I stood in front of the door for a while. Why the hell am I so nervous? I've never been to a single banquet in my life, and now I'm thrust into one without any preparation. I really want this night to be over already. I hate myself for being like this—who gets this anxious just going to a party? Wait, can this even be called a "party"? Whatever, screw it. I walked downstairs again. Luna and Orthia were sitting at a table talking. I chose the most obscure table I could find to avoid the crowd. It's not that I'm being dramatic, I just genuinely can't handle large groups—my social skills are basically non-existent. I sat there for a bit before eventually drifting off to sleep. Why is this so damn boring?
While Xenos slept, numerous nobles arrived at the manor to join the festivities. Very few noticed him, and even fewer could recognize him since he rarely made public appearances. By the time the banquet officially began, Xenos was still out cold.
Suddenly, Duke Albert appeared out of nowhere and announced, "Welcome, distinguished guests, to our home today." He stood on the second-floor balcony, speaking with an air of absolute authority. "Today marks the 13th birthday of the Estheros twins, signifying their transition into adolescence. At this age, it is only fitting that they begin seeking fiancés. Therefore, today is a monumental day for both of them. Anyone may request an engagement, regardless of rank—provided they are not a commoner. Though, I doubt there are any commoners present here. That is all I have to say."
With that, Duke Albert vanished as quickly as he had appeared. As for Xenos... he was still asleep. The banquet officially commenced with the feast. Xenos remained slumped over his secluded table while whispers about the Duke's son began to ripple through the room.
"Where's that piece of trash Xenos? Did he get cold feet and hide from us?"
"Most likely. He's pathetic."
"His twin sister is quite the catch, though—even if she is a bit flat."
"Should we try for an engagement? If it works, the profit would be insane."
Orthia heard every single word but ignored them, continuing her celebration. When the second phase—the dancing—began, a swarm of young men rushed to ask Orthia to dance. Luna was equally popular, surrounded by suitors. Every man was out on the floor with a lady, except for the sleeping Xenos. People started noticing the boy slumped at the table, whispering about his identity. Orthia was visibly irritated by his behavior, while Luna... she actually found it hilarious. As the first round of dancing ended, Xenos finally woke up.
"Huh? What happened? Did I seriously fall asleep?"
I was dazed by the sight of the crowd. When did all these people get here? Wait, did I sleep through the entire dance? I immediately checked the clock. No, the first round just ended. Thank God, I wasn't out for that long. But the second round was starting... Ugh, maybe I should just fake being asleep again. I closed my eyes, but then I heard footsteps approaching. I gulped. Suddenly, a voice whispered right into my ear.
"Mr. Xenos, care to have a dance with me?~"
It was Luna. No, stay strong. Keep faking it. "Oh? Still asleep, are we? Even though I just saw you wake up a second ago." Sigh, should I just actually pass out? No, I need to stay awake for the fiancé selection. I heard the footsteps gradually fade away.
Finally, she's gone. I peeked up just a little to make sure.
"GAH!" I was so startled I fell right off my chair. Luna was standing right in front of me. When she saw me tumble, she burst out laughing and walked back to her seat. "What the hell was that?" I'm going to lose my mind. I scrambled back onto my chair and waited for the second dance to finish. Once it ended, it was time for the final phase: the fiancé selection. I stood up quickly and retreated to a corner to stay out of sight. I didn't even know why I was bothering; it's not like anyone would want to be engaged to me anyway—especially given Xenos's reputation.
Feeling exhausted, I headed up the stairs to my room. Many people turned to look at me, whispering as I passed.
"Is that the trash, Xenos?"
"Probably. Can't imagine who else it would be."
I heard it all, thanks to this body's heightened senses. It made me wonder... just what is so "special" about this body anyway? I sat in my room for a while.
"Seriously... living like this is boring as hell. Sleeping all day, ignoring the world, talking to no one. Sigh. I'm going to lose my mind, and now I actually have to go to school."
Not only that, I have to fix Xenos's ruined reputation—dealing with magic and who knows what else. It's a massive headache. Where's the fun in this? I sighed deeply. That crazy woman with the grey wings should have just let me stay dead. I slowly pushed myself up from the chair and picked up a pen from the desk. I scribbled something on my hand and set the pen back down. I stared at the words I wrote and let out another sigh. That's right... what am I even doing this for?
"Unbelievable. Why do I have to be this kind of person?"
Only ten minutes had passed. The banquet was likely far from over. I had zero desire to go back, yet a part of me felt like I should. But why? What would I even gain from going back? Exactly... it's better to stay put. Even though my brain thought that, my hand had already turned the doorknob. Since I'd already opened the door, I might as well step out. However, I didn't return to the party. Instead, I just stood there by the second-floor balcony, looking down at the crowd below. Plenty of people noticed me, but they didn't say a word, quickly shifting their attention back to the "star" of the show. Haha... looks like she'll probably land a fiancé tonight. As for me? Well... I'm better off without one. I watched the many nobles in the hall; they all held high ranks, but so what? How are they any different from commoners? Haha... my brain just loves to wander off like this.
Why do I feel so lonely, like I'm all by myself? Then just don't feel lonely. Feelings originate from within; external things are just triggers. If we choose not to feel, then we won't. There are so many good things—magic, money, books, a full night's sleep. Sure, the bad things outnumber the good, but why pay them any mind? We have the power to choose how we feel—happiness, suffering, sadness—it all depends on us. I remember this phrase well; it's been with me for a long time. It once helped me, and it once hurt me, but in the end, it's a mantra I'll carry for the rest of my life. I looked over at Luna; she was chatting animatedly with other girls. Right now, my face felt completely void of emotion. After a while, the banquet ended. Orthia had already retreated to her room. The last person to leave was Luna; she turned back to wave goodbye to me before heading out.
I slowly walked toward my door. The second my hand touched the handle, a small smile flickered across my face.
"This isn't so bad, I guess."
I opened the door, went inside, and fell asleep without a second thought.
When morning came, I glanced at the calendar.
"Wait, I have to go to school today!"
I scrambled to get dressed and ate a quick breakfast before hopping onto the carriage to head to school. I had no idea what was waiting for me... Maybe? I do know actually what was waiting for me. But for just 3 years. because after I am 15 My element will awakened and my life would change completely. The day every thing begin.Maybe? Haha i hope i get a good element because if i get something useless that would be very disappointed. I totally don't know what will i get i think ice because most of Xenos's family members have ice elements.
[Spoiler Alert!]
[ Author : And if you wonder how is John he still does not come here yet because actually John will come when phukan was 16 and everyone from earth's body will be 16 years old body no matter how old are they before coming. The story in this chapter is very slow because i don't know what to write I'm out of idea. I only have an idea for next chapter and the next chapter will be the awakened of phukan's element. And....Thank for reading! May Phukan be with you ha ha.It just a joke. Phukan is not a god right? Or is he? That a lot of spoiler]