Sixteen #1

The preparations were underway and the final touches were being made in the venue that had been acquired while everyone else made their final preparations.

Whether it was their final practice for their performances or their appearances being made perfect to represent the family in the best possible way, the Bombyx family paid a lot of attention to having everything as perfect ad possible.

Every little thing would reflect back on the family and how the nobles of the north would view them from then on so everything had to make a good impression.

The first impressions needed for their continued trade with the north and for new relationships to be made.

If they were too humble and appeared weak then they would be looked down upon and would be seen as easy targets to the nobles.

If they did far too much and did not cater to the needs and likes of the northern nobles then they would appear to be arrogant and unwilling to learn the culture of the northerners.

There needed to be enough showing of their origins but there had to be some places that catered to the northerners too so a lot of what had been planned had taken shape to be a mix of the two cultures.

Ki had officially turned sixteen and she was welcomed by the warmth of her parents, she began to check over everything to see if everything was in order before getting dressed.

Within a large hall that had several ice carvings as centrepieces, there were a lot of people that had entered in small or big groups.

A smartly dressed man was greeting them and after confirming that they had been invited, he turned towards the hall where some others had gathered. "Announcing the arrival of the second rank family, mr and mrs Silver."

Each of those that entered were dressed up for a party but they were very different to the nobles from the central lands.

Each of them wore fur clothing and coats while some noble ladies were wearing an arctic fox pelt on their shoulders.

Their main source of clothing usually came from the prey that was hunted and the trophies were usually handed over to the wives and were turned into clothing or accessories.

Not everyone dressed themselves up and did not have their clothing covering up their bodies completely like those from the central lands.

There were some men that wore a sleeveless coat with their chest being exposed a little while some of the women had shown more of their legs, arms and below the neck.

Due to the colder weather, most would be unable to expose their skin due to the severe cold but they had slightly warmer homes and areas within their city where they could wear less layers.

The scars and muscles of the males were exposed just like they were badges of honour and the women were dressed in a way to attract the men that could be a suitable partner for them.

Some others wore accessories made from the tusks or fangs of their recent kills to further show off their power and prestige.

Once more had gathered, the hall had become louder and the wine had begun to be served to the guests that had arrived.

There were many that chugged it down in one go without tasting any of it but they then felt the strong flavours that kicked in along with the effects brought on by the wine.

"Huah.. so good. Bring me more."

"Hahaha these central landers sure do have some good stuff."

"Have you tried those snacks that have been going around? I might grab some more."

"Pah! Such tiny food will not satisfy me."

"Bring me another drink."

The atmosphere in the room became rowdy and full of life once everyone was beginning to get more comfortable but most of them seemed to have begun the party on their own without waiting for those that were the main focus of the whole party.

The northerners were far too different to those from the central lands who were very reserved and they were very boisterous.

The atmosphere in the room was cheerful and loud one moment then it could switch to someone telling a tale about their latest exploits or someone had begun to issue a challenge to someone over a small reason.

Each time that someone had walked in, the person at the door continued to check over them before announcing their arrival.

Around one part of the room was a group of younger men in their twenties who had a tray of food and drinks to themselves while they were gathered together laughing. "This is pretty good."

"Yeah, I agree with you."

"Kekeke. We get to enjoy all this thanks to the careful preparation of those merchants but they cannot even make it here. How sad."

"Aha.. that should teach them for trying to get involved with the capital. This is our playground and they cannot even attempt to get a single piece of it."

"I wonder if they were harmed? They must have been so fearful of those wolves."

"True, they must have been all like 'aaah! Save me!' And were running to others for help while hiding behind those that were guarded by them."

"They got what they deserved."

"They would not fit into a place like this."

They continued discussing and laughing among themselves until there was a loud noise that attracted the attention of everyone which had interrupted each of their fun and talking with those in the hall.

The person who had announced others had spoken clearly. "Announcing from the Bombyx family. Mr and Mrs Adam and Elizabeth Bombyx…."