Chapter 60: Turmoil at the Banquet

Chapter 60: Turmoil at the Banquet

“Are you sure you want to attend?” Prince Rudy’s banquet this time wasn’t held in the palace, but at a hotel outside it. Ye Tian had no idea where it was, so Laura drove him there, acting as both his chauffeur and his companion for the evening.

“Why wouldn’t I go?” Ye Tian replied with a smile.

“But what about His Majesty?” Laura hesitated.

“Don’t worry, Charles V won’t find out,” Ye Tian leaned closer to Laura’s ear and whispered, “Besides, you look stunning tonight.”

“Thank you,” Laura responded offhandedly. “But—”

“No buts! Now that we’re here, let’s just enjoy ourselves and see what happens.” Ye Tian grinned. “By the way, didn’t you say the invitation only included me? Why are you tagging along?”

“Hmph, you don’t appreciate my concern! I’m worried that if you die, no one will collect your body!” Laura pouted.

“Oh, then I’m truly grateful! Whoever ends up with you will be very lucky!” Ye Tian joked.

“Get lost!”

Seeing Ye Tian arrive with a companion, the doorman was surprised, but after checking the invitation, he silently led Ye Tian to a grand hall. At the entrance, two beautiful girls wearing masks stood waiting.

“Welcome, welcome!” they said, handing over two masks.

“What’s this about?” Ye Tian asked.

“No idea,” Laura replied, uncertain about the purpose. Nevertheless, since they’d been given masks, Ye Tian put his on. As soon as he did, one of the girls opened the banquet hall door, and a deafening cacophony burst forth.

Inside, a crowd had already gathered—men and women, all young, each wearing a different mask.

“What’s the point of this?” Ye Tian looked around, but nothing seemed amiss.

“Don’t wander off. Don’t leave my side!” Laura suddenly spoke in a frosty tone.

“What’s got into you?” Ye Tian asked.

“Hold my hand and don’t let go!” Laura said, grabbing his hand and leading him straight to the food area, where several scantily clad girls were selecting dishes.

As Ye Tian and Laura approached, people nearby started laughing.

“What’s going on?” Ye Tian was confused.

“This is high society’s favorite masquerade ball. In truth, it’s a gathering for—” Laura muttered darkly.

Ye Tian nearly spat out his wine. A gathering for what? All these people together? “How do you know that? Have you attended one?” Ye Tian asked mischievously.

Thud! Laura’s delicate foot stomped heavily on Ye Tian’s.

“Ow! That hurts, madam!”

“See if you dare say anything else. Remember, don’t leave me!” Laura threatened.

“Got it. No wonder I was the only one invited,” Ye Tian grumbled.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing. I said you’re truly captivating. Look around, everyone’s sneaking glances at you.”

“Hmph!” Laura snorted coldly, her icy aura spreading out to let others know this rose was frozen.

“Hey, that move is pretty effective—now you’re even more attractive!” Ye Tian chuckled wickedly, earning another stomp in return.

“Sir Gehr.” At that moment, a young man dressed in finery approached Ye Tian.

“You’re—Your Highness!” Ye Tian exclaimed.

“I told you, just call me Rudy. Here, everyone is equal. Don’t stand on ceremony. The ball is about to begin, and I must go host. Have a wonderful evening!” Rudy smiled, then turned and walked away.

The lights dimmed, and a spotlight fell on Rudy.

“My friends, I’m delighted you could join us tonight. We have the most illustrious lineup, for I’ve invited the renowned singer Miss Mirage Akalias Yade!”

“Is that for real?” The crowd buzzed with excitement.

A veiled young woman gracefully ascended the stage. “Good evening, everyone,” she said, bowing gently.

“Miss Mirage is on her way to the Decas Empire for a concert. Passing through the Principality of Leyden, I told her about my sister, and she graciously accepted my invitation. Once again, I must express my heartfelt thanks!” Rudy bowed deeply.

Mirage returned the gesture with a slight nod.

“Now, please enjoy Miss Mirage’s enchanting music!” Rudy stepped back, leaving the stage to her.

“Is she famous?” Ye Tian whispered.

“I think you’re the only one on the continent who’d ask that question,” Laura sighed.

“Well, I live in a remote place,” Ye Tian scratched his head.

“Miss Mirage debuted five years ago. No one who’s heard her sing has ever disliked her. She’s truly the idol of the continent!” Laura explained.

“Oh, I see.” Ye Tian fell silent, waiting for the girl’s performance.

The hall grew quiet—one could hear a pin drop. Then, a barely audible voice began to fill the air. Ye Tian was startled; though the sound was soft, it seemed to arise from deep within his soul.

“Something’s off!” Ye Tian immediately focused his energy to resist.

“Oh, beautiful Socrates River, where were you born, where are you flowing…” The girl’s voice was like a warm current in the icy air, touching everyone’s heart.

“There’s nothing odd about this,” Ye Tian murmured, puzzled.

“The passage of time merely marks your steps…” The girl continued, and Ye Tian noticed that everyone around him was entranced by her singing—even Laura.

“How strange, is it just my imagination?” Ye Tian withdrew his inner strength and immediately felt his face flush, an indescribable sensation washing over him.

“I’m dizzy!” Ye Tian quickly gathered his composure, feeling better. “So this woman is a natural enchantress!” He finally understood why everyone was so spellbound—charm magic!

This girl must have innate allure, Ye Tian thought. He was certain she lacked any combat ability, but couldn’t explain his own reaction. Even the prince beside him looked feverishly enthusiastic, apparently unaware of the effect.

“I’m dizzy, dizzy, dizzy! Why does attending a ball have to turn out like this?” Ye Tian was speechless. Glancing at Laura, he decided not to wake her. Aside from the charm, the girl’s singing was genuinely beautiful, but everyone’s attention was on her, not her music. It was a strange sort of tragedy.

After realizing what was happening, Ye Tian was no longer affected by the charm and focused intently on the girl’s song. Gradually, her voice grew softer, fainter, until it vanished from everyone’s hearts.

Clap, clap! Ye Tian began applauding. Startled, the crowd followed suit.

“That was wonderful, wasn’t it, Gehr?” Laura said excitedly.

“Uh, yes,” Ye Tian replied with a smile.

“What, you didn’t like it?”

“I did, I did!” Ye Tian didn’t want to risk offending her.

Mirage finished her song, bowed to the audience, then to the prince.

Prince Rudy spoke regretfully, “Miss Mirage has traveled far and wide, and should be resting. Upon receiving my invitation, she rushed over at once, so I must apologize. Miss Mirage will retire for the evening. I hope we’ll meet again someday.” He extended his hand.

Mirage nodded, then left with her attendant. Rudy, unperturbed, smiled at the guests, “Well then, let the ball officially begin!”

Instantly, the hall was ablaze with light and cheerful music.

“Lovely Laura, may I have this dance?” Ye Tian seized the moment before any trouble could arise.

“Oh, thank you!” Laura gracefully extended her hand, placing it in Ye Tian’s palm, and together they entered the dance floor.

A gentle waltz played, and Ye Tian danced with newfound skill.

“Impressive,” Laura praised.

“Thank you,” Ye Tian smiled. “It’s thanks to a good teacher.”

“Hmph, at least you know your place,” Laura replied, a smile curling at her lips.

After the dance, the two stepped aside. Then, a woman dressed in red walked over elegantly, smiling as she extended her hand. “Handsome gentleman, may I have this dance?”

“Sorry, I already have a partner,” Ye Tian replied with a smile.

“No matter, just one dance. I’m sure your partner won’t object. Look around—refusing a lady is considered quite rude,” the woman said, covering her face with a fan.

“All right.” Ye Tian took the woman’s hand and entered the dance floor with her.

“Handsome, what’s your name?” The woman placed one hand on Ye Tian’s shoulder and the other on his waist, seemingly squeezing him intentionally.

“Just call me Gehr, madam.” Ye Tian’s body stiffened as the woman’s hand slowly moved downward, brushing his hip.

“Unbelievable. I’m usually the one teasing others, but tonight…”