Chapter 221: The Representative Sonia
As Sara stood at the entrance of the Record Temple, she could see the flickering lights from the seaside. She went to the banquet venue after clocking out and leaving a notice.
The roads were lined with streetlights, so even after eight in the evening, it didn't feel dark or intimidating for her to walk alone.
However, as she walked, Sara realized it might be necessary to bring her vehicle from Sandar City. Otherwise, her slow pace made each trip to the cafeteria take longer than she liked.
When she reached the cafeteria by the harbor, she was greeted by a scene of bustling people. Some were standing, others sitting, enjoying fine wines and delicious food in a joyous celebration.
Upon closer inspection, Sara noticed that most of the people looked exceptionally young; no one seemed to be over thirty, with many just in their twenties. They weren't just chatting leisurely; they were eagerly grabbing food and eating at a remarkable speed.
Moreover, they weren't dressed in formal attire but rather in casual, relaxed clothing, embracing the easygoing vibe of the evening.
"..."
This was quite different from the banquets she had attended before, leaving her momentarily at a loss.
As she arrived, all eyes turned towards her, drawing immediate attention and a hint of surprise. The intense gaze of hundreds made Sara's heart race, but relief came quickly when someone stepped forward.
"I didn't expect you to come, Miss Sara!"
A striking silver-haired man, Reno, approached her with genuine surprise. "If I had known, I would have sent Kyle to pick you up."
They had all assumed that even if Sara verbally agreed to come, she probably wouldn't show up. After all, as an ordinary person, stepping into a gathering of superpowered individuals was bound to be intimidating.
"Hello, Reno. I decided to come since I received an invitation," Sara replied a hint of nervousness in her voice but managing to smile.
"Since you're here, let me find you a seat," Reno offered. "Although this is a banquet, it's not as formal as those you might be used to outside. It's just about sharing experiences and enjoying each other's company."
Noticing Sara's unease, Reno didn't push the matter and guided her instead. Since Sara was brought back by Sonia, they felt a sense of obligation to return the kindness they had received from her.
"Thank you, Reno," Sara said gratefully as she followed him to the table occupied by Reno, Leicy, the Seer, Kyle, and Tony.
Every table was laden with an abundance of food, all equally lavish, which was part of why Tony's banquets were so well-received among the island's inhabitants.
Sara sat beside Leicy, feeling a bit out of place with her hands resting on her knees.
"You don't need to be so nervous. They're just surprised that you came; there's no malice in their gazes," Leicy gently reassured her.
"Exactly, Miss Sara. Feel free to take whatever you like to eat," Kyle added, understanding Sara's first-time jitters.
"If you can't reach something, just let us know, and we'll help you," Kyle continued, aiming to make her feel at ease.
"By the way, Miss Sara, I forgot to ask earlier—how long have you been on the island?" Tony chimed in a friendly smile on his face.
"Today marks my eighth day here," Sara replied, feeling the tension ease a little with the friendly atmosphere.
"Eighth day, huh? Well, your time here is still quite short," Tony commented. "Once you settle in, you'll realize there's no need to be afraid. Everyone here is powerful, but thanks to Sonia managing everything, you won't encounter any fights or trouble on the island."
"Even if you wander around at night, you should be safe," he reassured her. "Of course, I'm not suggesting you roam around at night; it's always best to rest at a proper hour."
Sara was intrigued by the dynamic at play. "With so many people here, why do they listen to Sonia's management?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Wait, Sonia hasn't told you about her role?" Kyle replied, surprised.
"No, she only mentioned that apart from respecting Lord Kassadin, there's no clear hierarchy here," Sara explained. "The people here respect Sonia for being Lord Kassadin's steward, but it doesn't mean they all report to her directly."
"That's interesting," Tony said, realizing that while Sonia had a unique position, it was also worth respect.
"Sonia has a certain gravitas as the steward serving Lord Kassadin," Kyle elaborated. "You can consider her as the representative of Lord Kassadin, a bridge connecting us to him. Many matters on the island require her approval."
"Given her significant power and her status as a representative, it's natural that everyone respects her," he concluded.