Location: Royal Ballroom – Arcanum City Palace Annex
Snowflakes sparkled midair, suspended by enchantments. Crystal chandeliers reflected a thousand twinkling lights across silk banners, enchanted violins played themselves in perfect harmony, and nobles mingled like perfectly brewed gossip tea.
And right in the middle of the ballroom… stood
Zephyr Arclight
, looking like a deer in headlights — in a tailored, enchanted tuxedo made of obsidian-thread silk.
“Why do I feel like this is a trap?” he muttered.
“Because it is,” whispered Drakynia, sliding in next to him in a blood-red, backless dress that looked illegal in at least three kingdoms.
A hush fell across the hall.
Because entering the ballroom in perfect unison were…
Selena Frostveil
, in a midnight-blue velvet gown, embroidered with arcane glyphs that shimmered every time she adjusted her glasses.
Rosalia de Glorieux
, in a radiant white and gold ensemble, practically glowing with holy energy. She had, for some reason, brought a tiara.
And finally…
Arwen Galehart
, in an elegant, icy silver dress that matched her eyes. Her hair had been braided like royal lineage, and frost clung to her heels with every step like she commanded winter itself.
The crowd murmured.
“Are those… the rumored Janitor’s entourage?”
“No, those are his concub—”
“AHEM.” Rosalia’s holy aura flared briefly. The man combusted politely.
Location: Side Hallway – Ten Minutes Later
“Explain to me,” Zephyr said calmly, “why we arrived together.”
Selena checked her clipboard. “To establish territorial claim hierarchy.”
Rosalia nodded. “And because you looked lonely.”
Drakynia leaned against the wall. “Also because I refuse to let some foreign princess try anything while I’m not watching.”
Arwen sipped her magically chilled cocktail. “It’s not because we’re jealous. Obviously.”
“…Obviously,” the others echoed, not quite in sync.
Location: Ballroom Center – Moments Later
“ZEPHYR~!”
Enter:
Princess Lyssette
, in a pastel pink dress adorned with glittering butterflies, holding what looked like… a gift box?
She dashed across the room and leapt.
WHUMP.
Right into Zephyr’s arms.
“I brought you custom enchanted socks! They repel evil intent!” she chirped, sparkles literally floating around her.
The harem quartet stepped forward in formation.
Selena’s clipboard snapped open.
Rosalia unsheathed a holy fork.
Drakynia’s glare ignited low flames.
Arwen froze a champagne fountain behind her.
Lyssette blinked. “Oh! Are these your friends? You didn’t say you were bringing your wives!”
“They’re not—”
Selena stepped in front of Zephyr. “We are the
Magical Risk Assessment Unit.
Please step away from the janitor.”
“Wait what?” Lyssette blinked.
Rosalia smiled sweetly. “For your safety, of course.”
Drakynia cracked her knuckles. “And his.”
Arwen rolled her eyes. “Ugh. She sparkles when she talks.”
Location: Balcony – Much, Much Later
Zephyr sat on a bench, staring at the sky. His tie was undone. His soul slightly damaged.
“They danced battle waltzes,” he whispered.
Professor Figgs passed him a teacup. “And you survived. Impressive.”
Behind them, the girls were arguing over who got to walk him home.
The stars twinkled, possibly in sympathy.
End of Chapter 27