Arias chugs down half the bottle of wine and his eyes flash red as he stares at his inevitable marriage arrangement. I refuse! I absolutely refuse! I would– I would rather… rather than that! Agh! Arias exclaims. He was unable to even utter the threat and it annoyed him to no end.

“What's that?” Rodrick asks as he walks over. “Are you drinking?” He asks with a raised eyebrow. His parents would let him have a glass every now and then but they would never allow him to drink a whole bottle.

“Yes.” Arias says with furrowed brows. “Hey, Rodrick. How long do humans live?” He asks, gauging the height of this threat.

“Hmm? That’s a weird question. I don’t know, around a hundred years. Well, unless they’re a mage or a body cultivator. Then, who knows how long they could live; it would depend on their strength.” Rodrick replies. “Hey, let me have a taste.” He says as he grabs the bottle and takes a sip. His face scrunches up at the taste. “Ew.” He says.

“Huh. A hundred years. That isn’t too bad. So someone talentless?” Arias says as he considers the matter.

“What?” Rodrick asks. He had a feeling that Arias just said something outrageous.

Arias smiles. “Nothing.” He says, shaking the matter off. “So what’s with the ball anyway? Are we celebrating something, or are we just here to smell the privileged farts of the other guests?” He asks as he grabs another bottle from a passing waiter.

Rodrick lets out a laugh. “Privileged farts. That’s hilarious. No, the kingdom is entertaining guests from the Armshield Kingdom and the Emerald Trident Kingdom. The Ardent Mountains shield as from the west and we share the coast with Armshield Kingdom. As for the Emerald Trident Kingdom, the demons would have to cross through them to get tonus, so we’re being nice, and probably offering support. Speaking of the Emerald Trident Kingdom… Their princess is here. Want to take a peak?” Rodrick asks with a mischievous grin.

Arias takes another chug of wine before waving his hand. “Pass. I don’t get the appeal with princesses. They’re literally just females. What’s so impressive about that?” He says dismissively.

Rodrick smirks and shakes his head. “You’re such a prude, Arias. Is there no romance in you? Do you not fantasize about sweeping a princess off her feet? We’re actually in a position where that could be possible so you probably shouldn’t be so dismissive.” He says as a gentle reminder.

“Oh, it’s a quality of the kill sort of thing. I’ll still pass. I’ve tasted sweeter meat than that.” Arias says, casually grabbing a crepe from a passing tray.

Rodrick shakes his head. “Beggars shouldn’t boast. I’m willing to bet you would jump in given the chance.” He says, unimpressed.

“It’s not about the feast, dear Rodrick. It’s about the poetry of the act; how many impulses the act would satisfy, and the direction of the various consequences. I’m an artist first and foremost.” Arias says with a raised chin.

Rodrick continues to shake his head. “All this boasting will turn you dumb, dear Arias. Anyways, I'm bored, lets wander around, I’ll introduce you to the other noble families.” He says before grabbing Arias’ hand and leading him away.

Arias frowns. His hands are so damn soft. It’s like I’m holding a baby’s hand. How repulsive. He thinks as he’s dragged away.

…

…

“That’s Marquis Orland’s granddaughter. Their family are renown for their body cultivation technique, the Resilient Root. Marquis Orland has survived more life and death situations than most of the people here. And that’s Earl Sommeland’s son. A lot of them specialize in earth magic. It’s not flashy, but over the years, their family has grown to that step while starting out as commoners. It isn’t bad considering how easy a few of the other noble families had it. And that’s Duke Earthheart; he’s on the verge of reaching the archmage level. I’m pretty sure our grandfather hates that guy. I think he’s one of the biggest threats to our family in the kingdom, but unfortunately the people love him.” Rickard points out as they walk around.

“Oh?” Arias remarks as he takes some clam meat off a skewer he was carrying. “Why do they love him?” He asks casually as he chews.

“Well, he’s a big supporter of commoners entering mage colleges. He’s even built a magic school just for commoners. Also, he doesn’t tax his people as heavily as the other parts of the kingdom. Also, I think he supports a decent amount of orphanages. Anyways, from our family’s perspective, he’s untouchable, and the other families would no doubt support Duke Earthheart if there was ever any conflict, just to keep the power balance in check.” Rodrick explains.

“Hmm. That’s very interesting. You don’t seem like it, but you’re pretty knowledgeable, Rodrick.” Arias comments.

Rodrick furrows his brows. “What’s that supposed to mean? I’ve always been knowledgeable.” He says, mildly offended.

Arias smiles. Then he notices something at the corner of his vision. “Who’s that with Alice?” He asks, a little curious. It was a beautiful lady with dark hair and sharp eyes; she seemed to be holding Alice’s hands and speaking to her closely. “Is it me or does Alice look like she wants to escape?” He asks, slightly amused.

Rodrick takes a look. “Never seen her before. Maybe it’s that princess we were talking about?” He says, speculating.

Arias lets out a laugh. “Look, Alice is living out your dreams. That lady is more enticed than a bear finding honey. Too bad Alice doesn’t have enough bite in her for a rejection.” He says, enjoying the scenery. “Aren’t you going to junp in?” He asks, wondering how this would play out.

Rodrick shakes his head. “I’ve realized that I hate competing with my cousins. I’d rather marry a commoner with no talent.” He says, deciding not to get involved.

Arias’ eyes widen. “Hey, man, me too!” He says, happy to find a common cause.