"Zakaragi... Tiana...?

" John muttered

Zakaragi stretched out his hand to give John a handshake, while Tiana asked

"Why do you look so confused? Aren't you the one that planned this?

"

John shook Zakaragi's hand before he wondered

Planned this? I mean I did tell Master Sylvia to pick you up, I'm just surprised they found you... The day before yester – I mean, yesterday, we couldn't find you, and just got a nice looking dress which looked like it would fit you from the tailor shop.

To John's surprise, the orange dress they had gotten was quite good. It sorts of matched with her brown hair.

"Haha, you saw right through it. So I'm guessing they were able to properly get you? And zakaragi, it's nice to see that you're doing well.

" John asked

"Glad that you are doing fine.

" Zakaragi replied

"Properly... Well you see... They went looking for me, but the one who found me, was this guy.

" She muttered with an annoyed tone

Oh, he actually found a way for her to come? That must have required a lot of courage, to bring a commoner to a noble party. If either of them got caught, both would get in trouble, but Tiana would probably suffer more... It should be fine as long as they're careful.

"

"You're welcome.

" Said Zakaragi

"I never thanked you.

" Muttered Tiana as she suddenly glanced at him

"One day you will.

" Zakaragi replied with a smile

"Yeah, right.

"

She quickly shook her head to the side, wounding Zakaragi's already wounded heart, even more. Zakaragi who heard saw this also seemed to have taken a heavy hit. Even though he was hiding it, John could tell that he was hurt. After all, John would've also been hurt if it had happened to him.

John who saw this, let out a snort as he struggled to hold back his laugh, causing the two to feel slightly embarrassed.

Zakaragi cleared his throat before returning back to his professional self, before saying.

"Well, then. Once again, John, it is a pleasure to have you here.

"

"The pleasures all mine.

" John replied

John knew it, Zakaragi's family was indeed the earl's family and the party which was being held by the duke was for them hence why Zakaragi said it in a way which made it seem like he was party responsible for setting everything up.

"John, when are you going to introduce us to that beautiful lady next to you?

" Tiana asked as she gave him a sort of doubtful stare

"Oh, right. Sorry, This is an acquaintance of mine, her name is Lydia.

"

Lydia got In a familiar position which John could easily recognise. She placed her fingertips on the edge of her dresses skirt before slightly raising it as she lowered her body

"Like you have heard, I am an acquaintance of John, My name is Lydia Haley, it is a pleasure to be able to attend this event.

"

She spoke in a soothing way with a kind smile formed on her face. John was surprised, could every maid present themselves so elegantly?

"N-Nice to meet you, Apologies for the late introductions. You can call me Tiana

" Said Tiana as she awkwardly repeated the same motion

It wasn't as refined as Lydia's but it was presentable and rather good. John wondered who taught Tiana that, or could every commoner do things which most nobles can? John didn't know, and he also didn't want to ask.

The two smiled at each other, before Lydia's attention was grabbed by Zakaragi who gave also introduced himself

He gave Lydia a slight bow before introducing himself.

"My name is Zakaragi Von Courtenay, Second eldest son of the earl Gerald Von Courtenay. It is a pleasure to meet you.

"

Courtenay, so that was his last name? I don't recall him ever mentioning it... John thought to himself

"The pleasure's all mine.

" Said Lydia as she repeated a quick and slight version of her elegant movement.

"John... You're not cheating on Serena are you...?

" Tiana suddenly asked

"Cheating?

"

"Oh... So it was Ariel...? Ah... John are you a player?

" Tiana continued

"I think you're misunderstanding something, I'm single, no engagement, No girlfriend, just loneliness.

"

"Eh? Really? I thought for sure that you would be dating one of them?

"

"You did? Why?

"

I mean... The closest we ever got was when they were drunk... I'm not sure if they were playing or not, and they don't really act lovey-dovey around me, so did either of us really look like a couple?

Tiana gave John a confused stare before letting out a sigh

"Nevermind, more importantly, have you talked to them yet?

" Tiana asked

"Unfortunately, I haven't seen them since I arrived.

" John replied

"Is that so...

" Tiana muttered as she slowly walked towards Lydia's side

"Then, We'll stay with Lydia and show her around, meanwhile, you go look for them.

" Tiana happily suggested

"What? But to just suddenly leave after bringing her here...

" John muttered as he glanced at her

Not to mention how her brother and sister in law are literally invisible and floating right next to us. This looks just like a horror movie, in a way.

"It'll be fine, Tiana and Zakaragi look like very kind people. You should go and enjoy yourself.

" Said Lydia

"Are you sure?

" John asked

I mean I do want to see them, and if Zakaragi and Tiana are offering to help, then that'd be great but, what would I do about her brother and sister in law? Maybe I'll be able to find a room for them to sleep in or something? John asked himself

"Of course, I still want you to enjoy your time at the event after all. You've helped me a lot today, I can't possibly take your free time.

" Said Lydia

"Is that so... Alright... Thanks Lydia, Zakaragi and Tianaa, I'll be back before you know it.

" Said John, seemingly excited

They could tell that he was looking forward to seeing them, but right as John was about to leave, he was stopped By Zakaragi who placed his hand on John's shoulder and inched in closer before saying

"Be careful, there's something off about this event.

"

John heard those words, and tried not to make much of a reaction before nodding.

"Thanks, I will.

" He muttered