Chương 43: To Entertain a Princess

Joe walked at the precise, measured pace Daisy had drilled into him, Rose at his arm. They were about halfway to the banquet hall, and his mind was being swarmed with endless questions about his real identity. The princess, however, had no doubts. She knew he was not, in fact, the son of the God Malakai. If he had been, her mother would have smote him down on the spot.

"She told me you were sent here by the system," Rose said, a sudden mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"She said to let you escort me as long as you behave yourself." Joe's step almost faltered.

"The queen knows I'm here?" He kept his voice neutral, but his pulse quickened. Avoiding Rose's gaze, he focused ahead. He could feel her studying him intently as they walked, and their linked arms, so effortlessly close, made it difficult to concentrate. Why the hell was he here? And why was she so damn beautiful? He almost sighed but stopped himself. Focus. Think of ugly slugs. Turkey feet. Anything.

"Mother knows you are here," Rose continued, sounding entirely too amused.

"She liked the flower. She even asked you to… make her one later." Joe gulped. Great. Now, the queen wanted something from him. He had zero interest in meeting more royalty and hoped his quest would end long before that happened.

"Are you going to tell me where you are from, or do I have to make you?" Rose teased, her voice laced with playful challenge. If he weren't so on edge, he would have jousted with her jabs, countered with something smooth. He had to admit she was cute, though. He shook his head; his mind was already spinning with everything Daisy had crammed into him about the banquet. There was no room for wordplay, not when one wrong move could get him killed.

"Some small unknown world," he said evasively.

"I'm sure you've never heard of." She clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"You aren't being a perfect escort, you know," she chided, turning her gaze forward, pointedly ignoring him now. A slight pang of regret settled in his chest, which he suppressed as relief quickly followed. No more questions, he didn't know how to answer, was probably a good thing. Before he could dwell on it, the looming forms of guards came into view. They had arrived. Joe straightened, preparing to announce the princess's arrival, as instructed.

Rose stood beside him, unbothered, poised, a picture of serene grace. The towering double doors swung open with a resonant creak, revealing a sight that stole his breath. The banquet hall was immense, stretching out like an opulent arena, its sheer grandeur humbling even the wildest imaginations. A cascade of golden light poured from the dazzling chandeliers that hung from the vaulted ceiling, illuminating the vast hall in a soft, regal glow.

A sprawling dance floor to his left gleamed its intricate mosaic depicting a jubilant celebration frozen in time. To his right, an endless procession of tables extended into the horizon, each draped in luxurious red and gold cloth that shimmered as though woven with sunlight. Golden candelabras, crowned with flickering flames, stood sentinel, their reflections casting a glow across the floor.

The tables varied in size and grandeur, some intimate, for quiet conversations between two, while others were expansive, encircled by a dozen or more elaborate chairs. The hum of conversation dimmed as countless heads turned to regard them. Warm collective smiles were directed at Rose as her presence lit the area around them. The faces staring at them were as diverse and extraordinary as the hall. Mortifi faces, softening with admiration, mingled with leonine visages adorned in regal manes.

Mechanical eyes of robotic guests flickered with electric curiosity, and beings of races he could not name gazed with open fascination. He felt the weight of their attention. He steadied his thoughts, drawing a deep breath to calm his nerves before they were ushered inside.

"Presenting… The Princess of the Eludian Empire. Rose Terravignion and her escort, Joseph Caldwell," a powerful voice announced, carrying effortlessly across the hall. Applause rippled through the crowd as Joe felt the countless gazes shift toward him once they left Rose's commanding presence. Curiosity and intrigue hung in the air. With a subtle cue from Rose, Joe led her forward, their movements synchronized.

The soft rustle of Rose's gown and the click of their shoes against the polished floor accompanied their steps to their table. Upon arrival, he pulled out her chair with a poised flourish; Rose took her seat with a gracious smile. He settled into his place beside her. She quietly thanked him and motioned to the chair next to her. Joe took his seat, and only then did he feel that weight of eyes leave him. He breathed out, relieved.

Rose waved a hand at a group of girls, another elven-like race known as Cocoronath Drapes. The main difference between them and Rose's race was the brown, pointy horns protruding from their cheeks. Joe glanced at Rose, who was still avoiding looking his way. He sighed and took a look through his storage ring. He was happy that access wasn't blocked, but found that he could not remove most objects within.

Some of the things he did have access to, though, were regular everyday objects he had picked up during his travels, like some of his sister's possessions. He pulled out a small box filled with rocks his sister had collected and placed it on the table before him. He saw Rose's eyes dart in interest, but she said nothing. He gently opened the box and pulled out one of the shiny blue rocks within, placing it on the table where Rose could see.

"This belonged to my sister. She liked to collect shiny rocks on her travels around our… world," Joe said.

"And what world would that be?" Rose asked, still avoiding his eyes. But now, peeking at the stone from the corner of her eye. Joe took a deep breath, calming his mind. You are at a banquet with a princess. Time to man up and be a good escort. What is the worst that could happen? A small smile appeared on Joe's face.

"Earth." Rose leaned forward, reaching out a hand toward the rock Joe held. He placed it lightly into her palm. Her smile warmed, all traces of annoyance vanishing, replaced by a dazzling expression that made it hard to look away.

"Earth. That is a nice name," she mused, studying him with a knowing look.

"Must be a small world on the outskirts of Eludia. I think I've heard of it in passing." She examined the rock he had given her, but Joe could tell her focus was entirely on him now.

"You said you have a sister? Any other family back home?" Joe hesitated for only a moment before answering. There was no real reason to hide the truth.

"She is my only family. My mother passed away when we were young, about fifteen years ago. I never knew my father." His voice was steady, though a flicker of old grief brushed against him.

"I haven't seen my sister in a few years. Unfortunate events separated us. So hopefully, she's doing well."

"That's sad." Rose's expression softened.

"I rarely see my brothers either, except for Alk. He's always bothering me. But my older brothers are all off in the outer rims with Father."

"The King?" Joe said, feeling a bit of relief. At least that was one more royal he didn't have to worry about encountering.

"Eludia has no King, only a queen," Rose replied, raising a brow.

"But of course, you knew that, being from Eludia."

"Yes, I did. Of course. Just… you know, backwater World and all. News doesn't really reach us."

"Mmmhmm," Rose hummed before taking a slow sip from her glass. Joe wanted to ask more details about her family, but also knew he didn't want to broadcast his lack of knowledge about Eludia. So, instead, he decided on a safer topic.

"So what does a Princess do for fun?" he asked with a smile. Rose groaned, giving him a look that screamed really? That's the best you can do?

"The usual," she said dismissively.

"But I'm not going to bore you or myself explaining. Tell me more about yourself. What does a Mortifi from a… small world do for fun?" Joe was caught off guard by the question. When was the last time he had truly enjoyed a hobby? Before the system arrived, what had he actually done for fun?

"I have many hobbies," he admitted.

"I love to cook, for one. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal. Then there's plant life. I enjoy discovering new species of plants. Lastly… I'd say dance is probably my main hobby." As the conversation continued, they bounced between Rose, pointing out all the notable figures in the banquet hall, and her subtly testing him with questions about himself. She was in her element now, her wit sharp, her laughter easy. Joe found himself relaxing into the moment, chuckling along with her as they exchanged remarks.

More importantly, he learned that only four people present, including Rose herself, were children of a God. One was Lucius, who had yet to arrive. Another was someone named Dothrethy Treyaldy, whose name Joe filed away. And the fourth was Rose's brother Alkaios, who briefly came over to greet his sister, casting Joe the smallest, most unreadable of nods before moving on. Everyone else sporting a flower above their neck was a child of a high-ranking noble from across the Multiverse.

Joe had also been informed during the walkover that the palace had strict restrictions preventing the use of skills like Identify and any offensive abilities. At least, that was one thing he didn't have to worry about. He wouldn't suddenly explode into a ball of fire just because some noble didn't like the way he looked. Joe was about to ask why he could still use his skills when Rose suddenly tugged his arm, a signal to stand.

He almost leapt to his feet, catching himself at the last moment before smoothly rising and offering his hand to help Rose up. Across the hall, every guest followed suit, rising in unison as a voice rang out a powerful announcement:"Presenting. Lucius Von Brave the Forty-Ninth." Applause swept through the banquet hall as Lucius entered, flanked by his entourage. They wore the most flamboyant red clothing, rich, heavy fabrics adorned with gold embroidery and intricate battle patterns.

Even without Identify, he could tell they were powerful. As instructed, he kept his gaze down, making sure not to meet the eyes of any of the five men and one woman in Lucius's group. Naturally, the same courtesy was not returned. Joe could feel their eyes scanning the hall, lingering on him and Rose longer than was comfortable. He resisted the urge to shift, keeping his expression neutral. Lucius and his entourage reached their table and sat. Thankfully, there were quite a few tables between them.

Lucius' table sat at the head of the banquet hall. In contrast, Rose and Joe sat at the table to the side. A moment later, the rest of the hall returned to their seats, but not before waiting for Rose to sit first. Then, the room was suddenly alive with movement and conversations once more. Waiters and waitresses flowed between the tables, carrying towering platters of food. The aroma was incredible, with rich spices and mouthwatering scents wafting through the hall. Joe wasn't the only one affected.

He noticed quite a few guests, particularly those without flowers, beginning to practically drool in anticipation. He himself was flowerless, while Rose proudly wore the flower he had created, now peeking prominently from her golden locks. As the tables filled with lavish platters, the true feast began. Joe only took small bites of the food before him, his attention mostly divided between scanning the crowd and exchanging questions with Rose.

"How does this compare to food on your world?" Rose asked, nibbling on something that looked like a miniature watermelon.

"I have never tasted anything like it," Joe admitted. The food was truly out of this world. Every dish presented to him was an entirely new experience, with flavours and textures clashing in unexpected ways. Rose had an insatiable curiosity, fascinated by even the most minor details. She fired off a million questions, and their conversation flowed with an ease that caught him off guard. The conversation pivoted between family, the fauna and flora of earth, and different cultures of his world.

"You've barely eaten," Rose chided gently, watching as he poked at his plate.

"Sorry, just not much of an appetite," he replied, picking up what looked like a peanut. As soon as he bit into it, his brain short-circuited. The texture was a peanut, but the taste? A frozen fruit milkshake. Joe blinked. What the hell? Rose giggled at his baffled expression.

"You are forgiven." She then handed him what looked like a raisin. He popped it into his mouth, expecting something sweet, only for his taste buds to be assaulted by the sharp bitterness of lemon soaked in beer. Joe coughed violently, reaching for his drink as Rose burst into more giggles.

"Okay, whatever that was, I'm definitely avoiding those," he grumbled, trying to shake a lingering taste from his tongue. Their conversation took a more probing turn as they continued to eat.

"What level are you?" Rose asked casually. Joe glanced around to check if anyone was listening in.

"Are you sure that's something I should be talking about here?" he asked, lowering his voice. Rose waved off his concern.

"No one's listening. I'll even go first." She leaned in slightly, a playful glint in her eyes.

"My class is level two hundred and twenty, while both of my professions are two hundred and eight." Joe gaped. She was D-grade. He knew she was probably strong, but hearing the numbers out loud made him realize just how vast the gap between them genuinely was.

"Wow," he murmured, still reeling. Her openness surprised him. He had assumed levels were something people kept highly private if possible. But then, if a person had a good Identify skill that showed the level of those close to them, maybe it was pointless trying to hide one's level in the Multiverse. He felt no problem answering her truthfully.

"Fifty-five, fifty, and thirty." Rose took another sip of her wine, her expression thoughtful. She slowly turned those piercing ocean-blue eyes onto him, studying him with renewed interest.

"Just who are you?" Rose's gaze held him firm, not with hostility, but with something else. Joe felt a flicker of unease. What does she see? There was something about how she looked at him, something warm yet distant, as if she was trying to piece together a puzzle only she could see. For the first time, Joe felt a strange regret that his appearance was masked. He wasn't hiding by choice, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he was lying by omission.

That he was keeping something from her, even if it wasn't his fault.

"Just a guy trying to survive," he muttered, picking up his glass and downing the whole thing. His face scrunched up as the tangy flavour assaulted him. Rose chuckled softly but said nothing. Instead, she lifted her hand, revealing a small black-lined crown resting in her palm. She held it out to him. Staring at the delicate object, he reached out, taking it. It was light, almost weightless, and as he turned it over in his fingers, he instinctively tried to Identify it, only for his skill to fail.

"Put it on, but hide it." Joe did just that, placing the crown on his head and mentally concealing it from sight.

"It will mask you from any Identifying skills," Rose explained.

"At least until you hit D-grade, then you'll need a stronger item." Joe blinked in surprise. That was… an insanely valuable gift"Thank you," he said sincerely.

"This is too much, though. I feel I need to give you something more in return."

"The flower was more than worth the trade." Rose smiled.

"On second thought, you said you like to dance?" Joe got a sudden jolt of excitement.

"I do," he answered eagerly. Her smile widened. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

"Then you owe me a dance later." Before Joe could respond, a group of waiters descended upon their table, swiftly clearing away the remaining dishes. The subtle shift in the room's atmosphere signalled the next stage of the banquet. Joe took his cue. His posture straightened, and he seamlessly slipped into character, putting on his best escort face. It was time to escort Rose to Lucius's table. Joe stood at the edge of the banquet hall near one of the grand windows, his posture relaxed but his mind on high alert.

Shortly after escorting Rose to Lucius, she had given him a subtle signal to step away, dismissing him, for now. He didn't hesitate. He immediately put distance between himself and Lucius's group, moving as far away as possible. The heated stares from the Von Brave entourage had been suffocating, and Joe had no interest in sticking around to see if they'd escalate beyond mere glares.

Now, he stood quietly, watching as waiters swiftly cleared the tables and seating, transforming the grand hall into a vast open space. The banquet attendees shifted into small mingling groups, conversations buzzing around the room. Joe started to notice a pattern; those on escort duty were now positioning themselves along the hall's edges, much like he was. They stood at attention, watching their assigned nobles while trying not to draw unnecessary attention to themselves.

He let out a slow breath, relieved that no one had approached him yet. But he could feel their gazes, subtle yet persistent. Escorts, nobles, and guests alike stole glances at him as if waiting for the first person to make a move. Joe stood still, keeping his expression unreadable. His spiderweb sunglasses hid his eyes, adding an extra layer of detachment. He wanted to project an air of unapproachability to make it clear he wasn't interested in conversation.

That strategy lasted a whole five minutes before the first group of blue-skinned Mortifi approached.

"Joseph Caldwell?" the tallest of the group asked. Joe's mind snapped to attention. He recognized the Mortifi's face from Rose's briefing and responded smoothly.

"Hi, call me Joe. It is a pleasure to meet you, Gallow," he replied, offering a polite smile and nod. Gallow gestured toward the others.

"This is Herc, Vino, and Tessa." Joe offered them each a brief nod. What followed was an exhausting exchange of questions about his connection to the princess. He deflected the more probing ones with practiced ease, keeping his answers polite but vague. Eventually, the group lost interest, their curiosity unsatisfied, and moved on. And so, the cycle repeated endlessly. One after another, different nobles and escorts approached, each conversation a variation of the same theme. Who are you?

How do you know the princess? Where are you from? Joe handled them as best he could, but by the time he finally broke free from the endless inquiries, he felt utterly drained. Now alone once more, he stood near the wall, a glass in his hand, doing his best to blend in. He kept Rose in his sights, as Daisy instructed. As she moved effortlessly from group to group, charming guests with her presence, Joe shadowed her from afar, staying within reach without intruding.

Her sparkling blue eyes would flick to him across the room every so often. Each time, that same curious expression lingered. As Joe watched Rose navigate the rigours of high society with ease, he felt a strange warmth rise in his chest. His tattoo, that strange mark left on him inside the Bloodline Gate months ago, began to pulse gently. He resisted the urge to rub it, instead forcing himself to stand still. He still had no memory of what had happened in those final moments before he left the gate, but now…

something was triggering a reaction. A sudden pressure squeezed at his soul, intense yet fleeting. It vanished as quickly as it came, leaving him on edge. What the hell was that? Before his thoughts could spiral, a familiar voice cut through his musings.

"You should go to Rose now before Lucius finds you," Daisy whispered, appearing at his side. Joe's heart skipped a beat at her words. He took a step toward Rose. Too late. As if summoned by name alone, a massive figure loomed before him. Lucius Von Brave. Joe's body tensed as he lowered his gaze, bowing his head.

"Greetings, Lucius Von Brave. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I congratulate you on your recent evolution to D-Grade," Joe said smoothly, repeating the exact formal greeting Daisy had taught him. A giant hand swung down, slamming onto Joe's shoulder with bone-crushing force. Joe nearly buckled under the impact. He felt something crack in his shoulder and ribs, but managed to keep his expression neutral. Barely. Behind Lucius, two leonine men chuckled.

"Not bad," Lucius mused, finally removing his hand. Joe exhaled quietly in relief.

"You look well-built. Those are battle-hardened muscles, not the soft muscles of a training ground." One of the men behind Lucius snorted.

"He looks scrawny." Joe kept his eyes fixed at chin level, resisting the urge to roll his shoulder. Instead, he subtly shifted, feeling his healing kick in to repair the damage slowly.

"I do try, but I'm sure my trials are nothing compared to those of yours," Joe replied smoothly. Lucius chuckled, his entourage following suit. But before Joe could relax, the woman standing beside Lucius stepped forward.

"I am Luciana," she said gruffly, extending her hand. Joe tentatively took her hand in his. As soon as their hands met, her grip tightened like a vice, squeezing with immense strength. Joe's bones groaned and popped in protest, but he refused to react. Luciana's lips curled into a small, amused smile as she finally released his hand. Joe felt a presence behind him as Luciana looked over his shoulder to stare at Daisy, who now stood silently behind Joe, watching the exchange unfold.

Luciana nodded respectfully, then stepped back into position beside Lucius. Joe, wishing he could be anywhere else right now, stood rigid, unsure of what to say. The tension in the air thickened, Lucius's heavy gaze pressing down on him like a storm cloud. A single bead of sweat trickled down the side of Joe's face. Then.

"Lucius, I see Joe has introduced himself." A melodic voice sliced through the silence. Joe felt the weight lift from his shoulders. He exhaled, not too loudly, but definitely in relief. Rose glided between them, her presence breaking the tension. Her expression was serene as she half-smiled at Lucius before turning to Joe.

"Come, we should be…"

"What is that smell?" Lucius asked. Rose froze. A moment later, she lifted her hand, making a small flourish as she removed the flower from her hair. She brought it close to her nose, inhaling the exotic aroma before giving Joe a sidelong glance. With a playful wave, she flicked the flower in his direction.

"A gift from my escort." Her tone was light, but Joe didn't miss the subtle tension in her shoulders.

"Now, if you'll excuse us, Lucius, there is someone I have to introduce him to." Rose hooked her arm around his and practically dragged Joe away. For a brief moment, he thought Lucius would let them leave.

"Stop." Lucius's voice rumbled like distant thunder, and suddenly, the air around them thickened. Joe winced as the suffocating pressure pressed down on him, his lungs struggling to take in air. He felt Rose's grip on his arm tighten, her nails digging into his sleeve.

"I haven't finished," Lucius growled, his words carrying an undercurrent of something dark and simmering. His voice was so utterly commanding. It was as if the very space around them bent to his will. Rose, however, did not flinch. She seemed completely unaffected by the pressure, unlike Joe. She turned on her heel, her golden locks swishing elegantly as she faced the massive lion-like man. Despite Lucius towering over her, it was her presence that filled the space.

The weight of her stare alone was enough to shift the balance of power in an instant. Joe felt another weight settle over him, different from before. Something… far away was watching. Lucius and his entourage visibly stiffened, their expressions twisting in discomfort. Then, a blur of motion. Rose's hands flashed, and suddenly, Daisy was leading Joe away. He had no objections. No resistance. He let her guide him, his mind replaying the interaction in his mind.

"Ignore that brute." Daisy's voice was sharp but calm.

"He was just trying to provoke Rose." Joe nodded, though he didn't entirely understand the deeper layers of what had just happened. All he knew was that he was glad to be out of the line of fire. Rose joined them soon after as they moved to a less crowded section of the banquet hall. A small group of blue-skinned girls lingered a short distance away, whispering among themselves and stealing glances at them. Joe's gaze wandered upward to the intricately decorated ceiling, but his mind was elsewhere.

That strange feeling from earlier.. the weight of an unseen gaze… What the hell was that?

"We have an hour before the dance begins." Rose's voice pulled him back. He nodded absently, glancing toward the nearest window. His reflection stared back at him, the unfamiliar Elven face with its striking features. For a second, he felt disconnected from himself, like he was looking at a stranger. He rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

"Is there any way for us to go outside?" __ Catalina Terravignion strode forward, listening intently as one of her subjects delivered a report. Though physically present, her mind drifted elsewhere. She was currently thousands of systems away from her home, yet a peculiar event had just stirred her thoughts. That boy… She didn't know who he was, but she observed him from afar. His presence was fleeting, slipping beneath her awareness as the system hid him from her probes. Hidden within her own palace.

That alone was puzzling. Was he some god's offspring? A scion of some hidden lineage? She found herself mildly intrigued. More curious, however, was the flower. A simple thing, yet crafted with an artistry and essence that caught even her attention. That was the only reason she hadn't cast him out immediately. Not that it mattered. She had a new plan that would test this young man who tried to curry favour with her daughter. Her lips curved slightly, a whisper of amusement on an otherwise dull day.

How would he manage to survive the rest of the banquet? __ Joe knelt in a small garden area just outside the banquet hall. By small, he meant as large as a forest. Everything about the palace was massive, far beyond anything in his world. It was a marvel, truly unlike anything he had ever seen. He focused, channelling flourish, coaxing a flower to bloom beneath his fingertips. It helped. Expelling a bit of energy, easing the tension weighing down on him, this quest was far more nerve-wracking than he had expected.

As he focused, he noticed a subtle movement at the corner of his vision. A bizarre sight. A tiny gnome, half-hidden under a nearby tree, staring at him. Joe had thought things couldn't possibly get any stranger today. He was clearly wrong.

"What are you making?" Rose's voice carried over, her gaze fixed on the forming bud. He was glad she followed along with his sudden need to be outside. She didn't object and seemed happy for the break from the banquet.

"A flower for Daisy," Joe replied, his fingers steady on the stem. This time, no image formed in his mind, no guiding vision. He simply let the flower blossom, letting random happenstance shape its form. Daisy stepped forward at the mention of her name, her curiosity piqued.

"And here I thought you gave me a flower because I was special," Rose sighed, her tone light. Joe didn't respond, too focused on his skill. Before him, the bud unfurled, its petals stretching outward in a soft yellow hue with a brown centre. The aroma drifted up, light and pleasant. Satisfied, he plucked the flower and turned to Daisy. She examined it for a moment.

"The colour is an odd choice," she remarked before carefully placing the flower above her left ear. A broad smile followed, which Joe took as a good sign. The tiny gnome hopped onto his shoulder, and he froze. For a moment, neither Rose nor Daisy noticed. When they did, they stepped back in unison. The tiny gnome plopped down, legs dangling against Joe's chest, looking as if it had just settled in for a long rest. Then, it spoke.

"Well, well, well. What do my eyes before me see? Oooooo weeee. A Princess and a Pauper." The little gnome sang. The sky darkened instantly. A deep red cloud churned above, rippling with crackling lightning. Rose's eyes shot up. The gnome leaned in close to Joe, speaking in a whisper.

"Quick, make one more flower, woo weee Or…" It dragged a hand across its neck as its tongue hung from its open mouth. Joe needed no more convincing than that and immediately activated Flourish once more. Focusing the stream before him, a new stem emerged from the ground. From behind him, he heard Rose muttering something up at the cloud still forming overhead. The gnome grabbed him roughly, pulling at his clothes.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry." The gnome giggled, letting go as it did a little dance.

"Visitor, soon we have." Joe's breath caught in his throat as a ripple shuddered through the air. A weight unlike anything he had ever felt descended from the heavens, pressing down upon him with suffocating intensity. His legs buckled. His skill snapped off, and he crashed to his knees, barely catching himself before face-planting into the ground. The blood-red bud he had been growing barely formed on the tip of the stem before him. Joe's eyes shot upward.

The sky above churned, red lightning crackling in jagged streaks, slowly reaching out from the clouds, coalescing into a shape. A Mortifi figure, small with unnaturally long ears, hovered in the air. Daisy fell to her knees beside him, her head bowed so low that her forehead nearly touched the ground. Joe, however, couldn't look away. The figure had no features, just an outline of pulsing, crimson energy, but there was no doubt in his mind. This was a being of unimaginable power.

His entire soul screamed at him to lower his gaze. He forced himself to obey, snapping his head down, his heart pounding in his ears. The tiny gnome on his shoulder hopped to the ground, its small, round form staring up at him. With a casual flick of its wrist, it snapped its fingers. Poof! The oppressive aura vanished like a great hand lifting from his chest. Joe sucked in a breath, his limbs trembling, his body feeling like it had been crushed beneath an ocean.

He nearly collapsed, but Daisy caught him, steady hands gripping his shoulders. Yet, she didn't lift her head.

"What are you doing here?" A voice sang through Joe's mind, sultry and smooth, and… Pain. A deep, euphoric ache rippled through his skull at the mere sound of it. He shuddered.

"Now, now, God. I have come to make amends," the gnome replied carefully. Joe's blood turned to ice. A God? Fuck. Silence stretched on, unbearably. Joe heard two feet touch the ground before him, impossibly light, yet they tremored through his entire being. His heart thundered inside his chest.

"You, you're that seedling from before?" the God mused, its voice laced with amusement.

"Yes, yes. Me is that. I am it." The gnome twirled, tiptoeing toward Joe before leaning lazily against his arm. Joe was too frozen with fear to react.

"What do you want?" The god's tone darkened, though it never rose in volume.

"How dare you interrupt the banquet."

"A deal was made, need to alter." The gnome slapped Joe's arm.

"Strong is fate, too strong. Correct the course we must. Alter deal we shall." Joe was struggling to keep up. A deal? Did it involve him? He was missing something. But at least the God's suffocating aura had disappeared, allowing his mind to clear. He could hear every word now.

"Break the bond, and we can talk," the God demanded.

"No, broken cannot. Strong is fate. You must choose something else," the gnome countered. Bond? What bond? Joe's pulse quickened. A long pause.

"Fine. A dance then, of my choosing." The gnome hummed in approval.

"Yes, dance is good. Fate is wise. Choose." A final pause. Then, the God spoke.

"The Varonothray." The words hung in the air, their weight unfathomable. Joe didn't understand their significance, but he did hear two sharp gasps.

"Deal!" The gnome clapped its tiny hands.

"But the price for that will be high. I will need your favour in the future, one you cannot refuse." Joe wasn't sure how much time had passed as the silence stretched between them, while the God deliberated. Finally, she spoke.

"Done," she groaned in ascent. The gnome vanished in a cloud of smoke. Joe blinked as the thick wisps billowed past his face.

"Stand, boy." The God's voice sang in Joe's mind, still carrying that intoxicating, euphoric hum, though this time, it was muted. Joe rose slowly, his gaze lifting to the crackling, electric form before him. The apparition of Catalina Terravignion raised a hand, reaching toward him. Sparks danced along her fingertips as they brushed against his cheek. Joe winced, closing one eye as tiny jolts glided over his skin. A calming sensation spread through him, up through his mind. A flash of white struck his vision.

Joe collapsed to his knees as his stomach twisted violently. Nausea roiled inside him, and he clutched his abdomen, fighting to steady himself. Then, just as suddenly, the sensation passed. He gasped, breathing heavily, his mind reeling. A hidden memory burst into life, a leprechaun. A bond forming. He understood. Rising unsteadily to his feet, Joe barely registered the intense wave of hatred directed at him. Rose's gaze burned into him, raw emotion smouldering behind her blue eyes. Something was wrong.

Joe's blood ran cold. His disguise was gone. He no longer wore the face of a Mortifi. He was himself again.

"You are probably very confused right now. Let me explain," Catalina's voice echoed through the garden as she raised a crackling finger.

"That mark on your chest is a bond of fate. One, you share… with my daughter." Daughter? Oh god.

"That seedling bonded you both, tying your fates together." Fate? Tied together? What did that even mean? But even if he didn't understand, he did know one thing. It was the source of Rose's rage.

"Today, we are going to break that bond. You understand?" Catalina's words snapped his focus to her. Joe's eyes flickered from the crackling God to Rose, whose anger had begun to shift. Her gaze wavered between him and her mother, her expression uncertain.

"I don't know anything about a bond of fate. I don't understand any of this." Joe's voice was quiet but firm.

"You don't need to understand." Catalina turned to her daughter.

"You just have to do what I tell you." She paused.

"Daughter, can you perform the dance to completion?" Rose nodded.

"Good." Catalina's glowing gaze settled back on Joe.

"As for you…" She pointed a crackling finger at him.

"All you have to do is dance." With that, the apparition of the God of Eludia vanished, popping out of existence.

"Banquet Attendees, the dance area is now open. Enjoy," an announcement reverberated through the hall as music started to play. Joe stood at the edge of the dance floor, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. Inside his head, a small figure danced, gliding effortlessly through the intricate movements of the Varonothray. He focused on it, pushing aside the flood of thoughts crashing through his mind.

His skill's dance list had expanded, revealing a Tier B section when he had mentally clicked on the Varonothray. This allowed him to visualize the dance as if he were performing it himself. It was helpful, yet his concentration kept faltering as the weight of everything that had just happened pressed down on him: fate, bonds, Gods, and now, this dance that was supposed to sever some mystical tie between him and Rose. His eyes flickered toward Rose and Daisy.

Their expressions were icy, filled with something between betrayal and anger. Daisy's fists clenched, the tension radiating off her in waves. Was she about to hit him? He contemplated moving further away, but didn't. He wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all. What had he even done? He was just as much a victim in this situation as they were. If not, more so. It didn't seem like they had been mind-wiped as he had. The system had once again forced his hand, throwing him into another mess he had no control over.

He exhaled deeply, centring himself. He didn't know why this dance was supposed to break the bond. Frankly, he didn't understand any of this. But one thing was certain: he was good at dancing. If nothing else, he could take control of this moment. A bitter chuckle almost escaped his mouth. After everything that had happened, it all came down to one single dance. Fine. He would do it. He would give Rose the most exhilarating dance of her life.

Then, he would be free of her, of this fate, of all the ridiculous complications that had been thrown at him. No more blasted Gods and Princesses… Rose stepped into the centre of the dance floor, her movements deliberate and precise. Joe took a step forward, positioning himself at the edge, his body already preparing for the rhythm he had memorized. The music had not yet started, but he could hear it in his mind. The opening sequence played in his head, and for a moment, doubt crept in.

Was he truly prepared for this? Did he even have a choice? Rose raised her hand, a single fluid motion. Music filled the hall, and she lifted her gaze to the ceiling, stepping into the starting pose. The hall fell silent, every eye fixed on her.

"The Varonothray," she announced. Then, she began.