responsible for the clandestine slave trade.
"Everyone seems quite impressed by your beauty. I'm happy to have you by my side; it brings me one step closer to saving Aiden."
Lilith: "You don't look too bad yourself."
"Do I not? I thought you said I was handsome."
Lilith: "Did I say that? I think you're remembering it wrong, hahaha."
"Hahaha, very funny."
A couple of attractive women approached us, looking young and glamorous, likely from important families or holding a high status.
Woman1: "Hello, I watched you in the tournament; you were quite impressive."
"Thank you."
Woman2: "Would you consider having tea with us later?"
Woman3: "Do you have a girlfriend? Or would you like to meet me?"
Woman1: "Hey! We decided I would be the first to talk to him."
Woman2: "My father is a famous merchant; if you'd like, we can continue our conversation privately."
Woman1: "W-well, we're also quite wealthy. My father is a count in the northern region."
They were all talking so much that they didn't give me a chance to speak. Fortunately, the King entered the ballroom, diverting everyone's attention.
King Charles: "Thank you all for coming. We are here to celebrate the grand tournament that concluded today. Unfortunately, the winner couldn't be here, but our second-place contestant is present. I congratulate him for his great efforts. Enjoy yourselves and savor the music.
Of course, the real purpose of this ball was to intimidate people, to show that no matter how powerful the participants in the tournament were, they were all loyal to Charles. They wanted to demonstrate that when called by the king, they would drop everything and rush to a ball. It was a nice show to showcase his power and indicate that he had the support of significant forces, although I didn't join his side, nobody knew that.
After King Charles finished his brief speech, he smiled at me. I was a bit annoyed that he used me for his speech, but I still smiled back at him. As soon as King Charles finished his speech, more women gathered around me, bombarding me with questions. Luckily, I saw couples starting to dance with the music. It was my chance to escape.
"Would you grant me the honor of this dance, my lady?"
I extended my hand to Lilith, bowing slightly.
I'm not sure if Lilith understood what was happening or if she just wanted to dance, but she suddenly took my hand with a big smile, accepting my offer.
Lilith: "Of course."
We started dancing with Lilith, looking into each other's eyes and dancing without saying a word. I thought we might get lost among the other dancers, but the attention of the crowd began to focus on us. Despite everyone watching, Lilith seemed unfazed. So, I decided to savor the moment and dance with Lilith as I pleased. For a few minutes, we continued dancing while looking into each other's eyes. The music had long ended, and everyone had stopped dancing, but we hadn't noticed. After a few seconds, we realized that people were watching us, and both of us blushed.
Later, I saw Malik standing on the side in his suit. I took Lilith's hand and went over to Malik. Surprisingly, Malik was once again eating, which was truly astonishing. I wondered what he did when he wasn't eating. Maybe he learned to cook to eat more later?
"I'm surprised you found a suit that fits you."
Malik: "Hey, buddy, I'm not that fat, okay? I'm even on a diet right now."
Him saying that while stuffing a bunch of things into his mouth simultaneously didn't make his words very convincing.
"Anyway, I'm going to the balcony of the ballroom to gather some information. Since it's cold out there, not many people will be on the balcony, so if someone wants to talk to me, they'll definitely come there. For example, someone interested in doing business with a guy who came second in a big tournament, dressed in luxurious clothes and accompanying a girl from a rich family."
Malik: "Do you know someone like that? You should introduce me to them; maybe they'll treat us to some food."
How has this guy survived this long?
"Actually, Lilith, I was going to ask you to keep an eye out, but Lilith, please keep an eye on Malik."
Lilith: "Don't worry; I've got it covered, big guy. Do you want to bet on who can eat more?"
Oh yes, I had forgotten that Lilith was actually a massive snake and ate a lot...
I poured some wine into my glass and went out to the balcony. It was really cold. But as I expected, someone came to the balcony soon.
Lebron: "Hello, sir, I'm Lebron. I wanted to personally meet the second-place contestant of the tournament."
"Hello, are you also trying to marry me off to your daughter or something?"
Lebron: "Hahaha, no, sir. I've seen how you turned down other girls, and you're already with a beautiful lady. With a monster like that, you must have refined tastes."
Monster? Does he know that Lilith is a massive half-human, half-snake monster? Does he want to harm her? How much does he know about us? What's his purpose? Should I kill him?
Lebron: "Calm down, sir; I mean no harm. I have an ability that allows me to see the species of living beings. If I upset you, I apologize."
I think I unconsciously released a bit of my aura, and since he could feel it, he must be powerful enough to use aura. I should be careful, but I guess he's the guy I'm looking for.
"I apologize; I think I frightened you a bit. She's different for me, but you're right; I do have refined tastes. Usually, when I'm interested in creatures like monsters or half-humans, I prefer to acquire them as slaves. You know, they are so obedient and can do anything you want."
Lebron: "Hahaha, you're right, sir. Slaves are always better. Do you have any interest in sent people like yourself?"
Bingo, I got him on the hook.
"Of course, but finding sent slaves is challenging. Still, if I could find one, regardless of gender, I would acquire them. Also, since they have abilities, I could use them for protection or other fantasies."
Lebron: "Hahaha, I really like you, sir. Normally, I shouldn't tell this to anyone, but I think it's not a problem to tell someone with your wealth and refined tastes. Tomorrow midnight, there will be a secret auction in the lower floor of the old cathedral. All the wealthy and refined individuals will be there, and I assure you there will be pieces that match your tastes. Just show this ticket, and you'll be able to enter. You can bring your friends if you want, but be careful. This is a highly confidential auction."
"Well, I think I'll come and take a look. I liked you, Mr. Lebron; I'm sure we'll talk more in the future."
Lebron: "Hahaha, I feel the same, sir. By the way, make sure to hide your face with a mask. Many famous people will attend, so anonymity and secrecy are crucial."
"I'll keep that in mind; thanks. It's quite cold out here, so I'll go back inside."
Lebron: "Take care, sir; see you at the auction."
Damn scumbag, talking so casually about making people into slaves, selling them, and using them. Disgusting.
"Lilith, Malik, our business here is done. I've learned the location of the auction. He mentioned an old cathedral; there shouldn't be too many abandoned cathedrals without a specific location."
Malik: "Actually, there's only one abandoned cathedral in this city, and there's a story about why it was abandoned."
Malik continued talking while still munching on something, making it difficult for me to understand.
"What's this story? Maybe we can get a clue that will help us."
Malik: "I don't know the details, but I've heard that ghosts come to that cathedral after midnight and devour people."
Lilith: "Stop saying things like that!"
"Why? Are you afraid of ghosts?"
Lilith: "I'm not afraid; I just don't like them, okay?"
While talking to Lilith, someone bumped into me, spilling the wine in their hand.
Blond Guy: "Hey, watch where you're going! Because of you, wine spilled on my expensive shoes. What are you going to do about it?"
Lilith: "Hey, he didn't even look that way, and you bumped into him!"
Blond Guy: "What, are you saying it's my fault?"
"Okay, there's no problem. You bumped into me, so you're at fault. Let me pour you some wine, and you can go on your way, alright?"
Blond Guy: "I don't want your crappy wine. You should teach your bitch to talk properly."
After his last words, it was as if the leash holding Daichi had snapped.
Blond Guy: "Hey, can you hear what I'm saying? I'm asking, who will pay for my shoes?"
Malik: "That guy is dead now. I'm eating this cookie in honor of your death. Amen."