Raegar explained multiple times before Selene and Zahara finally settled, their initial glares sending chills through him. He took a steadying sip of sake, a faint smile breaking through his tension. Meanwhile, Nivara's gaze burned with venom and hatred, causing him to wonder what he had done.

He looked at the Half-Elf and asked for a favor, thanks to getting fed up. ''Can you take her to a spare room, please? The dirty looks are getting exhausting.''

''Of course,'' the blonde answered, smiling. ''I'll be right back.''

After that, she led Nivara out of the room, allowing Raegar to relax into the soft cushions once the atmosphere changed. Selene joined him on the nearby sofa and commented with an amused expression crossing her face. ''The others will be here soon, they're trying on their new clothes.''

''Did Dahlia go crazy with shopping?''

The Demoness giggled at his question, and an amused expression appeared on her face. ''Yes. We've got dresses to last us years, also a bunch of other stuff to last even longer, which is good.''

''That's good, I have a feeling that we'll be invited to a lot of these balls,'' he replied just as Alice, Dominique, and Yuki stepped into the room, looking exhausted thanks to the empress's behavior.

Raegar chuckled at their reactions just as the catwoman was the first to speak among the three. ''That damned woman loves to shop, my feet hurt thanks to all the walking, and it's me we're talking about.''

''Take a seat and relax,'' he replied to the pink-haired beauty.

Following that, the women began telling him about their day, and settled around the lounge as the warm air rushed through the place, keeping the cold air out. The women, still buzzing with excitement from their shopping spree in the bustling market in the capital city, told him about every dress they bought.

Raegar listened politely at first, nodding along, but soon his interest faded. The endless clothes talk began to blur, his mind drifting to the Western Islands and the Fusion Knight waiting for him. His eyelids grew heavy, exhaustion pressing down after the long journey and the day's exertions.

Noticing him falling asleep, Yuki leaned forward, and her voice cut through the chaos. ''We all should get some rest now. The ball is tomorrow, we'll need to rise with the dawn to prepare properly. No one wants to face Duchess Westfall's sharp tongue while half-asleep.''

The suggestion rippled through the group, and everyone agreed. Seconds later, they rose, stretching and exchanging goodnights as each woman kissed him before leaving the room. Lanterns dimmed, and the women left for their bedrooms. Raegar cast a grateful look toward Yuki.

A warm smile tugged at his lips. ''Thank you, I could use the rest. Tomorrow's going to be chaotic, scheming nobles and all that awaits us.''

The older woman flashed a mischievous grin, blue eyes glinting. A soft giggle escaped her. She stepped closer, tail swaying teasingly, and leaned in to press a gentle kiss on his cheek, her fingers grazing his skin lightly. Drawing back just enough, she locked eyes with him, her gaze warm and inviting.

''Oh, it's going to be far more than fun tomorrow. Duchess Westfall herself is attending, and you know how she adores stirring up trouble with everyone,'' she said.

''I remember mother mentioning her when I was younger,'' Raegar replied, smiling at the memory. ''It's rumored that she's one warning away from being arrested by the Imperial Guard.''

Yuki laughed at this and nodded. ''Yes, she's engaged to Dahlia's brother, Maxwell. He's a strange character and hated by the empress.''

Raegar was about to speak, but she stopped him. ''Get some rest, handsome. I can see you're tired, and we can talk tomorrow.''

Following that, he was led to his bedroom, which Dahlia had given him when he first came to the palace. Once inside, he relaxed as he waited for the ball to start. By the time he fell asleep, everything was in place thanks to the brunette working throughout the night with the help of Yuki.

When Raegar woke up the next morning, he was surprised after getting out of bed. The suit he chose was laid out for him. He soon realized the catwoman was standing there smiling at him, and a sparkle in her big blue eyes. ''Morning, young master. Get washed up and head to the grand hall, guests are already starting to arrive.''

''Did I get up late?'' he asked, stretching his arms.

''You did, and no one could wake you up,'' Yuki revealed.

Raegar rushed to get ready to meet up with everyone. He washed quickly, washing his hair and putting on his suit, shocking him when he saw himself in the mirror. ''Oh, I actually look good,'' he muttered.

After that, he finished up and left the bathroom, only to run into the women, who stopped him in his tracks as they looked stunning in their dresses, causing his jaw to drop. Zahara was wearing a beautiful white one that matched her grey eyes; it went past her knees and matched with white shoes.

Zahara's blonde hair was tied into a high ponytail, allowing him to see her pointy ears to show for once. ''Do you like my dress, Rae?'' she nervously asked.

''Yes, you look gorgeous, Za,'' he answered. ''You really do.''

When the Half-Elf heard this, her face lit up before she moved to the side, a smile crossing her face. This allowed Drusilla to step forward and have her time. Her golden blonde hair was styled into a tight bun, her big blue eyes shone with so much love that he felt it through their bond.

Raegar's eyes traveled down her body only to see that the young woman was wearing a sea blue dress. It matched her eyes and hugged her hourglass figure, highlighting her beauty that took his breath away. The Dark Fairy couldn't help but give him a bright smile. ''Like what you see, handsome?''

Raegar nodded. ''Yes, I do, you're beautiful, Dru,'' he answered.

Following that, his gaze fell on Selene, who made his heart race as she wore a white dress, similar to Zahara's. He was shocked as the Demoness never wore dresses like the others, but seeing her now, his love exploded, and he commented. ''Wow, Selene. A dress does suit you and makes you look breathtaking. I love the way it matches your skin.''

Selene's face glowed at his praise, her yellow eyes brimming with affection. Before he could react, she surged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders and nestling her head into the crook of his neck. She inhaled deeply, then pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes radiating love.

''That means alot, my love,'' she whispered. ''I love you, Raegar Blackwood.''

Raegar's smile widened as he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss against her lips, sending a shiver through her. As Dominique approached, Selene stepped back, giving the Vampress her moment. His eyes settled on her, his heart swelling at the sight of her in a stunning black dress decorated with green flecks that mirrored her emerald eyes.

Her hair, swept into a ponytail with soft strands framing her face, highlights her captivating beauty. Raegar's eyes lingered on Dominique, captivated. He stepped closer, his hand gently brushing her cheek before he leaned in, kissing the young woman softly. The Vampress's lips curved into a faint smile against his, her green eyes sparkling.

Pulling back, he gazed at her, his voice sincere. ''Domi, the dress is stunning, it brings out your eyes so beautifully.''

His attention then shifted to Alice, who stood nearby, her presence quiet yet magnetic. She wore a deep sapphire gown that hugged her figure, its shimmer catching the light. Her sandy blonde hair cascaded in loose waves. This made his heart stir anew as he approached her, a warm smile spreading across his face.

Raegar closed the distance, his eyes tracing the lines of her sapphire gown, which seemed to glow faintly. He reached for her hand, his fingers gently intertwining with hers, and leaned in to place a kiss on her lips. The warmth lingered as he pulled back, his gaze meeting her green eyes.

''This gown is perfect on you. The way it catches the light makes you look like a goddess,'' he said, making her smile.

Alice's smile brightened at his words, her blue eyes shimmering with quiet delight. She squeezed his hand gently, her voice soft but warm. ''Thank you, Rae. Your words mean more than you know.''

With a step back, she made space, her gaze encouraging as she nodded toward Yuki, who approached. Her pink dress flowed like cherry blossoms in a breeze, its color highlighting her charm. The soft fabric hugged her form, flaring slightly at the bottom, and her dark hair was decorated using a subtle silver clip that caught the light.

Raegar's eyes widened, captivated by her beauty, as he stepped forward, his smile bright and genuine.