89-90

Handing each woman a plate, I watched as they gracefully ate the offered food, Anput nodding slightly as she took a bite from the crisp flatbread.

𝒊𝖓𝗻𝘳𝐞𝙖𝗱*𝘤𝙤𝘮

"I have to admit, they made good decisions on the snacks at least. Now, what about the wine~?"

Smirking, Anput turned to the table and lifted a glass, her obsidian eyes shining with desire as she stared at the deep purple liquid.

Watching as she sipped her glass, Jahi nodded and took a glass of her own, while Leone simply shook her head in mock disappointment, eliciting smirks from the Jackalkin and Demoness.

Moving to stand behind them, both so I could offer them whatever they needed while also being able to keep an eye on the entirety of the banquet hall, I took in the bustling of the Nobility.

Many sat at tables, sipping on wine as they chatted, likely forming connections and deals between each other due to this opportunity.

I saw a few classmates as well; Duke Ulysses Gregori was present, as was Duchess Draka Klaki, both with partners.

The Duke was currently standing beside a tall, thin woman, her dark chocolate skin glistening in the light.

Her expression was a serious one, and her yellow eyes flitted about the hall, only stopping when the Duke said something to her.

As for Duchess Draka, she was currently giving a man a fake smile as they shook hands, all while Rialo stood behind her, the normally expressive Lamia giving the man a black look.

There were other classmates here and there; Barons and Viscounts aplenty, all mingling with those above their ranks in hope of garnering some attention from an important person.

Besides them, I was rather surprised to Greselda and Countess Aurim, the blonde woman who was always beside the adventurer in our class.

They were currently sitting together at a table in the corner, Greselda saying something with a smile that made Countess Aurim giggle, the beautiful blonde covering her cherry lips as she stared at Greselda with warmth.

Not surprised by the pairing, just wondering why they're here…

That was all the notable guests that I knew; I could make inferences on other people based on their emblazoned cloaks or suits, as I had familiarized myself with some of the families emblems.

For instance, there was the Marquess of the Yuca Family, the short brunette woman wearing a thin smile as she spoke in hushed tones to the Countess of the Lopaw Family, her wolf ears twitching as she grinned dangerously at the other woman.

However, after another few moments I had to reign in my curiosity, as there were simply too many people and too many interactions happening for me to currently keep up with.

Besides that, Jahi was speaking in a low tone, her lips barely moving as she observed Jillian and her older cousin Hawn, the two Elves still talking to that green haired Elf.

"-Kameiel Family… Interesting. I thought they were still adamant about remaining neutral inside the Draeg Forest?"

Leone nodded, taking a small bite of the buttered flatbread, replying in an equally quiet tone as she said "They were. At least, as of a few months ago. The Sariel's must have offered something quite substantial to break that adamant desire of theirs. But what?"

Pursing her red lips, Leone narrowed her eyes before peeking back at Anput, who was draining her second glass.

Sighing, she raised a brow and lifted the empty wineglass from the Jackalkin's hands, giving her a stern "Anput, that's enough."

Anput rolled her eyes before nodding, and as she turned away Leone said "Kat, please watch her; I don't want her to get drunk here."

That made Anput pout at me, only to sigh as I gave her a stern look as well, understanding how bad that would look on not only her, but Jahi as well.

Jahi and Leone fell back into their conversation, and Anput joined in when she could, deciding to stay serious for now.

After another few minutes the Butler approached us, respectfully bowing before informing us "The last guests have arrived; may I guide you to your seats?"

Jahi nodded, and the Butler turned sharply and led us towards a table close to the center.

Swiftly taking in the rest of the banquet hall, I noticed that some tables still had their personal servants beside them, kneeling on the ground, while others were standing by the back walls, out of the way.

As soon as Jahi took her seat, I respectfully knelt beside her, smoothing out my maid dress before freezing myself, keeping myself motionless.

Jahi clicked her tongue as she saw that, while Leone and Anput shot conflicted looks at me.

However, they all quickly turned back to the center, where Jillian, Hawn, and the Kameiel woman stood.

Raising her glass, Jillian struck the side of it with a metal spoon, quieting the hall in a few moments.

Coughing slightly, she smiled at everyone and started her speech.

"Thank you everyone, for attending my birthday banquet. It means a lot, seeing some of the faces here; I'm honored that those people have deigned me important enough to give me some of their time!

Since I am reaching a decade of life, I had to make an important decision, one that would change not only my future, but the future of this Empire. For good, I hope!

I am proud to announce that, not only have I been deemed qualified enough to try out for a position as an Elven Ranger, I have also managed to become the luckiest woman in the world!

Standing beside me is Ayla Kameiel, who would have been the future head of the Kameiel Family, but has blessed me by accepting my proposal!

We will be, for the coming years, the Heads of the Sariel Family, and I am extremely happy to announce that the Sariel and Kameiel Families are joining together, not only as two historic Elven Houses, but as family and friends.

Again, I thank you all for attending this banquet, and please, enjoy the food!"

Jillian was grinning at the end of that, and she was staring straight at our table, a malicious glint in her eye.

Ayla stood beside her, smirking as she looked at Leone, an arrogant and pompous expression on her face as she leaned over and hooked her arm through Jillian's.

The banquet hall was silent for a moment before everyone clapped.

Some cheered, while others, like us, gave her reserved applause.

Bowing to the assembled crowd, Jillian led her fiancee towards a large table, Hawn following behind her.

Jahi let out a quiet "Shit…" before watching as a slew of Butlers and Maids streamed into the hall, carrying dozens of trays and pitchers.

Laying out the food, the servants then left, while those with pitchers remained.

Seeing that, I gracefully stood up and nodded to the maid, gently taking the pitcher from her hands.

Giving me a nod back, she left with the other servants, and I set about filling the cups on the table with a sweet smelling juice.

Keeping a small smile on her lips, Jahi leaned back into her chair and started slicing into the thick slab of venison on her plate, saying "This isn't good… They might not be the strongest, but the Kameiel's wield plenty of influence among the Nobility."

Leone nodded, gently dabbing at her lips to remove a slight stain of juice.

"The enchantments they provide are among the best, and they have large shares in the alchemical market. Meanwhile, the Sariel's are among some of the most prolific archers in the Empire, and their tracking skills are unparalleled. They are in almost every high ranked Exploration Team that enters the Labyrinthian."

Anput frowned, stabbing at her steak as she asked "How many people make up these families?"

Pursing her lips, Jahi sighed as she said "The Sariel's are a conglomerate of Elven families, but they all follow the same teachings. As for the Kameiel's, they are few, but it's quality over quantity there. They rank among the highest Enchanters and Alchemists in the Empire. This… this is a big deal."

Both Anput and Leone frowned, briefly glancing at me as I asked "Who is allied with us?"

Jahi sighed again, taking a bite from the venison as she said "Few. The Haniel Family; Mother's family, are our primary allies. It's similar to the Sariel's, but just slightly worse. Then there's the Wikath Family, who are incredible mages but… they're reclusive and unworldly. Of course, we have a spattering of various Baronies and Counties, but they're not… reliable."

I gave a tiny nod, refilling Anput's glass as she drained her cup.

"Well, remember, you married Leone and I; the Empress might not give you a large amount of support, but the Sultanate can and will. You not only border us, but the Marquess is respected by my parents. If push comes to shove, the Sultanate will be our safe-haven."

The Demoness gave Anput a smile, before she gazed at a smug looking Jillian, the Elf staring intently at us.

The meal flew by relatively quickly; after the initial entree was laid out, a mixture of snacks and desserts adorned our tables, as well as a small assortment of sweet and savory wines.

All three women had a glass, Anput with relish while Jahi and Leone used it as a distraction.

Giving everyone some time to finish their meals and let their stomachs digest everything, Jillian and Ayla eventually moved back towards the large center, the two Elven women wearing dazzling smiles as they looked over the crowd.

Seeing our host standing in the center, everyone fell silent, waiting for her to speak again.

Clearing her throat, Jillian nodded to Ayla before grabbing her hand and intertwining their fingers together.

Returning her gaze to the assembled nobles and people of influence, Jillian grinned as she said "I hope everyone enjoyed the banquet? Again, I have to thank you all for coming; not only to celebrate a new year in my life, but also to hear my exciting news!

Now, it wouldn't be a great banquet if we didn't dance! Please, everyone, make your way to the floor! We have musicians from the Trebal Company here today."

Jillian was about to turn around when she stopped, a small smile on her face as she said "And please, ANYONE is free to dance, be them Nobles or Servants, the dance floor is available to all. That means that I expect everyone to be getting along for tonight~! Now come, let's dance!"

She gave me a swift glance, her eyes still alight with lust before she grabbed Ayla's hand and waist, leading the woman into a traditional waltz.

From a stage in the back, a large group of musicians started playing their instruments; strumming chords of harps and lyres and pressing the keys of a grand piano.

A woman even walked to the edge of the stage, her melodic voice filling the room.

Jahi, Anput, and Leone all stood up, and the three exchanged glances before Jahi said "Come here Kat."

Placing the pitcher on the table, I nodded as I took her hand, following her out onto the dance floor.

Anput and Leone walked out behind us, and we started dancing, drawing attention.

"… she's a maid, isn't she?"

"-eally beautiful, that Dogkin…"

"-ey not jealous? Isn't Lady Asmodia…"

"I want a woman like that…"

Jahi's eyes flickered gold as she stared down at me, and I slightly raised a brow at that.

She leaned down a little, her voice entering my ear as she whispered "I despise how they view you as little more than a maid…"

Mirroring her, I spoke with barely moving lips, whispering back "And I care not for how they view me; what matters is how you and our family looks at me."

The taller Demoness sighed, her plump blue lips pulled into a line as she looked away, her eyes conflicted.

We made a circuit of the dance floor, enjoying the classical and melodic music, before switching partners; Anput went to Jahi, and Leone went to me.

Funnily enough, as we switched partners again, all three women said the exact same thing; they hated how I was viewed by others, resulting in me giving them the same words I gave Jahi.

Each one frowned at it, and each one likely made some sort of vow to themselves to change that in the future, which, while unneeded, was a warming thought.

During those three circuits, Jillian and Ayla remained together, the two whispering to each other as they clung to the others body, Ayla letting out giggles as Jillian led her in dance.

However, as I found myself stepping away from the dance floor, Hawn approached me, a gentle smile on his lips as he bowed to me, offering his hand.

"May I have this dance, Miss Zara?"

Narrowing my eyes slightly, I looked towards Jahi, who, while doing so with golden eyes, gave me a nod.

"Very well, Professor."

Taking the Elven mans hand, he smiled at me as he said "You've attracted the attention of my younger cousin, Miss Zara. She speaks of you quite often."

Pushing down the urge to gag, I nodded, asking "Good things I hope?"

Chuckling, he spun me around, saying "Indeed. She enjoys your spars together immensely; something about you being a… what was it that she said… ah, a perfect match for one another."

Continuing on with the dance, I said "Well, we do have similar, yet different styles of fighting; Lady Sariel utilizes her limbs more as weapons, while I focus on using just the dagger. It is always a good learning experience whenever we spar."

Hawn nodded, before a smirk spread on his face as he said "I'm sure she'd love to here that directly from you, Miss Zara. In fact… here~!"

Spinning me away, I found my partner replaced, going from the thin male Elf to an equally thin female Elf.

Her brown eyes were filled with an all too familiar heat, and her long brown hair was braided around her head like a crown.

Standing before me was Jillian Sariel, and she leaned forwards, grinning as she whispered "Got you~!"

Her hand on my waist made me shiver, and I had to resist the urge to push her away from me.

"Don't think poorly of my older cousin; I requested this of him. I told him I needed a few words with you, Miss Zara."

Taking a breath, I stared at her, waiting for her to continue.

I could feel Jahi's anger and hate spreading through the bond, and two more pairs of eyes were searing into my back as Jillian and I danced together.

Smiling at me, Jillian took a few more steps with me before asking "Miss Zara, have you ever considered… changing your employer?"

Shaking my head, I replied "No I have not, Lady Sariel; the Asmodia Family treats me very well. Besides, my mother is contracted to them for many more years."

Nodding, Jillian looked towards her fiancee, who was dancing with Hawn.

Both of them were smiling at us, and Ayla seemed to not care that her fiancee was dancing with another woman.

In fact, she seemed just like Jillian; her eyes were gleaming with lust as she looked at me, and she licked her lips slightly.

Smiling back at her fiancee, Jillian turned back and said "Well, I had something… special to offer you. Of course, I can buy out your mothers contract, no problem. But you…"

Her smile stiffened as she stared at me, and she whispered "You are a problem. One that I want either by my side, or dead. Now, I know that you've a soul bond to Jahi; it's common enough knowledge at this point."

I remained silent, not wanting to give this woman anything.

Nodding, she said "To be completely honest, before Ayla told me of it, I had no idea what to do about that. I wanted you; I really did, Katherine. You're a stunning woman, talented, and, apparently, pretty damn good as a maid. I still really, really want you. However, that bond was a problem, so I had decided that I was going to kill you. Can't have the Asmodia's granting you a Barony. I'd rather squash that problem before it grew."

I picked up on the key thing in her words, and I stared at her in confusion as I asked "What do you mean the bond 'was' a problem?"

Her grin returned, and she leaned forwards, her voice seductive as she whispered "What if I told you that Ayla has a way to remove that bond between you and Jahi?"

—

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Hope everyone had a good weekend, even if it was just used as a long weekend of rest!

Since it's the time of giving and being thankful (forgot to do this at Thanksgiving lol), I just want to say thank you all again.

These last few months, ever since I started writing this, have been insane!

I've enjoyed this so much, and seeing and hearing you all daily has been a real joy, so again, thank you all!

You've done a lot for me, more than you could likely ever realize, and I hope that I've helped you all as well, even if it was just a smile and fun read for a few minutes, I hope that it helped!

Enjoy the double chapter for today, and as thanks, I'll try my hardest to do double uploads from now to New Years Day!

Thank you all, and I hope that you continue to enjoy my works!

—𝖎𝒏𝓷𝐫𝘦𝓪𝒅.𝒄𝙤m