Chapter 18 (2/5)

The elf led Darius and Draco deeper into the hall. The guests respectfully parted to let them pass. The dragon did not immediately notice that more people were following them, and when he turned around, he saw that an elderly elf woman in a simple but charming emerald dress and a grey-haired elf in green livery were also walking with the soldiers from Ed'heere.

Gizel stopped only when they reached the central chamber of the palace. Here, a podium had been set up for the orchestra, and the guests were dancing to the music. Outside the dance floor, the ball guests gathered in smaller groups and engaged in lively discussions. It was also easy to spot Matheo towering over everyone, and by straining his eyes, he could see Fiora and James standing next to her.

-I see you quickly found yourself at the side of the most beautiful lady in this palace.- A man in a navy blue and grey robe with a coat of arms embroidered on his shoulder approached them. The coat of arms depicted a knight in plate armour surrounded by a laurel wreath. He was tall with grey hair, and it was impossible to determine his build through his robe. His scarred face also indicated considerable experience in combat. He smiled friendly and behaved very casually. However, the master remained stiff, and Draco knew that the man was Darius' superior.

-I hear such charming compliments all the time. First Draco, and now General Leigher himself.- Gizel blushed slightly, and the dragon began to wonder how such tricks came so easily to her. She should be in the theatre. The audience would love every role she played. Draco tried not to betray his thoughts.

-Oh, who would not compliment Your Highness?- Bleist's commander bowed to Gizel. -Darius, would you introduce me?

-Of course.- The master seemed a little tense.- This is Marquis Sydney Leigher, General of the Azure Guard.- He pointed to his commander.- And this is my apprentice, Draco Ignis.- Bleist placed his hand on the dragon's shoulder.

-I am honoured to meet you, General.- Draco bowed.

-It's a pleasure to meet you too, young man.- The smile on the man's face was extremely warm and friendly, but to the dragon it was not sincere. His hazel eyes remained expressionless, as if he were coldly calculating something the whole time.

-How do you like the ball, General?- Gizel chirped sweetly.

-I haven't been to such a wonderful party in a long time.- Leigher turned to the elf.- I get the impression that most of the preparations fell on the duchess. Your highness's taste can be seen from afar.

-Unfortunately, today I must give that compliment to someone else.- Draco had never seen such a lively and emotional expression before. He felt like applauding the performing diva. - Much of this is thanks to Fiora Vittoro, isn't it, my dear? - Everyone turned towards the centre of the dance floor.

A dwarf woman was walking towards them with her husband, James, and two maids in brown and grey dresses. The woman was wearing a flowing brown and silver dress with many silver decorations. Her husband had somehow managed to put on an elegant frock coat in the same colours as his wife's outfit. As far as the dragon was concerned, the blacksmith looked, to put it mildly, strange. His large, imposing figure seemed completely out of place in the perfectly tailored outfit. James, on the other hand, dressed identically to his master, looked just right.

-I'm glad to hear that you like it, General.- Fiora smiled broadly. -We both worked very hard, so every word of praise is doubly appreciated.

-Madame Vittoro, I'm glad I could please you.

-I thought you weren't going to make it.- It was clear that the giant was having trouble keeping his composure and limiting his gestures.

-I'm sorry, Matheo, but our errands took longer than I expected.- Bleist seemed calmed by his friend's presence.

-Busy as usual.- Something in the general's tone made the dragon's hair stand on end.

-I've been saying for a long time that Darius is a workaholic.- Gizel spoke before the man could say anything else.- He always struggles to find even a little time to rest. He's always busy. But as long as I'm in Atlantis, I'll try to provide him with at least a little entertainment.

-You're right, my dear. - Fiora echoed the elf. - Darius can never find the time to meet with anyone. I have to personally invite him to get him to show up.

-I doubt there is a single person who would turn down an invitation from you, my dear.- Matheo looked at his wife tenderly.

-Indeed, Fiora, you are extremely persuasive.- Darius smiled at the dwarf.

-Although now you'll have no choice but to control your workaholism.- Gizel started talking again as soon as the general took a breath to speak. - You have to take care of Draco's education. Besides, in addition to studying, you have to spend time with your student. - The elf's tone changed, and now she sounded like a teacher lecturing a naughty student. - You, Draco, also have to make sure that Darius takes care of himself. - She playfully wagged her finger at the dragon.- Although in that regard, I have no doubt that you will succeed.

-Certainly. I think that with the additional support of Oscar, Captain Forth, and everyone at Ed'heere, I can handle it.- Draco smiled radiantly at his master, who squeezed his arm tighter in response.

-Don't worry, my dear, I'll make sure Darius doesn't forget about it either,- announced the dwarf, and it was hard to tell whether it was her or Gizel who would be more insistent.

-General Leigher!- someone called out from the side. Draco turned and saw a short, corpulent man with receding hair cutting through the crowd towards them. A broad smile was plastered across his chubby face, and his earthy eyes sparkled with something the dragon couldn't name. He was dressed in blood-red trousers and a matching waistcoat embroidered with purple thread in fancy patterns. His purple shirt was adorned with a crimson scarf. On his shoulder he wore a coat of arms depicting a knight and a griffin with their backs turned to each other.- Oh, greetings to you too, beautiful ladies.- Despite his considerable bulk, he made a sweeping, deep bow. - Darius, I haven't seen you in a long time either!- He quickly shook Bleist's hand.- Master Matheo, I was really sorry to hear about the destruction of the front of your shop, but I saw for myself how it looks after the repairs. Really impressive. - Without waiting for the blacksmith's response, he grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously. - And this must be the apprentice of the esteemed Master Vittoro. - He quickly greeted James. - Oh! And you must be Darius's apprentice! - Finally, the man turned towards the dragon. - It's very nice to meet you. - Draco was somewhat ready for the greeting, but he was surprised by the strength with which the plump hand grabbed him. He could have sworn that the older man had enough strength to break a man's fingers. - I hear you are talented not only in magic but also with a sword. I am really looking forward to seeing that for myself.- He shook the dragon's hand even more vigorously, smiling broadly. Before Draco could respond, the man had already turned back to the commander of the Azure Guard. - General, you promised me recently that you would let me use your training grounds. And since then, I haven't been able to catch you.- He wagged his finger at the officer somewhat mockingly.- Excuse me, I'm going to kidnap Marquis Leigher.- He simply stated, leading the somewhat reluctant general into the crowd.

-What...- The dragon just looked around, trying to make sure that what had just happened was real.

-That was the rector of the Royal Academy of Magic and Alchemy Solvein in Atlantis, Duke Karl von Konlah,- Ari whispered helpfully into Draco's ear. -A very busy man, though, as you could see, also very energetic and extraordinary.- In response, the dragon only nodded, knowing that he should not comment on the aristocrat's behaviour.

-I'll have to thank Karl later,- Gizel adjusted her scarf without taking her eyes off the rector and the general. -Darius, I think it's time for you to show yourself to some of the guests,- she continued, turning to the magician. -Matheo and Fiora too, for that matter.

-You're right, my dear,- echoed the dwarf. -The boys probably won't be interested in boring greetings.- She turned to Draco and James. -I recommend the hall of radiance and its terrace overlooking the city. Besides, it should be a little more relaxed there.

-Right, you'll be able to relax a bit, and I'm sure all the younger guests are gathered there. - Bleist smiled, but there was no joy in it. The dragon knew very well that a performance prepared by the elf and the dwarf was slowly getting ready, and no one wanted Draco and James to get caught in the crossfire of a brewing verbal battle. - In addition, there is a descent to the gardens. Draco, you will surely find many exotic plants there that might interest your aunt.

-I'll definitely take a look,- the dragon bowed slightly.

-I'll show you the way, and then I can introduce you to a few people,- James offered, glancing at the blacksmith and his silent consent.

-Just don't get yourselves into trouble.- Fiora, imitating Gizel, dramatically wrung her hands. -Although maybe trouble will find you.

-We certainly won't be looking for it.- The elf smiled broadly, and Draco did the same. -Let's go.- He bowed to the company and moved forward into the crowd.

The dragon repeated the bow and followed his friend. Ari and Forth followed close behind, as did a woman in a brown dress whom Draco had seen many times at Matheo's house. She was one of the Vittoro family's older servants and was apparently now responsible for helping James.

They walked, trying to avoid the crowded groups of guests, but every now and then they had to bow and politely respond to greetings. The second room with access to the terrace was not far away, and after a moment they stopped at the entrance, but for Draco, being the centre of attention was extremely tiring. What he wanted most now was to draw his sword and start practising. When he finally looked around, he saw that the smaller ballroom was filled with young guests, from children under the watchful eye of their nannies to almost adult teenagers. Servants, soldiers and guardians gathered near the entrance and along the walls, ready to serve those in their care at any moment.

-I advise you not to let your guard down,- James muttered quietly. -It may be more dangerous here than in the main hall.- He looked around and suddenly smiled slightly. -Come on, I've found a few familiar faces.

The dragon merely nodded and allowed himself to be led further. As they went deeper, more and more heads turned in their direction, but it was mainly older teenagers. It seemed that Draco and the elf were becoming the main topic of conversations.

In the meantime, they had reached a group gathered right next to the exit to the terrace. It consisted of five people of similar age. They looked about seventeen and must have belonged to the poorer aristocracy or wealthier merchants. The first boy, slightly taller than Draco, had chestnut-coloured, short-cut hair, thin eyebrows, light green eyes and a square jaw. The dragon had the impression that he did not smile very often and that a gloomy expression was his natural face. He was dressed in a modest light blue mage's robe with purple elements. The coat of arms embroidered on his shoulder depicted a brick tower and crossed banners, and schematic griffin wings sprouted from the sides of the coat of arms.

The second was a tall, half-smiling blond-haired elf with a handsome, symmetrical face crossed by a wide white scar running straight from his right temple to his left jaw joint. His mustard-coloured eyes quickly scanned the entire surroundings, almost never stopping in one place for more than a moment. He was dressed in a dark orange tailcoat with a white shirt with a stand-up collar. On his left lapel was a coat of arms depicting a chest overflowing with gold and valuables at the top and three naked swords placed vertically at the bottom.

A very pretty elven girl stood next to him. At first glance, it was clear that they were siblings. They had similar features, differing only in the absence of a scar and the colour of their eyes, which in her case were navy blue. The girl seemed uninterested in the conversation and looked around bored. She was wearing a flowing canary-yellow dress and high white gloves.

The fourth member of the group was a broad-shouldered boy with a tanned face, almond-shaped, brick-red eyes and slightly tousled black hair. He had burn scars on his right cheek. He was wearing a navy blue frock coat with brown lapels and brown gloves. He was the one who was trying to engage the others in conversation the whole time.

The last person was a slightly nervous halfling who kept clenching his hands behind his back. He had red hair, light green eyes and lots of freckles. Despite his tics, he smiled friendly and eagerly participated in the ongoing conversation. He was dressed in an ash-grey tunic embroidered with brown and gold thread in a pattern of wheat ears.

-James, I thought you were stuck with your master.- The elf spoke up, immediately drawing everyone's attention to the new pair.- Nice to see you.

-Nice to see you too, Robin.

-I see you're not alone, so maybe you'll start by introducing everyone. - The orange-eyed elf smiled a little wider, and Draco realised that he wasn't smiling half-heartedly on purpose, but that a scar, or rather a previous wound, had permanently prevented him from moving the left side of his face.

-As you may have guessed, this is Draco Ignis, Earl Bleist's disciple. - James pointed to the dragon. - Also my friend. - He added as the mage bowed after the introduction.

-It's very nice to meet you.- Draco smiled friendly, observing the others and hoping that James would lead the conversation.

-And this is Scion Retfield.- The chestnut-haired boy bowed slightly.- Robin and Sofia MacKreed.- The elf siblings curtsied politely. - Titus Verth'vit.- The broad-shouldered boy bowed, trying to turn so that his scar was as little visible as possible. - And Leopold vet Freuder.- The halfling raised his hand and waved, then immediately realised and bowed. - Friends of Angus and Florence and my acquaintances.

-Those two cunning bastards,- Sofia muttered under her breath. -They were in town and didn't even bother to say hello.- The elf turned indignantly towards the terrace.

-Maybe they were both tired of you flirting with them,- her brother said, earning himself a discreet punch in the ribs.

-Please forgive them.- Scion placed his right hand on his heart and bowed slightly. -I hope the young master is not offended.- The sombre tone suited the boy's face all too well and the dragon disliked it just as much.

-It's fine, and please call me by my name. - Draco hoped that the other four weren't as strict.

-Oh, I was afraid we were going to have another Scion, stiff with etiquette. - The halfling breathed a sigh of relief. It was easy to see that he was not fond of aristocratic rules of conduct. He immediately looked at the dragon more boldly.

-Really, Scion, you're too sensitive.- The elf rolled his eyes.

-At the first meeting, it is appropriate to behave according to etiquette.- Titus looked at Robin and just sighed.

-You're right. - Sofia turned to the company, admitting at the same time that she had been listening to them carefully. - I apologise for my outburst, young master Ignis. - She curtsied elegantly. - And now that we've got the polite part out of the way, I heard that you recently moved to Atlantis, Draco. How do you like the city?

-I must admit that even though I've been here for a month, I haven't seen much yet.- The dragon smiled a little sadly. -And I think it will take me a long time to get to know the capital a little better.

-And outside the city, there is still the entire undeveloped area of the island.- The halfling chimed in cheerfully. Draco looked at him with obvious interest. At first, Leopold tensed up, looking around as if preparing for an attack. He quickly regained his composure and returned to his optimistic attitude, but the dragon had already noticed the suspicious change. - Oh yes, I heard you're from Dagos, so you probably didn't learn much more about Atlantis than what concerned the military and the shopping centre. But there's so much more to discover! - The halfling began to sway, standing on his toes and then on his heels. -The city itself is huge, and then there's the port area. Of course, the port is now within the cityboundaries, but it used to be outside the city walls. Oh! - Leopold jumped slightly. - You have to see the old city walls! Now there's only a fragment separating the historic old town from the port! They're really magnificent! I regret that during one of the expansions, it was decided to destroy the walls. Only paintings and chronicles survived, and such ones! Of course, most of the sculptures and reliefs from the original buildings were used in the construction of the new walls, but it's not the same...

-Leo, please.- Sofi's long-suffering expression revealed that this was not the first time the halfling had gotten carried away on the subject of architecture. -Draco may not have heard you talk about old buildings yet, but we've been through this several times already. I'd really appreciate it if you could spare us all this.

-Oh, really?- Leopold was embarrassed. -I'm sorry, history and architecture are my passions, and once I start talking about them, I can't stop.- He put his hands behind his back again. -Oh, we... Right. Back to the topic. Apart from the part of the city I mentioned, there is the rest of the island. Most of it is undeveloped or designated as training grounds for the military and the Guard. The land suitable for cultivation has been taken over by vineyards, estates and small settlements, but the rest is only suitable for city expansion or for practising magic and artillery skills. Overall, Atlantis itself covers about a tenth of the entire island of the same name.

-Indeed, I knew even less about Atlantis than I thought.- Draco nodded his thanks.

-Each of us started with the same idea of the Golden Capital. Somehow, everyone forgets that it's not just a city.- Titus sighed. -I think it only appears as an island in Greek mythology.

-Oh, yes. Myth...

-Leo, please.- Sofia threw up her hands.

-For such a shy halfling, you're becoming quite talkative.- Robin just shook his head and looked around. -Now that we've covered the history and layout of the city, shall we move on to something more interesting?- The elf kept looking around, so it was difficult to tell if he was talking to someone in particular or to everyone in general.- The racing season is slowly approaching...

The conversation began to jump from topic to topic, fortunately for Draco, avoiding him. Of course, he spoke up, but no one tried to force him into the conversation. It seemed that his interlocutors quickly formed an opinion about the dragon and respected his reluctance to respond. The young wizard didn't even notice when James pressed a cup of something sweet into his hand and the halfling slipped him some small pastries. It was extremely pleasant, and even though Draco had previously feared that he would feel out of place all evening, it turned out that he was really enjoying himself in the company of his new acquaintances. However, the idyll was interrupted by commotion in the main ballroom.