Chapter 159: Familial Denunciation (2/2)

Lola, one of her advisors, took advantage of the break in conversation. ”Perhaps our guests would like to partake in the festivities. I have heard of the legendary grace of the Sun Elves, and I would love to have a few pointers regarding the art of the dance.”

Kelith blinked, before putting on a condescending smile, ”While I am a little too old to be indulging on the dance floor, I'm sure some of our younger members would be happy to assist. Isn't that right, Farin?”

”Of course, Ambassador.”

”Excellent, then shall we move to the ballroom?” Andrea asked.

”Lead the way.” The younger elf replied, with a slightly eager grin.

[Just have to get through tonight.]

The one named Farin fell into step beside her, as she began leading the way, their entourages following in their wakes. In an effort to make conversation, Andrea glanced in his direction. ”So, are quite experienced in dancing?”

”I wouldn't say I am an expert, by the standards of my people, but I should be capable of offering instruction to those who don't have decades of experience like myself.”

Andrea tried to keep her face from cramping. It was going to be a long night.

”My only concern is that my instruction may be too difficult...What is that monster doing her?!” He suddenly howled, a look of abject hate warping his features.

For a second, Andrea was too surprised to respond, and by the time she'd recovered, Farin was already advancing on a couple standing off to one side of the dance floor. She dimly realized that the music had stopped, and everyone in the room was watching the events.

Her heart sunk, as she moved to follow. She didn't know what was going on, but it had all the hallmarks of an international incident.

The elf had drawn up in front of a young human man, who was standing protectively in front of another Sun Elf, this one female. Judging from his body posture, Farin was ready to attack the man to get him out of the way.

”I told you to never appear before me, scum! How dare you show up during my first diplomatic mission?! I should have killed you when I had the chance, you abomination.” The elf woman was cringing under the force of his words, although her face was strangely expressionless throughout.

The human, who had been caught in between the two parties, spoke in a cold, furious voice. ”That's enough. I don't know who you are, but you have three seconds to get out of my face, or I will forcibly remove you.”

There was a strange power to the young man's voice, which reminded Andrea of the masked Dragonknight.

”You are meddling in affairs that are beyond you, human.” Farin spat derisively. ”My business is with the pile of filth behind you.”

”One...” The golden-eyed young man stated, his tone carrying an oppressive menace that had the envoy's guards reaching for their weapons.

Andrea felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, she needed to act fast. ”Envoy Farin, I would like to remind you that you're still within the halls of my uncle, Duke Vamith. Attacking a guest of his, regardless of the reason, is a grave insult to both him and the Kingdom of Almir. Please consider your next actions carefully.”

This rebuke seemed to get through to him, as the elf backed up a few steps, causing the human to relax a little as well, although his posture was still filled with a hostile energy.

Farin shot her a harsh glare. ”It seems we have overestimated the quality of the Almiran royalty. To be consorting with the likes of a Pact Mage.”

Suddenly, the whole situation made sense. Pact Mages are often subjected to discrimination due to the source of their power. Although it was not common knowledge, Andrea was aware that the elves of Nirethial had an almost fanatical hatred for them, viewing them as an abomination of the natural order. In fact, Sun Elves in general held negative opinions of them, so it was a bit surprising to learn that the emotionless looking elf hiding behind the young man was a Pact Mage.

It was then that Andrea noticed Broderick and Elaine standing off to one side, anxiety written across their faces. A small blue dragon was perched on the girl's head. The Princess recalled her cousin's words from earlier. The group of adventurers who'd saved her from kidnappers was in attendance tonight. A group that consisted of two humans, a beastman, and a Sun Elf.

Wracking her brain, Andrea tried to think of a way to avert the coming diplomatic crisis while still protecting her cousin's benefactors.

[This is going to be difficult.]