Chapter 159 - 158: Yum

Before Sylfia could respond, the deep, formal voice of one of the palace guards rang out over the chatter of the hall, cutting through the music.

"Announcing the arrival of the esteemed House of Dravenhart!"

The grand double doors at the far end of the ballroom swung open, spilling golden light from the corridor beyond. The murmurs of the nobles shifted instantly, now carrying notes of curiosity and anticipation.

Tiana’s arms slowly lowered, her sharp eyes fixed on the entrance. "Speaking of the devil," she muttered under her breath.

A ripple of murmurs spread like fire among the nobles.

"Look at Lady Ellory... how radiant she is tonight."

"Her beauty only grows more refined, just like her mother."

"And the young master Cyruz such poise for his age."

Eyes sparkled, fans fluttered, and whispers of admiration trailed their every step. Ellory, dressed in deep crimson silk with gold embroidery, smiled gracefully, acknowledging the attention with a polite nod.

Yet, as the family advanced further into the ballroom, hardly a whisper rose for Axelius. He walked a step behind, his expression calm, his black attire blending into the sea of opulence. His presence was quiet so quiet that most eyes slid past him, as though he were just another shadow trailing his kin.

Tiana noticed, her lips curling slightly. "Hmph. How fitting."

Sylfia, however, cast her a cautious glance. "Shadows often hold more weight than people realize."

As the Dravenharts reached the center of the grand hall, the royal family themselves stepped forward. The King of Archantia, clad in regal white and gold, smiled warmly, his queen beside him in flowing sapphire silk.

"Duke Dravenhart," the king greeted with open arms, "it is an honor to have you here on such a night."

"The honor is ours, Your Majesty," the Duke bowed, his tone respectful but firm.

The queen leaned toward Ellory, brushing her cheek in a motherly gesture. "My, Ellory, you’ve grown into such a fine young lady. You’re practically glowing tonight."

Ellory dipped her head politely, her crimson gown shimmering under the light. Cyruz and Millie bowed in turn, both drawing approving nods from the royal family.

After a few exchanges, the king laughed heartily, and the two families spoke as if they were old friends. Around them, the other nobles took the cue to step back, resuming their mingling, gossip, and drinks.

Amid the music and chatter, Axelius stood slightly apart, stretching his arms lazily before letting out a quiet yawn. Perched on his shoulder, the sleek black snake lifted its head, its glassy scales glinting faintly under the chandeliers.

Whispers stirred nearby. "So it’s true? The manaless Dravenhart has tamed a beast?"

"I thought it was only a rumor..."

"How is that possible? Without mana...?"

"Look at the size of that serpent. It looks dangerous."

After the greetings, the Dravenharts were guided to their table near the front, a position of honor just below the royal family’s seats. Servants poured fine wine and laid out golden trays of delicacies before them, the shimmer of crystal glasses reflecting the glow of chandeliers above.

The king and queen soon returned to the front of the grand hall, standing proudly upon the raised dais where the throne chairs stood. A royal herald struck his staff to the marble floor three times, the sharp echo silencing the music and chatter of the nobles.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the herald’s voice rang out, "honored guests of Archantia—may I have your attention!"

All eyes turned forward, and the air seemed to grow brighter with anticipation.

The king raised his goblet high. "Tonight is no ordinary night," he declared, his voice carrying through the grand chamber. "For tonight, we celebrate the eighteenth year of one most dear to us. A daughter who has brought joy, grace, and light to this kingdom since the day she was born."

The queen smiled, her eyes glowing with pride as she clasped her hands together.

The herald then stretched out his arm toward the great staircase. "Make way for Her Highness, the jewel of Archantia... Princess Athena!"

Golden curtains parted, and soft music swelled from the orchestra. From the top of the stairs descended Princess Athena, adorned in a gown of silver and white, threaded with tiny crystals that shimmered like stars. A delicate crown rested upon her head, and in her hands she carried a single lily, pure and white as moonlight.

Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd.

"Radiant as always...""She’s truly divine...""No wonder the kingdom adores her."

Athena moved gracefully, her every step measured and elegant, her soft smile never faltering.

When she reached the bottom, the king spread his arm wide and spoke proudly, "Tonight, we honor not only her birth but her step into adulthood. Raise your glasses—for Archantia’s shining star, Princess Athena!"

The nobles raised their goblets in unison, their voices thundering: "To Princess Athena!"

Music swelled louder, the orchestra shifting to a brighter tune as servants began serving a feast, and the hall erupted once more in applause and cheer.

The celebration went on, laughter and music filling the grand hall as nobles mingled and feasted.

Yet to Axelius, it all felt the same too much chatter, too many fake smiles. He excused himself from the table, picking up a glass of wine from a servant’s tray, and strolled toward the terrace doors.

The cold night air greeted him as he stepped outside. He leaned casually against the stone railing, lifting his eyes to the clear sky.

The stars stretched endlessly above, twinkling like scattered diamonds, and a cool breeze brushed against his face.

He let out a slow breath, muttering to himself, "Much better than listening to nobles brag all night."

On his shoulder, Owen hissed lightly. "I want to look around."

Axel smirked, swirling the wine in his glass. "Yeah, yeah. Just be careful not to get stepped on." He chuckled at his own joke.

Owen narrowed his eyes. "Step on me and they’ll be the ones getting hurt."

With that, the black snake slithered down from Axel’s shoulder, gliding across the polished marble floor.

He slid unnoticed beneath table after table, avoiding the long gowns and boots of the nobles above. Servants moved quickly, too busy to notice the small creature weaving through the shadows.

Soon, Owen found himself at the long buffet table stacked high with roasted meats, cheeses, and golden pastries.

His tongue flickered out as he eyed the food. "Yum," he hissed with excitement.

With surprising grace, he climbed up the side of the table and coiled himself near a platter of roasted boar.

Without hesitation, he began taking bites, munching happily while nobles nearby laughed and chatted, none realizing a snake was feasting right beside them.