Summon the Modern Lady!

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An hour later, Cheska finally emerged from the balcony, only when Ayessa found her. The princess approached with brisk, purposeful strides, her expression distinctly unimpressed. Cheska was amazed at the princess remained pristine.

But...

"There you are!" Ayessa's tone was sharp, a rare break from her usual calm. "Where have you been?" 

Cheska blinked at her sternness and instinctively stepped back. "I, uh… needed some air. I had to get away from the reporte—I mean, inquisitors."

"And you didn't think to tell anyone?" Ayessa pressed, her frown deepening. "You can't just vanish like that, Lady Cheska. We've been worried for you."

The peaceful fairy disappeared... 

Cheska winced, guilt bubbling in her chest. "I didn't mean to make you worry. I just... needed space."

Ayessa sighed, brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. Though her scolding eased, her frustration lingered. "Please, Lady Cheska, this isn't your world. It's not safe to wander off alone especially when you're in the eye of a storm. Please don't do it again."

"I won't," Cheska promised, her voice soft.

The princess studied her for a moment longer before relenting with a small, exasperated smile. "Also, don't be too friendly with strangers. There are plenty of suspicious people here tonight."

Cheska hesitated at those words, her mind flashing to the balcony and Riverus Arenied.

Should I tell Ayessa? The thought lingered for a moment before she pushed it aside.

"I'll be careful," The editor said instead, forcing a reassuring smile.

"Good." Ayessa gestured for her to follow, leading her through the bustling hall to their assigned table.

When they arrived, the rest of the group greeted her.

"Where were you?" Amaranthe asked, her green eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned forward, checking her. The author's gaze lingered on the editor as if trying to uncover a hidden truth.

"Just stepped out for some fresh air," Cheska replied, brushing off the question. "Needed a break from all the chaos."

Amaranthe, however, didn't let it slide and continued observing her.

The orchestra played on as the banquet hall buzzed with energy. On stage, the awards ceremony continued, the sixth honoree— a genius merchant—stepping forward to accept his prize.

She frowned. It was that annoying guy from earlier.

Ariel Bracken.

He looked shady from head to toe, with his large grin and condescending eyes bearing down everyone.

His gaze landed on her for a minute, smirking.

"Creep." She muttered as he walked off the platform, carrying his reward.

Cheska barely paid attention to the intermission, until the next name was announced.

Her heart skipped a beat in anticipation.

This must be it. The great alchemist's turn.

But when the recipient emerged, Cheska frowned.

It wasn't the figure she'd met earlier. Instead, a man with blond hair and a white mask covering only the upper half of his face stepped forward. 

The King and Queen didn't look surprise too.

Was the person I met someone different?

The award he received was a vial of cyan liquid, small enough to fit in his palm. Cheska tilted her head, unimpressed by its modest appearance. Yet the recipient's reaction was anything but understated— he practically glowed with joy as he bowed deeply to the king and queen.

"So he didn't come after all," Cheska heard Kayer mutter beside her, his tone laced with disappointment. "I thought he'd show himself when I did what he asked..."

Ayessa let out a soft sigh, her expression tinged with melancholy. "He still hates us."

Emette crossed his arms, his lips pressed into a thin line. "We can't change his mind, no matter what. It's been years. I've already replaced him at the Alchemist Tower."

Huh? Could it be...?

Cheska's brows furrowed as she listened, piecing together their words. After a moment's hesitation, she gently tapped Ayessa's shoulder.

"Are you talking about Master Arenied?"

All three of them turned to her, their expressions shifting from mild curiosity to surprise. Even Amaranthe, who rarely reacted outwardly, leaned in slightly, her sharp eyes curving to surprise at Cheska's mention.

Cheska offered an awkward laugh. "Uh… I think I met him earlier. Dark blue hair and a full white mask, right?"

"What?" Amaranthe's voice cut through the air, sharp and unrestrained. Her back straightened, her usual aloof demeanor slipping entirely. "He's here?"

The reaction was immediate. All three turned to her in surprise, but Amaranthe's response was startling.

The sudden intensity in her tone made everyone freeze. 

Emette raised a brow, then smirked lightly. "Well, I guess Lady Amara has become a fan after reading about him."

Amaranthe shot him a quick glare, but then softened as she regained clarity.

"You're sure?" she asked, her voice unusually quiet, tinged with something Cheska couldn't quite place—anxiety? Anticipation?

"Pretty sure." Cheska nodded. "He stopped some guy from bothering me. Seemed nice enough, I guess."

This time Kayer was surprised. "Nice?" He muttered under her breath, his tone carrying a weight of disbelief.

"Wait, someone bothered you?"

"Who is it?" 

Both Ayessa and Amaranthe inquired, eyes glaring at Cheska to tell them the truth.

"It's fine now?" She smiled awkwardly.

Unfortunately, the two ladies didn't let the topic go.

~~~

The banquet had concluded without incident, the lively atmosphere gradually dissolving into a calm departure. The guests made their way out in orderly fashion, and the grand hall returned to its tranquil elegance.

For Cheska and her companions, the event ended with a stroll through the halls, save for Kayer, who had remained behind to assist the king and queen in concluding the evening's formalities as the Crown Prince.

As they passed the remaining guests, the air grew thick with tension. 

The heads of the dukedoms in Rudenheischt remained seated: the Duke of Red, Ruthenheim; the Duchess of Blue, Baifern; and Duke of Green, Glandza. Their expressions stoic, offering no acknowledgment to the summoned ones. 

Ayessa's steps faltered when one man rose from his seat and approached.

The one in green, upturned his frown, brushing his trimmed brown hair. He greeted them with an overly bright tone.

"Ah, my dear brother," Persius Glandza began, his smile laced with thinly veiled condescension. "It's such a shame you haven't prioritized our family's connection with the summoned ones. Surely, you understand the opportunity here?"

His gaze shifted, lingering on Amaranthe's figure, uncomfortably scrutinizing.

Ayessa, ever the poised princess, dropped her veneer. 

Her frown deepening. "Lord Persius, your remarks are neither welcome nor appropriate."

Before Persius could retort, Emette stepped forward, shielding the ladies' from his older brother's leering eyes. "Persius," he said evenly, his voice a quiet warning.

Persius only laughed, clearly amused. "Come now, Emette. Surely you're not still holding grudges? After all, it's not every day one gets to rub elbows with otherworldly guests."

"You have Elenoir as a wife," Ayessa bit back clenching her fists. "Are you ignoring her position as your wife?"

The Duke shrugged, "How can I deal with her? She's such a weak woman."

The princess stepped forward unable to control herself, for a moment Cheska who watched from the side didn't know what to do.

It was the first time she saw the princess angry.

"Ayessa, calm down..." Emette held her shoulder to stop her.

She held herself back, taking a deep breath.

Her purple eyes glowing darker under the chandelier light, "You should be grateful Elenoir chose you. Did you think you'll be in that position if it weren't for her?"

At the mention of his own standing, Persius' expression finally faltered. "How dar—"

Before the situation could escalate further, another figure joined them.

"Persius," the man's firm voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Do not disgrace the family any further!"

Gregory Bourja-Glandza, the Grand Duke of Glandza, approached with measured steps, his blond hair catching the light. He leaned slightly on his cane but carried himself with an air of authority that made Persius stiffen.

Persius' laughter faltered, "Father. I was jus—"

"Not another word." His green eyes looked almost threatening.

Duke Persius Glandza frowned, clearing his throat and excused himself.

Once he went out the main doors, the Grand Duke regarded Emette. His expression stern, but his green eyes carried a warmth that softened the interaction. "You look well, son."

Emette smiled faintly, his usual guarded demeanor relaxing. He didn't know what to say.

Ayessa inclined her head with a polite smile, answering for her husband. "Thank you for your continued support, Father..." She turned to the ladies beside her, "I'd like to introduce Lady Cheska and Lady Amara, the summoned ones."

The Grand Duke's gaze turned to Cheska and Amaranthe, his expression neutral but courteous. "Ladies, it is an honor."

Cheska and Amaranthe bowed politely, following Ayessa's example.

While the group interacted, through the main doors, a commotion arose from outside.

Guardian knights escorted a disheveled Ariel Bracken, his protests falling on deaf ears, toward the administrative wing of Rudenheischt Castle.

"I-I was just offering! She looked anxious, that's all!"

"Save your excuses. The report mentioned you almost raised a hand against the lady."

"I-I! N-Nonsense! Stop it, let go of me! I'm an honored guest! A guest!"

Concealed within the dark embrace of the garden hedges, Riverus Arenied watched the unfolding chaos with a sigh.

His gloved hand raked through his midnight-blue hair, his expression a mixture of exasperation and boredom.

"Bracken, you fool," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. "...What a waste of time."

He had attended the Banquet of Honors with a singular purpose— to observe Ariel Bracken, a so-called "genius" merchant whose recent dealings had drawn more suspicion than admiration.

But before any revelations could be unearthed, Bracken was fined.

Riverus adjusted the black mask concealing his features. 

His honey-brown eyes followed the movements of the departing guards and their disgraced captive with an air of detached interest.

"...!"

Riverus stepped deeper into the hedges, his movements precise and silent as he caught sight of a familiar figure trailing behind the group.

Kayer de Ruchuster.

The Crown Prince moved with purpose, though the weariness in his posture was unmistakable. 

A frown etched deep on his face as he followed the guards, his presence commanding yet subdued in the well-lit path.

Only when the prince was completely out of sight did Riverus relax, his sharp gaze softening slightly. He lingered in the shadows a moment longer, his thoughts clouded with calculations and unanswered questions.

"Still too many pieces out of place," he murmured, his tone carrying a trace of frustration as he scratched his neck.

A rustling behind him caught his attention, but he didn't turn.

"You're late, Sicilian," Riverus remarked as he slumped down the garden path, removing his mask to breathe.

The beauty mark under his left eye could be seen.

A grinning figure emerged from a bush, his face half-hidden by a white mask. 

Sicilian, Riverus' assistant, held up a small vial filled with glowing cyan liquid. "But I bring good news, Master. The Vial of Magic is secured!"

Riverus arched a brow beneath his mask, his lips quirking into a faint smile. "A thousand spells' worth of mana, condensed into liquid form. Valuable doesn't begin to describe it."

Sicilian chuckled. "With this, we can set up a trap. Good thing I forced you to write that letter to the prince, huh?"

Riverus glanced back toward the banquet hall, ignoring his companion.

It was a good decision, he thought. But it still felt like he cheated.

The masked man groaned, before focusing his attention on the last people leaving the halls.

It was the summoned ones, Lady Cheska and Lady Amara, who was with Ayessa and Emette. They were bidding goodbye to the Grand Duke of Glandza with a calm atmosphere.

Sicilian watched from behind him, cooing. "Looks like green boy's been forgiven by his father."

"Looks like it." Riverus nodded, putting his mask back on before turning on his heel. "Let's go." 

"Yes, boss!" The assistant cheered, following him.

Both of them disappeared further into the shadows, leaving no trace of their presence behind.