Since Azazul didn't have any clothes of his own, a lady arrived at his room and handed him a full outfit—a black dress shirt, black tie, black trousers, a black waistcoat, a black blazer, and matching dress shoes.
"Why is everything black…? Is this why Rin asked what my favorite color is?"
He chuckled to himself.
"If it is… then man, am I lucky to have a partner like her."
After putting on the suit, Azazul looked at himself in the mirror. He looked like a noble teenager again—almost the same way he looked when Matthew was still taking care of him. But his hair was a mess, far too long. He pulled out his hair tie, letting his hair fall over his face and shoulders, then began combing it. After fixing it, he tied his hair back into a ponytail, leaving some long jet-black bangs to cover part of his face.
Azazul was naturally shy. Even when walking, his eyes tended to stay low. The bangs helped—like a shield whenever someone tried to make eye contact.
He summoned his panther, walked to the door, and headed out. He didn't even know where the ballroom was, so instead of asking, he simply followed someone already on their way there.
When he reached the entrance of the ballroom, groups of humans, elves, and dwarves were gathered outside—talking, waiting for companions, adjusting their clothes. But none of that caught his attention.
What caught his eye was the girl leaning against the left wall.
Long silver-white hair. A beautiful black dress. An indifferent expression he recognized immediately.
He approached her cautiously, wondering if she was really who he thought she was. As he neared, she lifted her head. Her icy-blue eyes met his—calm, unreadable, but… he swore he saw a small spark in them.
I'm probably imagining things… right?
He stopped in front of her.
"Wow… you look amazing."
Rin blinked softly, then offered her hand as he gestured his arm.
"Thank you. I can say the same about you."
She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, and together they entered the ballroom.
It was both their first time inside—and it was far grander than expected. A massive marble dance floor stretched across the center of the room, surrounded by round tables with no seats. Beyond that stood the bestowment stage—three steps high, covered in a vivid crimson carpet that seemed to glow under the chandeliers.
The room slowly quieted as a familiar figure appeared on the stage. A woman with scarlet eyes and dark hair, wearing a flowing red dress. Sylvia.
She lifted her voice, and even those outside stopped talking and came inside.
"Tonight, we celebrate the success of our newest recruits. They showed us that with determination, commitment, and sheer willpower, the impossible can be done. Tonight, we honor them with the night of bestowment."
Her scarlet gaze locked onto the pair.
"Azazul and Rin. Step forward."
Rin didn't let go of Azazul's arm, so when they walked toward the stage, they walked together. Dozens of eyes followed them as they crossed the marble floor. At the steps, they knelt on the second stair.
Sylvia unsheathed a dark-black greatsword—the same one used to bestow every demon of darkness throughout history.
Lightly, she tapped Azazul's right shoulder, then his left. She did the same to Rin.
"You are now bestowed."
The two stood and returned to their table.
Sylvia addressed the crowd one last time:
"To everyone here, enjoy your night. And may the next bestowment be yours."
She exited the ballroom, and as she did, piano and violins began to play. Deities and nobles flowed onto the dance floor in pairs.
A familiar face emerged from the crowd and approached Azazul and Rin. The man extended his hand toward Azazul.
"Congratulations on your bestowment."
Azazul glanced at the hand, then at the man with an indifferent expression. He didn't take it.
"Thank you," he replied simply.
The man awkwardly lowered his hand, then turned to Rin. Locking eyes with Azazul in a subtle provocation, he extended his hand toward her.
"May I take your lady for a dance?"
Azazul looked at Rin, who was already looking up at him. But before he could speak, Rin answered calmly:
"I decline your offer to dance."
She turned toward Azazul and hesitated before asking quietly:
"Azazul… do you want to dance?"
Azazul stared at her, surprised.
"Me? Why me?"
Rin released a small sigh.
"Must you always ask stupid questions?"
Azazul smiled.
"Well… some stupid questions are necessary."
After a moment, he shook his head lightly.
"I'll have to decline. I don't know how to dance."
Rin held his gaze for a few seconds.
"It's fine if you don't want to," she said softly.
Azazul gently took Rin's left hand, lifted it, and placed a small kiss on the back of it. He bowed slightly and spoke in an even tone:
"Enjoy your night, Rin."
Then, without another word, Azazul turned and left the ceremony.