(3rd Person POV)
The cast and crew gathered to celebrate the completion of their projects, and Arthur hosted a grand party in the spacious and elegant garden of his mansion. To add to the festivities, he invited James and Frederick to perform. Their bands collaborated, blending their musical styles seamlessly. The highlight of the night came when James sang "We Are the Champions" alongside Frederick and his famous band, Queen.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy and joy. The cast sipped wine, engaged in lively conversations, and cheered enthusiastically for the bands' captivating performance. It was a rare opportunity for everyone to unwind and revel in the moment after months of intense work.
Some guests danced to the infectious beats of the music, while others simply enjoyed the vibrant ambiance.
Among the dancers was Selina Taylor, who joined a group that had placed third in last year's Hellfire Got Talent. Her graceful movements drew applause from onlookers.
The Hellfire crew, unaccustomed to such extravagant celebrations, found themselves both amazed and delighted.
This was the first time Arthur had hosted such a lavish event, and it wasn't just the grandeur of the party that stood out. Even the two dragons and a group of partying orcs—acting as if they were one of the Four Civilized Races—added a unique and boisterous charm to the gathering.
Some attendees were more accustomed to such revelry, like Lewis, an old Empirican superstar. He mingled confidently with the female cast members, his experience with high-profile parties evident. Yet even Lewis couldn't help but admit that the presence of dragons and orcs was a fresh and unexpected twist.
Surprisingly, the focal point of the party wasn't the fantastical creatures, nor was it the music.
All eyes frequently turned to a particular table in the center of the garden. There, Arthur, the genius filmmaker, sat close to Firfel, the stunning elven actress. Their proximity, the way they talked and laughed together, suggested something more than friendship.
Whispers circulated among the guests, some stealing curious glances at the pair. Many speculated whether Arthur and Firfel were finally being honest about their feelings, and if this party would mark the announcement of their relationship.
Hidden in the shadows, away from prying eyes, stood Sylwen. Her hooded robe obscured half of her face as she watched Arthur and Firfel from a distance. Her expression betrayed no emotion, but after a moment, she quietly retreated into the darkness, disappearing from view.
Arthur's gaze flicked briefly in her direction, sensing her presence. Yet his attention was quickly drawn back to Firfel.
"So," Firfel said, her tone light but her cheeks faintly flushed, "where's my compensation? That kiss during the final scene…"
Her voice trailed off as her blush deepened. "That wasn't in the script, and it definitely wasn't in the rehearsal. I don't think my talent fee covers that kind of... kiss."
Arthur's lips curved into a smile as he swirled the wine in his glass. "I understand. You're right—I did take some liberties during that scene."
Firfel's blush deepened. "Yes, and I think I deserve compensation."
Arthur chuckled, catching Firfel off guard. "Compensation is the least I can offer," he said, his tone teasing. "Because, honestly, I really enjoyed that kiss."
Firfel's cheeks burned hotter. "Stop it," she muttered, her embarrassment spilling over. Then, in a hurried tone, she added, "You know what, forget it. I don't need any compensation—"
"No, no," Arthur interrupted smoothly. "I insist. I've prepared something for you. I think you'll like it."
Firfel raised a brow, her curiosity piqued despite her flustered state. "Is it that secret tea you've been hoarding?"
Just the thought of the tea—its refreshing aroma and delightful taste—momentarily distracted her from her embarrassment.
Arthur chuckled again. "No, it's not the tea."
Firfel's shoulders slumped in mock disappointment. "Then I don't want it," she quipped, though her tone carried a trace of playful curiosity.
Arthur simply smiled, his gaze warm and enigmatic. The mystery lingered, leaving Firfel both intrigued and slightly exasperated.
A few seconds later, Arthur still wearing that triumphant expression, Firfel couldn't suppress her curiosity any longer. Finally, she said, "Alright, fine. What is it that you've prepared for me?"
Arthur's smile widened, almost too smugly, as though he had won a silent battle of wits. Firfel felt a slight twinge of annoyance and considered retracting her question, but before she could, Arthur reached into his suit pocket.
His hand emerged holding a small, neatly wrapped box, just large enough to fit in his palm. A red ribbon adorned the box, its shine catching the soft garden lights.
Arthur presented the gift to her with the same self-assured smile. "This is what I've prepared for you."
Firfel raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. "Is it a watch or something?" she guessed, though the shape of the box clearly suggested otherwise.
Arthur chuckled. "Why don't you open it and see for yourself?"
Firfel tilted her head, examining the box with growing curiosity. Her gaze darted around to check if anyone was watching her. It was obvious she was cautious about being the center of attention.
Arthur couldn't help but laugh. "Relax, you're not unwrapping contraband. It's not a cigarette or anything illicit."
Firfel shook her head, her voice betraying a note of relief. "You can't blame me. I've been hearing rumors about some illegal leaves making rounds in the industry. Supposedly, they're giving people this euphoric high. Seems to be popular among actors and directors."
Arthur let out a hearty laugh. "I'm not that kind of demon. You're safe with me."
Firfel smiled at his response. "I know," she said softly. After a moment of hesitation, she finally began unwrapping the box.
Beneath the wrapping was a sleek white box bearing the logo Hellfire Electronics. A picture of a peculiar device adorned the box—rectangular, compact, with buttons on the surface and an antenna at the top. Firfel furrowed her brow as she examined it.
"Hm…" She read aloud, "Hellfire Electronics?" Glancing at Arthur briefly, she opened the box, revealing the device inside. It was identical to the image on the packaging—an unfamiliar gadget that fit neatly in her hand.
She held it up, turning it over in her hands as she looked to Arthur for answers. "What is this?"
Arthur's eyes sparkled with pride. "What you're holding is the next big thing from Hellfire Electronics," he said, his voice brimming with excitement. "I call it the Hellphone."
Firfel's eyebrows lifted in curiosity. "Hellphone?"
Arthur nodded confidently. "That's right. This product just finished beta testing and will officially launch in a few months—maybe even sooner."
Firfel inspected the device more closely, but her confusion remained. "Alright, this 'Hellphone'... What exactly does it do? What's it for?"
Arthur let out a small sigh, though he fully understood her confusion. The device was completely new to this world—its design and purpose unlike anything anyone had seen before.
"Let me explain," Arthur began. "This little device will change the way people communicate. It allows you to send messages, make calls to someone far away, and even access information without needing a wired connection. Once you understand how to use it, you'll see just how revolutionary it is."
As Arthur explained, Firfel listened intently, though she still seemed a little overwhelmed by the concept. Meanwhile, some of the nearby partygoers had noticed the exchange and were subtly glancing in their direction, their curiosity piqued by the strange object in Firfel's hands.
Whispers spread through the group, and the once-subtle glances turned into open stares. The intrigue surrounding Arthur's mysterious gift grew, though he remained focused solely on Firfel, eager to share his vision with her.