Free Web NovelChapter 183: Charity Ball
It had been a long day for Victor Shieldman, from the events in Lura Forest to his encounter with a Gramorn.
Nevertheless, Victor followed Frugeon down a side corridor of the Great Hall to change. He barely noticed the details around him as they walked.
Frugeon looked back and noticed the tense expression on Victor’s face.
"Are you all right?" The guard asked.
"I..."
"If you’re tired, you should know that Luisa wouldn’t mind if you declined the invitation. Even though it’s politically advantageous for her to have the man who killed the Devourer of Ships at her side, she’d understand if you didn’t accept." Victor sighed.
Victor sighed. "Don’t worry so much about me, Frugeon. I’m beginning to think you care about me." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
Frugeon turned his head forward again and smiled. "Don’t be so proud."
Frugeon led Victor into an elegant bedroom where various outfits were laid out on a large canopy bed.
"Lady Luisa anticipated that you might need an appropriate outfit," Frugeon said with a discreet smile. "Choose what you prefer."
Victor looked at the options, surprised at the variety and sophistication of the outfits. There were velvet suits in shades of dark blue and emerald green, black tuxedos with silver and gold detailing, and even a full suit with embroidery that mimicked the appearance of a starry sky. His fingers touched an elegant black tuxedo with silver detailing, velvety to the touch.
"That looks good," Victor said, picking it up. Frugeon nodded and pointed to a screen where Victor could change.
As he dressed, Victor couldn’t help but think back to the conversation he’d had with the God of Death. The expression on Gramorn’s face was simply cold, and he didn’t even seem surprised to be talking to Victor, as if it was something normal.
When he stepped out from behind the screen, Frugeon looked at him with an appraising and approving look.
"Very good, Mr. Victor. Madame Luisa will be pleased." He gestured for Victor to follow him back into the main hall.
When Victor returned to the hall, Luisa was standing at the foot of the grand staircase, talking to Mari. They both turned to him as he approached.
"Victor, you look... impressive," Luísa said, her eyes lighting up with a gleam of approval. "Really, even a simple tuxedo looks good on you." She giggled, but her eyes soon softened.
Mari, next to her, was stunning in a red dress that matched her red hair beautifully. The dress had a fitted bodice that accentuated her slender figure, with gold embroidered details running through the fabric like tiny flames. The skirt flowed gracefully to the floor, rippling with every movement she made.
"You look wonderful, Victor," Mari said with a shy smile.
Victor smiled back. "You both look stunning as well. I’m honored to be standing next to you tonight."
"It’s nice to have someone else here who is also uncomfortable at these dances." Mari said, returning to her awkward posture.
"Shall we?" Luisa asked, holding out her arm.
Victor readily accepted the gesture, intertwining his arm with hers while Mari positioned herself next to them.
"Wait, isn’t Gracela coming?"
"She didn’t want to go, she preferred to stay and protect the mansion."
"Right..."
Together, the three of them walked towards the exit of the mansion, followed by Frugeon.
Night had fallen long ago, and the lights of the magic lanterns were already flickering in the streets of Klento.
The port city, even in its current nocturnal fervor, exuded an atmosphere of elegance and mystery. The carriage awaiting them outside was worthy of the occasion: gleaming black, adorned with gold details, pulled by two majestic white horses.
The coachman, a stern looking man, bowed respectfully as he opened the door for the passengers. Victor helped Luisa in first, followed by Mari, and finally he himself took his place and settled into the soft seat. Frugeon took his place next to the coachman, always alert.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was a bit more relaxed. The windows allowed a clear view of the city, and Victor found himself admiring the beauty of Klento at night. The old buildings, with their richly decorated facades and balconies adorned with plants, gave the city a timeless charm.
After a few minutes of walking, the carriage finally stopped in front of the Council Building, an imposing white stone structure with tall columns and a large arch at the entrance, lit by magical torches. The entrance was crowded, with several important and elegantly dressed figures entering the hall for the event.
The coachman opened the door, and Frugeon helped Luisa and Mari down, followed by Victor.
As they entered the council building, Victor felt the weight of the gaze of many of the city’s important figures upon them. He knew that his presence next to Luisa was a political statement, but that didn’t stop him from feeling a twinge of discomfort.
The inside of the building was even more impressive than the outside. The corridors were decorated with strange but expensive sculptures and paintings.
The marble floor gleamed under the soft light of the chandeliers, and the air was filled with the delicate scent of exotic flowers arranged in vases throughout the hall.
When they finally reached the great ballroom, a vast space with a high ceiling, they saw many elegantly set tables arranged around the dance floor, where a group of musicians were playing a soft, enveloping melody. freёwebnoѵel.com
Luísa turned to Victor and Mari with a warm smile. "I hope you enjoy the evening. And Victor, please don’t get into any trouble."
Victor glanced nervously at Luísa before nodding, a hesitant smile on his lips.
"I’ll try, Luisa," he replied, a hint of apprehension in his voice.
Mari, sensing Victor’s discomfort, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You’ll be fine. We’re here with you," she said, her blue eyes shining with confidence.
Luísa, always confident and gracious, took Victor’s arm again and led him through the bustling crowd in the great hall. The atmosphere was a sea of murmured conversation, muted laughter, and the soft clinking of crystal goblets. Victor couldn’t help but admire the opulence of the place. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a golden light that reflected off the gold ornaments and sparkling jewelry of the guests.
As they advanced, Luisa waved to several prominent figures, exchanging quick greetings.
Victor tried to concentrate on maintaining his posture, though the weight of the curious and judging eyes of those present was almost palpable.
"There they are," Luisa murmured, leaning slightly toward Victor. "The couple I want you to meet."
Victor followed her gaze to an elegantly dressed man and woman chatting animatedly with a small group.
The man was tall and slim, with neatly combed gray hair and a wise look in his eyes. The woman beside him was a serene beauty in a dark blue dress that set off her deep blue eyes.
"Lord Maximilian and Lady Isolde," Luisa introduced them to Victor, calling out with a friendly smile.
They turned and she bowed slightly in respect. "May I introduce my dear friend, Victor Shieldman."
A broad smile spread across Lord Maximilian’s face. "Victor Shieldman! The man who killed the Devourer of Ships!" He stepped forward and extended his hand. "It is an honor to finally meet you."
Victor was taken aback by the nobleman’s enthusiastic reaction, but quickly regained his composure and shook the offered hand. "The honor is mine, Lord Maximilian."
Lady Isolde smiled softly at Victor. "You have become a legend among the sailors and merchants of Klento. Your courage is admirable, but the strength required for such a feat is even more so."
Victor was a little confused by the praise. "I only did what was necessary," he said modestly.
Maximilian laughed. "Modest, I like that. Please, come, tell us what it was like to face this colossal beast."
Before Victor could answer, Luisa gently pulled him closer and leaned down to whisper in his ear. "You’ll be fine. They just want to hear your stories and you have many good ones to tell."
Victor nodded. With Luisa at his side, he felt a wave of renewed confidence. He turned to Maximilian and Isolde, ready to share his experience.
"Well, it all started one morning with a heavy snowfall..." Victor began, his voice firm and engaging.
As he recounted the events of the battle against the Devourer of Ships, the attention around him grew. He described the violent waves, the creature’s deafening roar, and the desperate battle that followed. This attracted the attention of many around him, and a crowd began to form around him.
Luisa, watching closely, couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of pride. Victor was doing wonderfully, earning the respect and admiration of everyone present. Even Mari was entertained.
When Victor finished his story, Lord Maximilian applauded warmly along with the others around him.
"Magnificent! You are truly a hero, Victor!" Maximilian exclaimed.
I wish, however, that Maximilian had been the only nobleman to approach Victor that evening.
