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"Make way for their Imperial Majesties! Emperor Ilbertus Micahel Garin-Windsor III, Empress Yulia Francesca Herman-Windsor, and Prince Ezra Micahel Herman-Windsor.

"

nHearing that, everyone in attendance all turned to the raised podium to greet the royal family. It was the first time that I heard Ezekiel's full name, even though it was an absolute must to know your Empire's royals but hey, it's not as if they are aware that I don't know that, right?

nThe Emperor was walking at the front with the Empress on his side. Behind them was Ezekiel who had donned his best suit for the night and he's literally sparkling like gold. The royal family definitely looked so regal that I felt awe even from where I was standing.

n'They are so perfect…'

nEveryone respectfully curtsied and bowed as they took the center stage. None of us didn't raise our heads until the three of them had taken their respective seats.

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"Raise your heads,

" The Emperor stated and everyone heeded.

nEzekiel was the only one who didn't sit down and remained standing at the side of the thrones while beaming at the crowd..

nHe is serving face, everybody!

nSo anyways, the Emperor started his speech about this and that. There's no need to go full on documentary on it because you'll only get bored in the end. You're all here for another thing anyway and it's obviously not for the Emperor's speech.

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"This night is dedicated to all the citizens of our home, Rosenthal Empire. Enjoy!

"

nAfter that moving monologue, the whole of attendees clapped in response. The music on the orchestra started, signaling the start of the ball.

nWith that, people began to move like herds grazing over a grassland. If you think that my metaphors suck then shame on you.

nThey had all grouped up and started conversing with each other. Some were gathered around an elite and are probably sucking up to them, you know, things the nobility commonly do during parties.

nEzekiel stepped down from the podium to greet the nobility like the good prince that he is. Of course, that would mean my brother will be tagging along with him as the captain of the royal knights.

nWe won't get to be whole until later when Ezekiel's done greeting everyone else. But looking from the state of things, it would be difficult to reunite because of all these big shots around.

nUnless someone more influential and powerful would appear to snatch the spotlight.

nAnd they should be appearing any moment now…

n

"Nads, you don't want to eat?

" Eon sidled beside me and asked me that.

nHe had also placed a plate of cake in front of me while grinning. Is this like a bribe or something?

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"That's so not like Nadia at all if she won't pillage the buffet table, right?

" Noah commented.

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"Excuse me?

" I answered while looking at them in shock.

nPillage is such a big word to use!

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"If anyone's pillaging the buffet, that would be Eon,

" I pointed out.

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"Aww, Nads. You are so aware of me,

" Eon cooed.

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"Shut up,

" I replied in an instant.

nWhat kind of conclusion was that?

n

"Seems like we're stuck here on the side of the wall doing nothing,

" Gwen remarked.

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"We could do something then,

" Luther jumped in.

nBea was silent, upholding her dignity as an Ethalion. She's under the scrutiny of the masses after all and so is Rosamunde. She shouldn't be doing anything reckless that could damage her reputation. Then again, looking at our group right now…

nEon and Luther are arguing with each other for reasons that I don't care. Conrad seems to be behaved as well, which is hella suspicious. Gwen looks bored out of her mind and was teasing Kai to alleviate it. Then there's Noah who's acting as the intermediary.

nIt's chaos and we're not even complete…

nI mentally sighed. The night is progressing at a very slow pace and the main characters of the said play I'm looking forward to, are still not around.

nIf this goes on, I will end up drunk and miss everything. Maybe I should stop gulping down wine huh.

n

"The Empire's Great Magician, Lord Janus Cromwell, has arrived!

"

nIt was the announcement that hushed down the entirety of the Royal Hall.

n'Oh, he really did come…'

nThe double doors opened and a figure appeared. Janus stepped in, and if I'm not seeing ** right now, I could feel the divinity floating around him like a thick blanket.

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"Oh wow… That's the Great Janus?

" Gwen whispered in awe.

nI felt Lost perked up behind me as soon as he laid eyes on Janus. Even his liquid amber eyes got intense while staring at him.

nHe seems to be compelled by Janus. Is that how Animas feel when they sense a greater power?

nJanus continued walking, ignoring everyone's watchful eyes. He's just chill, moving like a breeze as if the pressure of the gazes upon him doesn't bother him at all.

nWell, if you're an all-powerful magician like him who can probably incinerate all the people in here with just a flick of his wrist, there's nothing to worry about.

nHe's wearing his usual white robes that fell around his feet, making him look like he is gliding along the carpeted floor. His eyes were fixated to the front, not sparing anyone a glance, all the while smiling.

nHis dirty-blonde hair was neatly pulled back as usual, and on his right ear, was a glinting dangling earring made in gold.

nHe looked so amicable and intimidating at the same time. He's the reason why all these big wigs left their nests just to meet him here, upon knowing that the elusive Master of the Tower would grace his presence at the ball.

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"This holy presence… Amazing,

" Kai muttered.

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"He is powerful. Very powerful,

" Lost mentioned.

nYes, yes. I know that. Hearing that confirmation from him kind of bugged me a little bit though.

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"That's obvious because he's the current Master of The Arcane Tower,

" Conrad remarked.

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"This is the first time that I saw him! I'm so glad I attended!

" Gwen gushed.

nBea looked in awe as well. I think everybody in this room is in awe, except for me. Just kidding. Who wouldn't get charmed by that handsome face?

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"He's so cool,

" Bea whispered.

nCool? That's all you have to say?

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"I thought that he's never going to attend but I was still looking forward to it. And he really did,

" Noah uttered.

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"I agree,

" Luther seconded.

nNot just the two of them but everyone else as well. For me, I have long since known that he would go so it's not really a surprise anymore.

nJanus stopped just below the podium and smiled at the two monarchs. He didn't bow nor gave a salute, just smiled his way to their hearts…

nIf it's another person, they would immediately be accused of lèse-majesté. I mean, how dare you act arrogant in front of the Emperor right? But this is Janus Cromwell we're talking about. The royal family addresses him with a title of his own and respects him deeply.

nSuch a privilege is for him only.

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"Greetings to the suns of the empire,

" Janus stated.

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