As Yan Huan stared at Aglaea and Tribbie, their cheeks flushed and eyes unfocused, wondering whether to find them a bowl of oatmeal or simply let them sleep for a while.
A cool, slightly ethereal voice rang out, like an undercurrent from the deep sea piercing through the banquet's clamor.
"Savior, little sea rabbit..."
Yan Huan and Cyrene followed the voice and saw Hysilens standing quietly in a relatively peaceful corner of the hall.
She was not dressed in armor today, but in a long gown that faded from deep blue to nearly black, its hem embroidered with subtle silver patterns like overlapping ripples and fish scales.
Her long hair cascaded like seaweed, with a few strands stirred by the breeze drifting in.
She appeared relaxed, yet her back was straight and her gaze clear, utterly out of place among the guests immersed in revelry.
Seeing them notice her and approach, Hysilens's pale lips curved into the faintest smile, her voice steady.
"You two have been wandering about, your gazes unfocused, as though this grand celebration has left you carrying some heavy concern."
Her gaze was like a tranquil sea surface, yet it could see through the dark currents below.
"Could it be that the attendants here have been lacking, preventing you from enjoying yourselves?"
"No, no." Cyrene quickly shook her head, unconsciously clasping her hands before her as she explained.
"The banquet is wonderful, very lavish. We're enjoying it."
She chose her words carefully, but her eyes could not help drifting toward the throne, and she lowered her voice.
"It's just... we feel that Caesar has not appeared for quite some time, as though she's waiting for someone... We can't help feeling uneasy."
In the end, she expressed Yan Huan's discovery in a relatively tactful manner.
"Oh?" A flicker