Oblivious to what had happened on the battlefield, the banquet continued.
It was already nearing midnight—but the banquet hadn't shown any ti of stopping at all.
Then again—this particular banquet held imnse significance for the nobilities, marking the pivotal mont in establishing the hierarchy—among kingdoms, under the newly established Clarentium Empire.
Each noble from different kingdoms sought to impress the royal family, the Silverstar Pack.
Naturally, there was this light tension looming in the air.
Aside from the distressed Dark Elves, there were also others around the sa boat.
One such example—was the Dwarven and the Tigerman Kingdom who were clearly on a bad term, because of their earlier dispute before the battle against the Fifthborn. Adhara noticed this, and she sought to diate things between them.
More than that, she also had to get to the bottom of their dispute which was complicated.
Initially, she thought that the Tigerman was taking advantage of the mont.
Her hastiness led her to overlook the fuller narrative—as she hadn't heard both sides of the story and instead relied on her own biased perspective. It was not only a border dispute—it was sothing more than ets the eye.
Since she was the one who was aware, she was going to be the one to see the end of it.
"King Huvuki has nowhere to hide now, I'm going to see him," Adhara mused.
Looking at King Huvuki who was standing on the other side of the place, she took a sip and headed towards him. She was rejected to et with Huvuki back when she ca to his turf—she's not going to be rejected now.
On the other hand, Gistella was talking with so nobles from the Elven Kingdom.
"You have such great white hair, it's like a river of milk!"
"Did your hair instantly turn like this when the emperor turned you?"
"Y- Yes, It grew and beca like this the mont I was turned"
Just like Rex, she was still accustod to her position.
Gistella only puts on her sweetest smile to hide her awkwardness which makes her stand out even more, as appearance is her natural perk—she could even catch Rex in a trance, multiple tis when he least expected.
It shouldn't be surprising for her to be in this situation.
Nevertheless, it was unusual for her to be surrounded and adored by a lot of people.
Even though most nobles were trying to butter her up—there was true praise in their eyes.
None of such things happened when she was an Undead.
Maybe this is what other races called for having beauty, which Undeads doesn't have at all.
But then suddenly, a voice interrupted the bickering.
"So what does that make you? A Werewolf? An Undead? Or a Human?"
Upon hearing this, Gistella and the Elven nobles turned to look at the source of the voice and found that it was Elder Tilrith herself. At the sight of an Elder—the Elven nobles, shuddered in fear and quickly excused themselves to Gistella.
Regardless of what they were doing with Gistella, Elder Tilrith reeks of trouble to them.
Not to ntion—there was no reaction from the high-rank Supernatural races, with the other kingdoms deciding to make their alliance public, and becoming subservient to the Clarentium Empire, and that alone is enough to make them know to steer clear of trouble.
Especially troubles from the Elders themselves.
In utter sha, the Elven nobles excused themselves and let Elder Tilrith take over.
"What do you an by that?" Gistella asked back, squinting her eyes.
Despite knowing exactly who the person she was talking to, she kept her ground strong.
"I an, in the past, hybrids were known, but they typically rged only two races. Nobody was akin to your situation right now, and I find myself pondering... Does it mark you special, or does it an you are a nobody? A being with no adequate races, is not a being at all—or am I wrong?"
Gistella was silent, but Elder Tilrith's words definitely were a vicious blow to her mind.
It took quite so ti before Gistella could muster an answer.
"I am a special Werewolf, exclusive to the Silverstar Pack. No more, no less," She replied.
Upon hearing this, Elder Tilrith locked eyes with Gistella for a lingering mont, then, offered a faint smile as she reached for a glass of blood from the table, "Indeed, you are. Then do try to entertain my curiosity. What does it feel like to be changed fundantally? Does that also change the real, you?
I couldn't fathom that you are willing to be turned then, so how do you feel about Emperor Rex?"
"Hard to say, but I don't feel anything towards him but trust and loyalty," Gistella replied.
Elder Tilrith only nodded in return, expecting that answer.
Leaning over the table, looking at the people socializing with each other, she then started, "I never thought you were the trump card that Emperor Rex has in taking down the Fifthborn. I can't believe you could actually infiltrate the Fifthborn perfectly"
"As Rex said, he looked down on others, that would be his downfall" Gistella sighed.
Even now, she couldn't believe she managed to pull it off.
Had she got caught by the Fifthborn then she was quite sure that it would be the end of her.
Not even Rex's counterasures could save her in ti.
It was an extrely risky play that paid off.
"Fully agree... But I would never be able to pull that off," Elder Tilrith mumbled whisperingly.
Upon hearing this, Gistella's expression twitched slightly.
She sensed she might be overthinking, yet, the undertone in Elder Tilrith's words hinted that she was saying that she wouldn't be able to pull what Gistella did off because she would not be underestimated by the Fifthborn.
Gistella, on the other hand, is ager enough to be looked down upon.
Despite only talking briefly, Gistella had already felt her emotions being played by her.
Unknown to the two of them, Evelyn who was entertaining other guests has her eyes on the two as Elder Tilrith is still a hostile force. She even managed to eavesdrop on their exchange—which was an alarm to her mind.
'Elder Tilrith is testing her loyalty...' She squinted her eyes sharply.
Knowing that Gistella is quite gullible, Evelyn decides to intervene in the conversation.
"I have to excuse myself. But please, do enjoy the party"
Excusing herself from the other guests, she made her way to Gistella and Elder Tilrith.
Upon realizing that she was heading towards them, Elder Tilrith puts down her glass on the table, "The Emperor is ntally fatigued, so I'll leave a ssage to him on you. Tell him that nobody had managed to kill an Executor, be prepared for the unexpected,"
"Okay, I'll relay that ssage to him," Gistella nodded firmly before Elder Tilrith walked away.
It was only then that Evelyn arrived.
"Evelyn!"
Gistella gasped, surprised when Evelyn suddenly appeared beside her.
But then she realized that Elder Tilrith might've left due to the fact that Evelyn was coming.
Instead of offering comntary, Evelyn cut to the chase, "Remain vigilant whenever you're in the vicinity of the Elders or other potentially hostile forces. A talk might be harmless enough, but it could lead to other things. Do you understand , Gistella?"
Recognizing the cold tone in Evelyn's voice, Gistella nodded ekly.
"Y- Yes, I'll try to keep that in mind," She replied.
Even though she didn't know what it was, she sensed that she had done sothing wrong.
Potentially during the conversation she had with Elder Tilrith.
Regardless of what it was, she decided to heed Evelyn's warning and took a deep breath.
Subconsciously, Evelyn shifted her eyes to the other side where Elder Nolacula was standing—and enjoying the party to himself—and the other Vampires. He didn't seem to be doing any underhanded tricks, so that's good.
However, it was only then that Evelyn caught sight of Calidora.
Calidora talked briefly to her mother, Nezera before she made her way to the side.
It seed she was heading outside to take so fresh air.
Following her from behind was the Witch, who subtly made her way outside too.
Upon seeing this, Evelyn clicked her tongue in displeasure, 'Why can't that Witch be patient?'
Having no other choice, she quickly followed suit outside.
anwhile, Nezera was confused as to what Calidora was thinking inside her head.
Nezera initially suspected Calidora of aiming to claim Rex for herself, as she could see clearly the glimpse of madness, in Calidora's eyes. Now that she carried his child—Nezera thought it would be her turn to move soon.
However, to her surprise, Calidora remained passive.
She observed from the sidelines without any action, which made Nezera frustrated.
It was worse when Elder Nolacula knew what was happening.
Despite trying to hide her pregnancy, the cat would eventually co out of the bag.
"We are in a new era, and not many know what the wings on your waist stand for, but are you aware that Flunra would recognize them, daughter?" Nezera asked—questioning Calidora. "If he told the emperor, you would lose the factor of surprise,"
"Flunra...? Flunra already knew, but he wouldn't say anything," Calidora replied whisperingly.
She covered her mouth, trying to hide her devilish smirk.
Upon hearing this, Nezera frowned as she didn't understand what Calidora ant by that.
In her head, there's no reason Flunra would not tell Rex about this.
But to clear the question in her mind, Calidora reassured, "Flunra is a traditional Werewolf, he is bound by his own customs so you don't need to worry about him, Mother. This battle is for the Luna position, and even though I am a Vampire, he has no right to intervene,"
As she said that, Calidora glanced to the side as her Eyes of Terror flickered excitedly.
She sensed that soone was watching her, and that was good.
"The Emperor is busy, so I'll congratulate him later at a better ti. For now, I am going out to get, so fresh air. You don't need to accompany , Mother," Calidora continued, turning to her side and walking away. "No matter what, don't co and help ,"
Even though she was worried, Nezera decided to follow Calidora's instructions.
Out of everything, she seed to have a plan.
Nezera felt a surge of pride in the Vampire Calidora beca as she clasped her hands—and watched Calidora's retreating form into the door on the other side with a twisted smile, "She reminds of my youth... Go on, daughter, and do proud,"
Reaching outside, Calidora heads to the edge of the building to look at the clear sky.
Her velvet and black dress swayed gracefully by the wind.
Upon seeing the bright moon in the sky—she could feel the wings on her waist, flapping with sheer excitent which made her close her eyes. Just like any other night—it felt good to be under its embrace.
So of her blood energy even leaked out, providing a red misty air around her.
But the night suddenly beca warr as she opened her eyes again.
She sensed soone was standing behind her.
"How delightful to have the Empress grace with her personal presence," she uttered.
Pivoting around to look at Evelyn, she continued, with a playful lilt in her voice, "I can feel the night becoming more pleasant by your grace. Tell , Empress—what do I owe this pleasure from you?"
"I didn't expect you to let be Empress this easily, did you give up?" Evelyn asked back.
Calidora smiled in response, "Please, I don't understand what you ant by that,"
"Becoming an Empress was never my ambition, I hope you know that," She added peculiarly.
Despite the obvious undertone, Evelyn remained upright with confidence depicted clearly on her face, as she approached Calidora slowly, "I get that today is a day for celebration, but do you really expect nothing will happen, that you could be carefree in my territory?"
"I thought I made it clear already. For taking my Luna Energy, you will pay" She added.
"Am I should be worried? What could you even do to hurt ?" Calidora taunted back.
Being stronger, she was not afraid of Evelyn at all.
Not to ntion, she possesses a big fat surprise that could quench all dire situations.
"However—a word of advice from , you don't want to hurt , Empress Evelyn," Calidora added, emphasizing when she was saying 'empress' as a mockery. It was a clear warning to Evelyn, and she better heed it.
Or else, sothing really bad will happen.
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