The Extra's Rise-Chapter 757: Avalon’s Grand Ball (7)

I made my way toward Rachel’s group first, noting how the crowd seemed to naturally part before me as I approached. The advantages of being Guild Grandmaster were never more apparent than at events like this—even in a room filled with the world’s most powerful people, my status commanded immediate respect and recognition.

’Thank god for status,’ I thought as I reached the small gathering that represented one of the most politically complex situations of the evening.

Isolde, Kathyln, and Rachel stood together in what appeared to be a family group, but the tension radiating from all three women was palpable to anyone with the experience to recognize such dynamics. The crowd around them maintained a respectful distance, though I could see several dignitaries clearly hoping for an opportunity to approach the legendary Creighton family.

"I greet Her Majesty," I said with a formal bow that acknowledged Isolde’s status as one of the two queens of the entire Northern continent. Despite everything I knew about her—both from the novel and from personal experience—protocol demanded appropriate respect.

"Grandmaster Nightingale," Isolde replied with that same unsettling smile, her voice carrying the musical quality that had made her famous throughout the political world. "How wonderful to finally meet you in person at such a grand occasion." freeωebnovēl.c૦m

The words were perfectly appropriate for a first meeting, but they carried undertones that made my skin crawl. Because this wasn’t our first meeting at all.

What made her presence tonight so disturbing wasn’t just that she was supposed to be dead. It was the knowledge of what she had done to Rachel during her childhood—psychological and emotional abuse that had left deep scars on one of the kindest people I had ever known. The saintess who devoted her life to healing others had herself been broken by the woman who should have protected her most.

"Rachel," I said, turning my attention to the woman whose obvious distress was becoming more apparent with each passing moment. "Might I have the honor of your company for a few minutes? There are some people I’d like you to meet."

It was a polite way of extracting her from what was clearly an emotionally toxic situation, and the relief that flashed in her sapphire eyes told me she understood exactly what I was offering.

"That would be lovely," Rachel replied, her voice carefully controlled despite the underlying tension. "Mother, Kathyln, I’ll return shortly."

For just a moment, I caught a slight tremor in Isolde’s expression—a crack in the perfect composure that suggested she wasn’t entirely pleased with my interference. But she nodded graciously, allowing me to escort Rachel away from the group without creating a scene that would draw unwanted attention.

"Thank you," Rachel whispered as we moved away from her family group, her hand trembling slightly as she took my offered arm. "I wasn’t sure how much longer I could maintain composure."

"You don’t have to explain anything," I assured her quietly, guiding her toward where I could see Rose and Seraphina positioned strategically around the hall. "Just focus on breathing and remember that you’re safe now."

The relief in her posture was immediate and heartbreaking. Rachel Creighton, the Saintess who commanded respect throughout the world, had been reduced to barely controlled panic by the presence of her supposedly resurrected mother.

As we approached Rose’s position near the Springshaper delegation, I caught her attention with a subtle gesture that we had developed during our coordination planning. She immediately excused herself from her conversation with several Western continent representatives and made her way toward us.

"Rachel," Rose said with genuine warmth, immediately recognizing the situation despite not knowing the full details. "You look absolutely radiant tonight. That dress is magnificent."

The gentle normalcy of Rose’s greeting helped Rachel begin to relax, the familiar rhythms of polite conversation providing a refuge from whatever emotional storm she had been enduring.

Seraphina joined us moments later, her ice-blue eyes taking in Rachel’s distressed state with the analytical precision that characterized her approach to everything. Without a word, she positioned herself on Rachel’s other side, creating a protective barrier that was both subtle and effective.

"The coordination worked perfectly," Seraphina observed, referring to how our carefully planned color schemes complemented each other while allowing each of us to maintain our individual identities. "Arthur, you look quite handsome tonight."

Within minutes, I found myself surrounded by four of my girlfriends—Rachel clinging to my arm for emotional support, Rose and Seraphina flanking us in a formation that provided both protection and social cover, and Reika maintaining her position as my official escort for the evening. The arrangement was both politically sophisticated and personally meaningful, demonstrating the unity we had achieved despite the complex dynamics involved.

"Grandmaster Nightingale," came a familiar voice that made me turn toward the Northern delegation area.

Lucifer Windward approached with the confident stride that characterized everything he did, his verdant eyes bright with genuine friendship despite the formal setting. Behind him, I could see Deia and Seol-ah maintaining respectful distance while clearly wanting to be closer to their beloved prince.

"Prince Lucifer," I replied with a smile that reflected our genuine friendship. "It’s good to see you here. The Northern delegation seems to be well-represented tonight."

As we clasped hands in greeting, I felt the subtle magical pressure that confirmed what I had suspected—Lucifer was every bit as strong as I was, and given the injuries I had sustained from the Grey that delayed my growth, he might actually have a slight advantage in raw power.

’He’s grown stronger,’ Luna observed with obvious respect. ’As you are now, you would lose more battles than you would win against him. Interesting.’

The assessment was sobering but not unexpected. Lucifer had always been exceptionally talented as the protagonist, and without the complications that had slowed my own development, his natural progression had been remarkably consistent.

"Rachel," Lucifer said with obvious concern as he noticed her subdued demeanor. "Are you alright? You seem... different tonight."

"I’m fine," Rachel replied, though her voice lacked its usual warmth and confidence. "Just... adjusting to some unexpected family developments."

I squeezed her hand gently, offering silent comfort while maintaining the conversation with Lucifer. Rachel’s distress was becoming more apparent as the evening progressed, and I found myself providing increasingly subtle support—adjusting my position to shield her from certain sight lines, engaging in conversation that didn’t require her active participation, and generally creating a protective environment where she could recover her equilibrium.

"The gathering is impressive," I commented to Lucifer, gesturing toward the sea of international dignitaries that filled the grand hall. "I can’t remember the last time so many continental powers were represented in one place."

"Nor can I," Lucifer agreed, his own strategic mind clearly appreciating the political significance of the event. "The opportunities for alliance-building are unprecedented, but so are the potential complications."

Before we could continue the conversation further, a change in the atmosphere of the hall caught everyone’s attention. The crowd began shifting position, creating clear sight lines toward the main entrance as palace officials moved into position for what was obviously a major presentation.

"The imperial family," Rose murmured, her business instincts immediately recognizing the significance of the moment.

Emperor Quinn Slatemark entered first, his presence commanding immediate respect from everyone in the hall. Behind him came Empress Adeline, her silver eyes surveying the gathering with obvious satisfaction at the success of the evening’s arrangements.

Prince Valerian followed, his expression carrying the arrogance that had always characterized his public appearances. And finally, Crown Princess Cecilia made her entrance, looking absolutely magnificent in the deep crimson and gold that marked her as heir to the empire.

But it was movement near the main diplomatic section that caught my attention and made my pulse quicken with recognition.

Archduke Leopold Astoria stood with several other high-ranking nobles, his distinguished bearing marking him as one of the empire’s most powerful figures. But it was the young woman beside him that made everything else fade into background noise.

Elara Astoria.

Even from across the crowded hall, her beauty was breathtaking—the kind of radiant grace that had made her legendary throughout the empire. Her pure heart and gentle spirit were apparent even in how she carried herself, the natural elegance that would make her such a tragic figure if I failed to change the course of events I knew were coming.

Tonight was just the beginning. The real challenge would be winning her trust and affection while navigating the political minefield that surrounded us all.

The game had officially begun.

Foll𝑜w current novels on fre(e)w𝒆bnovel