Chapter XXIV: Social Gathering...

As Donovan finished getting ready, the maids who had been helping him get dressed voiced their opinions of how he looked.

"These clothes suit you, My Lord. You should wear formal clothes more often."

"She's right, My Lord. If you were to wear clothing like this more often then even Lord Lucifer herself wouldn't be able to resist you, My Lord."

Donovan said nothing at this, but his cheek did become slightly red because of their praise.

The clothing he wore was very similar to that of which Lord Arzakol usually wore, but instead of having silver shoulder pads, and four silver buttons, and a silver trimming, Donovan had gold shoulder pads, four gold buttons, and a gold trimming. He also wore a gold sash instead of a red sash, which was pretty much the last thing that made his outfit different from Lord Arzakol's usual attire.

Unfortunately, the maids who had been helping him were not oblivious to the reddening of his cheeks, and began to go on about this.

"Oh my, is Our Lord blushing?"

"He is, he is! Who would have thought Our Lord would get so flustered by comments like that!"

At this, Donovan's face became even more red as he started to speak.

"I'm not blushing, and shouldn't you two be doing something more important than making comments like that?"

"Such as?"

"Like what?"

Were the responses he was given, which caused him to fall silent, for all they were supposed to do was help him get ready for tonight's event at the Phenex Castle.

"Nevermind." Is what he said after a couple of seconds as he looked away real quick. "Just, just do I really look good, or are you two just simply saying that because of who I am?"

"Of course you look good, My Lord. We are your humble servants and would never lie to you." Was what one of them said to him.

"She is right, and at a social gathering such as this, you have to wear the best clothing, and have a sense of panache." Came the other maid's response with an affirmative look.

After hearing these statements, and taking a look at the mirror, Donovan realized that he was being an idiot, and doubting himself for no reason.

"You guys are right." He said after staring at his reflection for a couple of seconds. "I do look good in this."

"Yes, you do, My Lord." One of them affirmed. "But you should probably get going, Lady Nyx is most likely already done getting dressed, and waiting on you."

Donovan couldn't help from making a derisive snort at this, which had earned himself questioning look from both maids. It wasn't on purpose, but if there was one thing he knew about women, it was that they take forever when getting ready. Of course, there were some exceptions, but most of the women he knew took forever in getting ready for the day, especially his mother.

At first, the maids didn't say anything and had expected him to tell them what he was thinking for he undoubtedly saw the looks they had given him, but to their surprise, he didn't explain anything. He just kept his thoughts to himself.

"My Lord, if it's alright for me to ask, do you believe we're lying about Lady Nyx waiting for you?" One of them asked in a very polite manner.

"No, not at all." He swiftly asserted. "I just find it difficult to believe that she's done getting ready. Most women I know aren't very fast when it comes to getting ready."

"But, wouldn't that still mean you don't believe us?" The other maid asked with a small frown.

"I guess, but I'm not calling you two liars. I'm just telling you that it's difficult for me to believe that she is already done getting dressed because of past experiences with women." Was the response he gave her. "Anyways, I'm going to head out now. Thank you for the assistance, and please do enjoy the rest of your day you two."

As he headed out, the two of them told him that it was no big deal, and that they were simply doing their jobs before telling him to enjoy the party.

After arriving at the Phenex Manor via teleportation, Donovan and Lady Nyx were escorted inside and into the ballroom by a handful of the guards. The guards wore full suits of gold and black armor, and throughout the entire journey, Lady Nyx had her arm interlocked with Donovan's.

This had bothered him, for he feared this would gain other people's attention, and he was correct, for upon entering the ballroom the two of them became the main attraction.

He, of course, had already been the main attraction, for rumors of him attending had spread like wildfire, but the sight of Lady Nyx and him walking together like that caused a huge commotion.

Thus leading to the reason why he was massaging his forehead right now, for he was currently having to explain for the tenth time how he and Lady Nyx aren't a thing, and how there is nothing going on between the two of them.

"So there really is nothing going on in between the two of you?" a pureblooded noblewoman asked with a small frown. She looked to be in her late twenties, had a curvy build, long blue hair, wore a blue dress that went well with her hair.

"Yes, me and Lady Nyx are at most friends." He told the woman as he finished massaging his temple. "The only reason why we were locking arms is because I am her escort for the evening, but we don't have any romantic feelings for one another."

"Aw, that's unfortunate. I honestly think you two would make a great couple." The woman stated as she let out a disappointed sigh.

"Indeed, but if you are not interested in her, does that mean you are interested in His Highness Lucifer?" A pureblooded nobleman asked with curiosity in his voice. He appeared to be in his early forties, had ash-colored hair, and wore a very fancy suit.

"No." He answered almost immediately. "My relationship with her is a normal one. She is my superior, and I am her subordinate. Nothing more, and nothing less."

At this, the nobles became less interested with Donovan and it wasn't long before they left him alone.

It wasn't long after this when he was approached by a male servant who bowed before him. "Excuse me my Lord, but Lord Phenex has requested your presence on the terrace."

Donovan was hesitant at first, simply because he had forgotten what terrace meant, but after thinking about it for a while, he was able to remember what terrace means.

"The balcony? What business does he have with me there?" He asked the servant with the littlest of frowns.

"He did not say, My Lord." The servant answered while maintaining his bow.

"I see." Is what Donovan said in response. In reality, he wasn't against going to the balcony, but asking for someone to come to a place like that usually meant a serious conversation was about to take place, and he wasn't exactly sure if he wanted to deal with that at the moment.

Sure, it'd be better than having to explain to a bunch of people that he hasn't in a relationship with Lady Nyx, but a part of him did like this gathering, for it reminded him of some good times he had back in high school.

With his decision made, Donovan let out a sigh and said, "Mind showing me where the terrace is located or at the very least pointing me in the right direction?"

"Of course, My Lord." The servant affirmed before straightening himself. "Please, follow me, My Lord."

It had taken them several minutes, but eventually, Donovan arrived at the balcony. He would have gotten there sooner, but there were a couple lords and ladies who had yet to speak to him that wanted to converse with him, so he was stopped a couple of times.

Upon arriving, he was greeted by a somewhat familiar face, who he was not expecting to see at this party.

"Lord Fane, it is a pleasure to see you again, and thank you for attending this party of ours." Sir Razzoth stated as he quickly approached him and then gave him a small and respectful bow.

As he did this, the man who looked like an older Razzoth approached the two of them.

"Sir Razzoth, it is nice to see you as well," Donovan said in response with a tiny nod of his head, which caused Sir Razzoth to stiffen himself. "and think nothing of it."

Seeing that this was a good time to introduce himself, Lord Phenex spoke while giving him a small respectful bow. "Greetings, Lord Fane. I have heard much about you from my son, and I'm thankful that you decided to attend this."

After glancing at the two, Donovan gave Lord Phenex a small bow of his own and replied. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Phenex. I sadly haven't heard much about you, but that is because I am new to nobility."

"You'll get used to it in time." Was the response Lord Phenex said with a smile. "Anyways, I assume you would like to know I wish to speak to you?"

"Yes, I would." Donovan affirmed.

"Very well," Lord Phenex stated before looking at his son. "Razzoth, do you mind giving us some time in private?"

"Yes, father." Sir Razzoth answered as he nodded at his father before turning his attention back towards Donovan. "Like I said before, I hope you enjoy the party, and I'm looking forward to serving under you."

After that was said, Razzoth bowed before Donovan again, who in return gave him a tiny nod again, before leaving.

Once he was gone, Lord Phenex let out a small sigh and said his thoughts out loud. "I know you're probably going to be surprised by this, but please look after my son. He's strong, but not as strong as he thinks."

"Well, you're not wrong, I was surprised by that," Donovan admitted after a couple of seconds. "but I will try my best to look after him."

"Thank you." Lord Phenex stated as his lips curved upwards into a smile.

However, the expression didn't last forever and was soon replaced by that of a neutral one. "Now then, let's talk."