Chapter 69

069.

A banquet.

Generally, it is an occasion to gather in celebration or commemoration of something special.

Delicious food and a bit of alcohol serve to bring together the men and women in attendance, as those who come here have their own intentions—whether to forge new connections or to find a suitable partner.

In that sense, Sinat’s statement was quite understandable. If the resurrection of the Dranunus Family were not a cause for celebration, then what else in this world could be?

Given the grandeur of the event, the people gathered here certainly did not fall short of the occasion.

It was more than that, though. The ripple effects of this moment would spread far and wide.

From Eclecia to high society, and from high society to the giants of the Empire.

Whether it was purely to celebrate the Dranunus Family’s resurrection or to keep tabs on their revival with suspicion, the impact of this event would surely be immense.

“What exactly… is a banquet?”

“It’s exactly what it sounds like. A seven-day-long celebration set to commence exactly one month from today.”

Unable to contain their curiosity, the onlookers peppered Sinat with questions. Sinat, returning to her cheerful tone, kindly answered them.

Judging by those asking, they were individuals who wielded little influence within Eclecia. To them, this opportunity was worth more than gold—a rare chance to forge connections with the highest nobility.

Even if one belonged to Eclecia Salon, it was no small feat to compare oneself to a banquet hosted by the Dranunus. Indeed, even the high-ranking nobles who were gathered here now would not pass up such a chance.

Or rather, they would seize it no matter what. After all, with the current Royal Family seeking to consolidate power, they would undoubtedly partake in the event, likely to interfere with the Dranunus.

The prince, renowned as a rare genius, would undoubtedly attend, along with various other powerful figures. The reputation of Blamia was not something to be ignored. To be honest, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that all of them were here for Blamia.

Daphnis, feeling a slight chill, turned her gaze towards Eliana and Serasie.

There was no one in Eclecia who didn’t know that the Lakatus and Hiart Families were supporting the resurrection of Dranunus. The combined strength of these three high-ranking families was immense.

Thus, every young lady present—including Daphnis—was left gasping in awe.

Sinat, with a teasing smile, chose to continue her remarks.

“By the way… there’s going to be a ball on the final day of the banquet.”

…

A ball.

The word struck a chord with everyone there.

After all, it’s not something one could easily dismiss when it came to a banquet. While a ball is generally an integral element of any such gathering, given that Sinat mentioned it, the implications were more significant.

What is the most important aspect of a ball?

There’s an easy answer to that.

A partner. A ball is a perfect opportunity to show off your relationship with someone, especially at a Dranunus-hosted event. It is almost equivalent to publicly declaring one’s intent to marry.

While it might seem exaggerated to associate attendance at a ball with marriage proposals, when that ball is hosted by the Dranunus Family, and when those attending are the children of influential families, the meaning behind dancing together becomes all too clear.

Couples who intend to marry will proudly take to the dance floor, and the high-ranking nobility present at the ball will lend their prestige to the occasion.

As all the noble young ladies were holding their breath in anticipation,

Clack-

An unexpressive but strikingly beautiful girl spoke up.

“…I don’t believe there was any prior agreement about the ball.”

Eliana Lakatus.

One of the four great families that uphold the Empire.

She quietly looked at Sinat as she spoke.

“This was meant to be a surprise gift for the young ladies of the Lakatus and Hiart families.”

“A gift?”

The reply came from Serasie Hiart, the future ruler of the North, who questioned with a raised brow.

“Kalen.”

Sinat, staring directly at the two young ladies, continued.

“I intended to dance with Kalen.”

“…”

“…”

The single sentence, casually tossed out by Sinat, caused Eliana’s brows and Serasie’s fingers to twitch slightly.

The unexpected mention of a boy’s name puzzled those unfamiliar with it and intrigued those who knew it. Only Daphnis and Licheisa truly recognized it, along with a few others who had merely heard the name mentioned by Daphnis earlier.

It was unclear why he was being referred to in the conversation.

“I will come to know that too, eventually. What the two of you mean by ‘vision.’”

“No, the meaning of what you see in your visions is something I alone understand.”

“And the same goes for me. It’s not something someone who hasn’t shared that moment should casually bring up.”

The hostility from Eliana and Serasie was palpable. Those in Eclecia were subdued by it, and they vaguely understood that the previously mentioned visions and the boy named Kalen were somehow connected.

“Oh, I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant.”

Sinat’s apology, though tinged with the realization of a slip, led her to continue.

“I was simply saying that I can understand the feeling of looking at Kalen despite having such breathtaking scenery right in front of one’s eyes.”

Spoken with such calm certainty that Eliana and Serasie could do nothing but listen.

“Do you understand what it means to say that you understand?”

“I plan to dance with Kalen at the ball. Because I understand his heart.”

The two young ladies from the most prestigious noble families of the Empire quietly absorbed the situation.

The image etched in their visions.

To continue fixating on a boy despite being in front of such a wondrous paradise carried deep significance.

Sinat understood their sentiments—and because she understood, she declared her intention to dance with Kalen.

It was common knowledge that Blamia shared a special relationship with Kalen. Given that their ties began with the Lakatus family, it wasn’t strange that Sinat, the next head of Dranunus, should also be close to him.

Yet, she had gone further—to announce publicly, at an event hosted by the Dranunus Family, that they would dance together.

It was not a statement to take lightly.

Especially because Eliana and Serasie were the ones who could truly understand the relationship that Sinat had grasped.

Suddenly, the three found themselves in competition over Kalen.

The atmosphere was growing not just quiet but downright icy.

“What? Since Kalen is yet unaware, might I make a suggestion?”

At this, Eliana and Serasie turned their attention back to Sinat, their widened eyes betraying their surprise.

Given how familiar Sinat was with Kalen, to the point of confidently declaring her intent to dance with him at the ball, it wouldn’t be odd to assume they had already agreed to dance together.

That was why Eliana and Serasie remained silent.

However, Sinat had made no such agreement with Kalen.

“The day of the ball. Who will he choose?”

Her expression radiated pure joy, reinforcing the revelation.

“Are you suggesting that we leave the decision to Kalen?”

“Yes, exactly. No matter how much we talk without him, his heart is what truly matters.”

“If we confirm that Kalen is unaware of the ball, then I agree.”

“Understood.”

The sudden shift in the two young ladies’ cooperative demeanor was bewildering to the other noblewomen.

At the same time, the face of a boy briefly flickered through their minds. It was the face of the boy who had entered the teahouse with Sinat.

Kalen.

In that moment, his name was firmly etched into everyone’s consciousness.

“Wait! Hold on a second!”

The flow of dialogue, guided by the three young ladies, was interrupted by the interjection of another girl.

“…Miss Daphnis?”

“I wish to… join the bet!”

“What?”

A whoosh of air, as if someone had whispered it softly.

Beginning with the three young ladies, all eyes turned toward Daphnis.

Though visibly trembling, Daphnis summoned the courage to speak, feeling as though she might suffocate under the weight of the moment.

When Sinat first brought up the ball, Daphnis, too, had thought of Kalen. If she could dance with him, wouldn’t that be wonderful? Unbeknownst to Daphnis, dancing with someone carried far greater significance than simply inviting them to share dessert.

That was when Sinat mentioned Kalen’s name. Seeing her actually carry out what Daphnis had only dared to imagine filled her with awe.

Watching Eliana and Serasie quickly follow Sinat’s lead made Daphnis feel a surge of urgency.

…She didn’t want to lose. Daphnis wanted to dance with Kalen too.

It wasn’t some fairytale notion of love at first sight! But the thought of Kalen dancing with one of them made a surge of uncontrollable anger rise within her.

This fleeting rage numbed Daphnis’ fear, and although her jaw trembled, she mustered the courage to shout.

In doing so, she earned…

“Miss Daphnis?”

…the intense gaze of the three young ladies, as well as the curious and intrigued glances of others.

Unaware that her rage was, in fact, jealousy.

“I will participate as well.”

“Miss Licheisa…?”

“Sigh…”

And watching from the sidelines, Licheisa too decided to take part. Seeing Daphnis trembling with resolve, Licheisa raised her hand.

Although Licheisa, too, found the three young ladies intimidating, the possibility of Daphnis dancing with Kalen was far more daunting.

Deciding she needed to assess whether Kalen was suitable for Daphnis,

It was only natural that Licheisa joined the agreement.

Thus, Daphnis and Licheisa both joined the competition, catching Sinat off guard by the sudden change in flow.

The same instant,

Crack!

Serasie’s teacup shattered.