16

The Grand Feast

Walking further away from the throne room, the squad was directed towards a giant changing room only a floor away. And like all rooms they’ve traveled past, this one was of luxury. 

One by one, they were allowed in, the moment passing quickly. 

Did no one else really hear those screams, Kaito thought, walking in the room last, his attention halved. Between the sparkling lights above and the blue patterns across the walls, his mind tried to take a breather. 

However, whenever he took a breath, the scream lingered within his mind.

“Right this way.” One of the sisters instructed, strolling patiently towards the far end room, raising her hand towards it with a light bow.

“Thank you,” Kaito bowed stiffly in return, still trying to adopt their regal culture, awkwardly walking into the room provided. 

Decorated with an exquisite style similar to the throne room, silver decked across the corners, and the flooring, all doors intertwined within the room.

“I hope this exclusivity is up to your taste.” The sister added, raising her head gently, holding the door open. “In fact, citizens of Lunar Province only have an outfit or two themselves—everyday wear and festival wear—so having so many is an honor on its own.”

“Whoa, really? I’m honored to accept this honor,” Kaito replied, dragging his entire body past the door and into the grand space. 

“One last thing, I’d recommend choosing darker tones.” She gave a respectful bow, her smile soft. “And now, if you may excuse me.”

Bowing once more, she gently shut the door, taking graceful steps in retreat, as if Kaito were a noble himself. 

All servants, including sisters and cousins, were trained in Esperanza etiquette. From bowing thirty degrees to address guests to training under the majesty’s aunt, they were both requirements to continue living under the main castle.  

Whoa, I can choose from all this, Kaito thought to himself, walking slowly across the multiple line-ups of attire. There’s enough space here to host a small party.

He slowly turned to his side, having heard a faint whisper, and looked at the glistening space, as if something—or someone—was there. 

After a few minutes, he had reached the last of the dozen columns of clothing.

Glancing between the golden tuxedos and leather jackets, he stopped by a violet hoodie, thin and soft, unlike the uncomfortable puffer jacket he wore.

Taking it off the hanger, he quickly took off both his jackets, putting the hoodie over his white shirt. “Ah, now, this is nice.” 

But as he walked over to the nearby mirror, large and wide that it reflected the whole changing room, he couldn’t help but notice it was a little loose.

“Wait, is this formal enough to wear to dinner?” He asked himself, trying to get as many angles as possible. 

Upon closer inspection, the outfit appeared a little brighter and more casual, but still fit him surprisingly well.

I wonder if I could ask for this as a gift or something, Kaito thought, scratching his head in frustration as he glanced at the floor in shame. No, never mind. It’s not good enough for a party either.

Knock! The door received a few polite knocks, followed by some faint whispering behind the knob. 

“Kaito, everyone has already chosen their attire and rooms. Your squad and the majesty are awaiting your arrival. Please make your way as soon as possible.” The sister from before requested, accompanied by Amari’s growls.

Nervously scurrying back to the racks, Kaito began searching for another outfit. “Alright, I’ll be there in a few. Just looking for a better outfit.”

Slam! Then the door suddenly burst open, and there stood Amari with one of those earlier blue devices. 

“Sorry, I tried to stop her.” The worried and gentle sister whispered as she backed away.

Kaito smiled nervously, reluctantly dragging his hand away from the selection and taking a step back.

“You’ll be teleported to the dining room,” Amari said, her expression dry, as she tossed the rift up and down. “Don’t try to fight it, the more you do, the greater the tingle.”

“There’s no need to, I can walk there on my own–” Kaito tried to explain, but with no second thought, Amari lunged her left foot forward and slammed the device with both her hands.

There was something to be said about it; these devices were typically limited to military use and high-ranked missions, but there it was, being used for something as trivial as lateness. A display of the wealth and power of a Lunarian.

And within the next moment, it raced towards him in a flash, suspending him within the surrounding area. 

Feeling his body subtly shrink and expand, he could only faintly hear Amari’s complaint before the sensation scoured his entire body. You’ve wasted more than enough time!

…

A minute later, he stood still in the silence, right in front of the long table where he was greeted with multiple stares, all sporting different colors. 

He turned his sight to the seat between Neoma and Elena, plodding stiffly towards the spot, smiling nervously. “H-hello, everyone.”

“That’s what you chose to wear?!” Souta rested his hand on the white tablecloth, holding his laughter in with the other hand, while he himself wore a dark blue suit.

Elena redirected her attention towards her friend’s opposite manner, face-palming in embarrassment, her basil blouson dress accompanying her shame.

Looking at what they chose, yeah, I do deserve this, Kaito thought, lowering his head, embarrassed, looking at the fine tableware and the tablecloth’s silky texture.

Lightly shaking his head, brushing aside his embarrassment, he reached for the table and pressed against it; delicate as snow yet soft like cotton. 

“Souta, it doesn’t matter, just focus on what comes next,” Aki whispered, shoving his black tuxedo against his shoulder in a reassuring manner. 

Clap! Neoma’s display of noise glided across the dining table, grabbing the squad’s attention in only a moment. 

“Ahem, I apologize, but with everyone now present,” She glanced at Kaito with a glimmer of humor before closing her eyes and intertwining her hands. “We may finally begin.” 

“Oh, dear mother, and all previous moons, we humbly thank you for this food. From solar to lunar eclipse, I, the next moon in line, will continue to rule this blessed land in honor of your passing.” Neoma prayed, unmoving in her posture. 

Kaito, bewildered, took a peek at his teammates and noticed they had also copied the majesty’s form, silent and still.

“From the setting of the sun to the rise of the moon, I will continue serving my people until I take my last breath. We all continue to live thanks to your sacrifices; thus, we offer to all beautiful moons, up in the heavens, glory to everlasting peace.” She continued, now slowly opening her eyes and dragging her hands away from the table. “From now on forever.” 

Kaito opened his eyes in relief, hoping he wasn’t caught, turning his attention to his calm and patient teammates. 

What did I miss? He thought in disbelief. These cannot be the same people, no way.

And with the festive mood returning, Neoma smiled once again and raised her hand, moving it side to side in excitement. 

“Now, who’s finally ready to eat?” She cheered, glancing between the four of them as if they were getting ready for a round of poker.