The canteen at Eryndell University was bustling as usual, students chatting and moving about, trays in hand, making their way to tables. The aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the sweet scents of fruits and pastries from the dessert table. The hum of student voices created a warm, almost casual atmosphere, but today there was something different in the air.
Loot, sitting at the head of their table, was animated as usual. "So, the alumni party's coming up in three weeks, right? Have you guys heard the rumors?"
Peach, who was sitting next to him, rolled her eyes playfully but took the bait anyway. "Oh, I've heard. What's so special about this one? Just another fancy event with rich people flaunting their money and power?"
Loot laughed, shaking his head. "Not this time. This one's going to be huge. There's going to be a celebrity there! And not just any celebrity. Like, the kind that'll make everyone talk about it."
Peach raised an eyebrow. "A celebrity, huh? Now that's interesting. Who's coming?"
Loot shrugged dramatically, eyes glinting with excitement. "I don't know for sure, but it's someone big. Someone that's bound to make waves. I mean, this is the event everyone's going to be talking about."
Lux, sitting across from them, was more skeptical. "Right, because that's totally the reason to go. For the snacks and the celebrity gossip." She took a bite of her salad, clearly unimpressed.
Loot leaned in, his grin wide. "Well, maybe not just for the snacks, but it'll be fun! Imagine the stories we'll have after, no matter what happens."
Violet, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward with a conspiratorial air. "You all are missing the bigger picture. This is a networking opportunity. Alumni, professionals, influential people... this is your chance to make a lasting impression."
Peach smirked at Violet's tone. "You mean the chance to kiss up to people who don't know you exist? Yeah, sure. Networking."
Violet shrugged, not offended. "You don't get it, Peach. These things matter."
Before the conversation could go any further, Blade, who had been absentmindedly eating his lunch, cut in with a dry tone. "Whatever. Not like any of us are going for the networking." He looked around the table. "We're just going because we have to."
Lux laughed lightly. "Yeah, 'have to.' You know, for attendance purposes."
Peach raised her glass. "Exactly. It's just another event where we'll have to pretend like we care."
At that moment, a new voice joined the conversation. Umber, who had been chatting with a few other students on the other side of the table, slid into the seat next to Violet. She flashed a grin, her platinum hair catching the light. "Attendance is the only reason I'm going. But let's be real, there's going to be some drama, and I'm here for it."
Loot grinned back at her. "Always the optimist, huh, Umber?"
"Drama's fun," she shrugged. "People love to put on a show. Who knows? Maybe this year's party will actually be worth something."
Then, as the conversation flowed back into familiar territory—talking about their classes and the upcoming assignments—a sudden shift in the air made everyone pause. A flash of news on the canteen's TV caught their attention.
"Breaking News: Attempted Assassination of King Silver in Broad Daylight."
The entire canteen fell into a hushed silence as the report continued. A few hushed whispers filled the space, and even the staff behind the counter paused, looking at the screen.
The news anchor's voice continued, "The young King Silver was attacked earlier today while on a diplomatic visit. Security forces have responded swiftly, and the situation is under control. His Majesty is reported to be unharmed, though authorities are investigating the assailants—believed to be linked to his late parents' rivals."
Lux's eyes widened, her fork falling to her plate. "Wait... what? The king... the king?" She glanced at the others, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yeah, apparently," Violet muttered, leaning closer to the screen. "It says here that it was an attempted assassination. That's... big."
Loot let out a low whistle, his expression shifting from excitement to shock. "I didn't expect that kind of news today. King Silver? He's only been ruling for a few years, right?"
"Yeah," Blade chimed in, leaning back in his chair. "Ever since his parents were... well, you know. Murdered."
Peach's voice was soft, but there was an edge to it. "I didn't think things were that bad in the capital. But then again, everything about the royal family's politics is a mess."
Umber's eyes narrowed as she glanced at the screen, where the image of King Silver was now flashing. "I mean, it's not surprising, though. His parents were taken out by someone close to their bloodline, right? The Crowns, the rivals, the whole power struggle..."
Loot grimaced, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. "Not the best thing to think about while we're eating."
"True," Lux agreed, looking away from the screen. "But it makes you think. How could someone even get that close to the king?"
"Well, it's not just anyone," Violet said, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Whoever it was, they must have had connections. There's no way an assassin could just stroll up to the royal family like that without help."
Peach leaned forward, her expression becoming more serious than usual. "And it's not just the assassination attempt, it's the fact that it's happening now. King Silver's whole reign has been full of tension. His family's rivals have been circling for years. I bet this is just another move in the game."
Blade snorted. "A dangerous game, it seems."
As the conversation began to die down, the group seemed to process what they had heard. The assassination attempt was on everyone's minds, but they also had their project to think about.
"Anyway, back to the alumni party," Loot said, trying to break the silence. "The King's drama is important and all, but we can't let it ruin our plans, right?"
"Yeah," Umber said, flashing a grin. "The party's in three weeks. We still have to figure out who's bringing what for the project."
Peach raised her hand lazily. "Oh, I'm already on it. I'll bring something fun. Nothing too serious."
"Great," Lux said with a small smile. "Let's just focus on the project for now. I don't need any more surprises today."