22 Entrance (2/2)

”Rory, take everyone home and have dinner. After that, then you can go back after two hours, okay?” I smiled then Rory was a bit hesitant yet he nodded. I made Rory get up to the front as the girls and boys sit at the back and go back.I saw them leave till they're far enough then I started walking towards the door. There were guards and they looked at me shocked.

”Here's my invitation.” I put it up and showed it. They looked at each other hesitantly but then nodded and opened the door. I just smiled at them before I entered the Palace.

The lights was all lit and the huge glass windows has it's curtains opened. The light of the lamps inside the Palace and the moonlight makes the corridor really serene and peaceful. I am the only one walking here, because I am late. I just hope, they wouldn't notice it when I entered. I know it would be impossible to stay low profile when we're about to be introduced, but at least when I entered the hall I hope no one would stare at me. I might be a bit embarrassed.

”Ahhh..” I looked at the corridor parting ways. Dang. I forgot to ask how to get to the hall.

I looked at the left and saw it being just a long hallway then to the right same as the left corridor being a straight hallway.

Okay. Let's look for clues here, there's a lot of people there so I just need to see where there seems to be a lot of footsteps on the floor or sounds of like many people gathering. If that didn't work, then I guess I'll just go back to the entrance and asked the guards for directions.

I looked at the floor of the left hall and see a lot of footsteps. I didn't looked dirty, I was just really looking at the floor. Then to the right I hear sounds like people talking. So which is it?

”I should just probably go back to the entrance and asked.” I said to myself after trying to look for clues and listen to the sound to identify where should I go.

”Aahhh---!!” I screamed short, but then covered my mouth when I realized it's a person. What shocked me, rather kind of scared me is that he's standing not so far from my back. Plus he's wearing a red and black mask covering the upper part of his face. So it really freaked me out. Also the fact that I didn't hear him walk despite really trying to hear the surroundings.

”H-Hi...” I said after I composed myself. I looked at him trying to atleast make up his face on my mind, but it's kinda hard with the mask on. Then I checked he's outfit. It's a red and black robe with dragons and exquisite patterns of embroidery in his clothing. It really matches his mask. His hair was tied up to a neat bun, but that doesn't make him any lesser of a man. Infact, I think the norm here in this world is that it's normal for the guys to have their hair long. So it still looks good on him, in fact it really looks good on him. It shows his neatness to himself, yet the mask adds mysterious effect to his look.

Then I realized I was staring to much when I saw him stared at me back. For a second there I felt like I was some weakling ready to be devoured from the predator when he looked at me with his dark eyes as the lamp's light glisten.

”I'm sorry about suddenly screaming... and also staring.” I said and awkwardly laughed. I looked at him, but he just stares at me as if I'm monkey talking.

”By the way, are you also on your way to the banquet? If so, can I tag along. You see.. I'm a bit lost. Don't worry, I'm no one suspicious!” I said and showed my invitation. He looked at it then me before nodding and started walking to the left.

I knew i! I should have gone to the left as there was sign of people recently walk on there. Well, at least I'm not the only one who's late.

”I'm Reenste Ermyntrude. To be honest I was a bit worried being late, but now you're here. Although I probably shouldn't be glad that we're late, because it is a bad etiquette, still it's pretty comforting to not be alone.” I said as we walk. I started hearing music and people talking. We're close to the hall! Thankfully it's getting fun in there so we'll probably won't be noticed.

”It seems they're already getting started to have fun with all that music and people talking. Which is great! We won't be notice much when we enter!” I said almost too happy then I saw him looked at me before turning his face back to the front.

Well that was embarassing. He must think I'm a complete dork with me being happy not being noticed. Plus why is he so quiet? Can't he atleast tell his name, I mean I told him mine. If ever, he'll be the only one there I'm acquainted. Also, he really smells nice. I'm not intentionally smelling him, it's just that I'm a bit besides him so I can somewhat smeel the

”You--” I saw pulled back to reality when I heard the guards on the door greeted but was stopped by the guy at my side by raising his hand as a sign. The guard just nodded and tapped thrice to the door. Nice thinking. By that we would get less attention.

”Hey, thanks for guiding me here. You really saved me back there.” I said and laughed. I saw the guards turned to me horrified as they look at me. I want to turn and look at my back to see what it is they're looking when I heard him spoke from the first time.

”Then, enter with me inside.” He said as he lift his arm and faced the door opening. I looked at him and there's a little smirk in his lips. I shrugged then held onto his arm.

”Sure, it's not a big deal I guess...” I was in my mid sentence when I heard the announcement.

”His Majesty, The Emperor of the Great Empire of Aether!”

The door opened and we both walked inside.