Over the course of the next in-game game hour, I made it a point to dance once with all of the good friends I had made throughout the academy. That meant me eagerly inviting Liam, Claude, Alphonse, Dusty and Karl to the floor. It was the least I could do to show my appreciation. The Pretty Boys were very into the idea and tried to be the first. I laughed and picked Alphonse. Both Dusty and Karl did not want to dance and I was thankful that they humored me enough for one. They were both competent enough. Dusty got a 73% in a waltz and Karl got a respectable 79% swing dance. They really must not have liked dancing for the sake of it. Dusty crossed his arms and said "Are we done now?" and returned to the buffet. Karl blinked and said "I wanted to find someone to be bred by." "Dancing is a great pretext for that. I wouldn't be surprised if more people asked you to dance. When the dance is done, ask them to speak in private." I replied in a whisper as I leaned into his ear. Karl leaned back and looked at me. "I see. Do you... want to speak in private with me, Davie?" he said.
I laughed and said "Sorry. I don't want to have sex with my friends. You mean too much to me to become a fuck buddy." Karl looked confused and said "You don't have to worry about my feelings. I won't come to love you no matter how much you breed me." For some reason, that hurt. I nodded and said "I'd be too worried about my own feelings." He narrowed his eyes and said "If you are worried about falling in love with me, I can always breed you." That was missing the point and I shook my head. "I do not want to be treated like a toy either." I snapped at him. Karl blinked before walking off. We did not seem to be on the same page. I was going to follow him when a crier shouted to get our attention. We all cleared the floor. "Hear ye, Hear ye! All of Wendalia salutes you, glorious guests. May all be ready to greet your benevolent host of the evening. Accompanied by his brothers, Your Graces Duke Felix of Jaceton and Duke Ryder of Durrin, I present to you, our Lord Marshal of the Army. Stand in reverent attention for His Highness, Duke Bastion of Uppurt!" he exclaimed.
The orchestra began to play the anthem of the army. The three brothers appeared at the top of the stairs. They were young men, about 28 years in age. They were all in full military array. All of their war medals were pinned on their chests. They descended the stairs to a landing and paused. The stood in line at the top of the landing and gave a salute. We all saluted back to them. They relaxed and smiled. Felix and Ryder continued on the way to a royal box. It had a pair of thrones and several other chairs. Felix and Ryder sat in the chairs. Bastion smiled and said "I thank you for enjoying my hospitality. We had planned to join you all later, but the sound of music and the dancing drew me to you. I am truly happy and blessed that I have a family that indulges me. They were convinced by my plea to join you. My eternal thanks and fiercest envy are to the ones who had the first dance." That was a good sign. I just need a chance to impress Felix. He then took a breath and said "It is my great honor to introduce my brother and mother. May we all gain the wisdom by staying in their presence."
He smiled wide as if he thrived on the attention of the crowd. "Welcome them in your hearts as warmly as I have welcomed you into my home. Stand in awe for your king and sovereign, His Royal Highness, King Gervis of House Darkrich and Queen Dowager Wendy!" he said. The national anthem began to play as the king and queen dowager appeared at the top of the stairs. All of us knelt and made a heart sign over our chests. It was how we showed respect to the anthem. The queen dowager did not look happy. She took hold of the king's arm as they made they made their way down to the landing. We were all silent as we watched. At the landing, they stood until the anthem was done. When it did end, the queen dowager was supported by both of her sons down the rest of the stairs. She let go and walked across the floor and a made it to the royal box. They took a final look at the guests gathered in the hall before sitting down. Our king said "All rise and be at ease. Let the true festivities begin at once." We got to our feet and bowed toward the royals.
