The Extra's Rise-Chapter 761: Avalon’s Grand Ball (11)

The second evening of the Grand Ball had transformed the Imperial Palace into something approaching pure magic. As midnight approached and the world prepared to welcome 2048, the celebration had reached a crescendo that would be remembered for decades. Every surface gleamed with enchanted lighting that shifted through spectrums of color, while the music and laughter of hundreds of international dignitaries created an atmosphere of genuine joy despite the underlying political tensions.

I stood on one of the palace’s grand terraces with my five girlfriends, watching as fireworks began to paint the sky above Avalon City in brilliant displays of light and color. The temperature control systems maintained perfect comfort despite the December date, allowing us to enjoy the outdoor spectacle without any of winter’s usual inconveniences.

"Ten minutes until midnight," Rose observed, checking the elegant timepiece that had been a gift from her father. "Are we ready for this?"

The question carried more weight than might have been apparent to casual observers. Tonight wouldn’t just mark the transition to a new year—it would mark the beginning of the most challenging period any of us had ever faced. The decisions made and actions taken in the coming months would determine the fate of the empire and potentially the entire continent.

"As ready as we can be," I replied, though the weight of Isolde’s advice from three days earlier continued to influence my thinking. The strategic wisdom of waiting until summer break had become more apparent with each passing day, as I continued to receive reports about guild expansion projects and political developments that would significantly strengthen my position over the coming months.

Cecilia moved closer to my left side, her crimson dress rustling softly in the evening breeze that carried the scent of the palace gardens. "You’ve been quieter than usual since the opening night," she observed with the perceptive insight that made her such an effective crown princess. "Are you having second thoughts about our plans?"

"Not second thoughts exactly," I said carefully, not wanting to reveal the full details of my conversation with Isolde. "More like... refined timing considerations."

Rachel stepped up to my right side, her golden hair catching the reflected light from the fireworks display. Despite the emotional stress of dealing with her supposedly resurrected mother’s presence, she had shown remarkable resilience throughout the three-day celebration. "Whatever you’re thinking, we trust your judgment," she said quietly. "The important thing is that we’re all committed to preventing the tragedy you’ve described."

Seraphina and Reika positioned themselves to complete our small circle, both of them radiating the kind of calm confidence that had made them such essential parts of my life. The coordination between all five women continued to amaze me—they had transformed what could have been a logistical nightmare into a demonstration of unified purpose that impressed even experienced diplomats.

"Five minutes," Seraphina announced, her ice-blue eyes reflecting the colorful explosions illuminating the sky above us. "Arthur, have you given more thought to the timeline adjustments we discussed?"

The question referred to conversations we had held over the past few days about potentially modifying our approach to saving Elara. While none of them knew the full details of Isolde’s advice, they had all recognized that my initial urgency had given way to more strategic thinking about optimal timing.

"I have," I confirmed. "And I think there might be wisdom in building our position more thoroughly before making our most decisive moves."

"How much more time are we talking about?" Rose asked with the practical focus that characterized her approach to complex planning.

"Until summer break," I replied, noting how they all immediately understood the implications. "By then, the guild’s international expansion will be complete, my magical development will have reached peak Ascendant-rank, and our political influence will be unassailable."

"That makes sense from a strategic standpoint," Cecilia agreed, though I caught a note of concern in her voice. "But it also means several more months of watching Elara remain trapped in that engagement."

The reminder of what my strategic patience would cost made my protective instincts flare with familiar intensity. Knowing that Elara would continue suffering while I built my position was almost unbearable, but Isolde’s analysis had been uncomfortably convincing about the necessity of proper preparation.

"Two minutes," Reika announced softly, moving even closer to my side with the kind of natural intimacy that had characterized our relationship from its beginning. "Arthur, whatever timeline we choose, we’re all committed to supporting you completely."

"One minute," Rachel said, her voice carrying the kind of serene certainty that had made her legendary as a saintess. "And whatever challenges we face in the coming year, we’ll face them together."

As the countdown to midnight began echoing across the palace grounds and throughout Avalon City, I found myself reflecting on how dramatically my life had changed over the past year. Twelve months ago, I had been focused primarily on guild operations and magical development. Now I was positioned at the center of continental politics, romantically involved with five extraordinary women, and planning to prevent a war that could destroy everything I cared about.

"Thirty seconds," Cecilia announced, her royal training allowing her to maintain perfect composure even as anticipation built around us.

The crowd throughout the palace and across the city began counting down in unison, their voices creating a harmony that seemed to resonate with the magical energies that permeated the capital.

"Twenty... nineteen... eighteen..."

I turned to face each of my girlfriends in turn, seeing in their expressions the love, trust, and determination that had made our unlikely arrangement not just possible but genuinely fulfilling.

"Ten... nine... eight... seven..."

"Whatever the new year brings," I said clearly, ensuring they could all hear me above the counting crowd, "I promise you this—we will save the empire from the civil war that threatens it. We will protect everyone we care about. And we will do it together."

"Three... two... one... HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

As 2048 officially began with explosions of fireworks, magical lighting, and the cheers of thousands of celebrants, I found myself kissing each of my five girlfriends in turn—a New Year’s tradition that felt both intimate and symbolic of the unity we had achieved.

Cecilia first, her lips warm and confident against mine, tasting of the champagne we had shared and carrying the promise of political alliance that had grown into genuine love.

Rachel second, her kiss gentle but passionate, conveying the depth of feeling that had survived every challenge we had faced together.

Seraphina third, her typical restraint giving way to surprising warmth as she expressed emotions that her kuudere nature usually kept carefully controlled.

Rose fourth, her business-like efficiency abandoned in favor of the genuine affection that she rarely allowed others to see.

And finally Reika, whose kiss carried the depth of trust and devotion that had made her the foundation of everything else I had built.

As we separated and turned to watch the continuing fireworks display, I felt the weight of the promise I had just made settling on my shoulders. 2048 would be the year that determined whether I could successfully prevent the tragedy I knew was coming.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢