Chapter 158: An Enlightening Dance (1/2)

Mike leaned back in his chair with contented sigh. The food was incredible, easily the most delicious meal he'd eaten in this world. It had consisted of eight separate courses, each more filling than the last. He'd been so focused on eating, and enjoying to sublime flavors each dish brought, it came as a surprise when he finished his last plate. The servers ended the meal by bringing around a spiced cider with a mild herbal taste, that was supposedly good for digestion.

”I don't think I've ever been so full.” Brenden groaned.

Sera sighed after taking a sip of her cider. ”That's because you're not supposed to eat everything. Traditionally, you leave roughly one third of your food uneaten to show your host that you've been properly provided for. If this was a more intimate setting, it could be considered insulting.”

”What? And waste any of that amazing food? No way.”

”What now?” Tal asked Mike. Their neighbors had already started getting up and moving towards other rooms. A team of servants were studiously not looking at them, but it was clear they were just waiting for the group to leave so they could start the cleanup process.

”Well, it sounds like we have some options. What do you all want to do?”

”Oh! I heard the players are putting on a production of 'Lady Esmerelda and the Trial of the Seven.' I've always wanted to see it.” Sera exclaimed.

”Haven't heard of that one, what's it about?” Mike asked curiously.

”It's an old tale, written by Fornaerus, the famous playwright of the Second Pyrathien Empire. It follows the story of Lady Esmerelda, a widower whose children are stolen by seven demons. In order to rescue them, she has to undergo a trial set by each of them. It's considered a classic story about the power of maternal love, and the value of persistence in the face of impossible odds. Although, I'm sure they chose it due to the recent kidnapping incidents. There's a lot of subtext in it which serves Duke Vamith's purposes.”

”So you want to watch it even knowing that it's a propaganda piece?” Mike asked, a little confused.

”Of course. Pretty much all plays are. I've also heard that the troupe playing tonight has a new take on the fifth demon, Hargaunt, which completely revolutionizes the role. I don't know when I'll get the chance to see it again.”

”That does sound interesting, but I promised Elaine I would let her spend some time with Audra. It wouldn't do to stand up a ducal heir, now would it? There should be no problem splitting up, though. I doubt there would be any danger in a place as heavily guarded as this one.” Mike replied after some consideration.

He looked over at the beastman, who seemed to be in a semi-doze. ”What are you thinking about doing, Brenden?”

”Urgh, I suppose sitting here isn't an option?”

Mike glanced over at the group of servants that were getting increasingly annoyed with their continued presence. ”Doesn't look like it.”

”Fine,” He grunted while standing. ”I suppose I'll go to this play. It should be dark enough to take a nap there.”

Sera shot him an angry glare, before sighing again. ”You better not snore.”

Mike turned towards Tal, and was about to ask the same question, when she cut him off. ”Go with you.”

”Alright, it's settled. In the case we get split up, meet at the front door at nine and a half bells. We still need to get back before the curfew.” He announced as they rose and went their separate directions.

It didn't take long for them to find Elaine and Broderick. The two of them were waiting near the entrance of the ballroom. As soon as Mike and Tal walked in, the girl rushed over. ”Can I see her now? Please?”

Chuckling at her energy, Mike pulled his familiar from her dedicated pocket. Audra had apparently been sleeping, so when he'd dragged her in to the bright light of the ballroom, it caused her to yawn and look around blearily. As soon as the dragon caught sight of Elaine's eager face, she stretched languorously and hopped up onto the girl's head, making herself comfortable.

Broderick walked over, smiling at his sister's resulting laughter. ”Thanks for that. It was all I could do to make her sit through the meal.”

”No problem. There aren't many people Audra seems to like, much to Sera's disappointment. I'm glad your sister can get along with her.”

”She's always had a way with animals. One time when she was barely three years old, she escaped from her nanny while the family was visiting a beast trader in search of a new mount for the Duke. They eventually found her curled up asleep next to a Dovistani Tiger, who was treating her as its cub. It took them nearly an hour to get it to let her go.” Broderick's smile took on a slightly melancholy cast. ”I sometimes think, she would have been happier if she was born a commoner.”

Mike wasn't really sure how to respond to that. He knew that nobles, especially female ones, had very little freedom. It was a concept he'd seen repeated often enough in literature. Still, he wondered how someone with a background like Brenden's would feel about his sentiments.

However, that story did raise a couple of questions, so he took the opportunity to use Appraise on the Ducal Heir.

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Elaine Vamith

Age: 7

Race: Human (Star Elf)

Class: Primal Conduit

Title: Beloved Child of Teun

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”Did it have something to do with her class, or a title?” Mike asked unconsciously.

Broderick frowned a moment, while studying Mike's features. Finally, the other man relaxed. ”I would avoid asking about that sort of thing in the future. I know you didn't mean anything by it, but it's exceptionally rude to do so. I'm not sure how it's handled where you come from, but in most noble circles, revealing details about ones class is considered a sign of deep trust. It is not something one asks for.”

[Crap. I forgot about that.]

”My apologies, I didn't mean to offend. Anyway, I take it that the Princess was too busy to visit us?” He asked, wanting to redirect the conversation.

”Andrea had to talk to some ambassadors. She said it was going to take a while, because they love the sound of their own voices.” Elaine offered cheerfully while scratching under Audra's chin.

Broderick sighed, ”She's been delayed by other duties, but promised to swing by later.” He glanced at Tal, before looking back at Mike. ”The music should be starting soon, if you are interested in dancing. I know I would be, if I had such charming company.”