Chương 133: Chapter 125-The Start of The Chosen Ball

Kat helps me put on my tie, and by help, I mean she's trying to kill me. The tie tightens around my neck, almost cutting it off. She's either angry with me or she's angry at herself for not knowing how to tie a tie. Actually, it could be the secret third option. The tie itself could be trying to kill me. I'm going with all three.

"Alright, lighten up on the tying, Kat. You'll kill me before I make it to the Ball," I joke as I pry myself away from Kat's death grip.

"Would that be such a bad idea? You're walking into a death trap anyway, CJ," Kat says as she turns me to the mirror.

"O ye of little faith. I've gotten through worse. Remember when I was caught [Stealing] in the middle of a gang war?" I ask as Kat helps me flatten out the creases.

"I remember you almost getting your head cut off as an example."

"But I didn't, did I?"

"That was luck. No matter how lucky you are, you can only get so far. Please tell me you at least have a plan," she says with a worried tone.

"I have multiple. So, don't worry. I'll be fine." Kat gives me a pensive look before shaking her head and rolling up my sleeve, revealing my bite scar.

"Do you remember what this means?"

"Kat, I'm going to be fine."

"Do you remember?" she asks again as she pulls up her sleeve to reveal the same scar.

"I remember."

"You and me against the world. Doesn't matter who or what. It doesn't matter why. It doesn't matter where. We'll always be there for each other when no one else will be. So, don't you go fucking up, because then I'll have to fight the Empire with you, and I really don't want to do that," Kat says as she tries to mess with my hair. I quickly bat her away.

"Kat… I'll make sure that doesn't happen. Trust me." She sighs.

"You look good. A bit goofy looking, but you'll give those nobles a run for their money. Now get out of here and go pick up Mateo. I've got some work to do."

"Are you sure you don't want to come?"

"I'd love to, but I have a job today that'll get me into the scene. So, while I'm away, don't fuck up. I'll see you after the Ball," Kat says as she gives me a quick kiss on the head, followed by a smack on the back.

"Alright, I'm going. Be safe," I say as I leave the Inn room. Passing the drunkards I make it out on the street. The Palace stands tall in the skies with its blue and red design. From an alley to the Palace. How things have changed in only 4ish months. Best get to it. Mateo and I stand at the gates of the Palace. It's different from the last time we came. The number of guards has increased, the armour they wear is fancier, and the long line of carriages is certainly something to behold.

Gods, when does that line end?

"You ready, Kid?" I ask Mateo.

"I was about to ask you the same thing, 'Brother'," he says as he pulls at the blue church robes.

"Nice call on the robes by the way," I say as we walk up to the gate.

"It was the nicest clothing I could scrounge together," he [Lies]. I'm sure that's the reason. It definitely has nothing to do with the added level of protection that the church robes add politically. He really is quick to pick up on this stuff and smart enough to [Lie] about it. Maybe it's time for me to show him some of the more advanced tricks I know.

"Chosen One, please head on in," A familiar voice says from behind a helmet. With a smile, I give a small nod.

"No test today?" I whisper to the guard as we pass. Behind the slits of his helmet, he gives a surprised look. I return it with a wink.

"What was that about?" Mateo asks.

"I was giving my regards to the Empress." Walking up the Palace grounds, I'm yet again surprised by the vastness of the courtyard. Then I notice the differences. They're small, but if you have [Gardening], they might as well be screaming at you. The hedges have been trimmed to perfection. The flower beds have been switched around to create a more festive pattern. Flowering trees have been transplanted closer to the main pathway. Damn, that must've been a lot of work. I really want to meet this Gardener.

An arm suddenly loops around mine.

"Penelope, it's good-" My heart suddenly stops as I look over to see her. She's wearing a beautiful dark red dress that fits her perfectly. Her hair is pulled back, ending with drills, of course. She also wears a small smattering of jewellery along with her crown. All that to say that she looks stunning. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"Cat, got your tongue, Carlos?" she asks with a knowing smile.

"Sorry, I was stunned by the stark contrast. Are you sure you're Penelope?" I tease. She rolls her eyes, ignoring me.

"It's nice to see you again, Mateo. Lovely robes."

"Thank you, Princess Penelope. I apologise for the rudeness of my brother," he says as if I'm not right here.

"It is fine. I'm used to it. Isn't that right?" she asks as she leads us off the path and towards the Palace proper. The crowd we were following gives us a curious look. Based on my research, we enter from the 'special' entrance. It makes sense I am The Chosen One, and Penelope is a Princess. People in power always like to show off their specialness to everyone else. It also has a different effect that I do agree with. Authority. Now, don't get me wrong.

I hate authority, but I have to admire the intricacies of how those in power display it. It's an intricate mind game woven together in the same way that I weave together my [Lies]. As we enter the Palace proper, Penelope leads us to a Solar. Yes, the Nova Empire has Solars instead of Salons. I found it pretentious when I read it up on it as well. The lounging space, because I refuse to call it a Solar, is bigger than the Inn room that Kat rents.

It's also filled with a number of expensive pieces of furniture, snacks made by high-class chefs, and mirror frames that are made out of red ivory. Fucking rich people. Now alone, Penelope looks me over.

"You actually cleaned up nice, Charlatan. Although your tie is a bit crooked," she says as she fixes it. Mateo walks over to the snacks and begins to carefully pick out the sweets.

"You don't look half bad yourself. So, about that thing. Did you find it?"

"Sadly, no. I checked 'storage', but we don't have any, and even asking around, I couldn't find a reliable lead on one," Penelope says as she sits down.

"Knew that would be too good to be true. Guess it's back to the original plan," I say enthusiastically.

"If you're caught, not even I can get you out of that mess. Your best opening will be right before the dancing starts. You'll have ten minutes where everyone will be getting ready and only ten minutes," she explains.

"I know. Wouldn't want to keep you waiting. Now let's talk about your plan," I say, quickly changing the subject.

"I have some general talking points, and I know which noble houses to target. Most Viscount and lower, but if I get enough of them, I'm certain that I can get a foothold to stand on," she says with some confidence.

"Good, having a good base is always important, but if you have the chance, maybe aim a little higher," I say with a devilish smile.

"What did you do, Charlatan?"

"Upheld my end of the [Deal]." Before Penelope can ask me anything else, the door to the Solar, fuck, I mean, the lounging area opens. The familiar face of Valerian and a woman with blond hair. Why does she look so familiar? Ah, she's the Sixth Year that appeared to take Valerian away after he saved me from Gryn.

"Chosen One, it's good to see you again," Valerian says as he gives me a handshake.

"Pleasures all mine," I say as I stand up.

"It is good to see you," Penelope says as she hugs the woman.

"It's good to see you, too. I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to see you during school. I've been far too busy keeping your brother from starving himself," the blond woman says.

"It only happened once. Chosen One, this is my fiancée, Beatrice," Valerian says with a small smile.

"I think we briefly met. I'm Beatrice Weizen. I've heard tales of your exploits," Beatrice says in a friendly manner.

"I'm Carlos Juárez. I thought I recognised the name. You're the Vice-President for the Student Council," I say as I watch Mateo stuff some sweets in his pocket.

"Yes, the one and only."

"By the way, the little munchkin over there is my brother, Mateo. I apologise for his rudeness. He seems to be absorbed in something else," I say the last part a bit louder.

"That's no problem. I also have younger siblings. I know they can be a handful," Beatrice says.

"Speaking of. Where is Heath?" Valerian asks.

"I thought he was with you," Penelope says. The door opens with a bit of force.

"It would seem that your brother and father will be a bit late," Empress Calliope says with a hint of displeasure. Following close behind her is Marigold, who gives a small bow. Mateo, who's now next to me, has somehow stuffed a bunch of sweets in my pocket. Kid's smart enough to know that he shouldn't be caught by the Empress in such an 'undignifying' manner.

"Greetings, Empress. I would like to thank you again for your invitation," I say with a small bow.

"Thank you for attending. Although I am sorry to hear that your sister was unable to attend," she says with her silky voice.

"Sadly, other matters came up that she had to attend to. She does send her regards, though," I say as politely as possible.

"Do not worry. I understand that matters such as work are, at times, unavoidable. Now, we should get going before the guests start wondering where we are," the Empress says as she starts to head out the other door.

"I thought the important guests would enter later in the day," I whisper to Penelope.

"That is normally the case, but my mother never liked that tradition. Said it was 'truly a bore to wait'," she explains. Walking through the beautifully furnished hallway, we eventually make it to an intricately carved red door that looks big enough to fit Giants through it. The carving itself is of a spattering of different flowers. How fitting for the Garden Ballroom. The doors open with a snap of the Empress's fingers to reveal the large ballroom, along with all of the fancy-looking people.

A truly joyous and expensive atmosphere. Although the plants are a nice touch.

"Introducing the South Star of the Empire, Empress Calliope Jademaker Sylvian," a man says from the bottom of the staircase as the Empress descends.

"Introducing the First Star of the Empire and his Fiancee, Valerian Sylvian and Beatrice Weizen," the same man says as they walk down the stairs. Penelope nudges me.

"You ready?"

"Always," I [Lie] as I hook my arm around hers.

"Introducing the Third Star of the Empire and The Chosen One, Penelope Sylvian and Carlos Juárez." With a winning smile, I hide my fears and descend the stairs into this ballroom I call a battlefield.