Crimsoner State : Main Event Hall, Teramic City
A young man sat on the rim of an ornate marbled table, his legs brushing against the twisting metal stands below.
The cold marble surface gleamed under the glowing chandelier, polished so thoroughly it looked like glass, a proof of how much effort had gone into making everything spotless.
No explanation was needed to see that the hall was prepared for an important occasion.
Still, the most noticeable thing was that the young man's only company were the servants who were doing their own task.
He adjusted the sleeve cuffs of his black overcoat, which hung open to reveal a clean white shirt.
His trousers, perfectly matched to the coat, fit over his legs, breaking neatly over polished dark colored shoes. But upon closer look, his attire made it difficult to tell him apart from the male servers.
He rested his right hand on the table, fingers tapping in a nervous manner.
'I can't believe I listened to that scoundrel.' he sighed deeply.
The target of his frustration was a noble he was acquainted with. Since he did not received an invitation directly, he just asked for a favor, but he was misled.
With time to kill, he reached into his coat's pocket and pulled out a small book titled 'Blood and Roses. '
The leather cover was warm from the heat of his body, and the faint smell of old paper and ink fermented the air as he opened it
It was popular among aristocrats lately. He carried it around, though only for show;just something to make people think he had good taste.
After an hour or so, the room got louder as more people started showing up .
The nobles dressed with colors. Women walked in layered gowns that swept the polished floors.
Men wore fitted coats with jeweled buttons, cravats pinned with family crests.
Kash, by comparison, looked very plain.
This was expected, given the culture of their empire. The lower class was not allowed to wear anything that would make them stand out.
'I need to stay low,' He averted his eyes as they made their way to their designated tables.
Unfortunately, it was hard to miss him. His silver hair and bright blue eyes stood out too much.
Some guest cast curious glances his way, while others whispered among themselves.
One noisy group caught his attention. A family from House of Dorff, easy to recognize by their insignia.
They weren't that rich or well-connected, just another noble house trying to stay relevant.
Funny how the ones with the least to offer always found the most to say. Maybe it made them feel bigger by putting others down.
They sat down nearby, barely hiding their smiles as they looked in his way.
"Well, well," one of them sneered, loud enough for him to hear. "Didn't think the Dragmir failure still had the guts to show his face."
A young woman joined in: "Didn't he fail his summoning twice? What's he even doing here?"
Her companion. A man from House of Sprien, chuckled loudly: "Maybe third time's the charm... though I wouldn't bet on it."
They all threw out insults, but the next one got on his nerves the most.
"Didn't you hear? Back when the Dragmirs were still worth something, they made a deal with the Crimsoners. That failure is supposed to marry Lady Elecy."
Everyone started laughing, making sure he heard every word.
The first woman shook her head with disgust. "That's not even funny as a joke. She's the youngest to ever become a Summoner, and bonded with an Inferno Wyvern at ten. And they expect her to marry that… incompetent fool?"
Kash was offended. His hands curled into fists before he slowly loosened his grip.
'Not worth it,' he told himself, tilting his head down.
This made the others think he was cowardly and gutless. Not that it changed anything.
More guests arrived, and eventually, they got tired of throwing rude remarks at him. They left him alone at his table, pretending he didn't exist.
As for why he was alone…well, he was not even invited.
Even those who knew him acted like strangers. Not a single ally, no familiar face dared to sit near him.
But he needed to be here, no matter what.
'The Annual Crimsoner Family Baptismal.' he uttered.
It was a ceremony where members of noble bloodlines, upon turning fifteen, could attempt their first summoning.
They could only try it after the Mark of the Beast began to form on their bodies.
Of course, there were exceptions. His ex-fiancee was one of them.
Her mark appeared when she was just ten, an event that shocked the entire empire and boosted her family's reputation and rank overnight.
One could even say she did it singlehandedly, showing just how important a Summoner's status.
While these thoughts lingered, the front doors creaked open again.
This time, it wasn't another noble family.
Kash straightened when he spotted a girl in a red and silver robe gown. She walked with gentle steps, her chin lifted up.
A pair of guards followed behind her, keeping just enough distance to show respect without acting like shadows.
'Elecy Crimsoner'
She didn't glance around the room, and just walked straight to her table.
Her father, mother, and siblings' followed behind her, walking with the confidence that came from their status.
Everyone's attention was on her. She was captivating, easily one of the most beautiful in the empire. Her dress, a blend of gold and red, flowed just below her knee, matching her scarlet hair.
In all fairness, none of the guests dared to speak to her or took offense when she ignored them. Her overwhelming talent and potential gave her that right.
But as she reached Kash's table, she stopped. Her crimson eyes stayed on him, and a small frown tugged at the corners of her pinkish lips.
"You're here again?" she said, her voice surprisingly firm despite her graceful, gentle appearance. "Haven't you learned enough by now?"
The way she said it didn't sound like mockery. It was more like she was reprimanding him.
Kash scratched his head awkwardly.
"Lady Elecy... I know I'm being a bother, but you promised to sponsor my Baptismal... three times…and I—"
"Enough," she cut him off. "Suit yourself, but don't expect me to waste more time and resources after this."