It was a large kitchen.
Multiple chefs dressed in white moved about quickly, shouting instructions and handling ingredients. The air was filled with the scent of spices, roasted meat, and fresh bread. Servants hurried in and out, carrying trays as the constant clatter of utensils echoed in the background.
Jace stood among sixteen others, all dressed in formal waiter attire.
The manager stood before them, loudly explaining what to do—and more importantly, what not to do.
"Don't spill anything! Don't speak unless spoken to! And for God's sake, don't embarrass the hosts!"
Jace listened calmly.
This wasn't his first time doing something like this.
He hadn't originally planned on taking the job—he already had quite a bit of money.
But to be sure, he had performed a series of divinations.
Should he go? — Positive.
Would he be safe? — Positive.
Would he encounter another Beyonder? — Positive.
That last one had caught his attention.
After that, it would have been unbecoming of a Seer not to go.
So here he was.
The party itself was lavish.
It was being held in a grand manor, now filled with guests arriving from across Cherrywood. Carriages lined the entrance, and the estate buzzed with life.
Jace stepped into the rhythm of the work.
He picked up a tray filled with champagne glasses, balancing it effortlessly on his palm, and began moving through the crowd.
---
One Day Ago
Catherine Webbers' Study
Susan knocked on the door and entered.
Catherine was seated casually on a sofa, a book resting in her hand as she sipped tea. She wore a simple green dress that complemented her mature beauty.
She looked up.
"Yes?"
Susan held a few papers.
"It's a report on Jace Liebert."
Catherine's eyes flickered with interest.
She nodded.
"Go on."
Susan glanced at the paper and began.
"He lives in an apartment on Crimson Lane. He currently works two jobs—teaching children to read and write at a school, and bookkeeping at a library."
"He only has one known family member—an aunt in Lenburg. She is affiliated with the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom."
"Also… he will be working as a server at the ball you were invited to."
"Alright," Catherine said calmly.
Susan finished the report and quietly left the room.
Catherine placed her teacup down and leaned back slightly.
Her husband had died years ago.
With time, certain desires she had long ignored had begun to surface again.
But her preferences were… different.
She had never been particularly attracted to men her age or older. Even her marriage had been lukewarm at best.
What she preferred were individuals who were young… and innocent.
Not just that—she didn't like dominant men.
She preferred those she could control.
The thought of guiding, shaping… even dominating someone younger stirred something within her.
Of course, she had always suppressed such thoughts.
Society did not look kindly upon such things.
But time did not wait for anyone.
And she was getting older.
A short life… might as well try it, she thought.
So she had casually mentioned it to Natalie, not expecting much.
But who would have thought…
Natalie actually found someone.
And a Beyonder at that.
---
Present
Catherine arrived at the manor.
She greeted the hosts at the entrance before stepping into the grand hall.
The hall was filled with nobles and wealthy figures, all dressed in luxurious attire. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting warm golden light over the polished marble floor. Soft music played in the background as servants moved gracefully between guests.
As Catherine entered, several heads turned.
She wore a black corset evening gown, with a long velvet coat draped elegantly over her shoulders. Her makeup was subtle, her hair tied back neatly.
She carried herself with composed elegance.
For a woman, she was tall.
And she stood out.
A few guests quickly recognized her and approached with polite smiles, greeting her and attempting to engage her in conversation.
Though Catherine wasn't widely known in Cherrywood, many had at least heard of her.
She lived a quiet life, publicly running a wine-brewing business.
But in truth, her real dealings were tied to information—particularly regarding Beyonders and the mystic world.
She had once been affiliated with a Church.
Now, she operated independently.
Though she still maintained contact with certain churches… when necessary.
---
Over an hour passed.
Catherine now sat at a table with a few women, who were engaged in light gossip about trivial matters.
She wasn't particularly interested.
She had come here for one reason.
Jace Liebert.
But she hadn't seen him yet.
Of course… she didn't know what he looked like.
But as a Sequence 5, her spiritual intuition was more than enough to identify a Beyonder.
Then—
She noticed him.
A young man approached the table.
He wore a white shirt, a bow tie, and black pants—the standard waiter's attire.
His slightly long hair was neatly combed, and his features were soft and delicate.
There was a tray of drinks balanced steadily in his hand.
He bowed slightly and offered the drinks without a word.
The women at the table each picked a glass.
Catherine also reached out and took one.
But her gaze lingered.
On the young man before her.