"Hero Kura, might I ask one thing?"
I was surprised when it was one of the princesses who came to collect me when the king was free from his tasks and able to meet with me. I expected a maid, butler or maybe a knight, but not a princess. Nor did I expect her to bow to me while she greeted us.
Her name was Sistina Shiga. She kinda reminded me of my high school librarian with the air she gave off at first, but unlike that librarian, the princess's eyes sparkled behind her glasses instead of shooting glares at everyone. Despite having the same brownish coloured hair tied up in a bun and the same shade of blue eyes, those two can't be more different if they tried.
"Why are several of your companions sitting on their hands?"
Princess Sistina is referring to Nana and her sisters, and there is a reason why they are sitting like that. A very simple reason. They couldn't keep their hands to themselves. A statue of a horse- they had to try to pet it. They saw a picture of a cute animal and needed to take a closer look. They saw one of the castle's maids' young child helping her with her chores, and they needed to go and dote on them.
In the end, I had to use the all-mighty power of the words "Master's orders" to get them to stop causing trouble. I ordered them to sit on their hands and not to move. So far, it is working out perfectly as they have caused no trouble while I secretly reattached the head to that horse statue that didn't survive the petting, among other repairs.
"They wouldn't keep their hands to themselves," I answer honestly, but keep quiet about all the damage they caused. "So, you were saying how the king is ready to meet us, your highness."
"Y-yes," the princess took a moment to recover. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sistina, sixth princess of the Shiga Kingdom." She curtsied. "And my father has sent me to invite you all to the reception hall." She smiled as she stood tall again. "Please follow me."
After warning everyone not to touch anything, we trailed behind the princess. To their credit, Nana and her sisters did avoid touching any of the statues and didn't try to get a closer look at the paintings, but… but that didn't last long.
"Larval!"
As soon as one of the sisters spotted a child, they all turned towards them. But this time it wasn't the child of a servant but a young girl who looked like a kid version of Princess Sistina, only with curlier hair. Between Pearl, Sara, Mia, and me, we managed to stop the sisters from grabbing her, but it turned out it wasn't Nana or her sisters who moved the fastest.
Princess Sistina stepped towards the girl so fast that if I had blinked, it would appear she teleported. She smiled and patted the girl's head.
"Doris, you were meant to wait with Father and the others in the reception room," the princess said.
"But I wanted to meet them." The girl smiled back as she leaned into the head pats.
"We were all going to do that in the reception room," Sistina replied. "Does father know you decided to come here?"
"He was busy, so I snuck out."
"You shouldn't do that," the princess sighed. "But since you are already here, how about joining me in escorting our guests?"
"Yes," the kid beamed before turning to us. "Pleased to meet you. I am Doris Shiga, twelfth princess of the Shiga Kingdom, ten years old."
With a perfect curtsy and a bright smile, Princess Doris looked at each of us.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm the hero Kura Suou,"
I bowed and noticed that the kids' gaze was not on me but on the person next to me. Viola wasn't doing anything wrong, I think. I didn't notice her do anything, at least. But I don't think it is anything like that. The way Princess Doris is looking at her is like someone sizing up a rival. I hope Viola didn't sneak off and cause trouble.
"Big brother will win," I heard her whisper before she smiled again as everyone else introduced themselves.
I'm not sure what she meant by that, but if it was just about what happened in the old capital with Sharorik, then I have nothing to worry about. From what little I know about what happened to him after that incident in the arena, he isn't even in the royal capital. But he might have more fans who hold a grudge against me, so I'd better keep an eye out for trouble.
No. I stepped closer to Viola without realising it. Nobles seeking my hand in marriage will be the main problem. I'm glad I at least found a shield for that problem. I just need to make people accept that her male disguise will be my husband.
<0>
"Please, there is no need to stand on formality," the king stopped us as we moved to bow. "Have a seat and help yourself to tea and snacks."
I blinked. This wasn't what I was expecting, but if I don't have to be so stiff and formal, I won't complain. It should be safe since only a handful of knights and servants are in the room with the… rather large royal family. Princes and princesses filled the room along with the queen and several of the king's concubines and other wives.
Everyone introduced themselves one by one, and I was surprised a family could be so large. The youngest of the princes and princesses was only a year older than Princess Doris, with the oldest being in their late twenties, a few years older than the king's youngest wife. They were all beautiful and handsome, and apart from Princess Sistina, they were either already married or engaged to nobles of this kingdom or royalty from other nations. Soltrick Shiga, the crown prince, already had two wives and was engaged to two other women, and one of his wives was here giving me an unfriendly look for some reason.
"Thank you for the warm welcome," I said after the introductions were over.
We all took our seats on the operiste side of the royals, finding the sofa soft and comfortable. Still, we were on the receiving end of everyone's stares.
"I see you acquired some new companions." The king glances at Nana's sisters, who thankfully are behaving themselves.
"Yes, we had an unexpected reunion after the airship incident," I respond. "Though we didn't expect to meet them so soon."
The king smiles warmly.
Viola merely offered a small, polite smile, perfectly unreadable. But I caught the twinkle of mischief in her eyes. She's enjoying this far too much. Her male form is handsome with sharp features, short black hair, and a confident stance that makes me wonder why anyone would question her being my husband. Then again, she did always have a mischievous streak back in our world.
"Please introduce yourself, young man," the king says, leaning forward slightly, his eyes narrowing with interest.
Viola gives a slight bow of her head before speaking. "Victor, Your Majesty."
I let out a breath as she replied without causing any trouble.
"Victor, is it?" The king stroked his chin. "That's an unusual name. Where do you hail from, Victor?"
"I am from Puta in the Ougoch Duchy like Kura," Viola responded smoothly. "We used to be Mon Hunters together."
The king stroked his chin, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Mon Hunters, you say? That's rare work, indeed. Tell me, Victor—how did you meet Kura Suou?"
"We grew up together," Viola says, her voice smooth and unhurried. "We were childhood friends in Puta. We were inseparable... until she got embarrassed when someone hit on her and shouted she would only date someone stronger than her."
I coughed a little.
"I wasn't embarrassed; that guy just wouldn't take no for an answer." I defended myself automatically, my face heating up.
I really don't know why, since it never happened in the first place. It's just something she made up.
"I left for the labyrinth city to get stronger not long after that, and we only reunited last month by chance there." Viola smoothly continued her story.
The king nodded thoughtfully.
"A childhood reunion, hmm? How fortunate for you both." His gaze shifted back to me. "And you chose him as your husband?"
Viola answered before I could open my mouth. "We chose each other of our own free will."
Her voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt. The king still looked unconvinced, but he said no more on the matter. Instead, he turned to another subject.
"So, about your promotion to viscount. In two days, during the welcome banquet for the visiting nobility, you will be given the rank of viscount. There will be a small ceremony to reward you and your party for your achievements, and your companions will be gifted noble titles as well."
"Thank you for this generous gift, Your Majesty," I say
"It is my pleasure. The Shiga Kingdom owes you a great debt."
I look around the room; Nana and her sisters don't seem to realise what was said, as they're trying a range of stacks. Mia, Sara and Viola look unfazed, but Pearl looks shocked. I think I know why. She is technically my slave, since I saved her in the labyrinth back in Seiryuu City, and a demi-human, which alone makes her hated in parts of the kingdom. I can already see that many people will question Pearl's right to be a noble.
<0>
"So, do you have any idea as to your family names?" I ask.
We returned to the guest room and sat down after discussing the promotion in more detail with the king.
"While Mia and I can't take titles, I'm happy to help everyone pick," Sara said.
"Mm." Mia nodded.
Sara couldn't take a title because of her position in the temple, and Mia won't take one because of some kind of agreement with the elves, but I don't know much about that. As for Viola and Nana's sisters, they won't get a title because they don't have any achievements like the rest of us.
But Pearl, Nana will be promoted to honorary knights. So, the two of them need family names. I look at Pearl, rustling in her seat beside me with her ears drooping slightly. She looks so anxious.
"You don't have to worry about what people think." I reach out and give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"I don't care what people think," she replies. "I just don't want things to change," Pearl whispered. Her voice was small, almost lost in the rustling of the elegant curtains in the breeze. "I'm happy with the way things are."
"Nothing will change," I assured her. "You and Nana will be my retainers when you are promoted, so things will stay the same between us. I don't care about titles."
Pearl lifts her head slightly, a small spark returning to her blue eyes.
"You mean that?" she whispers, her voice barely audible.
I nod firmly, but before I can reply, Mia climbs into my lap.
"Mmm." She pouts, puffing out her cheeks while staring at my hand resting on Pearl's.
It's cute how Mia's cheeks puff out like a squirrel storing nuts.
"So do either of you have any ideas for a name yet?" I ask, looking between Pearl and Nana. But something else catches my eye. "Huit, don't touch that."
The younger of Nana's sisters jumps back from the glass figure she was reaching for.
"Huit wasn't doing anything wrong, I insist." She waves her hands around animatedly.
"Nana was just trying to figure out how to properly pet it, I inform."
"Young ones should only touch what they are told to touch, so I declare," Nana chimes in with her typical speech pattern.
"Not a young one, I'm a grown woman! So I protest!"
Huit's response prompts a chorus of laughter from everyone else in the room. Even Mia couldn't hold back her giggles while still sitting on my lap. Sara reaches over and takes the glass figure from Huit's hands, then puts it back on the side table. I let out a soft sigh as I watch my group of companions slowly settle down. However, it's clear that Nana's sisters still have their curious eyes roaming around the room. I should have the maids hide the fragile stuff later.
"And you mentioned Nagasaki, right, Nana?"
"Yes, my previous master's name, I report."
Nana's former master, Zen the Undead King, was a reincarnated Japanese man. I received my holy sword from him after taking part in his elaborate suicide scheme, which began when he kidnapped Mia.
"Master, requesting permission to take Nagasaki as my last name."
"If that's what you want, then yes."
"Understood, Master. Nagasaki it is, I declare."
I nod in approval and turn my attention back to Pearl. "Pearl, what about you?"
"I-I..." Pearl hesitates, her ears drooping slightly as she glances at me with uncertainty. "I'm not sure. We didn't use family names in my village."
"We still have two days, so there is no rush," I reassure Pearl. "You don't need to decide now."
I look to the others for help.
"Do you have any ideas for family names?" I ask, gesturing towards Mia and Sara.
"No," Mia replies, snuggling into me.
"Hmm." Sara hums, thinking for a moment. "How about something simple... something like Silvermane?"
I blink at her suggestion. "Silvermane?"
"Yes," Sara nods, her green eyes sparkling with thought. "It's pretty and fitting for Pearl. It's not too long or complicated either."
"Silvermane..." I repeat, testing the name out. It does suit Pearl well. Her blonde hair has a silver sheen to it in the right light, and the way her ears twitch when she's nervous reminds me of a rabbit's ears. "What do you think?"
Pearl's ears perk up slightly at the sound of the name. She looks at Sara, then at me.
"Silvermane...?" she repeats softly, as if tasting the word on her tongue. After a moment, she nods slowly. "That's a nice name... I like it."
"Hero Kura! Hero Kura! When will we get names? I inquire." Huit spoke up, but the rest of Nana's sisters looked my way.
She grabbed my head, pulling it back into her chest. She was surprisingly soft despite being so much smaller than her sisters in that department.
"Mmm."
I heard Mia grumble in my lap, but it was Nana that pulled Huit away from me.
"Huit, your front cushions aren't good enough, I conclude," Nana said as she pulled the younger sister away.
"N-no! They are more than enough! I..." Huit stopped for a moment before turning and squeezing Nana's chest.
"Lewd..." Mia muttered.
"Have you grown here?" Huit asked as she continued her game of affectionately molesting Nana.
"Master upgraded me; I boast," Nana looked proud despite her blank expression.
"Hero Kura, it isn't fair to only upgrade Nana; I complain." Huit quickly told her other sister, and I soon joined in.
"I want to be upgraded too, I urge."
"I should be upgraded first, insisted."
"No, it should be me first,"
Even the eldest, Adin, was joining in, and soon I was surrounded.
"Don't worry, I can take care of that... wait, you don't need to take off your clothes!"
As I tried to reassure them, the sister started taking off their tops, and even with Pearl, Sara and Mia working with me, we couldn't stop them.
"We need to make sure we all match, I insist," one of them said as we struggled to get them dressed.
"Never a dull moment," Viola chuckled from her seat as she sipped a glass of wine.
<0>
Two days passed by in the blink of an eye for everyone but me. The others got to rest and relax while I kept getting invites from princes and princesses to tea parties and meals. I hoped that the novelty of being a newly arrived hero would have worn off after the first day, but the second day proved just as busy thanks to the crown prince insisting on showing me around the gardens. Most of those invites to tea parties and meals were from him too. Even when he wasn't inviting me himself, he still showed up at other tea parties I attended.
At least I got to relax a little today before maids swarmed me, insisting I wear the fancy dress they provided as they did my hair and makeup. I must be getting used to being abducted by people like this, as it wasn't as hard to go through as the few times it happened in the past.
"While you look pretty after putting up such a fight with those maids," Viola smirked in my direction, her red eyes gleaming with amusement. "They sure picked out a nice gown for you. The gold embroidery suits you."
I touched the delicate fabric self-consciously, the deep emerald green silk shimmering with threads of gold that matched the crown's colours. The dress had a modest neckline but hugged my frame in a way that still felt scandalous—especially with how low it dipped in back.
"Thank you," I murmured. "At least you don't have to wear something like this."
I would much rather wear the suit Viola was given. The black formal tailcoat with a high collar suited her so much better than this tight silk monstrosity they put me in.
"So, the two of us will enter together, then they will call everyone out one by one, right?" Viola asks.
"Yes," I nodded before grabbing her arm as the doors started to open.
A red carpet cut through the middle of the grand hall, leading towards the throne where King Shiga and his family were seated. The nobles and dignitaries murmured to each other as they took their seats, their jewels catching the dim light like fallen stars.
"Her Hero Kura and escort for the night!" boomed the herald, his voice echoing off the vaulted ceiling.
My fingers tightened around Viola's forearm. All around us, nobles sat like peacocks in silk and velvet, their gloved hands clutching goblets, their necklaces heavy. I tried not to stare at the sheer number of them—their piercing eyes following us as if we were curiosities to be appraised while we walked forward.
At the front of the throne was a Yamato stone; we stopped before it and bowed. We had been briefed on what to do. Walk forward, bow, listen to the king, then use the Yamato stone to display my stats to the gathered guests. Viola was supposed to do the same, and then they would call my friends one by one to show off their stats, too. Apart from Nana's sisters, who were lucky enough to get out of this, they would still have to attend the party. I may have to keep them close to avoid any more incidents, though.
The king stood and raised his hand, the crowd falling into a hush as his fingers brushed against the Yamato stone.
"Hero Kura Suou," the king's voice rang out clear and strong, echoing around the hall, "We are honoured to have you with us this evening. Your deeds have brought great glory to our kingdom, and we are grateful."
King Shiga looked over to me with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"You have proven yourself with countless accomplishments in the Muno territory, Ougoch Duchy, and Labyrinth City Celivera," he continued. "We have also received letters of commendation from various nations in the southern seas, thanking you for stamping out pirates who were terrorising the trade route."
As the king recited my long list of accomplishments, the lesser nobles began murmuring as well. Some were impressed, others were sceptical. But none of them could deny my achievements. It was a long list, and everyone had heard of some of them at least.
"Therefore, I hereby promote the hero, Knight Kura Suou, to viscount." The king declared.
The assembly erupted into applause, though I already had the title; this made it official. The weight of the moment felt heavier than I expected, but I kept my expression composed. I smiled and raised my head.
"Please continue to use your strength to protect the citizens of the kingdom," King Shiga said with a slight bow.
"I will do everything in my power to do so, Your Majesty."
After the applause died down, the king continued speaking.
"No, please place your hands on the Yamato stone."
I did as instructed, and soon I heard the gasps. I wasn't looking forward to the attention I would get for this.
Everyone was silent as they read my stats. Even the king looked impressed.
"These stats are... unnatural," the king muttered, rubbing his temples. "No one should have this many titles at this level."
I simply gave a small shrug. "I've been lucky, Your Majesty."
Viola let out a soft chuckle beside me, her red eyes glinting with amusement.
"Kura's always been a little overpowered," she murmured, leaning in just enough for her breath to warm my ear.
I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. My breath hitched slightly. It felt like forever until the king started talking again and asked Viola to show her stats.
(Her equipment is currently being made by Satou and will be added in later chapters)
I let out a breath. It looks like Viola really can fool the Yamato stone. I was worried we'd get exposed and I would lose my shield against the barrage of requests for marriage meetings. But to the nobles watching us, Viola was nothing more than a perfectly handsome young man. A commoner who is in their way. I can hear some scoffs and comments, even though Viola is at a very high level in this world.
The king looks at Viola with an unfathomable gaze.
"Victor... you have the strength to stand beside a hero; please aid her in protecting the people."
"As you wish, sire." She responded with a deep bow before stepping forward to stand beside me.
"Let us continue," The king recovered. "Follower of Hero Kura, Nana, please come forward."
Nana, like her sisters, was wearing a beautiful silk gown. Just like we were all given. The sisters were given matching dresses with lace details on the sleeves and hems and satin ribbons around the waist. All of them showed off their busts, and since they were all made the same, they looked rather impressive.
Nana walked up with an almost-perfect posture. Her large bust bounced slightly with each step. The crowd murmured at seeing her. Whispers of "wow", "amazing", "thanks for sending them to me" began to fill the hall. I shouldn't have expected better from nobility. At least the men are getting smacked by their wives for being drawn in by Nana's jiggling. Nana just blinked, then her usual blank look took over as she curtsied to the king.
"Hero's companion Nana, for your deeds I will grant you the title of knight," the king smiled. "Please continue to work with the hero Nana Nagasaki." The king's voice was kind as he finished his speech with Nana's title promotion. Nana bowed gracefully in response, her long honey-colored hair swaying with the movement.
"I will do my best, Your Majesty," Nana said as she touched the stone.
The crowd was more interested in Nana's race than in her stats. Unlike her sisters, I never gave Nana a bracelet that disguised her as human. I didn't think people would see it as a big deal, but after seeing the reactions, I was wrong. The whispered comments grew louder as word of Nana's race spread. "Homunculus..." "She's not even human..." "I wonder how-" Nana didn't seem to mind, or if she did, she didn't show it. She curtsied again and moved to stand beside me. The king continued the ceremony after quieting everyone.
"Follower of Hero Kura, Pearl, please step forward."
Pearl entered the room wearing a simpler dress compared to Nana's, but it still complemented her well. She walked gracefully, her long blonde hair shimmering under the chandeliers, her rabbit ears twitching slightly as the demi-human haters spoke up. They were already muttering among themselves, but Pearl kept her head high.
"Hero Kura's follower Pearl, for your deeds I will grant you the title of knight and the family name of Silvermane," the king declared.
Pearl bowed deeply, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to serve."
She stepped forward and placed her hand on the Yamato stone. The crowd fell silent again as her stats appeared.
Pearl was pretty impressive, and that Sword Dance skill was something she got by accident while practising. Still, Pearl was keen to see if it would help her with the blade, so she recently decided to level that skill up.
But to some in the crowd, even Pearl's strength wasn't enough to earn respect as one of the nobles in the back muttered, 'Just a slave.' Pearl's ears flattened for a second before she took a deep breath and raised her head. She looked like she took those words and used them to fuel her resolve.
The next person invited was Sara; she walked forward with a calm smile, her hair catching the light. The nobles murmured in approval at her grace.
"Follower of Hero Kura, Sara, though your deeds are deserving of a title befitting your companions, I know your duty prevents it, so I will give you my gratitude for all you have accomplished."
Sara bowed and smiled.
"I'm glad to be of service, Your Majesty."
She turned and placed her hand on the Yamato stone, her stats appearing above it.
Sara's grandfather, Duke Ougoch and her father look like they are about to faint from shock. Sara was a kind and gentle girl needing me to teach her self-defence when they last saw her, and now she is stronger than the toughest warrior in their territory. She sure came a long way.
"Let us welcome Misanaria Bolenan of Bolena forest and a member of Hero Kura's team," the announcer called, breaking me from my thoughts.
Mia stepped forward with her usual quiet grace, her twin turquoise tails swaying slightly as she walked. The shrine maiden-like outfit she opted for today looked cute on her, but she normally chooses to wear Western-style dresses like the rest of us.
"Misanaria, your deeds are worthy of being rewarded with a title, but once again I can only offer you my sincere gratitude. I hope you may continue to aid hero Kura for the sake of the kingdom and the world." The king's voice took on a fond tone as he spoke to the tiny elf.
Mia bowed deeply, her twin tails swaying gently.
"Yes," she replied softly before stepping forward to place her hand on the stone.
The crowd murmured as her delicate frame was dwarfed by the Yamato stone. As her stats appeared above it, collective gasps echoed through the hall.
The king brought the ceremony to an end with a few more words before inviting everyone to the main hall, where we could mingle with snacks and drinks available. I couldn't help but feel anxious about what would happen.
<0>
Despite not having so many eyes on me as I entered the room, there were still plenty of people looking my way. No, everyone who noticed me was staring. I could feel their gazes boring into my side, my hair, my dress—everything. The whispers started up again, but this time they were about me personally rather than my accomplishments. I could hear it all: "So she is the famous Hero Kura," "She looks so young." I kept my face neutral even as my fingers tightened once more around Viola's arm.
Only the heads of noble houses attended the ceremony, but here there are plenty of heirs and other family members. The daughters seemed to be jealous as they blushed at Viola and glared at me.
"Okay, remember, be careful what you say, and if someone wants you to agree to something or to follow them out of the room, let either Sara or me know, and we will handle it," I told Nana and her sisters.
The younger sisters are sure curious about everything, and I don't want them to cause any trouble tonight or to agree to anything that would put us at a disadvantage. I can already imagine nobles trying to win my support by manipulating someone I know. I do not want my friends to be taken advantage of.
Once the sisters agreed, we went our separate ways: I took Viola around to greet people, Sara went to see her family, and Pearl and Mia watched over Nana and her sisters.
"So, any nobles that hate you?" Viola asked.
"Only Vistall for some reason," I shrugged. "But Prince Sharorik has some followers, and they might try something, and before you ask, I have no idea who they are."
"Sounds fun," Viola grinned. Her red eyes seemed to spark with mischief. "So, if someone tries to do something, then I get to maim them, right?"
"Viola, please," I groaned, dragging her forward by the arm as she laughed. "You're not to start a fight. Just smile and don't take their bait."
"Where's the fun in that?"
We had only taken a few steps when a nobleman in his fifties with a thick moustache bowed deeply before me. His embroidered doublet gleamed with silver thread, and his smirk suggested he thought he had the upper hand.
"Viscount Suou, it's an honour to finally meet the legendary hero," he said, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "I am Count Aldric, and I wish to purchase that little trading company of yours."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not the sole owner of the Echigoya Company," I replied, keeping my tone polite but firm. "Since I'm not the sole owner, I can't make any decisions about selling the company."
"But that commoner I hear you have running things and some former nobles who handle the day-to-day operations will have no choice but to bend to my will. If you sell it to me, I will make sure you get a fair price," he pressed, licking his lips.
Behind him, two of his sons smirked, their eyes gleaming with greed. I noticed the way his gaze kept flickering down to my chest before he forced himself to look back at my face. It made my skin prickle with discomfort, but I kept my expression carefully neutral.
"I appreciate your interest, Count Aldric," I said smoothly, "but if I do sell, then how will you make money from the company?"
"..."
"My flag allows for trade without taxes in Lalagi," I cut him off when I saw he was about to answer. "The ships that carry the company's cargo are independent and captained by the son of a portent family who might not be willing to continue the deal if you take over."
"I can gather more ships and captains, and prices can be raised to cover those taxes." The count said at last, his voice a little strained.
"Then there is the stuff that the kingdom doesn't want others to get their hands on," I continued. "I have a lot of trust and backing, but if I were to sell the company, many of the products won't be able to be produced," I said with a sweet smile. "Not to mention most of the employees are loyal to the other owner and me."
Yeah, they really want to be with Satou's Kuro disguise so much they threw themselves at him only to find him too dense to notice. I'm sure none of them would stick around if they could see Kuro any more. The thought made my lips twitch into a small smirk.
"Ah, so that is how it is," Count Aldric said, his voice tight with forced politeness. His moustache twitched as he tried to maintain his composure. "I hadn't realised your influence extended so far."
I kept my smile sweet and innocent as the count left with his two sons. They were fuming, I could tell, but they didn't try anything else. Good.
"Can't I punch someone? All this smiling and being silent is making my face hurt," Viola whispered to me in an exaggerated pout.
"Please don't punch anyone," I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Remember why we're here."
"To socialise with boring adults who think they're better than us," she smirked.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me.
As we continued moving through the crowd, I felt a tug on my sleeve. Mia tugged gently at the hem of my formal dress, her emerald-green eyes wide as she leaned in close, her voice barely audible over the murmur of the guests.
"Someone's calling me," she said.