The Extra's Rise-Chapter 756: Avalon’s Grand Ball (6)

The Slatemark Imperial Palace wasn’t just a building; it was a statement. A declaration of power, wealth, and history woven seamlessly with cutting-edge technology that left even me impressed despite having seen it multiple times before. Unlike the castles of old, where grandeur was often synonymous with impractical excess, this palace represented the perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern efficiency.

As our transport pulled up to the main entrance, I could see every inch of the structure was a deliberate masterpiece, a marriage of traditional craftsmanship and futuristic innovation. Discreet security measures were woven into the very fabric of the walls—holographic mana barriers shimmering almost invisibly, hidden surveillance drones that floated silently in the air, and defensive wards disguised as decorative engravings that would have fooled anyone without my knowledge of magical theory. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"Magnificent as always," my father murmured as we stepped out of the transport, his experienced eye taking in the seamless integration of security and aesthetics that made the palace both beautiful and impregnable.

Reika’s hand tightened slightly on my arm as we approached the entrance, her violet eyes wide with wonder despite her attempts to maintain composure. "It’s even more impressive than the descriptions," she whispered, and I felt a surge of pride at being able to share this experience with her.

The guards in ceremonial dress stood at attention as we approached, their equipment a perfect blend of traditional pageantry and modern functionality. They recognized me immediately—the advantages of being Guild Grandmaster were never more apparent than at events like this—and offered appropriate acknowledgments before scanning our credentials with devices that looked like ornate scepters but functioned as advanced magical identification systems.

As we passed through the security checkpoints and made our way into the palace proper, I found myself walking down the expansive hallway that never failed to impress visitors. The polished marble floors reflected the glow of chandeliers overhead, while the walls were lined with massive tapestries whose woven threads held faint luminescence, depicting battles that had shaped the Slatemark Empire’s rise to dominance.

Even the lighting was a marvel—soft and ambient, adjusting in real time to complement the setting, subtly shifting to highlight important areas without overwhelming the palace’s regal atmosphere. Every detail spoke to the incredible wealth and technological sophistication that made the Slatemark Empire the dominant power on the continent.

"Arthur," my father said quietly as we approached the main hall, "remember that tonight you’re representing not just yourself, but everyone connected to you. The guild, our family, and your relationships with the various princesses."

"I understand," I replied, though my attention was already shifting to the political complexities waiting beyond the grand doors ahead of us. Tonight would determine how successfully I could navigate the delicate balance of acknowledging five different romantic relationships while positioning myself to save Elara from the tragic fate I knew awaited her.

The doors to the grand hall opened before us, revealing a sea of elegantly dressed dignitaries representing the full spectrum of international power. The scale was breathtaking—hundreds of the world’s most influential people gathered in a space designed to accommodate exactly this kind of gathering, with multiple levels and sections that allowed for both grand presentations and intimate conversations.

My family spread out slightly as we entered, my parents moving toward the area designated for guild leadership and successful merchants, while I escorted Reika toward the section where my various relationships would require careful coordination throughout the evening.

The first familiar face I spotted belonged to Rose, resplendent in a dress that managed to be both elegantly formal and subtly business-like, perfectly reflecting her dual nature as both marquis’s daughter and guild executive. Beside her stood Marquis Springshaper, a man whose familiar presence reminded me of the many business negotiations we had conducted over the years.

"Arthur!" Rose called out as she noticed my approach, her brown eyes lighting up with obvious pleasure. "You look magnificent. The coordination worked perfectly."

She was right—the subtle accents in my formal wear complemented her deep green dress beautifully, while still maintaining the flexibility to work with the other color schemes we had planned for the evening.

"You look stunning yourself," I replied, accepting the brief kiss on the cheek that formal etiquette permitted in this setting. "Marquis, good to see you again. I trust the shipping arrangements we discussed last month are proceeding smoothly?"

"Indeed they are, Arthur," he replied with the comfortable familiarity that came from years of successful business partnership. "Your guild’s efficiency continues to exceed expectations. We should discuss expanding those routes when you have time."

Moving deeper into the hall, I caught sight of a group that made my heart lift with genuine warmth and respect.

Li Zenith, my master and Deputy Sect Leader of Mount Hua, stood with the kind of natural authority that came from decades of martial arts mastery and political acumen.

Beside him stood Seraphina, looking absolutely breathtaking in traditional Eastern formal wear that managed to honor her heritage while adapting to the international setting. Her silver hair was arranged in a complex style that showcased both her natural beauty and her cultural identity, while her ice-blue eyes surveyed the crowd with the analytical precision that characterized her approach to everything.

The third member of their group made my mood darken considerably. Sun Zenith, Seraphina’s adopted older brother, possessed the kind of martial prowess that was already becoming legendary despite his relatively young age. Unfortunately, his skills were matched by an arrogance and toxic personality that made every interaction with him an exercise in patience.

"Master Li," I said with a respectful bow that acknowledged both our personal relationship and her political status. "It’s an honor to see you here tonight."

"Arthur," he replied with obvious pride, his stern expression softening slightly in the way that was reserved for his most accomplished students. "You’ve grown into everything I hoped you would become. The reports of your achievements have reached even the Eastern continent."

"Seraphina," I continued. Her subtle smile told me that the coordination between all my relationships was proceeding exactly as planned.

Sun Zenith’s response was predictably grating. "So this is the famous Guild Grandmaster," he said with a smirk that managed to be both condescending and dismissive. "I expected someone more... impressive. The stories must have been exaggerated."

I felt Reika’s hand tighten on my arm, her own reaction to his rudeness immediate and protective. Master Li’s expression darkened slightly at his adopted nephew’s behavior, but he remained silent, allowing me to handle the situation as I saw fit.

"I’m sure the stories vary depending on who’s telling them," I replied with diplomatic neutrality, refusing to take the bait. "I hope you enjoy the evening’s festivities."

But it was the next group I spotted that made my pulse quicken with anticipation mixed with concern.

Lucifer Windward stood near the Northern delegation area, and even in a crowded room filled with powerful people, his presence was unmistakable. The Crown Prince of the Northern continent possessed the kind of natural charisma that drew attention without effort, his verdant eyes surveying the gathering with obvious intelligence and calculation.

Beside him stood Deia Solaryn, her red hair providing a striking contrast to the white and gold of her formal dress, while Seol-ah Moyong’s composed elegance complemented the group perfectly. Both women moved with the grace that came from years of training in their respective disciplines, yet their obvious affection for Lucifer was clear to anyone who knew how to read such dynamics.

Queen Helena Windward completed the group, her regal bearing marking her as one of the most powerful women in the world. The fact that she was here personally, rather than sending a representative, spoke to the unprecedented importance everyone placed on this gathering.

"Interesting," I murmured to Reika as we observed the Northern delegation. "Queen Helena rarely attends international events personally."

But it was the final group that made my blood run cold with recognition and growing dread.

Rachel stood with two other women near the area designated for the Creighton delegation, and even from a distance, I could see the tension in her posture that suggested she was far from comfortable with the current situation. Her golden dress was absolutely stunning, but there was something in her sapphire eyes that spoke of barely controlled stress.

Kathyln Creighton stood beside her sister, the elder princess’s silver hair and deep blue eyes marking her as family even as her obvious nervousness created an almost palpable aura of unease. At twenty-six, Kathyln should have been the picture of composed political confidence, but something had clearly shaken her badly.

And then there was the third woman.

Isolde Creighton looked exactly as she had been described in the novel—golden hair that matched Rachel’s perfectly, deep blue eyes that could convey warmth or command with equal effectiveness, and the kind of regal bearing that had made her legendary among Northern nobility during her supposed lifetime.

As if sensing my attention, Isolde turned toward me across the crowded hall, and when our eyes met, she smiled.

It was a perfectly normal smile—warm, welcoming, the kind of expression any politician might offer to acknowledge a fellow dignitary across a room.

’Did she come to see me?’ I thought as I groaned internally.

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