Tyelven, a few nights before the banquet.
The room was spacious, with walls and floors made of pale marble. The silence within was broken only by the very faint sound of waves from outside. On the walls hung two gold-framed paintings. A large, sturdy wooden desk was placed in the center, upon which sat several books, two antique globes, and a lit magical lantern that cast a soft, yellowish light. Behind the desk, a large arched window displayed the view of Tyelven’s port at night, illuminated by the high-hanging moon. Merchant ships were docked calmly at the pier, the lights on their decks twinkling faintly.
A man stood facing the window. He wore a clean white suit paired with a long white robe with a fur collar. His dark brown hair was neatly combed.
"Martis..."
A woman’s voice was heard from behind.
The woman was an Elf with long, light blue hair that flowed down to her waist and pointed ears. She wore a white dress with rich gold accents on the neck and wrists,
"Tonight’s banquet will be attended by representatives from the Whitening Organization and the 000 Organization, in addition to the usual nobles," the Elf woman reported. She stepped forward slowly, placing a slip of paper on Martis’s desk. "There is one new name on the guest list. Illya Veyra."
"Illya Veyra..." Martis murmured the name. He swept his hair back with his fingers, then turned and walked to his chair.
He sat down, propping his chin on his hand and staring straight at the Elf before him. His expression didn’t change. "Did Illya Veyra accept the invitation?"
The Elf woman named Nila gave a short nod, her blue hair moving gently. "They will be in attendance."
Martis nodded slowly. He lifted his chin slightly, his gaze now directed at a crystal bottle on the desk. "They’re coming for an investment...hmmm"
Martis picked up the crystal bottle, feeling the cold glass in his fingers, and poured a dark red liquid into an empty glass before him. He lifted the glass and drank its contents in a single gulp.
After setting the glass down with a soft sound, he said, "Treat them well."
"Understood." Nila bowed slightly, then turned and walked out of the room,
Saturday night. A Coastal Villa in Stone Town.
A social banquet was being held on a spacious white marble terrace on a cliff’s edge, with a view of the moonlit sea. The cool breeze blew from the ocean, carrying the scent of salt. Stone pillars supported an open roof adorned with glittering crystal chandeliers. In a corner of the terrace, three musicians were playing a harp, a lyre, and a silver flute. Their soft music mingled with the sound of the waves below.
The guests, consisting of Tyelven’s elite, wore luxurious robes and gowns. Some men wore silk tunics with gold embroidery, while the women wore brightly colored long dresses with sparkling jewelry. They gathered in small groups, holding crystal wine glasses. Polite smiles and light chatter filled the air.
Illya, clad in an elegant pink party dress, was sitting at a round dining table covered with a clean white tablecloth. On the table, a lavish meal was served: silver platters with cuts of roasted meat, neatly arranged boiled vegetables, and various dry breads. Illya picked up a fork, speared a small piece of meat, and chewed it slowly.
Rasie and Zaefal sat side-by-side, facing Illya. Rasie speared her meat with a fork and ate, chewing her food heartily, her cheeks slightly puffed.
"I’m surprised we get to eat at the same table," Zaefal said, cutting his meat with a knife.
"Juws enjow dow twnkh twh mocuwh," Rasie said while chewing her food.
"Chew first, then talk!," Zaefal said, letting out a soft sigh. He turned his head slightly to the side, avoiding the spray of food from Rasie.
Illya sighed. She poked at her meat with her fork, not really eating it. "i worried about fyar...I wonder what he is eating... is he okay right now?... What kind of place is he sleeping in?... I feel guilty eating this meal considering his condition.."
"Then I’ll just eat it for you!" Rasie said with a smile, extending her fork toward Illya.
"Oi!" Zaefal tapped Rasie’s head with his middle finger. A clear "tok" sound was heard.
"Ow, bitch!!" Rasie snapped, rubbing her head.
"Haah?" A few voices were heard. Several nobles at a nearby table looked over at Illya’s table with surprise, their conversations halting.
"Ah? E-umm..." Rasie was flustered, her eyes wide, not knowing how to react.
Zaefal shook his head. He then looked at the nobles. He bowed his head, then grabbed Rasie’s head, forcing her to bow as well.
"forgive us!," Zaefal said in a low, clear voice.
After the nobles averted their gazes, Zaefal let out a sigh of relief. "It’s over... it’s all over... We just arrived yesterday, and our reputation is already ruined its so over...."
"S-sorry," Rasie mumbled, her voice small.
Illya patted Rasie’s head. "Don’t do it again, okay~"
Rasie nodded. "I’ll try."
"I haven’t sensed anything strange about this place yet," Zaefal said, his eyes scanning the surroundings, observing every corner of the terrace.
"This place might be... more comfortable than Elfier... The food here is delicious... the servants are polite... the view is nice... What does the kingdom mean by investigating a criminal... haaah... I don’t get it, good grief..." Rasie said, picking up a piece of bread and chewing it with a thoughtful expression.
"I also don’t understand why the kingdom gave us this mission... We’ll wait for a report from Fyar... I hope he’s okay," Zaefal murmured, then resumed eating his food.
After finishing her meal, Illya looked toward a group of noblewomen near a pillar. She turned to Zaefal and Rasie. "I’m going to approach them."
Zaefal and Rasie nodded in unison.
Illya then stood from her table and walked gracefully toward the group of noblewomen. Zaefal and Rasie followed a few steps behind her, standing at attention with neutral expressions.
The hostess, Lady Elara, greeted Illya with a wide smile. "Lady Illya, it is a pleasure to have you."
Illya smiled. "Thank you for the invitation, My Lady. The sea view from your terrace is magnificent."
"You are too kind," Elara replied.
Another, younger woman, Baroness Evangeline, joined in. "I see your gown is from a tailor in the capital, Lady Illya. The cut is exquisite."
"You have a keen eye, Baroness. My father sent it as a gift for my business trip here," Illya answered.
Baroness Evangeline looked at Zaefal, her eyes raking over his figure from top to bottom. "Oh my... your guard is so handsome, Lady Illya. How old is he?"
Zaefal raised an eyebrow and glanced at Rasie. Rasie appeared to have her eyes closed, her lips pulled to the side to suppress a laugh.
Illya smiled and answered, "Oh, he is twenty-eight, Baroness."
"Still so young... I’m envious that you have such a handsome guard, Lady Illya," the Baroness said, her eyes once again on Zaefal. She then looked at Illya. "Forgive me if this is rude, Lady Illya, but what about you?"
Illya gave a light laugh, her voice melodic. "I am twenty-three this year, Lady Baroness."
"Twenty-three..." the Baroness murmured. "You’re already a business representative for your family. You must be very intelligent, Lady Illya."
"Tonight’s wine is delicious, isn’t it?" Lady Elara interjected. "Have you tasted the Merlot from Baron Von Klaus’s vineyard?"
"Oh, of course," Illya answered. "The aroma is so rich, with a soft hint of berry. It pairs perfectly with the meat dish."
"And the weather is also very supportive of this banquet," Baroness Evangeline added, fanning herself lightly. "Not too hot, not too cold. Perfect for enjoying the view of Tyelven."
"Tyelven’s view is indeed second to none," Illya continued. "It is this beauty and prosperity that made my family consider investing. Our family wishes to seek new opportunities in this beautiful place."
Lady Isolde, an older and more anxious-looking woman, turned her head. "Oh, really? In what field, if I may ask?"
"Primarily in the logistics and trade sectors," Illya answered. "Of course, when speaking of that, Lord Martis’s name is always mentioned. He seems to be an important figure here."
Illya then looked at the women before her. "But, as an investor, stability is everything. I happened to hear a rumor that the security in certain districts, such as in the ’Dark Town,’ is a bit problematic. Is that true? Something like that could make an investor worry."
Lady Isolde looked nervous, her eyes blinking rapidly, and did not answer.
Baroness Evangeline gave a small laugh. "Oh, those are just common thugs. In fact, it is Lord Martis who ensures they don’t get out of line. My husband even told me, from what I’ve heard as well, that there are illegal arenas there. To ’clean up’ the streets, they say."
Illya leaned forward slightly. "Is that so, My Lady?"
"Yes," the Baroness continued. "I don’t know the full details, but I hear many of the people there are insane, Lady Illya. There are a great number of murder cases there. I would advise Lady Illya not to go there."
Illya straightened her posture again. Her hand holding the wine glass tightened for a split second, almost imperceptibly. Behind her, Zaefal, who had heard the conversation, remained silent and motionless, his expression unchanged.
Illya then smiled at the Baroness. "Well then, thank you for the information, Lady Baroness. I will keep it in mind."
Clap! Clap!
A moment later, the sound of soft clapping was heard from an Elf girl with blue hair, dressed all in white.
Instantly, all attention turned to the girl.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Lord Martis has arrived."