Dance

Charlie's POV:

After last night's deliberation, I'd decided to replicate the appearance of a hydrogen bomb, albeit smaller and not radioactive. This way I could explain the weaponry to be a product of technology and not magic. I used a combination of wind and fire magic; fire for the initial explosion and fire while the wind was used in the shockwave. I had to admit that the sight of such destruction was horrifying. I felt pity for those poor animals who had been trapped in the firestorm. At least their death would be quick.

I'd turned around to ask Yalena "Do we have a deal?" after the demonstration at which point I saw that she was crying. I suppose that was a fair response for someone born in this era of warfare but it was still surprising to see her in this state. Fortunately, Yalena heard what I said and nodded so... all's well that ends well? I'd gained her support and presumably her fear which wasn't a bad place to be so I led the way back to the house. Yalena followed behind me, lacking the gall she'd displayed on our way here. I hope I didn't break her or something.

Now that we were turned away, I put the fire out. Since It had been fuelled entirely by magic, all that I needed to do was cut the supply and the forest extinguished. I just hope no one comes around to this part of the forest any time soon.

—

After returning to the house, Yalena had promised the Oumas' allegiance and even knelt to the floor before leaving in a hurry. My mind was put at ease and so I returned to my usual training schedule. In no time, the day had come for Levi's birthday.

The party would be taking place in the elven capital, deep in the forest. It was uncommon for humans to set foot so deep in elven territory but this party was an exception. In addition to the elven nobility, many human nobles were invited, including the Oumas. As such, the Oumas suggested that us two families travel together which was much to my parents' surprise. They understandably saw the Oumas as arrogant high nobility no matter the precariousness upon which their power now sat. Nonetheless, they were not ones to look a gift horse in the mouth and agreed.

The journey was comfortable as we'd taken the Oumas' luxury carriage that seemed to glide over the rough terrain. The only problem was the atmosphere in the carriage. There was easily enough space to fit the six individuals—Yalena, her parents and my family—but it wasn't like we were friends. The goal of travelling together—according to Yalena—was to hint at our families' close relationship to the human nobility. If they thought that the Byrons associated with the Oumas regularly, their reverence towards the Byrons would rise, making it easier to accept their place below them. By slowly transitioning, there was less a chance of resentment forming towards the Byrons later on.

The only thing that we talked about in the six hour carriage ride was Yalena's similar appearance to her mother. They were basically twins as her mother didn't show her age. Other than that, we rode in silence. I think Yalena was scared of me while her parents were a bit too arrogant to speak with us. I decided that I'd just close my eyes and pretend to sleep while actually cultivating.

—

In the evening we'd arrived in Lübeckstadt, the capital. It was dark out but the city resembled a bustling European town, lacking high tech. It was enclosed by a tall stone wall that we passed through earlier.

Our final destination was a stone mansion in the middle of the city. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the staff who were of course elves. The foyer that we then entered was two stories tall with a wrap around indoor balcony overlooking what seemed to be a dance floor. Around the edges of the room were tables with chairs that various people sat at, both humans and elves. There was a very noticeable divide in the room between elves and humans; elves taking the left side and humans, the right.

My family and the Oumas approached an empty table in between the humans and elves, somewhat in the centre of the room. There was no music playing yet so most mingled or ate. We were admittedly tired after our long journey so the individuals at the table were taking some much needed rest.

—

About half an hour after our arrival, someone announced the arrival of the elven royal family, "Her majesty, Queen Frieda and His majesty King Ahren!" All eyes in the room focused on a set of doors that had opened, revealing the king and queen in fancy evening wear. They both waved genially to the room while walking forwards, revealing their children. "Her royal highness, Princess Madelaine and his royal highness, prince Levi!"

Both children had matured well. I was biased towards Levi but Madelaine was very pretty as well. With Frieda and Ahren being their parents, it'd be impossible to come out with fault, at least in physical appearance. Madelaine always rubbed me the wrong way but I hadn't spoken with her to an extent that I could rule whether it was a result of unfamiliarity or not.

Madelaine and Levi mirrored their parents actions, coming into the room with bright smiles while waving. While Madelaine was facing forwards while walking, Levi's head was darting around the room. His search only stopped when his eyes focused on mine. He maintained eye contact until he consequently stumbled because he wasn't looking where he was going.

After recovering, he decided to focus on walking to the table where the royal family now sat. Levi was pouting and I think his sister was laughing at him but I thought it was cute.

—

Some time later, music started playing from an unknown location. It was kind of eerie at first since they couldn't be playing over speakers but no one else was bothered by it so I figured they were just concealed. Many people in the room had stood up in response to the music starting up and my parents weren't an exception. I watched as the two of them glided over to the dance floor with a smile on my face. They were a really cute couple.

*cough

Huh? I turned around at the sound of someone clearing their throat behind me. I was greeted by the sight of a blushing Levi with an outstretched hand. His pale hair gently framed his delicate face and blue eyes. His outstretched hand trembled very slightly as he asked "would you like to dance?"