And after some time, I felt it—that unmistakable sensation of being watched. I looked across the hall, casually at first, scanning the crowd with deliberate ease. Amid the swirl of nobles in jeweled finery and the polished laughter echoing through the grand hall. Elven Princess was watching me, her emerald-green gaze was unreadable. The moment I locked eyes with the Elven Princess, the sounds of the grand hall seemed to fade into the background. The orchestra played a soothing tune, nobles exchanged pleasantries, and servers weaved through the crowd carrying trays of delicacies, but none of it mattered in that instant.
The Elven Princess studied me, her emerald-green eyes filled with quiet curiosity. She didn't look away, nor did she avert her gaze in shyness like some noble ladies did when caught staring. Instead, she observed me as if trying to figure something out, her expression unreadable yet intent. And so, I did the same. Her presence was different from the others. Unlike the calm and composed demeanor of the Elven King and Queen, there was something sharper in her eyes—a keen intelligence, a will that burned brighter than the elegance she carried. It was subtle, but I could see it.
Before I could say or do anything, the fanfare rang out again. The entire hall turned its attention toward the grand dais at the center of the room, where King Regnard and the other rulers were now gathered. The human king took a step forward, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "Honored guests, noble families, and rulers from across the lands—tonight, we celebrate the coming of age of my son, Prince Arian." A round of polite applause filled the hall as Prince Arian stepped forward, giving a small nod of acknowledgment. "This gathering is more than a celebration," King Regnard continued. "It is a reminder of the bonds between our kingdoms. Let this night be a testament to our unity, our prosperity, and our shared future."
Another round of applause followed. The other kings and queens nodded in agreement, their presence alone a symbol of the peace that had lasted for decades. And just like that, the festivities officially began. With the speeches concluded, the festivities truly began. The room transformed into a living sea of velvet, silk, and ambition. Nobles swooped in on royal families like moths to candlelight, all eager for greetings, blessings, and if possible, a future land grant or two.
I drifted toward the refreshment table, the safest diplomatic zone in the entire room. I picked up a glass of fruit juice—because apparently, being magically gifted didn't mean you were old enough for wine. Calvin and Casia had long disappeared into the social tide, probably making small talk with someone important. Mom was deep in conversation with a noblewoman who looked like she'd invented passive-aggression, while Dad and Liam were still debating politics.
I sighed and thought, "I can't even drink the wine. What a cruel world."
I wasn't particularly interested in mingling with nobles, but before I could decide on my next course of action, I sensed someone approaching. I turned my head slightly—and there she was. Elara Vaeloren.
Up close, she was even more arresting. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back like threads of moonlight, catching the glow of chandeliers with every subtle movement. Her emerald eyes, now only a few paces away, seemed almost alive—glowing faintly, like enchanted gems. She walked with the grace of royalty, yes, but also with a quiet certainty that spoke of confidence earned, not gifted. She stopped just a few steps away, her gaze still fixed on me like I was a riddle she wasn't finished solving.
I arched a brow, "Can I help you, Princess?" A flicker of amusement crossed her face at my casual tone, but she didn't seem offended, "You're Rayon Krater, aren't you?"
I thought, 'So, she knew my name already.' I took a sip of my drink, "And you are?" Her lips curved into a faint smirk, as if she found my response mildly entertaining, "You don't know?"
I shrugged, "Should I?" Most people would have scrambled to show proper respect to a member of the Elven Royal Family. But I wasn't most people. She let out a soft hum, tilting her head slightly, "I am Elara Vaeloren, Princess of the Elven Kingdom." I gave her a small nod, "Pleasure to meet you, Princess Elara." She studied me for a moment longer before speaking again, "You carry yourself differently than the other nobles."
I grinned, "Yeah, that's probably because I'm not one of them. I'm a commoner—basically the party crasher with better shoes." That earned a genuine chuckle from her, a sparkle lighting up her eyes. "Oh, is that so?" For a moment, we simply stood there. The world swirled and shifted around us—music, voices, movement—but it was like none of it touched our space. It felt... Familiarly private. I had a strong sense of déjà vu, as if we'd already talked before a lot already.
Then, she asked something unexpected, "Is what Calis Senur ma'am said are correct." I raised an eyebrow, "What did she say?" I thought, 'That explains how she knows my name.' Elara gave me a knowing look, "That you are both a Conjuror and an Augmenter." I thought, 'So, she said that all about me.'
I leaned slightly against the table, setting my drink down, "And if I am?" Elara's gaze didn't waver, "Then you are an anomaly." I chuckled, "I am not actually." She shook her head, clearly not finished, "Controlling all elements, being an Integrator—Sound, Lightning, Ice, Blue Flames—if what I heard is true, then you are not just rare. You are unnatural."
There was no malice in her tone, only genuine curiosity. I tilted my head slightly, "And what do you think, Princess? Do you believe the rumors?" Elara held my gaze for a moment before responding, "I believe I'd like to see it for myself." I thought, 'An interesting answer.'
Before I could respond, another voice interrupted us. "Elara, what are you doing here?" I turned to see the Elven King approaching, his emerald eyes glancing between me and his daughter. Elara, to her credit, didn't seem bothered, "Speaking with someone interesting, Dad." The Elven King's gaze settled on me. There was no hostility, only quiet calculation, "Rayon Krater." I inclined my head slightly, "Your Majesty."
He studied me for a long moment, then nodded before turning to his daughter, "Come, There are others you must greet." Elara didn't argue. Instead, she turned back to me one last time, a glimmer of intrigue in her eyes. "I hope we meet again, Rayon." And with that, she followed her Dad into the crowd. I exhaled slowly, 'Well, That was… interesting.'
...
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of names, handshakes, titles I couldn't pronounce, and diplomatic smiles so forced they should've been illegal.
I met the Dwarven Prince—who, to my surprise, was far more polite than expected. He even laughed at one of my jokes, though it might've been out of confusion. The Beastman Princes were quiet, observant, their golden eyes so intense they could probably see lies forming in your throat before you spoke them.
Eventually, even Prince Arian made his way over. We were the same age, technically, but the way he looked at me... It was like he was trying to figure out if I was a threat or just really bad at etiquette. He didn't say much, but the silence spoke volumes.
Still, none of those encounters lingered in my mind the way my conversation with Elara did.
Because while everyone else in that hall seemed to see me as something unexpected, she looked at me like I was something unfolding.
Just as the last threads of thought lingered in my mind, my Master's voice cut through them—clear and commanding, though no lips had moved. "I sense the presence of a supreme being," he spoke telepathically, his words echoing directly into my consciousness like a bell struck in silence.