Chapter 1311 (2/2)

Not that Tatiana was worried about people causing trouble. In her mind, it was much more likely that some fool from another Zone would wander around and offend someone that would grievously injure them without thinking anything of it. And then suddenly it was a political problem… better that they just are allowed to play in the surrounding rooms.

Finally, Tatiana reached the front door and pushed it open. The heavy doors shuddered at first, but then smoothly pivoted outward to create a three-meter space that the guests could use to enter. Immediately, all of the assembled guests turned to face Tatiana and she made sure that her image was wrapped tightly enough around herself that the mental probes she received wouldn’t phase her in the least.

At the very least, it’s proof people are paying attention to image, Tatiana thought as several guards of the various factions made attempts to pressure her mentally. She released a beaming smile, pretending to be ignorant of the small attacks coming her way. A few lessons would need to be taught, but that could wait for later.

Instead, she just kept her bright smile as she surveyed the several hundred individuals who had gathered. “Thank you all for coming to Randidly’s Birthday party. Our guest of honor is still preparing… but I’d like to welcome everyone to Kharon’s Glowstone Ballroom.

“Feel free to explore, but for now, follow me to the ballroom. I have a few more things to stay before this party really gets started.”

Then Tatiana turned on her heel and began to walk slowly back down the hallway. Azriel grinned out at the crowd of people and elbowed the prince in the chest. Her eyes began to glow a bright crimson color. The image pressure in the area abruptly skyrocketed. “A bunch of weaklings looking a little too deeply at me, eh? Rude. I suppose I will reprimand these-”

Tatiana hastily turned back around and took Azriel by the elbow. When she spoke, it was quietly into her ear so none of the very perceptive people watching would be able to tell what was going on. “Please, let it go for now. Tonight, the role of punisher goes to Randidly.”

“Bah, just because its his birthday he gets to have all the fun,” Azriel said sourly. But she did turn away and follow Tatiana back into the interior of the building. The rest of the crowd, not realizing that some of them had narrowly avoided the mental equivalent of sticking their hands directly into a fire, began to gradually shift and head into the interior.

Tatiana walked slowly at first so the closest groups could follow, then steadily increased her pace as more people entered into the building. Behind her, Tatiana heard people making admiring comments about the artistry of the wooden paneling and the rich softness of the rugs, but Tatiana just smirked. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Despite her direction that the guests follow her directly for the moment, Tatiana didn’t miss that several groups split off from the pack and investigated the side rooms. She rolled her eyes, safely facing forward at the head of the sluggish river of bodies; likely people would regret missing what she had to say at the beginning.

Or the show that was almost guaranteed to occur shortly after that.

But eventually, Tatiana’s precise steps had carried her to the doors of the ballroom. Like all the others, they were unadorned and wooden. This touch was her decision, creating the impression that what lay beyond was exactly what came before. A screen of anonymity to hide the valuable core of the Glowstone Ballroom. These mundane doors she pushed open with relish.

Leading the individuals from the Alpha Cosmos, she quickly entered and moved off to the side. People filed into the room, their eyes widening as they looked around at the ballroom that gave the Glowstone Ballroom its name.

The entrance was tiled with marble, and immediately to the right and left of the entrance were two wide staircases that led up to the second level. Sitting to the side of the left staircase was the table that was covered with the small party favors. Next to the right staircase was an open bar. Beyond that, the low ceiling caused by the second floor ended and the ballroom really opened up.

Twelve large gold and obsidian pillars formed the perimeter of the actual ballroom, with most of the floor being covered in Randidly’s special tiles. There was a significant area along the left wall where the food was set up that had normal tile and also a place at the right where gifts were to be placed. And in the center of the ballroom, there was a small island.

On that island was five bulky objects covered in tarps. But those were Randidly’s demonstrations, so for now, Tatiana’s gaze moved past them.

The lighting in the room was provided by a tight bit of Engraving that Randidly had to do himself. It was a much dialed back version of the same energy system that ran Kharon, so golden globes of light floated around through the air. Randidly suspected that these wouldn’t be able to develop the same sentience as the moss spirits, or at least not nearly as quickly, but secretly Tatiana hoped he was wrong.

After all, the lights were basically drifting around randomly now. It would be much easier if they could be trained to distribute their light efficiently.

As more and more people enter into the front area and milled about while admiring the construction, Tatiana gave a quick speech. “Now that we are all here, the dining period has officially begun. You’ll see the food tables off to the left. In addition, everyone is welcome to take some of these Engraved amulets as a token of Kharon’s appreciation. I believe you will find them quite useful. And the bar is open, folks; please enjoy yourselves.”