The kids arrive at the mansion a few hours before the ball. They're excited, talking over each other about what Elowen showed them yesterday and what to expect tonight.
We all scatter to get ready. I head to my room where the package from the tailor was delivered this morning. I open it carefully.
The formal outfit is even better than I expected. The base is deep charcoal gray, somehow managing to look both elegant and practical. The fabric feels weightless when I touch it. The feather-weight enchantments doing their job. The cut is tailored but allows for movement, exactly what I asked for.
The silver threading woven into the fabric catches the light and shifts subtly as I move it. Living enchantments. The symbols shimmer and flow like water, never staying in one pattern for long. It's mesmerizing to watch.
I change into it. The dress shirt is crisp and white, the vest fits perfectly over it, and the outer robe drapes well without feeling heavy. I fasten the belt and check the mirror. It looks good. Formal enough for a ball, comfortable enough that I don't feel like I'm wearing armor. I materialize black gloves from Ananke to complete the look. I guess gloves are a type of tool.
I head downstairs to the common area where everyone is gathering.
Eldrin is already there, wearing ceremonial robes in deep green with gold embroidery that marks his status as village chief. The patterns are intricate, probably traditional high elf designs. He looks dignified, every inch the leader of his people.
Liora arrives next in her formal shrine maiden attire. White and red, the colors crisp and clean. The outfit has more elaborate layering than her usual clothes, and small bells are attached to the sleeves that chime softly when she moves. Her hair is arranged more formally, held in place with decorative pins.
Seraphina descends the stairs in a gown that's pure drama. Deep crimson that looks almost black in certain light, with intricate lace work and a neckline that somehow manages to be both elegant and bold. Her hair is styled elaborately, and she's wearing jewelry that probably costs more than everything else in the room combined.
Lucien wears new formal robes in dark blue and white, thanks to Seraphina's insistence. They're well-tailored and fit him properly. He looks uncomfortable, constantly adjusting the collar, but he does look good.
Vesper comes down last, clearly having delayed as long as possible. The dress Liora picked for her is simple compared to Seraphina's. Deep indigo with minimal embellishments. It suits her, elegant without being fussy. Her hair has been brushed and arranged, though she still looks like she'd rather be anywhere else.
[Vesper] "I hate this. There's too much fabric and it keeps getting in the way."
[Liora] "You look lovely. Stop complaining."
[Vesper] "I'm going to trip and fall on my face."
The kids come down together. Yuki is wearing a light blue dress with delicate embroidery along the hem. Her hair is styled with small crystal ornaments that catch the light. Aiko is in a soft pink gown with floral patterns, her hair arranged with a ribbon. Takeshi is in formal robes similar to Lucien's, dark colors that look sharp and clean.
[Yuki] "Wright! You look so different!"
[Takeshi] "Yeah, I barely recognized you for a second."
[Aiko] "The enchantments on your clothes are beautiful. They keep moving."
Eldrin examines my outfit with interest.
[Eldrin] "The craftsmanship is excellent. Living enchantments woven directly into the fabric. That's not simple work."
[Seraphina] "The cut is unusual. I've never seen that style before, but it works. You look quite refined."
[Lucien] "The tailoring is precise. Good construction."
[Liora] "It suits you well."
[Vesper] "At least you look comfortable. Lucky."
Sylphaeris appears, her form shifting into the pale green gown she showed us yesterday. She spins once, the fabric flowing like wind.
[Sylphaeris] "Everyone looks great! This is going to be fun!"
[Wright] "Alright, everyone ready?"
A chorus of agreements, some more enthusiastic than others.
We make our way to the main academy building where the ball is being held.
---
The grand hall is transformed. The ceiling has been enchanted to show a night sky full of stars that slowly drift and swirl in patterns. Crystal chandeliers float overhead without any visible support, their light warm and inviting. The walls are decorated with flowing banners in the academy's colors, and magical light displays create shifting patterns in the corners.
Tables line the sides, laden with food and drinks. The center of the hall is open for dancing, the floor polished to a mirror shine and inscribed with subtle enchantments that probably make it easier to move on.
Students fill the hall, all dressed in their finest. Faculty members stand in small groups, chatting. Supreme Mage Lysara is near the front of the hall, speaking with several professors.
Music plays from somewhere. I can't see the musicians, but the melody is elegant and flowing.
[Yuki] "This is amazing! It's just like the balls in manga!"
[Aiko] "Everything is so beautiful."
[Takeshi] "It's pretty impressive."
The familiar click-clack of heels on polished floor catches my attention. I turn and see Elowen approaching. She's gone full villainess mode.
Her blonde hair is styled into even more elaborate drill curls than usual, arranged with jeweled pins that sparkle in the light. Her dress is an elegant creation in deep emerald green with gold accents, the fabric shimmering as she walks. The neckline is modest but sophisticated, and the skirt has multiple layers that swish dramatically with each step. She's wearing a delicate necklace with a large emerald pendant, and her posture is perfect.
Beside her is a young man who catches me off guard. He's tall, about Takeshi's height, with a stocky but refined build. His features are sharp, suggesting noble lineage. He's wearing formal attire in rich burgundy and gold, with intricate metalwork decorating the collar and cuffs. His dark hair is styled neatly, and he carries himself with practiced poise.
[Elowen] "Yuki! Aiko! Takeshi! How wonderful to see you all!"
She approaches with that elegant glide she's perfected, her companion following with equally measured steps.
[Elowen] "May I introduce my fiancé? This is Prince Rurik Embervein of Varraketh, from the eastern dwarven kingdoms."
The prince inclines his head in a formal greeting, his expression composed and regal.
[Rurik] "It is an honor to make your acquaintance. Lady Elowen has spoken highly of you."
His voice is measured and cultured.
[Yuki] "It's nice to finally meet you! Elowen told us so much about you at dinner."
[Aiko] "You're studying magical theory here, right?"
[Rurik] "Indeed. I have been focusing on advanced runecraft and theoretical applications of—"
He pauses. A faint blush colors his cheeks.
[Rurik] "Forgive me. I tend to become overly enthusiastic about academic subjects."
He just realized he was about to launch into a lecture.
[Takeshi] "No, that's cool. You must be really good at it if you're here."
[Rurik] "I... yes, I suppose I am competent enough."
He says it with proper humility, but there's a hint of pride there too. Then he straightens.
[Rurik] "Lady Elowen has been an invaluable study partner. Her insights into arcane theory have been most enlightening."
[Elowen] "Prince Rurik is far too modest. He's been ranked first in his year for theoretical applications."
The prince's ears turn red at the praise, but he keeps his composure.
Yuki is vibrating with excitement. She leans toward Aiko, her voice just barely lowered.
[Yuki] "This is exactly like a villainess manga! The elegant noble lady and the accomplished prince from a distant kingdom, engaged and studying together. It's perfect!"
[Aiko] "Yuki, they can hear you."
[Yuki] "I know! Isn't it great?"
Elowen looks pleased by the comparison, while Prince Rurik seems confused but too polite to comment.
Takeshi leans in close to our group, speaking in a low voice, unlike Yuki.
[Takeshi] "Elowen couldn't stop talking about Rurik yesterday. He's the first prince, half dwarf and half human. His mother was a Resperan noble who grew up alongside the dwarven king. Somewhere along the way, they fell in love."
Aiko also joins in on the gossip.
[Aiko] "We also learned about elves. Did you know?"
[Wright] "About elves?"
[Aiko] "They're what happens when a high elf and another race have children. It doesn't matter if it's a high elf and a human, or a high elf and a demon, or any other race. The result is always an elf. The high elf bloodline is so powerful that its characteristics take priority."
I look at Liora and Eldrin. They both nod.
[Eldrin] "That's correct. High elves are a pure bloodline. When we have children with other races, the offspring are elves."
[Aiko] "And apparently high elves don't die. They live forever."
[Liora] "Not quite forever. We don't age in the traditional sense, but we can die from disease or injury. We're not immortal, just very long-lived."
[Aiko] "And regular elves live about a thousand years."
[Wright] "Is that so?"
[Eldrin] "Yes. Elves age much more slowly than other races but they do eventually die of old age, unlike high elves."
That's a huge difference. I knew high elves were long-lived, but I didn't realize the specifics.
The conversation is interrupted as the music shifts to something more lively. Students start moving toward the dance floor. Elowen excuses herself and Prince Rurik, heading off to join the dancing.
The kids scatter to explore. Yuki is pulled into conversation by another student. Aiko and Takeshi wander toward the refreshment tables.
Seraphina makes a beeline for the wine selection, Lucien trailing behind her with a resigned expression.
[Seraphina] "Finally! Let's see what they have."
[Lucien] "You're supposed to be here for the ball, not the wine."
[Seraphina] "I can do both."
Vesper sidles up to me, a smirk on her face.
[Vesper] "So, you're all dressed up and at a fancy ball. But you probably don't know how to dance, do you?"
Oh, she's so wrong.
I've read countless manga. One of my favorites was about ballroom dancing. Following a shy kid who discovered competitive dance and learned everything from basic waltz to complex routines. The way the artist drew movement, the flow of the steps, the technique and grace required for each dance. I absorbed every panel, every explanation of footwork and frame and musicality.
I offer Vesper my hand.
She blinks, surprised. Then she takes my hand with a skeptical expression.
[Vesper] "Fine. But don't step on my feet."
We move to the dance floor. The music is a waltz. Three-four time, steady and elegant. I place one hand on her waist, hold her other hand in the proper frame position. She's tense at first, probably expecting me to fumble.
Then I lead.
The steps come naturally. Box step, forward and back, rotating smoothly. I keep the frame strong but not rigid, guiding her through the turns. Natural turn, reverse turn, maintaining the rhythm. The movement flows, each step connecting to the next.
Vesper's eyes widen as we move across the floor. I can see the exact moment she realizes I actually know what I'm doing.
I add more complexity. Hesitation step, outside change, traveling the line of dance around the floor. The manga showed me how to make it look effortless, how to use body weight and momentum rather than force. How to make your partner feel like they're floating.
Other dancers move aside, giving us space. I barely notice. The music is everything. The rise and fall, the sway and rotation. Every technique I studied in those manga pages translated into actual movement.
A progressive chasse into a natural spin turn. Vesper follows perfectly now, trusting the lead. Her expression shifts from shock to something like awe. We're moving together, the dress she complained about swirling perfectly with each rotation.
The music builds to the final phrase. I execute a reverse turn into a finishing pose, ending precisely on the final beat.
Silence for a moment. Then applause breaks out around us.
I look around. We've drawn an audience. Students stare, mouths open. Faculty members look impressed. Even Supreme Mage Lysara is watching with interest.
Vesper's face is bright red.
[Vesper] "I... you... how did you..."
[Wright] "I'm talented in many areas."
[Vesper] "That's not... you can't just..."
But clearly I can.
She pulls away, still flustered.
[Vesper] "I'm going to get food. And I'm staying over there. Away from this."
She hurries off toward the refreshment tables, practically fleeing.
Before I can step off the dance floor, a professor approaches. A woman in elegant purple robes.
[Professor] "That was exceptional. Would you honor me with a dance?"
Well, why not?
The ball continues. More people take to the dance floor. The music shifts between different styles. Waltzes, something that might be this world's version of a foxtrot, slower pieces for those who prefer simple swaying.
I dance with the professor, then with a graduating student who shyly asks, then with Liora and Sylphaeris. Each dance is different. Some prefer simple movements, others want to try more complex patterns. It's enjoyable, using the techniques I studied, adapting to different partners and different music.
[Sylphaeris] "That was incredible! You're quite the dancer and you've been dancing nonstop with everyone!"
[Wright] "Just a few people."
[Sylphaeris] "More than a few. You're quite popular now."
After dancing with a grinning Sylphaeris, we head toward the refreshment tables. I'm getting a bit tired.
---
The food tables are impressive. Roasted meats, fresh fruits, elaborate pastries, delicate finger foods. Everything is presented beautifully, and there's enough variety to satisfy any taste.
Laughter and conversation fill the hall. Students celebrate their upcoming graduation, faculty members share stories, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.
Supreme Mage Lysara moves to the center of the hall. The music fades and the crowd quiets.
[Lysara] "Honored guests, esteemed faculty, and most importantly, our graduating class. Tonight we celebrate not just your achievements, but your potential. You have spent years here mastering the arcane arts, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and preparing yourselves for whatever paths you choose to follow."
Her voice carries clearly through the hall, warm but commanding.
[Lysara] "Some of you will pursue research, some will serve in various capacities throughout our nation, and some will venture out to share your knowledge with the world. Whatever you choose, remember that magic is not just power. It is responsibility. Use what you have learned wisely, help those in need, and never stop seeking knowledge."
She raises a glass.
[Lysara] "To the graduating class of Arcanis Academy. May your futures be bright and your magic strong."
The hall erupts in applause and cheers. Students raise their glasses, some wiping away tears, others beaming with pride.
The music resumes, more energetic now. The dancing starts again with renewed enthusiasm.
I spot the kids on the dance floor. Aiko and Takeshi are dancing together. Takeshi looks awkward but he's trying his best, and Aiko is patient with him, smiling encouragingly. Yuki is dancing with another student, a boy about her age who seems nervous but excited. Elowen and Prince Rurik are waltzing with perfect form, every movement precise and elegant. The prince maintains his regal bearing throughout, though I catch a small, genuine smile when Elowen says something to him.
Near the food tables, I see Vesper with three small forms around her. Snow is perched on her shoulder, Umbra is nestled in her lap, and Ignatia is in her small dragon form, delicately eating from a plate. All three familiars look content, and Vesper is feeding them choice bits of food.
[Wright] "Hiding out with the familiars?"
[Vesper] "They're better company than people. And they don't try to show off on the dance floor."
[Wright] "I wasn't showing off."
[Vesper] "You danced with a lot of different people. That's showing off."
She's not wrong. I did get a bit carried away.
[Wright] "Want me to go away?"
[Vesper] "Yes."
I laugh and leave her to her refuge with the familiars.
The ball continues late into the night. Music, dancing, food, conversation. It's a good celebration for the graduating class.
And I'm glad I got to put my manga knowledge to practical use. Sometimes reading really does pay off.