Chapter 36: Appointed Time

The speed of the magic hoverboard was adjusted, the speed was a slower so Jorgus can keep up with the. Jorgus, with his long legs, covered a distance in one step that took two or three for the others, so although Aresia and Karina is in the hoverboard, Jorgus can effortlessly kept up.

Aresia wasn’t much of a talker, and neither was Jorgus. As they walked together, there was hardly any conversation at all.

Driving the magic hoverboard, Aresia leaned over towards Jorgus, her expression puzzled. “Jorgus, did you come alone to the banquet?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you bring a partner? The invitation clearly stated that we can bring a partner. Tonight’s gathering is likely to involve dancing, and it’s customary to have a partner.”

Jorgus shook his head in response.

“Is it because Jorgus doesn’t need a partner for the dance?” Aresia probed, seemingly trying to figure things out.

This inquiry made Jorgus glance up. “We can be partners.”

Karina grinned. “I’m Aresia’s partner. There’s no rule that mandates bringing someone of the opposite sex.”

Initially, it seemed like this was a banquet where bringing a partner was expected, which made Jorgus, who arrived alone, an outlier.

Jorgus responded, but Karina seemed undeterred, shifting the conversation to gossip about the love and enmity between teachers. Some of it was unknown, and it wasn’t clear how Karina knew these particular details.

Though Karina’s words were somewhat probing, they didn’t come off as annoying. Listening to her talk was oddly intriguing, almost like she was setting the atmosphere.

The trio soon arrived at the auditorium. The doors were wide open, bright lights shining through, and faint music could be heard.

There were quite a few people gathered at the entrance of the auditorium, where two servants from the school were checking invitations.

“This event seems quite grand in scale.”

“It’s because of the number of chiefs; there are many chiefs who attend along with their partners.”

The magic department had fewer people, being undivided and having only two classes. In magic department, there were five chiefs in the senior. On the warrior side, despite being divided per division, they were judged based on prowess, with just one class chief leader per year level.

The general department varied. With a multitude of subjects, each having its own chief leader, the total number of senior class chief leaders in the general department was estimated to be around fifty to sixty.

Consequently, the prestige of being a general department chief wasn’t as high as in the magic or warrior departments, despite not undermining their status.

Karina shrugged. “With three departments, there are nearly seventy principals. Plus, guests might bring people along, so the number might double. This event’s scale is impressive, not to mention the presence of high-ranking individuals. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were two hundred attendees.”

Truly, the scale was impressive.

Their arrival drew the attention of others at the entrance, an inevitable occurrence. The floating magic hoverboard and the radiant, extravagant attire worn by the two individuals—particularly Jorgus standing beside Aresia—was enough to captivate the onlookers.

Whispers began among the onlookers as this scene unfolded. Rumors about these two individuals had already started spreading, creating quite a buzz. The fact that Aresia, a Duke’s daughter, had been seen frequently with Jorgus, a new chief leader from the warrior department, made it hard for people not to speculate. Was this the beginning of a rumored relationship? Especially given Jorgus’ position as the new top chief in the warrior department.

Aresia noticed the subtle tension around her, the fragmented conversations. The magic hoverboard stopped at the entrance, and as it landed, a hand extended out to assist her.

The hand, thick-knuckled yet elegantly powerful, bore numerous calluses and fine scars, remnants of frequent weapon usage.

Aresia hesitated for a moment, then looked up, her eyes meeting those of the tall youth extending his hand. She placed her delicate hand in his.

Technically, the height of the magic hoverboard didn’t require assistance, but with layers of her skirt cascading down, completely obscuring her feet, Jorgus’ help made things a bit easier.

Aresia supported herself on Jorgus’ arm while lifting her skirt, dismounting the magic hoverboard. As Jorgus turned toward Karina, Karina who’s already dismounted and is standing while looking at them, as if observing something.

Aresia: “?” Confused, she asked. “Karina, should we proceed?”

“Let’s go.” Karina walked wearing a smile.

By this time, Jorgus had already taken Aresia’s invitation and handed it to the attendant at the entrance.

Aresia politely nodded to the attendant at the door. “Could you kindly take care of our hoverboards? We’ll retrieve them after the event.”

The attendant respectfully agreed, placing the two lightweight hoverboards aside.

As the trio entered the auditorium, those who had been observing began to discuss, their faint voices not quite reaching the ears of the three.

This banquet had been meticulously arranged by Alice Howard. The venue was adorned magnificently, with beverage pyramids adorning the tables. In a corner, a renowned band from within Holy Lotean City played, and among the performers, the captivating songstress, Liria, was a highlight. Despite the beverages being non-alcoholic, the students are enjoying the banquet, they mingled elegantly, relaxed, and graceful.

While appearing at ease, some of these individuals were not formally part of the social circle—children typically entered social circles around sixteen, while young men were not admitted until they turned twenty.

Aresia’s arrival attracted the attention of a portion of the attendees.

Notably, this lady from the Rogest family not only possessed remarkable talents and beauty but also ranked among the most eligible unmarried women. For suitors of appropriate age and status, the prospects of marrying her were indeed enticing.

For these individuals, whether from prestigious backgrounds or lesser noble families, or even from merchant households, appearance held significant weight in their quest to forge connections.

Their objectives weren’t solely fixated on Aresia alone; other eligible young women were also part of their considerations. This event was their chance to engage with high-status young ladies closely—an opportunity not easily obtained by those of lesser status.

There were quite a few impoverished noble families willing to incur debts to send their children to the expensive Royal Academy, not just for its reputation or conditions but also for the network it represented—a chance to restore the family’s former glory.

While success wasn’t guaranteed for many, some individuals had their eyes on Aresia, making no effort to conceal their envy or jealousy towards to certain someone.

Among them was a young man, exhibiting an overtly theatrical air of confidence.

Some people disapproved of the noble heiress mingling with commoners, particularly because Jorgus, despite not being a typical commoner, still belonged to a family unfamiliar to the Holy Lotean City locals. His background wasn’t widely known, and outsiders from other cities often viewed him as inferior. Despite Jorgus’ remarkable achievements as a new rising star in the warrior department and being appointed as a chief, it didn’t suffice for those critics.

“They’ll make a fuss once the Duke Rogest learns about this. Drama is inevitable.”

“No kidding! How can a duke’s daughter associate with commoners?”

“Perhaps Miss Rogest is just having fun. Marrying a commoner will degrade her status. She’s aiming for nobility; that’s what matters.”