Chapter 3.5

　　Naturally, the banquet prepared by city lord Sansa held in the honour of Osmund is an extravagant affair.

　　Originally, Sui Yuan is not meant to be here together with the two main leads. With no idea how to overcome this phase of the story, he is happy to continue remaining invisible in the eyes of everyone present. Plastering a cold and unwelcoming expression on his face, he chooses a small balcony as far from the feast as possible to occupy. Hugging his knees to his chest, Sui Yuan perches comfortably on the banister, half-enjoying the melodious dance music and half-conversing with 5237.

　　From the looks of things, it seems Aurora is also finding this entire affair difficult to deal with. In addition, the city lord is intentionally aiming for her, attempting to unmask her flaws before Osmund, leading to the poor female lead's dazzling smile dimming considerably and appearing rather vexed. With considerable effort, she manages to break away from the vicious pack of female n.o.bles, making her way to the small table at a corner filled with dessert.

　　As a foodie, Aurora's depression is cured by the sweet, delicious desserts, and her cheerful expression is reinstated after a while. Finally, after devouring a few more small cakes, she starts to search the area for her companions.

　　Unlike Sui Yuan and Aurora, however, Osmund takes to the banquet like a fish to water, long accustomed to such events. His every move is neither flamboyant nor restrained, but mild and aloof, befitting his status as someone high up and effortlessly commanding respect. Whether it be males or females, none dare to be too excessive in speech or action before him. Dazzled by his grace and charm, the relatively large crowd surrounding him listens attentively to his every word, eyes loathe to part from his fair face.

　　"Hmph, really knows how to put on an act," 5237 sneers, for some obscure reason detesting that man more than his victim - Sui Yuan - does. Adding onto the fact that it harbours an intense hatred for 0007, 5237 really wishes to be rid of this master and servant pair as quickly as possible.

　　"There's no need to say that ah. Aren't I the same as him?" Sui Yuan shrugs lightly.

　　In actual fact, while Sui Yuan may be the sort of actor to read lines from the script word-for-word, he is also someone who completely immerses himself in the role. As long as he is in a world, he will meld the character's persona with his own. That way, there will be no mistakes made when struggling to stay in character because he doesn't think of himself as a separate individual.

　　It's probably because their topic of conversation is Osmund that Sui Yuan's gaze unconsciously sweeps over the crowd and lands on said man. Right this moment, Osmund glances up and catches Sui Yuan's stare.

　　Warmth seeping into that bland smile, he apologises to the people around him clambering for attention and expertly extracts himself from their midst, then heads towards Sui Yuan. The elf eyes him warily, not too sure what the other is planning to do. Finally, he decides to wait and see.

　　"Not fond of these kinds of events?" Osmund inquires softly. "Why not have a dance?"

　　"I don't know how to," Sui Yuan admits honestly. This is his first soiree, and he didn't think about learning to dance beforehand, more focused on other important subjects like language and arts. On top of that, with his role as Nardred, there is an even less chance for him to actively partic.i.p.ate in dancing without him being out of character.

　　"It's not proper for you to lack this knowledge. Which is why you cannot avoid partic.i.p.ating in this affair." As he says this, a hand darts out to grab Sui Yuan's arm, dragging him off the banister.

　　Unprepared for the sudden physical contact, Sui Yuan stumbles, hands instinctively coming up to catch himself. Another tug on his forearm has him hitting Osmund's chest, an arm wrapping around his waist and trapping him in an embrace.