Ball

Hillston Borough, in a house with a stable and garden.

Qilangos, who had a unique broad chin and dark green eyes, looked at the unconscious Baron Gramir. He took off his clothes and changed into his own clothes.

Right on the heels of that, he leisurely walked in front of the dressing mirror and watched the black glove on his left hand squirm as though it was digesting something. He saw many distorted lines appear on its back.

A few seconds later, Qilangos saw himself in the mirror with a strong nose and thin eyebrows. Even his cheeks were drooping, and his eyes had turned pale blue. He looked exactly like the unconscious Baron Gramir, be it his height, looks, or temperament.

After examining the baron a few times and matching his habits, Qilangos bent down and broke the baron's neck. He dragged him to the side and stuffed him into the wardrobe.

"What a hypocritical and foolish noble, making me waste so much time to learn the strange pronunciation and so-called noble accent of certain words…"

Qilangos sneered in disdain. Then, he dripped a few drops of amber-colored liquid onto his wrist and wiped them on different parts of his body. He then thought impatiently,

I wonder who collected the information, to actually record how long this idiot knew how to use perfume before attending the banquet… Could the partner over there have bribed one of his mistresses or head maid?

However, I seem to have missed the notice of time in the information… It doesn't matter. Who would be so bored as to care how long it takes for someone to spray perfume before participating in a banquet? After all, they're both brands and smells.

With that thought in mind, Qilangos instructed his servants not to enter his bedroom without permission. Then, he maintained his baron's demeanor and boarded the carriage with his butler accompanying him.

…

At seven in the evening, in Duke Negan's mansion, a grand ball was being held.

The place was divided into two parts. One was the dancing hall at the bottom level, which was paved with glamorous stone slabs engraved with complicated patterns. In the corner was an excellent band belonging to the duke. Up the stairs of the hall was a winding corridor that circled the second floor. The guests held wine glasses and stood in front of the railing, overlooking the dancing below. It was as if they were watching a fencing match from the stands. From time to time, a gentleman would walk in front of a lady or madam and invite them to dance. If permission was given, both parties would walk down the stairs hand in hand and enter the hall.

On the other side of the winding corridor that was not close to the hall, there were doors after doors. Behind them was the guest lounge.

But behind the double door was a corridor, and on both sides of the corridor were different plaster statues of the ancestors of the Negan family.

At the end of the hall was another part of the ball. It was also a hall with long tables filled with all sorts of delicacies and wine. Another band belonging to the duke was playing relaxing melodies for the guests.

In the hall, the guests were gathered in groups of three or five, either sitting or standing as they conversed about various matters. Those who wished to avoid the din for a short period of time entered the attached balconies to take in the garden's scenery and the crimson moon in the sky.

At that moment, Ebner was holding a cup of Aurmir red wine that had been deciphered by the White Eye. He stood beside the two-story staircase in the dancing hall, carefully and furtively observing the guests.

Although this cup of wine wasn't a collector's version of 1286, it was still a high-end product produced in 1330. The entire bottle was worth about 130 pounds.

Usually, Ebner would never buy such expensive red wine, but since someone was treating him, he naturally took the opportunity to enjoy it.

At this moment, he saw a blonde, soft-haired girl walk up the stairs after the opening dance.

Her green eyes were as beautiful as gems, but they also seemed like the surface of the sea that hid maelstroms, making it impossible for anyone to shift their gaze away.

However, what caught Aibner's attention was a ring that she had accidentally revealed.

The ring was embedded with red and black gems. It was in a unique and dazzling manner. It was none other than the "fake anger" he had previously sold at the Tarot Club.

This girl is Miss Justice? As expected of the most dazzling jewel in Backlund!

Ebner secretly marveled before retracting his gaze. He didn't come here today to meet the "netizens" offline, but to ensure that the "plot" played out normally. Therefore, he didn't plan on interacting with Miss Justice, who was a very important "actress" in this matter, to prevent any accidents from happening to the "butterfly."

On the other side, Audrey didn't notice that Ebner was "sizing her up." This was because there were many gentlemen sizing her up. Many of them were already itching to dance.

How boring, but it's not like I can't participate… Sigh, can't they just let me quietly observe? I have to say, some people have rich expressions when dancing. They remind me of animals seeking mates…

After sighing helplessly, Audrey suddenly had an idea. She took two quick steps before the gentlemen invited her and stepped onto the corridor that led to the dining hall.

At the same time, in a corner of the winding corridor on the second floor, two unpopular ladies were leaning against the railings and chatting.

One of them was Miss Hazel who had come with Ebner. She had been ostracized by the gentlemen of high society after the incident at the Daily Observer's headquarters. After such a long period of time, she was already used to it. She even felt that it was a little quieter, so she remained very calm.

As for the other person, she was the youngest daughter of Viscount Horrorhawks. As she had done quite a number of outrageous things during her time as a Swindler, she was hated by many. Even though she had a strong background, she still had the reputation of being "eccentric." Now, she was naturally left in the corner.

However, the two ladies weren't in the mood to be depressed. Holding their drinks, they pouted in the direction of Ebner and said, "Look, Ebner seems to be attracted by the 'most dazzling jewel of Backlund.'"

Hazel glanced at her and said coldly, "What does his attraction have to do with me?"

"Aren't the two of you on very good terms? I heard that you even revealed some of my matters to him." Emma rolled her eyes and asked indirectly.

"He cut off my arm… How can such a relationship be good?" Hazel puffed her cheeks in an inelegant manner before retorting, "Your topic has always been revolving around him. Your relationship with him is really good, right? Otherwise, he wouldn't have sold me out."

So you really mentioned me to Ebner… I thought it was just an excuse he made up…

Although she was deep in thought, she didn't seem embarrassed at all. She smiled and admitted, "I do have a good relationship with him…"

Hazel frowned when she heard that. She thought to herself that Detective Bryan really didn't know Emma two weeks ago. How long had it been, and they were already so familiar with each other? Could it be that the rumors about Detective Bryan were true? He was a playboy and very good at getting girls to like him?

But he didn't show this side of him at the Harvest Church…

With her acumen as a Cryptologist, she easily guessed what Hazel was thinking. She found her naivety amusing as she found her adorable. She was even more knowledgeable than Jenny. She had really chosen the wrong pathway.

…

After being discussed by the two ladies, Ebner tensed up when Audrey walked into the corridor that led to the dining hall. This meant that Vice Admiral Hurricane's disguise was about to be seen through, and the "plot" was about to begin.

He looked at the huge crystal chandelier hanging from the roof and then at the defenseless guests in the dancing hall on the first floor.

If everything remained the same, Qilangos would use Wind Blades to cut the metal chain of the chandelier and create chaos…

With such a heavy chandelier hanging down, the people below would probably suffer heavy casualties…

Since he had encountered it, he had to try his best to save it.

The principles that he had previously set for himself flashed through his mind, and he made up his mind.

Although he needed to ensure that the "plot" happened tonight, saving the people in the dance hall wouldn't affect the "plot."

After a brief deliberation, Ebner carried his wine cup to a corner of the corridor and came before the two ladies, Emma and Hazel.

"Ebner, do you want to invite me for a dance?" Seeing him approach, Ema asked with a smile.

However, Ebner only greeted her politely before turning to face Hazel. He bowed in a standard manner and said, "Miss Hazel, may I invite you for a dance?"

Hazel glanced at him and fell silent for a few seconds.

"It's my honor."

She then extended her metal palm.

Ebner politely held her hand as they walked up the stairs to the first floor and entered the dance floor. Following the melody, they began a brisk and lively dance.

At this moment, Emma, who had been left on the winding corridor on the second floor, frowned. She could tell that there was something wrong with Ebner's attitude. Although he didn't give any clear indication, he had secretly waved at her when he turned around.

Ever since I've come into contact with that detective, he's rarely been this serious… Is something serious going to happen? Well, regardless, I'll go and hide for now… It should be safer at the restaurant at this time!

After making up her mind, she ignored the gazes of others and left the corner angrily, following the long corridor towards the restaurant.

On the dance floor, directly under the dome chandelier.

Ebner looked at Hazel's beautiful but expressionless face and asked solemnly,

"How heavy is this arm made from ancient alchemy?"