⸻
Scene 1: Entering the Banquet
Golden rays of sunlight streamed across the skies of Skyperion, the continent of floating isles. The brilliance reflected off the gleaming golden sharkcraft, illuminating its surface as it soared through the clouds. Inside, a group of passengers—dressed to the nines—sat with hearts fluttering in anticipation. Their extravagant attire, courtesy of a generous sponsor who happened to be one of the kingdom's princes, shimmered with elegance.
Akira's team couldn't hide their excitement. The girls were stunning in their lavish dresses, with perfectly styled hair and elegant makeup that made even Draco's heart skip a beat. As for Akira—he found himself barely able to meet their eyes, afraid his own heart might waver in their overwhelming presence.
Before long, the sharkcraft arrived at its destination: Evan's grand castle. From the sky, they could see opulent airships of all shapes and designs dropping off guests. Each person stepping onto the red carpet was dressed in finery so exquisite, it almost sparkled under the sun.
Akira glanced around at the luxury and thought silently to himself:
"So that's why he insisted on sponsoring our outfits. He didn't want his sisters and the main guests of the evening to be outshone. On the surface, it seems like a kind gesture from a thoughtful older brother… but I can't help but wonder… is there something else hidden behind this grand evening?"
⸻
⸻
As we arrived, the guards moved swiftly to secure the perimeter. Instantly, all eyes turned to us.
Yue leaned close to Keela and whispered nervously,
"Sister Keela… do we really have to walk past all these people? In a dress like this… I'm so embarrassed…"
Keela turned to gently take her hand.
"It's alright. They're looking because we're the stars of the evening."
Mirelle reached for Yue's other hand and smiled.
"Just think of them as your audience—here to hear your music."
That simple shift in perspective lit up the little fox-eared girl's face with a bright smile.
We quickly arranged ourselves into pairs and trios. Leading the formation were Evan and Lias, followed by Cassius, Vince, and Caeron.
Our group came next—Keela, Yue, and Mirelle at the front, followed by Elina and Osiris. Akira and Draco brought up the rear.
There was no moment to rest upon entering. Evan took the lead and guided us directly onto the stage.
The announcer gave a brief introduction before inviting Evan to open the ceremony. With a flick of his fingers, Evan drew a glowing rune in the air near his mouth.
"Welcome…" he said softly—
but the word echoed powerfully across the grand hall, as though amplified by a majestic sound system. No one in the crowd flinched; it was clear this kind of magic was routine for them.
But for us—especially Yue, with her sensitive hearing—the sudden volume was overwhelming. She flinched slightly, squeezing the hands of Mirelle and Keela. Her older sisters exchanged soothing glances and squeezed back in reassurance.
Evan continued speaking for a while, his tone confident and measured, before shifting to the topic of our team.
"…As many of you know, the heroes standing before you have already accomplished incredible feats. But what makes today truly special…"
He paused, letting anticipation build.
Then he gestured gracefully toward Keela.
"…is the return of our own Princess Keela… now standing among them—not as royalty, but as a comrade."
"And so, on behalf of all Skyperion, I welcome them not just formally—but with warmth and sincerity. May this evening be one where all of Skyperion can meet them not as strangers, but as friends… fitting for those who stand alongside our beloved princess, and call this land her home."
⸻
⸻
Cheers and applause erupted as Evan led us down from the stage. He moved with practiced grace, greeting guests here and there while ushering us into the heart of the crowd.
People began approaching us—far too many, too quickly.
On Yue's side, the young girl seemed overwhelmed by the sheer number of strangers. She instinctively hid behind Keela, who, along with Mirelle, stepped forward protectively, shielding their youngest like twin guardians. Nearly everyone approaching her… was male.
Meanwhile, Elina and Osiris found themselves surrounded as well, though their crowd was more diverse. Most conversations didn't last long—Osiris's blunt and often cryptic responses proved a little too intense for the nobles, who gradually withdrew with polite smiles.
As for the two boys, they were instantly swarmed by a group of enthusiastic ladies. For most guys, this might've been a dream scenario—but both Akira and Draco looked visibly uncomfortable. After all, their hearts already belonged elsewhere.
Surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces, all of whom seemed to be powerful or high-born in some way, the entire team grew increasingly anxious. One misstep here could stain not just our own reputations—but that of the entire group.
Still… this was our first time stepping into a world like this.
And we had no choice but to face it—together.
⸻