Chapter 32

Damien had greeted Gideon via a text message. He wondered where this man even got his phone number. But he didn't press on that thought anymore and replied a thank you message to him. A few minutes later Damien texted him again telling him if it is possible for him to not attend the Winter Ball for the sake of his well-being. He furrowed his eyebrows and replied that he didn't even receive an invitation so he shouldn't worry. Stephen noticed his expression and asked what was wrong.

"Ah it's nothing, Damien greeted me"

"Damien?"

"The Demon Noble, Damien"

Stephen had to pause himself for a moment because just when did those two interact and why did the rumored "most violent" Demon Noble decide to greet his unofficially adopted son a "happy birthday". Too many questions flooded his head that he forgot to ask Gideon what he wanted to eat for dinner later.

"I'll be in my room Steph"

"Ah.. oh sure sure" Stephen nodded and watched Gideon disappear from his sight.

Stephen may not be able to read Gideon's thoughts but he could still see the messages on his phone from his position. That child that Azazel brought to them was a peculiar one. Somehow every important or High Ranking Demons are drawn to him. Just exactly what does he have? Hell, he doesn't even show any interest in being in a relationship with others despite the fact being a succubus.

"Knock knock~" A familiar voice echoed and Stephen immediately glanced to his right and saw Amias. His expression turned a bit sour because whenever Amias was around the atmosphere suddenly turns into an uncomfortable one.

"First of all, there is a front door. We wouldn't put that for no reason. And Second, what are you doing in my house?"

"Stephy my dear" Stephen suddenly cringed at the endearment, Amias just smiled and continued speaking.

"As Usual, the King formally invites the Baecker family to attend the upcoming winter ball that will be held later this month" Amias hands Stephen an envelope that contains the invitation.

"I'll make sure to attend" 

Stephen suddenly recalls the text message that Gideon had received earlier from the Demon Noble Damien telling him that it would be best if he did not attend the ball. Does it mean that Gideon is also invited? But Gideon is not included in their official register as part of the Baecker Family.

Seeing that Stephen had no intention of opening the letter, Amias took the liberty of swiping it from his hand and opening it for him. The Envelope contained two Letters versus the usual one letter.

"That pretty boy you call your son is also invited"

"He doesn't need to attend that Ball" Stephen glances over his and Theodora's invitation.

"King's Orders"

Stephen did not like the sound of that. He expected that the prince would be the one who would invite Gideon. So hearing the fact it was the King's Orders meant something was up. He obviously can't ask Amias why is that so he only gritted his teeth.

Amias placed his hands together and suddenly remembered the other reason why he went here. He snapped his right hand and there appeared a paper bag. It was a rather large bag and he only had a smile on his face.

"Gideon is in his room, right? Tell me which room it is" 

Amias grabbed the invitation meant for Gideon and walked past Stephen, slightly bumping him by his shoulder. This was his way of showing that he's still above them regardless.

"The room on the left" Stephen answered and was left alone once again.

Amias walked up to Gideon's door and knocked two times before entering. Gideon was surprised by Amias' appearance. He was about to ask for the reason why he was even here when Amias showed him the letter. It was a black piece of paper that was folded in half and its letters are written in gold. The outside of the letter had the crest of the Royal Family.

When he had opened the letter, there it was written:

"His Highness of this Kingdom, Luciel Lux Ferre requests the presence of Gideon Lemery to attend the 20th Annual Winter Ball this coming December that shall be held in the Royal Castle located in the Central Capital."

It was short and direct to the point and possibly handwritten directly by Luciel himself since he's certain no one would use the word "request" in this type of letter. This was an order written in the guise of an invitation.

"I wasn't expecting this sort of news any time soon"

"What are you talking about? You keep interacting with the prince and my fellow comrades, of course, you'd end up getting invited"

"Well I know that not just anyone could attend this"

"And you should also know that we don't hand invitations personally just for anyone"

Gideon pursed his lips, a bit nervous that he might have pissed off Amias. If there's one thing this man hates, it's being degraded. Whether it was intentionally or unintentionally. Amias might have just brushed it off because he showed Gideon the paper bag that he had been holding.

"What's this for?"

"Oh it's nothing~ Obviously you can tell this is a gift for you"

Gideon looked at the paper bag again and Amias made an expression that screamed;

What are you going to keep having me hold this for you?!?

He took it from him and took a peek to see that there were two boxes inside it. It was one small one and one large one. Gideon offered for Amias to sit down while he opened this "Present".

In all of his years in this world, Amias would only greet him with a text. Nothing more, nothing less. So this year was really eventful to the point the plot of the original novel did not even retain itself anymore. Everything is just left up to fate.

He opened the large box first and it was a Black Suit that had a tinge of maroon when the light hit it directly. The fabric and the craftsmanship of the suit are that of the usual clothes he'd see Amias would wear. Even though it looked simple from afar, upon closer inspection you'd see it has a brocade pattern. In the box, it also included a rich periwinkle-colored tie to complement the suit.

"Amias I.."

"Open the other box before you say anything" Amias popped a candy into his mouth. He wanted to smoke but out of consideration, he did this instead.

Gideon did exactly as he was told and opened the smaller box and it revealed a tie pin that had a Sapphire gem as its design. Everything that was just gifted to him was in his style choice but more elegant and luxurious.

"Happy Birthday! Before you say shit again, I'll have you know that the ball has a dress code. And over the past few years, I've spoken with you, you have no sense of style"

He was planning on giving a heartfelt thank you speech to Amias but immediately retracted that sentiment when he heard that. Gideon's face was terrible as he put away the gift that he had just received.

"Well thanks for the compliment and kind consideration in gifting me these" he sarcastically gave his thanks and Amias was pleased himself. He reached the goal of pissing off the birthday boy so he'll stop here now.

"With pleasure! Just contact me if everything fits, I just based on your measurements from that one chick I banged the other day."

"WHAT?!?"

"Bye!!" A dark fog suddenly appeared and the moment it disappeared, Amias was gone with it as well.

I SWEAR TO GOD I WOULD HAVE PUNCHED YOU ALREADY IF I WAS NOT SUCH A WEAK-ASS CHARACTER!

Amias reappeared in front of Luciel's door and knocked twice before entering. To his surprise, he discovers that Prince Kaiden was also in there giving his report to his father. Amias hesitated on whether or not he should say that he had completed his task while Prince Kaiden was present.

"I see, good job Kaiden. Amias, report." Luciel turned his attention from Kaiden to Amias. This was his go signal to report despite Kaiden being here meaning Luciel has no intentions of hiding the fact that he is suspicious of Gideon.

"I've handed the invitation to Stephen Baecker and Gideon Lemery for the Winter Ball"

"Good good, you're dismissed"

Amias disappeared and Kaiden did not leave his father's office. He was surprised to hear Gideon getting an invitation just after what his father had done yesterday.

"What are you planning to do, Father?"

"Whatever are you talking about my son?" Luciel grabs the glass of whiskey he had by his desk.

"You literally just told me that you don't trust Gideon and yet you're inviting him to attend the ball. Is this one of your sick jokes?"

"You're taking this way out of proportion. He's technically under the care of the Baeckers and he is your friend is he not?" Luciel placed an emphasis on the word friend and Kaiden just scoffed and stormed out of his office.

Luciel didn't have any malicious plans towards Gideon. He was curious to know what that boy was exactly. Especially after learning from Amias and the schools he had attended that it seems like Gideon did not have any sexual relations despite being a succubus but is still able to use demon powers.

"Gabby, where did I go wrong?"