Chapter 328: What a warm welcome
It was obvious that Fiona was announced first. That was something that no one could argue. Then it made sense that Lady Ava was announced next. Above the Duke families because, hey, she’s the Saintess, also part of a Duke’s family, there was some wiggle room.
But what didn’t make sense was the fact that the announcer almost skipped over Cass after he’d announced Lucian to announce Sir Sanders beside him.
That was an indiscretion that set the tone for what this night was going to be. Cass, knowing he could fly off the handle because his emotions were all over the place, and knowing that he needed to limit how many people he touched, smiled at the announcer in his normal way.
He’d forgotten, since everyone else reacted normally, that Cass’ regular smile was...unsettling to the normal populace. It came back into roaring clarity when the announcer turned the colour of a ghost and nearly dropped the scroll he was using to find the names of the invited guests.
Cass did think it was a bit ridiculous that the announcer, the one with the ability to let others into the ball, was at the doors to the ballroom, and not the doors to the castle, but maybe that was a way that the King was doing a power play. A way to prove that he had enough power to let you into his home, and then had the ability to send you away when he wanted to.
It was clear, however, that the announcer was at a complete loss when it came to Cass. This was made worse by the fact that Cass had two bodyguards, Sir Sanders and Byron. Byron who was smiling softly, having been taught by Sam how to behave, and Sir Sanders, who never smiled and was permitted to carry a weapon with him since he was a knight and a guard.
Both men were beside him as a long line of other attendees extended out from behind Cass.
Cass stepped closer to the announcer, still smiling.
"I think you’ll find that my name is on that list." Cass spoke softly. It wasn’t a threat. It didn’t have to be. It was a reminder that Cass had a right to be here, even if the others had erased him from that.
"B-But it isn’t-" The announcer stuttered and Cass’ smile grew wider.
"How do you know my name without me telling you it?" Cass asked and watched as the man began to shake in earnest. He couldn’t even say that he didn’t know who Cass was, couldn’t even get that lie out. Cass chuckled. "You know exactly who I am, so why don’t you just announce me already. If you don’t..." Cass trailed off, making a pointed look towards his two guards. "I am sure that some people will be quite upset." Byron wouldn’t care, nor would Sir Sanders.
It was the members of the hero party who were counting the time it was taking Cass to be announced and step into the ballroom that he should be worrying about.
Cass watched the man struggle, before finally, he made the announcement.
"Announcing Lord Blackburn of the Blackburn Dukedom. Mage of the hero party!" Cass smirked. Yeah. Mage. He almost forgot about that part given how busy he’d been.
The doors that had been blocked by a set of guards that looked like Cass could knock them over with one good kick stepped back and opened the double doors into the ballroom. They were covered in ornamental armor. So shiny and pretty with gems and gold details that Cass knew it cost a fortune.
Whose fortune?
His. He had funded this, whether intentionally or otherwise. Lord Blackburn, or hell, even the Blackburn family had funded this whole damn show of extravagance, and his grandfather had made a plan, or had encouraged a plan, to attempt to fuck with Cass. All while taking the fame that came with all of the shit that he had thrust into Lord Blackburn’s lap. Cass was fucking tired of it.
The old man had no idea what was coming. While Lord Blackburn was quiet and had gone in for a long con, Cass was a bit more...expedited in his approach. Maybe it was hell week speaking, or maybe he was just tired of these idiots thinking that they ran everything.
Cass let out an exhale before he stepped into the ballroom. He was sure that Lord Blackburn had been in here before, and while it had been described in the book, it was completely different seeing it in person.
Through Fiona’s eyes, this place was gaudy, lacking in food and plentiful in alcohol and other...exciting things. There was a wonderful-sounding orchestra off to the side, tucked away so that they could be heard, not seen, while waiters floated around the room, blending in. There were several roped off sections where Cass was sure some rather naughty things were happening, as well as a rather obvious throne area. It was clear that the room was made to focus on the two large thrones raised up by several steps, with a few balconies looking over it.
Honestly, it was a grand show of wealth, but also...there were lots of places to hide to kill the King or other nobles. The man was lucky guns hadn’t really made it to this world because magic was just...more useful, and there were mages employed tonight that were clearly here to prevent such an act.
Through Cass’ eyes, the place was just as gaudy as Fiona thought it was. Gold leaf, gems, hand embroidery. It was an opulent display that barely worked together. Add in how everyone else was dressed up like show ponies, it almost gave Cass a headache just to look at.
One interesting thing to note though, were how a few of the designs he’d given to the seamstress what felt like years ago were popping up here. Cass was actually interested to find out how the nobles who had gotten their hands on the clothing had done so, and where. He also wondered if Edgar was still mad at him for giving the design away for practically pennies now that he could see nobles were buying it.
Cass chuckled. He was sure the companies that he worked with, had a stake in, were going to see a boom in business soon. Slowly, everything was going to cum up Cass. Cass felt his face flush. The control he had was slipping slightly if he made that kind of slip up.
He was going to have to watch his words tonight.
Given that everyone else was dressed to impress, it made the hero party as a whole stand out more since most of them were dressed...simply compared to the rest of the room. Even Cass, who felt that he had dressed up, was on the more mild side compared to the rest of the room. Lady Ava and Fiona’s dress also stood out given the more jewel toned colour scheme. Cass felt that was on purpose.
The King had wanted to paint a giant spotlight on the two girls so that they couldn’t escape. Cass hated that man. There was very little he could say that would make Cass change his opinion on that. Unless he found out that the man had been affected by a mind control drug or something from a demon, Cass wasn’t going to let the man off for this. For treating his people like this.
"Wow. Look at how everyone is looking over here." Edgar whispered, siddling up to Cass to lean in and whisper to him, but not touch him. Cass slid him a slightly confused look.
The hero party, because of their outfits, had been easy to find once he had stepped into the room. They weren’t exactly hiding, and Cass could tell that the more they waited for him to show up, the more Fiona itched to have her own weapon in her hand. The only reason she didn’t was because the dress the King had gifted to her did not allow for that kind of movement.
It was just another check in a small box that showed the man didn’t give a fuck about Fiona as a person, just as a pawn.
When Cass had joined the group, it was to find that Lord Ridgewood was already out and about, blending into the group of nobles and speaking easily, casually. He probably felt better amongst them than he did with his own party. Lucian and Edgar had remained with the two girls, and Cass had joined them casually. That was how Edgar was able to slide up beside Cass, especially since Sir Sanders was doing a perimeter check, and Byron had found a nice spot against one of the walls to watch everything.
As a dragon, he had the ability to rush closer to deal with any issue. He also knew that Cass was relatively safe by Lucian’s side. He couldn’t really doubt the dragon who had helped him into adulthood. At least, not so soon.
"Why do you think that is?" Cass asked, glancing around. He had a feeling he shouldn’t eat or drink anything, especially given how many priests were sprinkled in the room. All of them in normal priest outfits, but thick, giant rings on their fingers. A smaller show of wealth. Of how they could be bought.
It made Cass’ stomach roll, and from Lady Ava’s look on her face, she too was upset about it.
Edgar gave Cass a strange look, and Lucian did the same as well. Cass didn’t think he’d asked a strange question, and Edgar gave a soft laugh.
"Cass, this is the first time you’ve been to a ball when they’ve hosted it during this time, and this is also the first time that you’ve stood with us when at a party like this. You normally sit by yourself and let others come to you." Edgar gestured with his head in a direction and Cass noticed that there were a few couches out in the open that others were sitting at.
Cass blinked, flushed, and tried to use his memories of the story and what Lord Blackburn had given him to recall that. It took a few painful seconds, but he did eventually recall that. Cass closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.
"...Right. I...tried not to think about that." Cass muttered and Edgar was patting his shoulder before either of them realised it.
"That’s alright." He said, and then froze and withdrew his hand quickly. "Sorry. I didn’t-" Edgar started, panic in his voice and Cass let out a chuckle. He could tell that Lucian was tense, ready to come over even though it was only a few paces. Even Fiona looked concerned, and she had no idea what was going on.
"It’s okay, Edgar. I know you didn’t mean it that way, and I’m fine with that. I’m okay still." Cass told him confidently, meaning it. He was okay for now. Did he feel the small shocks from Edgar’s hand touching his shoulder ripple through his body? Yes, but it wasn’t...unpleasant. Cass sighed again. "I might need someone at my side to monitor what I’m going to say." Cass said quietly, and watched as Edgar’s eyes widened slightly. He glanced at Lucian, who then glanced at Fiona.
"Do you...want one of us? Or do you want Fiona?" Edgar asked pointedly, and Cass was surprised that they would suggest her. So was Fiona, honestly. She pointed to herself.
"Me? You want...me?" She asked, blinking, and Edgar nodded.
"Well, you two are...linked by certain bonds, and Avie and I can travel together. Lucy can then be with Lord Ridgewood." Ah. They were pairing off for support and back up. It was better to not let the girls travel alone, and Cass agreed.
That was a smart plan.
He held out a hand to Fiona, smirking.
"Ready to be my arm candy tonight, Fiona?" Cass teased and watched as Fiona’s mouth opened. He could tell that others were also listening in, and Lady Ava’s jaw dropped. Cass was feeling a certain kind of way, so he winked at the other woman. Lady Ava’s face turned pink.
"Cass!" She whispered, scandalised, and then everyone heard a low rumble from Lucian.
"Be careful with him, Fifi. He hasn’t had a snack in a while." Lucian warned and Cass felt his face warm. This pervy dragon.