Chapter 539: The Evening Ball (1/2)
Chapter 539: The Evening Ball
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
When Sun Sieha and Ye Chong presented themselves at the back door of the Prince's mansion, Prince Desnio and his two companions were already there waiting.
Sun Sieha looked at the three of them with their heads bowed low, and nodded, ”No need to announce us.” The three of them nodded in an understanding. When they saw the cold man standing beside their King, the three of them felt unsettled.
”This is … Erm … Master Ye Chong. He's a master weaponsmith, and a close combat expert,” Sun Sieha briefly introduced Ye Chong.
The three of them realized then that the man was an excellent weaponsmith. No wonder the King treated him well. They ignored the part about him being a close combat expert. There were no Masters in close range combat anyway. The King was probably just being nice to the man.
Sun Sieha turned to Ye Chong and introduced their audience, ”This is Prince Desnio, my uncle. This is Duke Warren, Home Secretary. Hmm, you can contact him if you need anything.”
Duke Warren laughed and said, ”Anything you need, Master Ye, just drop me a message.” He was not a fool. If the King made this offer to the man, he must be a very important man to the King. It was only appropriate to curry his favour, or at least be on good terms with the man.
”This is Ming Diao, Legate of the 1st Legion,” Sun Sieha pointed at Ming Xiao and said. Ming Xiao nodded at Ye Chong with a smile.
”This is the most exclusive evening ball in Eastern Cloud, where nobles and aristocrats liked to congregate. Hehe, of course, there are also many beautiful ladies. Getting to know nobles will be beneficial for you.”
”I see,” Ye Chong nodded and turned to leave.
When Duke Warren and the other two men saw Ye Chong, they knew instantly who he was. They thought it strange, the way His Majesty spoke to that man. A popular rumour sprang to their minds – that the young man was actually the King's illegitimate son. They all knew how strict the King was. He rarely spoke to anyone with such cordiality.
Nevertheless, they dismissed the thought immediately. Prince Desnio, as the host, took care of his guests. He quickly asked the man, ”Do you need a servant to show you the way?”
”No,” Ye Chong replied crisply, not mincing words.
Sun Sieha flashed a mysterious smile, but quickly reverted to his royal solemnity and said to the other three men, ”All of you, meet me in the study.” He then led the way himself, having been familiar with place due to his long stay with the Prince when he was younger.
Duke Warren, Ming Xiao and the Prince understood that the King had matters to discuss with them, and quickly followed him.
Ye Chong went the evening ball alone. This was a freeform function. Aside from invitation card, everything else about the evening ball was not restricted in any form. Dainty dishes and excellent liquor were served in every corner of the function room. There were also some quieter corners with plush sofas and tasty finger food, more suitable for conversation. At the centre of the room was an empty clearing, which served as the dance floor.
Ye Chong had attended events like this with the Shang Family. That experience was not particularly a pleasant one, but unlike last time, Ye Chong at least knew how to conduct himself this time.
Ye Chong took a glass of wine from one of the waiters and headed towards a quiet spot in the ballroom.
The truth was, Ye Chong had no idea what the plan was for today. However, since Sun Sieha had actually went to his place, he decided to go along with his plan. Ye Chong did not understand Sun Sieha, but he knew that the man was not one to do anything unnecessary.
There were a few people sitting in the corner where he was. They were mostly talking in a low voice, but with Ye Chong's excellent hearing, he could hear exactly what they were saying. Some of the noble ladies had their pet dogs in their laps as they sat around in a circle, chatting about minor affairs.
Suddenly, Ye Chong noticed someone approaching him.
A young man with a glass of red wine in hand approached Ye Chong, seated on his sofa, and greeted him, ”Hey, man, are you bored, sitting alone by yourself? Haha, I'm feeling bored too. I don't know why these people all look so excited, don't they get tired too?”
This young man was obviously from one of the noble families. His skin was fair and smooth, and his demeanour was friendly and inviting. He sat down naturally beside Ye Chong and sighed comfortably.
”Hah, I still don't know your name. Mine's Yise,” the young man spoke warmly to Ye Chong.
”Ye Chong,” Ye Chong replied succinctly.
Suddenly, Yise nodded towards the dance floor and asked, ”Say, Brother Ye, what do you think of that lady in the centre of the dance floor?”
Ye Chong followed Yise's direction and saw a beautiful woman dancing joyfully at the centre. The woman had long, flowing hair down her back. She had charming eyes and an innocent smile. A white dress wrapped tightly around her thin waist, and flowed downward and out like a flower. Even Ye Chong, who did not appreciate aesthetics, could see that she stood out from the crowd.
Nevertheless, Ye Chong was not interested in the topic. He looked away and said, ”She looks alright.”
”Oh, my goodness! That's Miss Man'er – Su City's number one beauty, Shu Man'er. She's the goddess to many of our young elite men! If you're not interested in her, could it be …” Yise gave Ye Chong an odd look.
Shu Man'er. The name reminded Ye Chong of Shu Mo'er. Perhaps they were related. Ye Chong turned back to look at her, but could not quite decide on the matter.
”Haha, brother, now you see her! You said she's just alright, but look at you now! Hehe, your eyes betrayed your thoughts. I know that look in you. Of all the people in Su City, 80 percent of them will look like that when they saw Shu Man'er. Of the other 20 percent, 10 are women,” Yise said, pleased with himself.
”What of the last 10?” Ye Chong got interested at that.
”They're blind,” Yise declared.
Ye Chong suddenly had an idea, and began to study Yise. He was surprised to the find man's build suitable for combat. His figure was well balanced; his bones were strong and thick; his movements were coordinated. However, one look at his smooth skin and Ye Chong and could tell that the young man had never suffered in any way.
”What're you looking at me like that for? Let me tell you, I'm not interested in men,” Yise said with an odd tone.
Ye Chong turned away.
Suddenly, the dance floor erupted into chaos. Ye Chong heard a barking sound coming from there. Everyone in the ballroom turned to look.
When the barking sounds began, Yise looked shocked, ”D*mmit! Which b*stard brought a snowhound in here? This is going to be very dangerous!”
”Snowhound? What's that?” Ye Chong asked.
Yise replied anxiously, ”It's not a thing, but a species of wild animal. They're small, like a dog, all furry and adorable. But if it suddenly goes mad, things go south very fast. The animals are quick and aggressive. Someone probably thought it's just a cute pet.”
”I see.”
”We're in trouble now. They don't allow weapons in here. All the guards are outside,” Yise looked panicked.
Suddenly, the barking sound got slower and slower to Ye Chong. Yise paled. He saw the mad snowhound now, and it was heading straight towards them.
Ye Chong saw the animal too. It was no larger than the small pet dogs that the noble ladies had on their laps. It's body was covered with thick fur, which made it look a snowball, but its eyes were now red. The adorable little mouth was now salivating menacingly.
Ye Chong's eyes turned cold. He had his fair share of dealing with wild animals, and this one was definitely classified as a threat.
The four limbs hidden underneath the animal's thick fur were powerful. The snowhound moved too quickly to be captured. It had already bit into the throats of three servants now.
”No no no –” Yise was trembling all over.
Ye Chong picked up a butter knife from the table. As Yise watched with hopeless eyes, the butter knife slipped through his fingers and shot out.
Swish! Crack! Both sounds were heard almost simultaneously.