CHAPTER 231: LOUNGE

The day of the gala came, and the entire capital was abuzz. Despite the fact that not everyone could attend, it was still a massive occasion and all sorts of discussions about it were happening.

It was evening, getting close to the point where everyone was supposed to head to the castle. Riven sat inside his room in an inn, in his hand was a letter of invitation which Quin had left for them before he left.

It was written on a black letter with golden ink. He tapped his finger on the invitation and then got on his feet.

He was dressed in a very luxurious black tuxedo with golden embroidery and details. His hair was slicked back, gelled properly. Sophie had aided him in getting ready.

The door of his room opened and Noel walked in, wearing a white suit with black patterns. He looked clean and gave off a very elegant aura.

"The both of you are looking great." Sophie walked in behind Noel. She got into the room and observed the both of them.

"I feel like I was baked," Riven said.

"And that’s exactly how it should feel. Why do you think nobles walk so elegantly and carefully? Their clothes restrict unnecessary movements," she stated.

"Arghhh, whatever, let’s just head there and get this over with," Riven said and walked out. Noel followed behind. Since they had lost their carriage driver, they had to find someone else and have him take them to the castle.

Sophie remained in the room; she couldn’t come to such an occasion because she wasn’t invited, and maids were not allowed into the gala.

They went down and outside, the carriage was already waiting for them under the night sky. They got in, and the coachman, who was a middle-aged man dressed in a proper black suit, started the journey, and they were on their way.

The roads were filled with carriages all heading toward the castle. It wasn’t that there were thousands of people invited, but some nobles decided to come with several carriages.

Some of them held nothing, while some held gifts for the king. Riven found it simply useless.

"This will be our first time in the Vermilion castle," Noel stated.

"Yeah, but something tells me that it’s not going to be the last," Riven said.

"Yeah, taking into account the fact that you are here, there will surely be more stuff coming our way," Noel stated.

"Why am I the one that you are blaming for our future perils?" Riven said.

"Because you are you, the one that dominated the Chosen of Lumis, fought things several times his strength, and is the current first-year rank one with no one being capable of coming close to your level.

It’s clear as day that you are a magnet for attention, and even when you don’t want it, it comes to you," Noel explained.

"Sigh, I guess when you explain it like that, I look like a magnet for attention," Riven said. He grabbed his chin as if thinking about something.

They finally arrived at the castle gates, massive and beautiful. The walls of the compound had high-level guards standing all around in full armor.

They looked like they ate nails for breakfast, with a domineering aura that could make one tremble.

With their number, it would be near impossible to sneak in. Their carriage made it to the gate where a Royal Guard took both their invitations and checked them before allowing the carriage in.

Another set of guards directed them on where to park, and they did.

Riven and Noel stepped out of their carriage. The entire compound was covered with people walking into the castle.

Riven and Noel followed suit, heading for the door. The guard at the door checked their invitation, and when he saw it was a black letter, he immediately signaled to one of his fellow guards.

The guard came close and immediately directed Riven and Noel to another door, different from the one the others were using.

They walked through a dimly lit hallway, the soft smell of flowers and scented candles reaching their noses. The warm atmosphere hugged them like a blanket, making them feel comfortable.

The guard didn’t look back for even a split second and kept walking until he got to a door. Then he stopped and looked at them.

"Guests with black letters are special and should wait in this room, as asked by the king himself," the guard said and opened the door, revealing the room to them.

It was a lounge with couches and chairs. Inside this lounge were none other than the top ten of the first year.

Their faces lit up the moment they saw each other. Riven raised his hand in greeting as he walked in.

"Riven, long time no see," Robert said. He walked up to them and stretched out his hand. Riven shook it.

"It’s been a while," Riven said.

He looked past Robert and saw Lance seated there. Their eyes met, and Riven’s face shifted expression.

"Why is he here?" Riven asked, and everyone immediately became on guard. A fight could break out here, and they didn’t want that.

"He is part of the top ten, regardless of what he has done," Robert said.

Riven chuckled. He looked at Lance with a cold glare. "Time may have passed since what happened, but don’t forget what you did. You came after my life and the life of Noel.

The moment I get you alone, I’ll make sure I kill you, Lance, and that’s a promise. I swear on everything that I am," Riven said, his words taking everyone by surprise.

Lance looked up, a look of defiance in his eyes. "Who are you to judge me when the kingdom hasn’t?" Lance asked.

"I’m the one you tried to kill and almost succeeded. So, a tooth for a tooth, a blade in the heart for a blade in the heart. This is me telling you now, Lance, I’ll come for you, and I’ll make sure I kill you," Riven stated. He spoke it out clear for everyone to hear, and now he didn’t care anymore.