There were many things in the world that made no sense. For example, the highlight of an academic conference was the tea break, while the main event at a banquet was socializing.
Kraft had never understood the strange logic behind this, and he loathed it. Especially when he'd arrived at a dinner with an empty stomach, wearing clothes that didn't suit his tastes and hoping to eat quickly and leave unnoticed—only to find himself surrounded the moment he reached for the bread.
Most people took a brief look and then went back to their conversations. Still, quite a few people who literally seemed to shine made their way over. Their splendid clothes followed similar styles, adorned with pearls and precious metals, set with large, polished faceted gems. Many also wore necklaces or headpieces made from linked metal plates of the same substantial size.
The prevailing style of high-end fashion these days was all about substance: plenty of material, vivid colors, openings between the arranged fabric to show off even richer textiles and demonstrate color coordination and tailoring skills. Add equally oversized accessories, and to Kraft's senses, it was like watching a jewelry-store display case lined with velvet move toward him.
With all kinds of meat within arm's reach, the aroma of heated fat and protein stirred the hunger in his genes. But he could only stop there, put on an awkward but polite smile, and wave behind his back to signal to Kup and Yvonne that they needn't wait for him.
In an atmosphere oppressive enough to make a dozen introverts want to die, Martin's most important role that evening became clear: he began introducing the people gathered there.
Most were people whose titles included a noble rank, generally on the lower end of the scale. But given that they