0.0000001% Demon King - 0DK Chapter 54. The Prince's Invitation (2) (Part 2)

* * *

Irina held Karos’ hand and stepped out of the carriage. The knight watched them impassively.

“This way.”

The knight led them into the building. Irina marveled.

“How splendid…”

It wasn’t like the jeweled splendor of the Demon King’s castle. The patterns and decorations, the harmony of each tile on the floor, all created a sense of nobility.

Such a place wasn’t an imperial building but merely a prince’s ballroom. She was reminded of the empire’s power.

“This ball is a masquerade.”

The guiding knight said.

“If you wish, you may wear a mask upon entering.”

“Ho. Is that so? Then I’ll take one.”

The knight brought a mask and handed it to Irina. She gave it to Karos, whispering so the knight couldn’t hear.

“This is good. We might be able to hide.”

“That would be nice.”

Karos put on the mask.

“This way.”

The guiding knight left. As they followed the direction given, an old man waited in front of a large door. Seeing him, Karos frowned.

‘That old man.’

He was the old man who had silently stood by the prince at the holy site. The old man bowed to Irina.

“Welcome to the ball.”

“…Hmm.”

Irina also knew the old man. She looked at him with a slight frown.

“Why is one of the empire’s swords acting as a guide?”

“It’s a prank by the prince.”

The old man answered bluntly.

“May I have your name?”

“Please, call me comfortably. It’s overwhelming to receive honorifics from one of the empire’s swords.”

The empire’s swords were the pillars of the empire’s power. Without them, the empire’s prestige wouldn’t stand. They held the highest position in the empire, excluding the royal bloodline.

Receiving honorifics from such a person was burdensome. Irina spoke cautiously, but the old man remained emotionless.

“As a guide, I must fulfill my role.”

“If you insist… I am Irina Astrea.”

“And the person beside you?”

The old man’s gaze turned to Karos.

“He is my servant.”

“…I see.”

There was a moment of silence. Irina waited without any change in expression. After a moment, the old man stepped aside.

“Please, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Irina stood confidently at the door. As it opened, the old man’s voice echoed inside the hall.

“Lady Irina Astrea has arrived.”

* * *

A splendid hall.

Soft music.

And numerous dresses and suits.

Dozens of gazes fixed on Irina. For a moment, only the sound of music could be heard.

After five seconds, people resumed laughing and talking. However, quiet murmurs began among them.

“It’s grand.”

Irina walked in confidently among them. Karos stood behind her, supporting her presence.

“Karos, do you see that man?”

Irina whispered while receiving a cocktail from a servant. She pointed to a middle-aged man glaring at her.

“That’s Count Hareida.”

“Did he get an invitation too?”

“With his power, receiving an invitation is no problem.”

The Hareida Count family was a powerful noble house. Attending the prince’s party was within their capabilities.

A man who wanted to kill her was there. But Irina spoke indifferently.

“There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Yes.”

This was the prince’s party. Even Count Hareida couldn’t cause trouble. Irina turned her body. Ignored by her, Count Hareida ground his teeth.

‘Filthy woman.’

He muttered as he disappeared into the crowd.

People laughed and talked. Naturally, no one approached Irina. Few nobles were bold enough to speak to the center of controversy, and those who were didn’t attend.

It could be lonely, but Irina calmly sipped her cocktail.

“So when is the host arriving?”

As if on cue, a drum sounded.

“The prince is coming.”

The old man’s calm voice filled the hall. The doors opened, revealing a young man.

As he appeared, the music stopped. Laughter ceased.

“Enjoy.”

The prince’s voice echoed through the silence.

“It’s a rare ball; let’s not spoil the mood.”

The music resumed. Soft melodies enveloped the nobles.

“Forget the outside here. Discard all troubles and enjoy.”

The prince smiled deeply.

“Here, you are all free. Enjoy it, my loyal subjects.”

A unanimous response echoed. Laughter and murmuring resumed.

The prince walked through the hall and sat at the head seat.

As he looked around at the nobles, his eyes met Karos’.

The prince smiled at Karos’ masked gaze.

Hyung_Otaku

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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