Banquet

"Let's stargaze."

After Earl had dinner with Ari, the sky had already become pitch black.

"Let's go."

Earl warmly nodded and stepped towards the sky in conjunction with Ari. With every step, he could feel the cold wind gently brushing his face. Together, they reached the clouds and beyond it. Here, they could see the bottomless sky in its full glory.

The twinkling stars, the moon, and the calming silence that followed it. Below them was the endless clouds.

There seemed to be a tacit agreement between the two not to break this serenity. Ari waved her hand and solidified the clouds. Then, they laid down on the fluffiness below them. Together.

Earl wordlessly reached out for Ari's hand and held it. It was slightly cold, soft, and also warm. This was her hand. Ari's hand. His mother, and also the mother of his child.

Pushi.

A ball of cloud fell on Earl's face. When he looked over, he was greeted by the sight of the gently smiling Ari, who was holding another ball of clouds in her hand. Then, without warning, she tossed another ball at his face.

The sensation of the cloud against his face felt like a light breeze of air. He chuckled lightly and gathered his ball of cloud before tossing it at her.

The ball fell flat on Ari's face and slightly rustled her dark hair. They both laughed, and a small fight above the clouds began.

"Take this!"

"This is child's play!"

They jumped, they rolled, and they fell. Going through all sorts of dynamic movements with happy smiles and laughs on their faces.

Finally, Earl managed to grab hold of Ari by her waist and pushed her down.

"Got you!"

"You got me."

She answered lightly and brushed her forehead against Earl's. Earl enjoyed this sensation and rested next to her.

"Isn't it beautiful?" He murmured.

"Yeah."

"The sky. The stars. The clouds. You. This world, it's so beautiful."

"Our child will be born into a beautiful world."

"No matter what, I will preserve the beauty of this place. That's my goal."

"I see."

Then, they made love with the sky as their witness.

Days later.

It was the last day of the Spirit Festival. A banquet was being held at the Royal Palace.

Here, all distinguished guests within the Elven Kingdom were invited.

The members of the Elven Royal Family. Saryll, Abelis, Alea.

The members of the Spirit Knights. Eins, Zwei, Vier, Funf.

Affiliated and unaffiliated Grand ranks. Sheryl and a few other visiting Adventurers.

Members of the Ofrain Kingdom Royal Family.

Envoys of the Beast Kingdom.

And finally, the Court Mages of Ablax and Seth.

It was a true high-level event.

The banquet was held in a wide-open hall. Expensive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and various luxurious accessories decorated the walls. In the middle, a carpeted staircase led to the top. There, Abelis enthusiastically gave his speech.

As a Prince Consort, one of his tasks was the management of inter-kingdom relations.

"This Spirit Festival has been a special one to me...

(Omitted)

With that said, let the banquet begin!"

A cheer followed the ending of Abelis's speech, and relaxing music filled the hall.

In the upper levels of the hall, Earl accompanied Saryll as her aid. Next to him, Alea was dressed beautifully for the occasion in true princess style. She wore a princess dress that was decorated to the brim with luxuries that complemented her features. She was dazzling to the eyes.

"Are you looking at me?" The princess smirked.

"Yeah," Earl answered.

"Good."

Saryll chuckled at the two's reaction. But of course, the youthful charms of Alea could not be compared to the mature elegance of Saryll. Earl casually ran his hands through Saryll's thighs under the table, unbeknownst to Alea.

"Why don't you entertain the guests? Maybe you can form some connections of influence on your own." Saryll spoke as she eyed the distinguished guests below them.

"Fine."

Alea stood up from the table and made her way down the stairs. Immediately, she became the star of the event. All eyes came upon her radiating figure, and like a pack of hyenas, people surrounded her.

The first ones to talk to her were those who could benefit from her presence. Merchants and business owners. They were sly foxes that knew the way of the world well. But Alea was not to be underestimated either. She was well versed in politics and could skillfully weave her words around their schemes. It was in this situation that her blunt and straightforward attitude truly shone.

In the back, many youths of nobility were dying for a chance to talk to her. However, youths would be youths. In the presence of a beauty like her, they found their shyness to be sapping all their courage away despite being around beauties all their life. In their eyes, she was akin to an untouchable status. Best to be admired from afar.

In the end, there was one who managed to muster up his courage.

Seth Ablax.

He remembered the words of his father. Since none of these fools wanted to talk to her, maybe he would have a chance. He placed on his best smile and pushed his chest forward.

"Princess. Would you be interested in a dance?"

"Prince Ablax." Alea narrowed her eyes. "I'm afraid I want my first dance to be with someone else. Maybe you can have your turn later."

"W-what?"

Seth stumbled back as though he had just been shot while the other youths in the back quietly gave their condolences.

"I have a..." Alea paused to choose her words. Lover? Boyfriend? Fiancee? "... man, you see. He's sitting right up there."

She pointed at Earl, who was seated at the mezzanine above them.