CHAPTER PREVIEW The Ball

Even above the very upper layer of the Layered city, lay the Upper Dome. Despite now being covered by a thick fog, It was quite a sight from the outside of Natovis, but it was even more impressive to be on the very top, and look down on the city. The tower climbed above even the largest sky scrapers that lay in the city. The structure was a tower in a cylindrical shape. On top of that cylinder was a massive flat circle where events would be held. On top of that circle was a large glass dome.

While sitting at the large long table, conversing with the administrator next to him, Arturian the greater's assistant Mr. Aldenstrung could hear Music from string instruments in the background. He heard glasses clinging together, the sound of laughter and conversation among smaller groups of people throughout. There was a large party taking place or more commonly known in Natovis as a "ball".

Held by "Prince" Vanderton, a few of these parties were held every year and were sought after by the most prevalent in society. He was not at all a prince, but it was what he was nicknamed from being intertwined in so many of the prevalent members of Natovis. How he could even afford these parties no one really knew, everyone just knew he was super wealthy. There was a pretty good chance he was a smuggler of some sort. The other thing people could reasonably guess was that Vanderton was eccentric.

It was rare to see a butler actually take part in these famous parties, but due to his master's high profile and popularity, Mr. Aldenstrung was treated, partook and acted as if he was a member of the most elite of all of Natovis. 

Most of the people attending the ball were government administrators, business leaders and even some leaders of the rogue states that surrounded Natovis. There were also some religious leaders that would attend.

Other notables that were there were many of Arturian the Greater's family members. This included his children, cousins and even some of the women he had been with in the past. The most notable however was Arturian the Younger had not been invited to the ball.

Mr. Aldenstrung was a good talker, but he was even better at listening. He was skilled at listening in on many conversations at once.

From across the table and 3 seats to the right Aldenstrung could hear the conversation between one of Arturian Noble the Greater's sons and one of his daughters. They were discussing the quickly spread news that Arturian appeared in the past week.

"Did you hear about Arty going to the police station this past week?" The daughter asked.

"Delusional as always! He likely just wants attention or perhaps he is trying to come up with another one of his speculation theories. It's a wonder why father adopted him in the first place."

This surprised Aldenstrung when he heard this. He always knew Arturian the Second was never liked by his siblings, but he did not know it was this bad. Oddly enough, these two siblings were ones he considered to be some of the kinder ones. He wondered how the other relatives felt About Arturian II and his recent public embarrassment.

The two started to say more: " I hear father does not even say anything about Arty's absense from-----" Vanderton came on to the announcement device: Hello everyone, thank you for coming tonight" He said a few words then got back to the reason for him coming onto the microphone. "I present to everyone the guest of honour this late evening! Everyone, this man is exceptional and hard working, yet has made time tonight to be here. The one and only...."

Arturian Noble the Greater himself walked in to the main entrance.