"As many times you want, the skies will dye
In the flight of my adoration
So please wait, and we will see each other
Under a kinder sky"
When a burst of applause rings the entire hall, it was the most magnificent sight I've ever seen. Christopher Lane, Basileus of Loegria gives a standing ovation, a gesture that rewards the crowd with a brilliant smile from the brilliant Prima Donna.
"Anyone would buy thousands for that smile."
Ariel possesses a flexible range of voice, welcoming to any genre, but orchestra-esque definitely fits her image more as a singer embellished in elegance. Even though I was supposed to be making sure of my surroundings, I find myself stopping to listen as well.
For the record, I snuck into the backstage. I know, to be here is even worse than in the public, but if my uncle catches wind of what I've been doing, I'll be kissing goodbye to my freedom starting tomorrow!
Luckily, or rather, unfortunately, the backstage is somewhat lacking in people, giving easy access to see Ariel in her best state under the spotlight. What do you mean this is the best Keeper security!? This woman is as good as having her back attached with a target marker!
"Still, there's hardly anyone suspicious around. Should I take that as a sign of safety?"
From here, I gain the advantage of observing the main hall, even to its four corners. My uncle is seated next to Christopher Lane, in which the latter's security alone involves several guards sitting by the side and his front. No matter from what angle you're seeing this, it's clearly impossible for an assassination to pass through. Strangely enough, Basileus of Cathures, Robert Sturgeon is nowhere to be found even though he was said to be invited. A change of plans maybe? Either way, he successfully managed to dodge a bullet, for now.
So, it’s over?
“H…a…haha…. Yeah, it’s over...” All that adrenaline rush and exhaustion finally catches up, weakening my limbs in an instant. A grin graces across my face. I feel so proud of myself.
"Haah... I didn't get to enjoy the party, but at least no one's hurt."
It’s over. It really is over. With this I can finally be at peace.
“Not so fast.”
…until a knife slips under my chin.
Rough voice and rough breathing. These could only belong to one person. "Ugh, Junior..."
"The hell!? Not you too! I have a name, Princess, and it's——"
Same old Junior is still temperamental as usual, so I quickly intervened. "Doesn't matter! Why are you still here!?"
"That's my line, dammit. Why the hell are you here!? You're supposed to be sitting comfortably in that forsaken room!"
"I——" The blade was pushed slightly, as if urging me to stop talking and be an obedient girl. "Don’t move. You have no idea how much trouble you’re causing me today!"
Damn it. I screwed up by not putting his appearance into account. Worse, him having caught me isn’t the only thing that’s happening. Seconds later, sounds of crashing mixed with loud gasps can be heard from the main hall. I can’t think of anything else except his other colleagues are finally catching up in their chase.
“Look, you brought chaos into this party. Good for you, am I right?!” Again, even though I have yet to do anything, Junior tightens his hold against me. At this point, I don’t think he actually had the patience to keep me in custody. If anything, he’s clearly in for the idea of brutally murdering me in public.
“Y-you’re insane…!”
“Not the only one. Wait until you see half of Rapture.”
Junior pushes me forward, the spotlight blinded my visions, and I’ve become the highlight for the hundreds of guests present tonight. Ariel has returned to her VIP seat, the fear and astonishment blending together hardly suits her delicate face.
My uncle has it worse, wearing a face that encompasses all sorts of expressions I’ve ever seen in my life. Colorless, pale, terrified, you can feel how agonizing he is just by looking at him. The crowd surrounding him freezes, dropping their mouths in surprise. The whole museum fell into a horrified silence.
It is the loudest, and the most tense silence I’ve ever heard in my entire life.
"GOOOD EVENING, LADIES AND GENTS OF CATHURES!! And of course, a lovely night to you too, Christopher Lane, Roland Richter!"
Junior's intro becomes the start of an agonizing turn of events of the century.
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