The Extra's Rise-Chapter 754: Avalon’s Grand Ball (4)

December 30th arrived with the kind of crisp winter air that made Avalon City sparkle like a jewel against the morning sky. Tonight would mark the beginning of the Grand Ball—three days of celebration that would reshape the political landscape of the world.

And potentially prevent a war, if I played my cards correctly.

"Arthur, stop brooding by the window and come get ready," my mother’s voice called from the main living area, carrying the fond exasperation that characterized most of her interactions with me. "Your father is already reviewing diplomatic protocols, and we still need to coordinate our arrival timing."

I turned away from the view, feeling the familiar weight of anticipation that came with approaching a major event. The difference was that this time, I knew exactly what stakes were involved. Tonight, I would meet Elara Astoria again. Prince Valerian would announce their engagement in the summer. And Jack Blazespout would begin whatever game he was planning.

"Coming," I replied, making my way to where my parents were reviewing the evening’s schedule. My father looked every inch the successful guild master that had earned our family its current status, while my mother had chosen an elegant dress that would complement without overshadowing the royal fashions we’d encounter tonight.

"The Imperial Palace has outdone itself this year," my father commented, reviewing the invitation materials on his tablet. "Three separate venues for the three-day celebration, each one designed to accommodate different aspects of international diplomacy."

"Tonight is the formal introductions and opening ceremonies," my mother added, studying her own notes. "Tomorrow will be the main celebration with dancing and entertainment for New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day will feature the final presentations and year-end addresses."

I nodded, already knowing the schedule by heart. What they didn’t know was that tonight would also mark the beginning of the most complex courtship campaign I had ever attempted. Winning Elara’s trust and affection while navigating the political minefield of five different girlfriends and whatever scheme Jack was planning would require every bit of diplomatic skill I possessed.

"Arthur," my mother said, studying my expression with the intuitive understanding that had made her such an effective partner to my father over the years. "You look like you’re preparing for battle rather than a celebration."

"In some ways, I am," I admitted, seeing no point in hiding my concerns entirely. "Events like this create opportunities and dangers in equal measure. I want to make sure we represent ourselves well."

My father’s expression grew more serious. "Is there something specific we should be concerned about? Guild business that might complicate the evening?"

"Nothing that directly affects our family," I assured him, which was technically true. "But there will be a lot of powerful people in one place, and that always creates potential for complications."

Before they could press for more details, the sound of soft footsteps announced Reika’s arrival. I turned toward the entrance hall and felt my breath catch as she appeared in the doorway.

Reika had chosen a dress that perfectly captured her unique position in my life—elegant enough for imperial court standards, but distinctive enough to reflect her individual character rather than simply conforming to noble expectations. The deep violet fabric complemented her hair and eyes beautifully, while the cut managed to be both sophisticated and subtly alluring.

"Miss Reika," my mother said with obvious approval, "you look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, Mrs. Nightingale," Reika replied with a small smile, though her violet eyes were focused on me with the intensity that always made my heart race. "I hope I won’t embarrass anyone tonight."

"Impossible," I said without hesitation, moving to offer her my arm. "You look perfect."

The familiar blush that colored her cheeks at direct compliments was particularly charming against the violet of her dress. Despite all the time we had spent together, despite the depth of our relationship, Reika still responded to praise with the same shy pleasure that had first caught my attention years ago.

"Daddy?" came Stella’s voice from the living room, where she had been working on some mathematical puzzles while we prepared. "Are you leaving soon?"

"In just a few minutes," I replied, feeling the familiar tug of affection that came with spending time with my daughter. "Come here and let me see what you’ve been working on."

Stella practically bounced over, carrying a tablet covered with geometric patterns that demonstrated her continued fascination with mathematical relationships. "Look! I figured out how to make the snowflake patterns repeat in different sizes while keeping the same proportional relationships!"

"That’s remarkable," I said, genuinely impressed by her intuitive understanding of scaling principles. "You’re developing some very advanced mathematical thinking."

"Will you show me more patterns when you get back?" she asked with hopeful curiosity.

"Absolutely," I promised, pulling her into a hug that she returned with the enthusiastic affection that never failed to remind me of what was truly important in my life. "Be good for Elias while we’re gone, and I’ll have lots of stories to tell you tomorrow."

"I will," she assured me, then looked up at Reika with obvious admiration. "You look like a princess in that dress!"

"Thank you, Stella," Reika replied with genuine warmth. "I’ll make sure your father doesn’t get into too much trouble tonight."

"Good luck with that," Stella said with the sort of innocent honesty that made all the adults laugh.

The ride to the Imperial Palace passed in comfortable conversation mixed with anticipatory silence. Reika sat beside me in the guild’s formal transport, her hand resting lightly on my arm while she watched the city pass by through the enhanced windows.

"Are you nervous?" I asked quietly, noting the slight tension in her posture despite her composed expression.

"A little," she admitted. "This is far beyond anything I ever expected to experience when I first joined the guild. Sometimes I still can’t believe this is my life now."

"You belong here," I assured her, meaning every word. "You’ve earned your place through your own abilities and dedication. Tonight is just an opportunity to show the world what I’ve known all along."

The familiar blush colored her cheeks again, but this time it was accompanied by a smile that carried genuine confidence. "Thank you for always believing in me."

As we approached the Imperial Palace, the scale of the evening’s event became impossible to ignore. The entire complex blazed with magical lighting that turned the winter evening into something approaching daylight, while streams of elegantly dressed guests made their way through security checkpoints and reception areas.

"Ready?" I asked as our transport pulled up to the main entrance.

"Ready," Reika confirmed, her violet eyes reflecting determination along with lingering nervousness.

I helped her from the transport, noting how the palace guards recognized me immediately and offered appropriate acknowledgments. The advantages of being the Guild Grandmaster were never more apparent than at events like this, where political influence translated directly into practical convenience.

Looking up at the soaring architecture of the Imperial Palace, I felt the familiar weight of approaching a crucial moment. Tonight would set the tone for everything that followed. The game was about to begin, and the stakes were higher than anyone except me could possibly imagine.

Taking Reika’s arm, I led her toward the entrance where the most important three days of my life were waiting to unfold.

Time to prevent a war.

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