On this auspicious occasion with the empire's great harvest and flourishing economy, everyone shared the common festive air that resonated across the banquet hall of the Lazuli Palace. Aries and Joaquin remained in their seats, accepting greetings, but mostly apart from everyone else.
"Everyone had been more welcoming than I expected," Aries muttered with a satisfied nod, smiling at a group of ladies and gentlemen dancing in sync in the middle of the hall. Joaquin quirked a brow, casting her a side-eye.
"You speak as though you didn't expect that," he returned with a chuckle. "Countess Lloyd had garnered enough attention. So obviously, everyone is aware of receiving special treatment, just like her. Now, people wanted to get in your good graces."
Aries turned her head in his direction, seeing him wink at her as his lips curled up proudly. She bit her lower lip to suppress a grin as she peeled her eyes away from him.
