The opening of the Vergessen bakery created a buzz in the city and it never died down not until the date for the royal ball was set. Lumier started to talk about it and was excited for the upcoming ball because during that time not only the palace will celebrate but also the whole city. There will also be festivities and activities where the citizens of the kingdom can participate in the ball.
Even inside the academy, the talk about the ball was everywhere since this was one of the times that they'll be allowed to leave the academy and have some fun. There would be no lessons and the students living in the dormitories could go out and enjoy the celebration. Students of noble status can also enter the palace and join the ball.
"Are you joining the ball this time Vinya?" William asked the woman while they ate their breakfast in the canteen.
"Yes, my father received an invitation so I need to attend. How about you?" She also asked. It would be boring if she would go there and none of her friends would be present.
"I think so. If I'm not mistaken my father has also received an invitation but honestly I don't want to go." William wasn't that fond of joining such social events because he doesn't have the patience to stand and smile there all night long. He always thought that it was a drag to attend such events.
"It's the royal ball, so you can't escape. Even my father reminded me so many times that I must attend," Vinya had a frown on her face and William could understand why.
This ball was not only done to celebrate the kingdom's prosperity for the whole year but this was also a time for anyone to build connections. It was a battlefield disguised as a celebration, parents will bring their eligible children during the party and try to find a suitable partner for them for the sake of alliance. It was the most effective and fastest way to get an ally.
Those people would be eyeing them like prey, silently scrutinizing them from head to toe. They would talk about their backgrounds and merits and if they found them pleasing enough, then they would approach them with the pretense of greeting them but the other party already knew that they would be proposing for marriage.
That place would become like a market or even an auction house. Gullible ones would be elated to be invited or even to be able to attend the ball without knowing anything then at the end, they would end up being sold without them knowing. Those who already knew how it works would avoid going to the ball but they would still be dragged by their families then all they could do was endure.
"Are your parents already looking for potential husbands for you?" William lowered his voice as he discretely asked the woman because his parents were already looking for a 'suitable' wife for him.
Vinya stopped eating before he gave a sigh, "Even though I refused so many times they didn't listen to me. Although they promised me that I can finish my studies here in the academy, they still insist that after I graduate, I need to marry."
William smiled bitterly because it was something they can't entirely avoid. "You are free to do whatever you want to do, Vinya. You should think about it while you are still in the academy."
The woman looked at William and smiled. She didn't expect the man to have this soft side of him because he was always tough and rough, in his actions and words. When he came to her and convinced her that they shouldn't leave Ezio alone, she was surprised because of his sudden change in attitude but after knowing him, she became at ease.
"How about you, Ezio? Will you be joining the ball?" William shifted his attention to the man who remained silent until now. They were lucky that he didn't leave the table even though they were the only ones talking. "I'm sure that the tower received an invitation letter too and the main branch of my family should have received theirs too."
After hearing that, Ezio looked at William, "Is that so?" he appeared uncaring but William knew that he would do everything to meet that man again.
"Yes, and considering your position, it is the best place to meet him because you can't go and blatantly meet him because of the eyes following you." William looked around and noticed the people who were constantly following behind Ezio. No matter where he went inside the academy, he was still being watched.
Ezio frowned because William has a point. He can't openly meet with the master and risk ruining whatever his plan was so the best way was to meet him at the ball and pretend that they just met each other.
"I'll see what I can do but nonetheless, I will still be attending that ball," was his simple answer. He could always snuck inside the palace with his magic so even if he won't be allowed to go, there were still other ways.
"You are really courageous," William grinned and admired the man for his guts. Luckily, his uncle was the person in-charge of security so if some mishap happens then Ezio can use his connection with his uncle's younger brother.
The next day, Ezio sent a message to Archmage Ragus through the headmaster. While he waited for a reply, he focused on his training even more. If they won't allow him, then he'll find other ways.
Archmage Ragus was a bit free that day. After the attack inside the tower, everything was going back to normal now. Though they lost some promising seeds, it can't be helped. They sent their families enough compensation.
On the other hand, the investigation was coming across dead ends and they didn't know where to start. In his opinion, it was just a waste of resources if they insisted on continuing with that pointless investigation. He had a feeling that they wouldn't find the culprit no matter what they did.
A knock on his door made him sigh before he let the person enter. The mage placed a letter on the Archmage's table before he left. Ragus picked up the paper and was surprised to see who sent the letter. He was even more surprised at the content of the letter.
After reading the letter, he took time to ponder about it before he left. He went to the entrance of the Hall of Time and passed the letter to them. He added that he hoped that the other elders would approve of the request.
Ulysses and Linette Ginehart also arrived at the capital earlier than expected at the lady's request. They were welcomed by the servants together with Linius and Cygnus. It was a long ride but Linette was happy to see her sons once again.
"Hello mother," Linius greeted his mother first before he gave his father a nod.
"Welcome!" Cygnus was grinning to the both of them which sometimes gave them the illusion that he was innocent.
"Let's go inside first," Ulysses nodded to the both of them. Finally they walked inside towards one of the manor's living rooms where the brothers usually had their breaks.
"Why did you come early?" Linius asked after they'd settled down.
"Because your mother wanted to spend some time with you before the ball," Ulysses simply answered. There was no particular reason why they decided to travel earlier than the scheduled date.
"Then you should go and visit Rigel's bakery tomorrow," Linius did not hesitate to suggest.
"I've heard about it and really wanted to go but we will do that tomorrow since your mother need to rest." Ulysses nodded and even though he was curious, he needed to wait for tomorrow.
