Sea Emperor · Banquet Hall
The banquet hall was located on the Sea Emperor's seventh floor, taking up nearly an entire deck.
The moment the elevator doors opened, soft music drifted over.
Xinhai led his companions out of the elevator. Before them stretched a corridor carpeted in deep crimson.
Several oil paintings hung along the walls on either side, set in exquisite golden frames and depicting portraits of various Pokémon.
At the end of the corridor stood two tall white wooden doors, wide open. Beyond them, the hall was brilliantly lit and filled with shifting figures.
Most of the men wore dark suits or formal attire, their hair immaculately combed and their leather shoes polished to a shine.
Some held wineglasses, while others spoke quietly with those beside them, their manner composed and elegant.
The women wore evening gowns in every color, their trailing skirts sweeping the floor and their jewelry glittering brilliantly beneath the lights.
They linked arms with their partners or gathered in small groups, letting out light, cheerful laughter from time to time.
Their Pokémon followed at their sides. Some were elegant, refined Glameow, their fur groomed to perfection and tiny bows tied around their necks;
Some were energetic Growlithe, their coats gleaming and tails held high;
Some were tiny, adorable Pichu perched on their trainers' shoulders, their little paws clutching at collars.
Every one of them was dressed with care and taste, clearly having been meticulously groomed and adorned.
"Eevee..." Eevee lay atop Xinhai's shoulder, their large brown eyes gazing at the formally dressed guests and Pokémon as they let out a soft gasp.
They lowered their head to look at themself—fluffy brown fur without a single ornament, and four little paws with clean, unadorned claws.
They pawed at one ear, then looked again at the