***
Inside the luxuriously decorated hall, waiters and servants entertained the guests' requests. Lavish tables filled to the brim with sumptuous food, juices, and desserts occupied one corner, while the other side pertained to adults.
The waiters politely served any kind of wine asked by the esteemed guests who arrived to attend the birthday banquet of Jash Ramille and Caera Ramille.
"Ugh! Why is there only wine!? Damn it!" complained a ginger-haired man in a low voice.
"Shut up! You drunkard!" An orange-haired woman shut his mouth by shoving food down his throat.
Despite their distinct appearance, they didn't stand out in the crowded banquet hall.
After all, humans had lived harmoniously with Elves and Dwarves for more than a millennium.
It had been a long time for people to get used to their differences; however, that didn't mean it was all roses and sunshine.
Their short forms might have drawn funny looks if they weren't already renowned as some of the finest artificers and blacksmiths in the Ramille Dukedom.
Surely, no one would want to offend them, right?
Unlike dwarves who like to be boisterous and didn't like the pretense humans pushed forth, the elves were entirely different.
They remained reclusive and rarely attended such events, so no elves were present in this event.
Except for a certain half-elf who was busy drinking wine and seemed drunk even when he had arrived.
"Hiccup... Bring me... Hiccup... the 25 one..."
Not refusing the confusing request, the female waiter served him a 25-year-old wine with great familiarity.
However, before she could leave, he immediately held onto her wrist, panic rising within her.
She was but a lowly servant. She didn't think anyone would go against this eccentric half-elf for her.
Even though he was handsome with his red hair and longer ears, she didn't want anything to do with him.
Luckily for her, it seemed she had just overthought.
"Hicc... Bring... Hicc.... Bottle..."
'Phew. It seems he only wanted the bottle...' the female waiter thought before acquiescing to his wish and directly left him there, informing the Head Maid and Butler to send a male waiter to the half-elf.
No way would she stay any longer near this half-elf. Yet she remained professional, doing her job well and even requesting to appoint a new server.
Just as she left his side, a human with sharp features, wearing a butler's attire popped up from nowhere, sternly looking at the drunkard.
"Master, please refrain from causing any misunderstandings," he advised like the butler that he was.
His words, however, just fell on deaf ears, making him sigh before he vanished once again.
Seeing the scene, some "nobles" clicked their tongue in distaste.
"Tsk, why did they even have to invite such a person?" A tall man with extravagant clothing that screamed luxury spoke out.
"You're correct, Lord Keger!" A short man with a port-belly hurriedly agreed, buttering up Lord Keger.
"How could they put the esteemed Lord Keger and that foul person in the same place!" The short man said with a scowl.
Those near him quickly agreed with whatever nonsense these two spouted.
Such scenes were commonplace throughout the banquet hall.
Everyone was trying to talk down their rivals or those who had rejected their advances and ploys.
Many young men and women snickered amongst themselves, seeing such scenes, considering others inferior to them.
It was all but the same for one table.
On that table were the forms of 2 children, different from the other nobles. They looked amazingly beautiful from such a distance.
Yet none dared to approach due to the identity of these guests.
They were none other than Amael Blake and Amelia Blake, the only children of Duke Arthur Blake.
They were a ducal family alongside the Ramilles and Arnes.
In the Solarnelle Empire, after the Imperial Family, the three Dukes held the highest power and if they joined hands, even the Imperial Family would feel threatened.
Ignoring everyone's gaze falling on him, Amael spoke to his sister, "Do you want something?"
Amelia had a sad expression on her face after so long had passed and her friends were nowhere to be seen.
She pouted at her brother and replied, "I want to meet them!"
Her cute tantrum seemed to only melt the other youngsters in the banquet and even brought a small smile to Amael's face.
Some girls even blushed, just from seeing him smile.
"Ames, just wait a little more, okay?" The sincere tone of her brother made Amelia stop, but not before crossing her arms across her chest and a "Hmph!"
'Don't blame this one me. You brought this on yourself, Jash,' Amael smirked in his mind, guessing Jash's expression when he found out about it.
***
Unaware of the little devil waiting for him inside, Jash waited for his mother to open the door, allowing him to make a stunning entrance.
And she did just that.
Noticing the change in her son's demeanor as if he was looking down at anyone deemed inferior, she unconsciously smiled and finally pushed open the door.
Seeing the door pushed open from the outside and the figures of the three people entering, everyone inside the banquet hall turned quiet.
They didn't want to be marked as someone who was rude or disrespected the Ramilles.
No one who got marked had a nice ending, and no one present here wanted that.
Even if they were being basked by the numerous intense gazes, Sera remained indifferent in the face of it all.
Unlike Sera, Caera couldn't remain completely calm, but she did her best since it wasn't her first time at such an event.
'My 5th birthday was even grander than this! Even big brother was here! I mustn't embarrass myself!' Caera firmed her mental state before she regained her bearing.
On the other hand, most gazes drew to Jash who seemed different from all of his previous appearances.
There were even rumors of him being a lazy guy, unwilling to put in the hard work required from a noble's child.
Many even wanted to curse him but they were scared of the Ramille's wrath.
However, today was an eye-opener for many such people.
Jash had a calm and noble demeanor around him. His arrogance and pride shone in his eyes despite his young stature, surprising many.
Most guests didn't expect to see such a look in the eyes of a youngster, much less someone like Jash.
'Damn! I definitely don't want to be here!'
Contrary to what they believed and Jash displayed, he just didn't want to be here.
He really wanted to make a run for it but his mother's sneaky glances at him sent chills down his spine.
'Hm?'
Suddenly, Jash felt weird and turned to check the cause of it, only to see the pouting face of a white-haired little girl wearing a red gown with red earrings.
'Amelia? Why does she look angry?' Jash wondered before his eyes darted to the person sitting next to her.
'Deal with it,' mouthed the white-haired boy to Jash upon noticing his gaze. He too was dressed nobly, donning a black shirt, trousers, blazer, and shoes.
'Curse you, Amael! You're useless!' Jash thought, trying his best to keep his facade despite feeling helpless at his friend's betrayal.
'He ought to at least give me a hint, right?' Jash couldn't help but want to beat Amael for always making trouble between him and Amelia.