CHAPTER 775: GALA AT THE HQ

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It is widely known that the Human Council won’t just let anybody waltz into their HQ.

Unless you’re a person of incredible status and have a legitimate business that’s worthy of the council’s attention, you might as well forget about ever stepping foot into that place.

Even if you do have important business with the council, one that must be discussed in person, you’d have to go through numerous tests and background checks and apply for many permits before you’re even allowed entry to their halls.

It’s because of this that being invited by the council to their halls was seen as a great honor to anybody. It’s a chance that happens very rarely and was worth the envy of jealous others.

The invitation to the gala has been sent to many people, who graciously received it and answered the summons. The number of people invited wasn’t much compared to the actual population size of the entire Heavenly Star Chaos Realm, which tells you just how rare and important these invitations were.

Each letter was personally addressed to someone, and each invitation carried the real seal of the Human Council, one that’s very illegal to recreate or reproduce without the council’s permission.

Since the council has gone out of their way to create and personalize these invitations, the recipients were, of course, compelled to answer their summons.

The majority of those invited immediately dropped everything they were doing to focus on attending the gala. To them, it is an incredible honor to be invited within the halls of the human council, so much so that it becomes their immediate priority.

Since they’d be representing themselves, of course they can’t embarrass themselves. Their image coming here was incredibly important; therefore, they have to make sure that they are well prepared and everything has to be perfect.

The invitations were sent out six months in advance, giving everybody enough time to prepare for it. And prepare they certainly did, because if they messed this up, they might never be invited ever again.

About a month before the event, some of the invited parties have already arrived.

They weren’t granted entry just yet, but they didn’t mind. They were more than happy to park outside of the HQ and wait until the day comes.

Cedric was among these people who arrived this early. In his mind, it would be better for him to be early rather than late.

He’s got everything ready before coming here, of course. He wouldn’t be him if he wasn’t prepared.

Obviously, he was accompanied by his bodyguards, Quinella and Wilfred. All three of them are here with their main bodies. Cedric decided against sending their clones to attend this gala because that would be disrespectful.

The first time he was invited was fine since he wasn’t expecting it in the first place. But this time? He was given time to prepare. If he still decided to send out clones instead, he might provoke the ire of the council, and that’s not something he wanted to do. That’s why he’s here in person.

Time passed in their wait, and soon, the doors leading to the HQ swung open. The guests had been notified that they could enter now, so, one by one, they lined up for entry.

Everybody behaved themselves. They cooperated and observed proper conduct as they entered the HQ.

Cedric knew for a fact that most of these people aren’t this cooperative normally. Had it been anywhere else, it wouldn’t have been this peaceful or coordinated. Some of the guests would’ve started throwing tantrums by now.

But again, this wasn’t some random event. It’s one hosted by the council themselves. And as the leading figures of the rest, the guests must show them proper respect and humility.

"Drake, Prince of the Lumos Star Domain, welcome!"

"Queen Prescilla of the Giant Haven Royal Lineage, welcome!"

"King Novic of the Dread Sky Monarchy, welcome!"

"Professor Cassius of the Heavenly Observatory, welcome!"

"Empress Janna of the Imperial Sky Sovereignty, welcome!"

Every guest who passed through the hall was welcomed warmly with a loud and boisterous announcement. It didn’t matter what the guest looked like or where they came from; so long as it was confirmed that they’re on the guest list and were carrying their personalized invitation with them, they’d be welcomed all the same.

And Cedric was not an exception.

"Sir Stormrider of the Rising Sun Sector Domain, welcome!"

In that instant, Cedric could feel several eyes landing on him. Most were curious; others were shocked.

’Stormrider? Never heard of him. Must be new.’

’He is new. And apparently he’s the new Sector Lord of the Rising Sun Domain.’

’Someone finally became the Sector Lord of that place? Good, it’s about time.’

’As far as I remember, though, wasn’t that place, like, really hot? ’

’It’s not that exaggerated. I’ve been there before. It is hot, but not scalding. It’s habitable, at least.’

’Oh, he’s new, right? Then he must be struggling to develop that place.’

’Is he? I mean, just look at him. Would a struggling sector lord wear such expensive clothes? ’

’He does look too good to be a struggling upstart Sector Lord.’

’You’re damn right, I do,’ Cedric mused inwardly, but of course he kept his face neutral.

The clothes he’s wearing are indeed a little too fancy.

His robes were made from silk produced by an almost extinct type of silkworm, one that costs millions of bangles per gram. It not only boasts incredible comfort and durability, but it’s also guaranteed to last for a very long time since it could inherently resist the erosion of time laws.

This silk was handwoven and crafted to fit his measurements. The robes were a mixture of bright red and orange, making it look like he’s wearing billowing flames as his clothes. The creator also wove tiny gemstones and gem dust in some places of the robe, giving it an accentuated shimmer as light reflects upon it. His pants were also created from the same material, just in a darker shade for contrast.

As for his shoes, they’re made from the hide of Fierce Beasts. Cedric was also wearing some gorgeous jewelry: rings, a necklace, and hairpins that made his aura even more dazzling.

Cedric also wore a mask that covered the upper half of his face, but it certainly didn’t do much to hide his gorgeous golden eyes that could almost bewitch anybody who stared at them for a little too long. His long golden hair cascaded down his back like a waterfall. His steps were calm and measured, and his movements contained certain confidence and dignity.

In terms of appearances alone, Cedric truly doesn’t disappoint.

While he wasn’t really one to parade his looks and spend too much money on clothes or jewelry, he also knows the importance of physical appearances, especially in events like this.

Like he mentioned before, other people will see his physical appearance first, not his personality. And in an event where everybody’s secondary agenda was to expand their social network, looking good certainly makes it easier to achieve this goal.

And the effect was certainly visible.

Even as the other guests trickled in, the attention of most guests was on him. He could hear them talking about him in hushed voices; he could feel their gazes, especially the women.

His charm was like a potent stimulant to the ladies. He could practically feel them ogling at him, observing even the smallest move he made. Even those who were already in a serious relationship, even those who were married and already had families, blushed profusely as he passed by them.

Some of the bolder ones, and single ones, were unable to resist. They immediately approached and began introducing themselves to him. These ladies weren’t even hiding their intentions at all.

To them, Cedric was a catch. He’s handsome, rich, and has a befitting status. He was invited into this event after all. He’s a more suitable candidate for a husband than any of the men they’ve met before. Even more than some of the men they saw attending this event too.

Who could blame them for taking their chances when it’s served right before their eyes? Only a fool would stay still.

Unfortunately for them, Cedric wasn’t really here to find a new wife. He’s already got three, and that’s more than enough for him. He could only apologize to these ladies and keep their discussions strictly professional.

Of course, some men will inevitably find him an eyesore. But they haven’t forgotten where they are. They had no choice but to behave and endure the bitterness and defeat they felt about this.

The guests continued trickling in, and soon everybody had been accounted for. Cedric noticed this too, so he found a seat and waited for what’s coming next.

He didn’t need to wait long. Soon, the lights suddenly dimmed, and several presences made themselves known before their owners appeared in everybody’s eyes.

In a twist of light, they emerged.

They sat on thrones overlooking the guests of the event, making it seem like they’ve been there all this time.

It was none other than the councillors.