Chapter 352 The Host of the Evening

Suzuka leaned back in her chair, her cheeks slightly flushed from the strong drinks and gave Isaac a lopsided grin.

 "Alright, Isaac, I’m in. Never been to a fancy ball before, let alone a masquerade one, but hey, I’ll give it my best shot. But, here’s the deal—once we’re done with your little ball adventure, I’m gonna need your help too."

"I’ve got to meet the ruler," she continued, "And with someone of your high status tagging along, I figure my chances will look a lot better. You’ve got that whole ‘gentleman mage with connections’ vibe going on. I could use that."

Isaac flashed her a gentleman-like smile, bowing his head slightly in agreement.

 "Of course, Helen. Anything to help a lady with such a worthy cause. I'll get you your audience with the ruler, no problem."

Suzuka grinned widely, raising her glass to him.

 "You better. Or I’ll be expecting a very expensive favor in return."

Isaac offered a polite smile, his tone smooth and composed. 

"Alright, we have a deal, then. I’ll arrange for someone to deliver the dresses to you both in the morning. Now, I’d love to stay and chat a bit more, but unfortunately, I have some matters to attend to."

He pushed back his chair and stood, giving a small bow of farewell.

 "Let’s meet back here in two days, just before the ball. By evening, everything should be in place."

His gaze lingered briefly on both Suzuka and Olivia, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

"Enjoy the rest of your evening, ladies. And… maybe take it easy on the drinks. You’ll want to be sharp for what’s coming."

With a final nod, he turned and made his way out the door.

For the next two days, Olivia took it upon herself to transform Suzuka into a lady of grace—or at least, that was her excuse to spend as much time teasing and bantering with her as possible. Suzuka, despite her confidence in combat and strategy, found herself awkwardly out of her element in the realm of etiquette and Olivia enjoyed every moment of it.

By the time the evening of the ball arrived, Suzuka was still unsure if she’d mastered the art of refinement or simply become more accustomed to Olivia’s relentless flirtation. Either way, she was excited as she waited for the evening.

Isaac came to pick them up in a carriage as opulent as it was discreet. Dressed in an intricately tailored suit and an elegant mask that covered half his face, he radiated an air of mystery befitting the occasion.

"Ladies," he greeted, offering a hand to help each of them into the carriage. 

"Looking sharp, Isaac. Did you raid a nobleman’s wardrobe for that?" Suzuka said as she settled into her seat.

Isaac chuckled, his eyes glinting behind the mask. 

"I assure you, this is all my own." 

He gestured to the dresses he had delivered earlier.

 "And you both look stunning. I daresay you’ll steal the attention of the entire ball."

Olivia leaned closer to Suzuka, her voice low and teasing.

 "Hear that? We’re the stars tonight. Try not to let it go to your head though."

Suzuka smirked, tilting her chin playfully. 

"Too late. I already feel like a Queen."

As the carriage rolled toward the mansion hosting the ball, the three exchanged light banter, though anticipation lingered. They all knew the evening ahead was more than just a night of glamour.

At the door, they were met by two guards dressed in black suits, their expressions stony beneath the flickering torchlight. Isaac stepped forward with a confident air, producing an invitation from the folds of his coat. The guards scrutinized the document for a moment before nodding and stepping aside to allow them entry.

The trio ascended the wide marble steps, flanked by grand columns entwined with ivy and roses. As the heavy doors swung open, they were greeted by the hum of music, laughter, and conversation spilling out from within.

Inside, the mansion was a display of opulence. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm, golden glow, their light catching on gilded mirrors and fine tapestries. Guests moved about in elaborate costumes and masks that ranged from regal to outlandish, each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Suzuka leaned in close to Olivia as they walked, her voice low and teasing.

 “So, is this what noble fun looks like? Fancy outfits, hidden faces, and… whatever else they’re doing?”

Olivia chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling behind her mask.

 “Oh, you have no idea. Just keep your eyes open, darling—you’ll learn plenty tonight without me saying a word.”

Isaac, overhearing, cast them a sidelong glance.

 “I'm afraid we won't be here long enough to enjoy the fun. We’re here for a reason, remember?”

They passed into the grand ballroom, a space so vast it seemed endless. Musicians played on a raised dais, their melodies weaving through the conversations like an enchantment. The scent of perfume, spiced wine, and something richer, more elusive, hung in the air.

 Isaac guided them toward a quieter corner, his eyes scanning the room beneath the cover of his mask. 

“The nobleman we’re after will be here soon,” he murmured. 

“He is hosting todays gatherings. Stay close, and keep your eyes peeled. If he suspects me, he’ll vanish before we can make a move.”

“Don’t worry, Isaac. Helen and I are more than capable of handling this… crowd.”

 “Just point him out when you find him. We’ll make sure he doesn’t slip away.”

Isaac gave a brief nod, his expression unreadable behind the intricate mask.

"Oh, we won't miss him. When all the guests have arrived, he’ll make his entrance. As host, he’ll deliver a welcoming speech. That will be our moment."   

Olivia tilted her head, her lips curving into a playful grin.

 “A grand entrance and a speech? How very noble of him. Makes it easy for us, doesn’t it?”

Isaac’s mouth twitched in what might have been the shadow of a smile. 

“Easier, perhaps. But don’t let your guard down. He didn’t get this far by being careless. He’ll have guards around him—most likely unregistered Magic Box users.”

 “Unregistered users, huh? Sounds like he plays dirty. That’s fine, leave them to me. I’ve dealt with worse. I will leave regular guards to Olivia, and you can go after the man you after.”

Isaac nodded, his gaze drifting back to the growing crowd. 

“Sounds easy but in reality, if we make a move too early, he’ll bolt, and if we’re too late, we might not get another chance.”

Olivia swirled her glass lazily, her grin fading into something more serious.

 “Then we’ll need to look the part until he shows. Blend in. Make sure we’re just three more faces in the crowd.”

For the next hour, the trio drifted apart, blending seamlessly into the flow of the masquerade. The grand ballroom was alive with motion—couples waltzing across the polished floor, laughter mingling with the lilting strings of a live orchestra, and servers weaving through the crowd with trays of champagne flutes. 

Suzuka kept to the edges of the room, her sharp eyes scanning for anything unusual. Olivia, with her natural grace and charm, moved effortlessly among the attendees, her mask hiding the sharpness of her gaze. Isaac lingered near the refreshments, observing from a distance, his dark attire blending into the muted corners of the room.

An hour passed before the grand doors at the far end of the ballroom swung open with a flourish. The bustling crowd quieted, heads turning toward the balcony above. The last of the guests had arrived, and with them, the man everyone had been waiting for—the host of the evening.

The host stepped into view, his appearance impeccably polished, from the finely tailored suit to the intricate mask that concealed his identity. Yet there was an undeniable air of menace about him, a chill that seemed to ripple through the room as he surveyed the crowd. Behind him, two rough-faced men loomed, their black suits ill-fitting against their imposing frames. 

Isaac, still stationed near the refreshments, tightened his grip on his glass, his gaze fixed on the host. He leaned slightly to the side, speaking into a faint magical earpiece that connected him to Olivia and Suzuka.

“There he is, Baron Gideon Vayner,” he murmured.

 “That’s our man. Keep an eye on him—and those thugs. They’re not here for decoration.”

Suzuka’s voice crackled softly in his ear. 

“I see them. They look like they’d be more comfortable in a back-alley brawl than a fancy ball. What’s the plan?”

Isaac’s lips barely moved as he replied. 

“For now, we wait. Watch his movements, see who he interacts with. When the time comes, we strike—but not before we’re sure we’ve cornered him.”

 “Understood. I’ll mingle closer to the balcony. Let me know when you’re ready.”

As the host was about to deliver his speech, the trio stayed in their positions.

The host stepped onto the balcony with grace, his ornate mask glittering under the chandelier's golden light. A hush fell over the room as he spread his arms in a welcoming gesture, a charming smile just visible beneath the edges of his mask.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice warm and smooth, carrying effortlessly across the ballroom.

 “It fills my heart with joy to see so many beautiful faces gathered here tonight. Each of you graces this hall with your elegance, your charm, and, of course, your secrets.” His words were laced with a sly undertone, earning a ripple of laughter from the crowd.

“This evening is for you—a night to leave behind the mundane, to embrace the mystery and allure of the mask, and to indulge in pleasures you dare not dream of outside these walls.”

 He raised his glass high, his smile deepening.

 “Here, you are free. Free to revel, free to connect, free to… enjoy yourselves without hesitation or restraint.”

The crowd responded with murmurs of approval and clinking glasses, the energy in the room shifting subtly, growing warmer, more intimate.

“So please,” he continued, his tone velvet-soft, “do not be shy. Lose yourself in the music, the company, and the magic of the evening. And most importantly…” He leaned forward slightly “Enjoy! To the fullest!”

He lifted his glass once more in a toast, the room erupting into applause and cheers as he stepped back. The host vanished from the balcony, leaving the ball. Only the two suited men behind him stayed, their watchful eyes scanning the room.