Chapter 357 Your Grace Brodric Faladan

Suzuka and Olivia had fun through the night. The morning light filtered through the window of the small storage room, casting uneven beams onto the disarray around them. Suzuka stirred first, groaning as her senses returned. She sat up, her sharp yellow eyes squinting in the dim light. Clothes were scattered everywhere—bright, luxurious costumes that looked like they had been hastily discarded in a drunken haze. Sheets covered both her and Olivia, who was still sprawled out next to her, snoring softly.

Suzuka glanced down at her own dress and grimaced. The elegant black ball gown adorned with red rose patterns was now a shadow of its former glory—torn at the hem, wrinkled beyond repair, and stained with what she hoped was just wine. She rubbed her temple, trying to piece together the fragments of the previous night.

“I swear,” Suzuka muttered to herself, “I’ve never been this wasted before.”

As someone who could hold her liquor better than most, it took an obscene amount to push her past her limits. But with the endless supply of free drinks and Olivia’s infectious energy, the two had apparently embraced the festivities with reckless abandon.

Suzuka nudged Olivia gently at first, then harder when her companion refused to wake.

“Hey, Olivia. Get up. We’ve got to get out of here before someone finds us in this mess.”

Olivia groaned, rolling over and mumbling incoherently. Even she, who prided herself on being able to handle strong drinks, had finally met her match. Suzuka hauled her up with a grunt, supporting her as they stumbled to their feet.

The two women stepped out of the small room and into the grand ballroom, now unrecognizable. The opulent space that had sparkled with glamour and elegance the night before was a scene of complete mess. Discarded costumes and masks littered the floor. Tables were overturned, their fine linens soaked in spilled wine and crushed food. The marble floor was stained with liquids Suzuka decided not to think too hard about, and the air was thick with the stale odor of alcohol and revelry gone too far.

Suzuka glanced around, her sharp eyes taking in the devastation.

“Well, looks like we weren’t the only ones who went all out.”

Olivia leaned heavily on her, blinking groggily at the scene. 

“This place... smells like regret and bad decisions. Well, no surprise there. Most of these balls end up like this.”

The two women limped toward the exit, leaning on each other for support. Olivia’s heels were nowhere to be found, and Suzuka’s own feet ached as they finally stepped out into the crisp morning air. The sunlight was blinding, making both of them wince as they made their way back to the inn where Olivia was staying.

Once they arrived, Suzuka helped Olivia up the stairs and into her room, practically carrying her the last few steps. She eased her onto the bed, pulling off her shoes and tossing them aside before draping a blanket over her.

By the time they made it back, Suzuka’s enhanced body had already worked through the worst of her hangover. Her strength had returned, and her senses were sharp again, though her memories of the night before were still hazy at best.

She stood at the window for a moment, watching the quiet streets below as the town began to stir. Turning back to Olivia, who was already fast asleep, Suzuka allowed herself a small, amused smile.

“Not bad for a first nobleman’s ball. It's a shame I can't remember most of the second half of the evening.” 

As the morning stretched into early afternoon, Suzuka sat by the window of Olivia's room, sipping a glass of water and gazing out at the bustling streets below. But there was no time to sightseeing. She still had matters to resolve, and one in particular loomed large in her mind—the need to meet with the ruler of the town. And Isaac was the best person to help her figure out a way to make that happen.

She reached for the small crystal earpiece Isaac had given them the night before. Sliding it into place, she tapped it lightly and spoke.

“Oh, Prince Charming? Can you hear me? Hello, Isaac? You there?”

No response. The silence stretched, and she sighed, wondering if perhaps he was out of range or still busy dealing with the aftermath of his encounter with Baron Gideon. She leaned back, drumming her fingers on the armrest, when suddenly, a faint crackle came through. Isaac’s calm, familiar voice followed.

 “Hello, Helen? Can you hear me?”

A flicker of relief crossed her face.

 “Loud and clear. Where are you? You got a minute to spare?”

“I just got back to my room at the inn. If you’d like, we can talk here.”

“Perfect. I’ll head over now,” she said, already standing and grabbing her coat.

Suzuka left Olivia snoring softly on the bed, quietly shutting the door behind her as she stepped into the hall. The inn wasn’t far, and within minutes she was standing at Isaac’s door. She knocked lightly.

“Come in,” came his voice from within.

Isaac opened the door and greeted her with his usual polite demeanor, gesturing for her to enter. His room was neat and understated, though it carried a certain elegance that matched his composed personality. He pulled out a chair for her by the small desk.

“Please, have a seat.” 

Suzuka nodded and sat down, her hands resting awkwardly in her lap. After a moment, she cleared her throat. 

“So, uh, I brought dresses with me... to return them.”

Isaac tilted his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips.

 “There’s no need. They were a gift. Consider them yours.”

Suzuka let out a nervous giggle, brushing a hand through her dark hair.

 “Well, that’s good to know. To be honest, they didn’t exactly survive the night. They were, uh, thoroughly enjoyed, let’s say.”

Isaac chuckled softly, his gaze calm. 

“I had a feeling that might be the case. Don’t worry about it.”

“Good. I’d hate to owe you for ruining something that fancy.”

Isaac leaned back in his chair, studying her thoughtfully. 

“You mentioned needing to speak with me. Is it about the dresses, or is there something else on your mind?”

Suzuka hesitated for a moment, tapping her fingers lightly on the desk. 

“Yeah, the thing about meeting the ruler of this town. Problem is, I have no idea how to go about it. I thought maybe you’d have some advice—or a way to arrange it.”

Isaac leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he responded to Suzuka's inquiry with a smile.

“Ah yes, as promised, I’ll help you meet him. It’s not that complex, for us Magic Box power users. We, the great mages, can request an audience at any moment. The ruler is usually more than happy to oblige us, just name the date.”

 “That’s great! The sooner, the better.”

Isaac straightened and glanced at the window, seemingly gauging the time.

 “Well, if you’re ready, we could go right now. I’ve got a free minute, and I can tag along to show you the way.”

“That would be great.”

With that, Isaac rose and gestured for Suzuka to follow him. They left the inn, weaving through the bustling streets of the city. Suzuka couldn’t help but notice how people cleared the way for Isaac, whether it was out of respect, awe, or fear. He walked with a quiet confidence, and she found herself falling into step beside him.

When they reached the castle gates, the guards immediately snapped to attention. One of them stepped forward, his posture stiff with formality.

“Sir, how may we help you?”

 “I’m here to request an audience with the ruler. My companion and I have matters to discuss with him.”

The guard nodded briskly.

 “Of course. I’ll notify the appropriate personnel. Please, follow me.”

The guard led them through the castle’s grand halls, the opulence of the surroundings almost overwhelming. Suzuka glanced around, taking in the gilded walls, intricate tapestries, and shimmering chandeliers. Everything about the place screamed wealth and power.

Finally, they were ushered into a waiting chamber, where they sat for a short time before another guard appeared.

“Master Van Blous,” he said with a bow, “the ruler will see you now. Please, follow me.”

Suzuka and Isaac exchanged a glance before rising and following the guard. The throne room was a masterpiece of dwarven craftsmanship, a blend of ancient artistry and regal splendor. Thick, ornately carved stone pillars lined the hall, each etched with intricate runes that shimmered faintly in the golden light of the chandeliers. The ruler himself sat upon a grand throne forged from a blend of adamantine and gold, its surface inlaid with gemstones that reflected a dazzling array of colors. His presence was as solid as the mountain from which his ancestors hailed.

“Your Grace Brodric Faladan. I appreciate you granting us this audience on such short notice. I’ve come today not for myself but to introduce a friend—a fellow great mage—who wishes to speak with you.”

The ruler inclined his head, his sharp gaze settling on the pair.

 “Isaac Van Blous, it’s always a pleasure. I will hear you out. Miss. State your case.”

Suzuka stepped forward, feeling the weight of the grand throne room pressing down on her. The gleaming marble floors reflected the light of the chandeliers, and the vibrant tapestries lining the walls seemed to watch her every move. 

“Thank you, Your Grace. My name is Helen. I’m here because—”

The ruler held up a hand, his gaze sharp as he tilted his head thoughtfully.

 “Helen, you say?” he murmured, stroking his trimmed beard. He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he seemed to search his memory.