September 7, 1998, 8:00 p.m.
That evening, Kakin Empire's upper-crust nobles, wealthy elites, musicians, painters, writers, and others dressed to the nines and entered the Fourth Prince's luxurious residence in pairs.
The ball began right on time.
Fourth Prince Tserriednich said only a few words before yielding the stage to the orchestra behind him and letting them play.
Before long, lilting music filled the entire ballroom. Many gentlemen and ladies danced gracefully in the central area, like butterflies.
Tserriednich remained the center of attention. Wherever he went, it was as if a spotlight followed him, drawing everyone's eyes.
He didn't join the dancing. Instead, he stayed near the edge of the ballroom, greeting everyone who approached him with a warm, amiable smile. He listened attentively from time to time, always leaving them thrilled.
Tserriednich seemed to have time for everyone, making nearly every guest feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.
The group of six who had just finished speaking with the Fourth Prince stood in a corner, gathered in a circle as they pointed and whispered about him, surrounded by admirers.
They had been classmates and friends of the Fourth Prince at military school. After graduating, they'd joined his private army. Given how close they were to him, they'd naturally been invited to the ball.
"Tserri really is as busy as ever," said Autosin, dressed in a suit, with his hands clasped behind his head. "Just like at military school, he's always surrounded by people trying to curry favor with him."
"Shh—"
Pokson, who wore a bob, put a finger to her lips, signaling for Autosin to keep quiet. Then she cautiously looked around. Only after she'd made sure they were in the clear did she breathe a sigh of relief and pat the bodice of