In the bustling staff room of the grand castle, the air was thick with anticipation as the chefs and other workers hurried to complete their tasks last-minute.
The wait staff, dressed in crisp black suits and black masks, stood in rows attentively, their expressions a mixture of nervousness and a forced calm professionalism.
At the front of the room, an impeccably dressed stern elderly woman with a tight grey bun, the head of catering, addressed the team with a commanding presence.
“Listen carefully. I will not have any of you tarnishing my business’ reputation.” She began in a strict tone that promised severe consequences should they cross her. “Tonight’s event is of utmost importance. It will be attended by not only the most powerful families of our great Empire, but also members of the royal family—your every action must be perfect.”
“Rule number 1. You will NOT speak to or make eye contact with the guests unless spoken to. You are to be an easily ignorable ghost that just happens to be there when needed.”
“Rule number 2. Every request by a guest must be addressed promptly. Ideally you anticipate their needs before they voice them. If a guest’s glass is almost empty, you are to ensure it is refilled immediately—no guest should ever be seen holding an empty glass.”
Her gaze swept over the staff, ensuring they absorb every detail. “Rule number 3. No matter what you hear at this event, it must be immediately deleted from you mind. You do not show any emotional reaction to what you hear, and above all you do not share it with others once you leave—unless you want to die.”
“Maintain a calm demeanor, and remember to keep your movements smooth and silent. Any mistake tonight is unacceptable. Your efficiency, discretion, and grace reflect on the reputation of this establishment. Now, get ready and make sure you understand the importance of every action tonight.”
The team nodded in unison, their collective focus on the high stakes of the evening ahead.
They then lined up to receive their catering trays.
Due to Kain’s true purpose for being here, Kain made sure to collect a tray only with drinks. However, he did not put Bea into the drinks just yet.
He had no guarantee that Aric has even arrived yet. Not to mention, the level of some of the attendees may be at 6-stars or even higher, while anyone with 4-stars or higher may be able to detect Bea’s presence if they had extreme vigilance.
Thankfully, Aric was just an ordinary person. All Kain had to do was find a way to serve him a contaminated drink without any of the more powerful individuals noticing.
Kain entered the ballroom with his tray full of golden spiritual cocktails.
Kain noted that the faint hum of spiritual power within the drinks may also help to conceal Bea’s presence from those who were not consciously investigating the liquid.
Therefore, Kain may be able to move his estimation of Bea’s effective complete concealment to include those of 4-stars as well—Aric’s guards are anticipated to be between 4- and 5-stars. Therefore, he hoped that during a moment of distraction none of them would notice a sudden addition to their charge’s glass.
Kain was actually grateful that the overindulgence of the nation’s most rich and powerful had caused them to use extremely potent spiritual plants just for party cocktails.
As the door separates the back kitchen from the party, a breathtaking sight unfolded within. The room, a magnificent embodiment of classic opulence was similarly adorned with crimson and gold tapestries and banners around the hall.
The soaring ceilings were covered with realistic paintings of the founders’ legendary battles while establishing the kingdom.
Golden chandeliers were dripping with spiritual crystals that had a faint effect of lifting the attendants’ moods. Although their effect was ineffective on the more powerful beast-tamers present.
The polished marble floor stretched beneath the socializing guests’ feet. While opulent dining tables draped with red and gold linens were interspersed throughout the room and were set with gold-rimmed dishes and crystal glassware. At the center of each circular table were large spiritual flower arrangements in elaborate vases that cast rich floral scent into the air.
Likely because not all guests had arrived, and it was not yet time for dinner, the guests were all still standing around and conversing.
However, possibly due to the live string quartet’s musical instruments being engraved with sigils that had a slight concealment effect, Kain would have to arrive practically right next to the guests in order to eavesdrop on their conversation. All he could hear aside from some vague murmurs was the music.
Kain did his best to blend in and not raise any suspicion. He naturally walked around the room while serving glasses and collecting empty ones. All the while he kept an eye out for his target who seemingly hasn’t arrived yet.
And so for the next 30 minutes, Kain was a completely ordinary waitstaff. He returned to the kitchen to refill his drink tray, and conveyed special requests to the kitchen.
‘This is so freaking boring. Why would anyone even want to come to this thing? I understand that some of the mid-level beast-tamers of 5 and 6 stars probably felt pressured to come. Those 7-star and above should be free from any such repercussions. Are these aristocrats just bored and dying for socialization?’
Finally, at the chime of a bell the guests moved to their assigned seats and a hush fell over the grand ballroom.
At the front of the room, a middle-aged man acting as the host in a finely tailored suit took the stage, commanding the room’s attention.
A smooth and resonant voice cut through the silence, “Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, welcome to this illustrious evening where we celebrate the anniversary of our Celestial Empire’s first affinity ceremony established by our infinitely blessed and wise royal family.”
At his gesture to the side, a spotlight illuminated two distinguished figures sitting at the head table, the guests of honour—a middle-aged woman and teenage boy, the representatives of the royal family.
The room erupted into a wave of applause. Whether the expressions of deep respect and admiration on their faces were genuine, Kain did not know.
With the formalities complete, the host continued, “Tonight, you are invited to indulge in an exquisite banquet prepared by one of our nation’s finest chefs, and to partake in an exclusive auction featuring rare and coveted items from both our empire and abroad.” The host’s tone is enthusiastic, promising an evening of luxury and excitement.
‘Auction?! Now that explains why many of these people still came.’ Kain himself was also full of anticipation. Although he couldn’t participate in the auction himself, nor would he likely be able to afford even the cheapest item if he could, this auction would still serve to broaden his horizons.
At the mention of the auction, applause once again rang out in the room even more enthusiastic than before.
The staff then sprang into action, serving the first course of the lavish meal. Kain made sure to be responsible for the table of a chubby man with cold grey eyes—Aric Nightsbane.
However, he made sure not to give him excessive attention, he kept his eyes away from all individuals at the table as he was instructed and paid attention to ensuring the height of their glass remained at a high level.
All of the guards for these rich and powerful individuals were stood against the walls of the room, keeping an eye on their charges. However, the fact that they weren’t hovering right above the shoulder of those they were responsible for was an additional assurance for Kain.
From that distance, he didn’t think they’d be able to detect Bea’s presence, especially not when in a liquid brimming with spiritual power.
Likely they didn’t think anyone would be so bold as to try anything at an even with beast-tamers even above 7-stars. Not to mention, most powerful individuals have extremely effective defensive measures against poisons and sudden attacks. And indeed, no assassination has been launched at this event in the past—at least not successfully. Even when attempted by 6-star assassins in the past.
The sound of cutlery and polite compliments to the chef filled the room. However, Kain could tell it was perfunctory. Everyone’s focus was on the first covered item being wheeled on to the stage by a beautiful young girl in a form-hugging sparkling red dress.