Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 2170: Grand Ball

More and more guests arrived, and the tables gradually filled.

At a glance, there were hundreds of guests gathered on the floating island. Among them were some of the most powerful and influential people across the Free City Alliance.

Food, wine, and champagne flowed freely as waiters wove between the guests, ensuring that no glass remained empty for long. And they didn’t. The guests drank heartily.

At the long table in the center, the seats were gradually occupied by the powerful representatives of the Free City Alliance’s member states. Nine of them, to be precise, including the Known Lord of Davos, Emily Damon.

Distinguished Magi, influential Paladins, and high-ranking officials exchanged pleasantries while waiting for the beginning of the ceremony.

Yet, despite the growing crowd, one seat remained conspicuously empty.

Adeline Stark, the Lady of Sapphire Tower, had yet to arrive.

As time passed, the guests began exchanging curious glances. The Gala was supposed to begin shortly, but without the Lady of Sapphire Tower, the proceedings could not get underway.

Soon, whispers began spreading through the crowd.

Adam glanced at Genevieve and smirked. "Did you scare her away?"

Genevieve took a sip of wine before placing it on the table. "I hope she doesn’t miss the event."

"Oh?" Adam smiled. "Do you have something planned for her?"

"The anger has passed." Genevieve sighed. "She’s still my headmistress. If she doesn’t attend her first Gala as the Lady of Sapphire Tower, there would be no end to the rumors."

Her lips curled into a smirk. "But then again... I’d like to see her become the butt of all the dark gossip."

"What’s this?" Professor Oakley yawned lazily. "Did you have some argument with the headmistress?"

Adam didn’t answer. Genevieve hesitated before answering truthfully.

Professor Oakley couldn’t help but laugh. "You do know how all this sounds, don’t you?"

Genevieve nodded. "Still, she shouldn’t have humiliated me like that. I don’t know what grievance she has with Aunt Valentina. But to let it out on me like that? No class at all."

Professor Oakley gently clasped her hand. "It’s wrong what she did. We all know about the Lady’s temper."

Genevieve was silent for a moment before she smiled at him. "Yes. Never mind that. Let’s not talk about her."

In the surroundings, the murmurs gradually grew louder as more guests noticed her absence.

After all, this was no ordinary gathering. Adeline Stark was the host of the Centennial Gala, and her presence was essential to its opening ceremony. Yet she was nowhere to be seen.

And as the minutes ticked by, the guests could no longer help but wonder what was keeping her away.

If the Witch of Davos was concerned, she did not show it on her face.

Emily Damon continued chatting casually with the other delegates from the member states, maintaining her composure as though nothing were amiss.

But even she eventually realized that this could not go on.

Without Adeline Stark, the Gala could not officially begin.

She summoned several of Adeline’s attendants and instructed them to look for her, including those who weren’t already doing so. Several minutes later, they returned with worried faces. None of them had been able to find the Lady.

Emily’s expression turned solemn.

It was time to take matters into her own hands.

She rose from her seat on the elevated platform and gently clinked her glass a couple of times, drawing the attention of the surrounding guests.

The murmurs gradually subsided as everyone turned toward her.

Emily smiled warmly before addressing the crowd.

"Distinguished guests, esteemed delegates, honored Magi and Paladins, and dear friends. Good evening to you all."

She paused for effect, her gaze sweeping across the gathering.

"First, allow me to apologize on behalf of the Lady of Sapphire Tower, Adeline Stark, for her absence this evening. She has been unexpectedly occupied with some urgent official matters, but we expect her to join us shortly. I understand that many of you have traveled great distances to be here tonight, and I sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.

"Tonight is a special occasion. Once every hundred years, we gather to celebrate not merely the passage of time, but the legacy of Sapphire Tower, an institution that has shaped generations of Magi and contributed greatly to the advancement of arcane knowledge throughout the Free City Alliance.

"This evening is also an opportunity to reunite with old friends, forge new friendships, and celebrate the bonds that unite our cities and our people. Regardless of where we come from or which banner we serve beneath, tonight we gather as guests of honor and as members of a community that has endured through the generations.

"On behalf of Davos and Sapphire Tower, I welcome each and every one of you. May this evening bring you pleasant memories, meaningful conversations, and friendships that endure long after the festivities have ended. And now, dear friends, I see no reason to keep you waiting any longer."

She raised her glass high and offered a dazzling toast.

"Let the music play, let the wine flow, and let the celebrations begin! To a hundred years of wisdom, a hundred years of achievement, and to the many centuries to come!"

Thunderous applause swept through the clearing. The orchestra resumed playing, waiters moved between the tables, and the atmosphere returned to one of excitement and celebration.

The Centennial Gala had officially begun with a grand ball.

As the orchestra struck up a graceful melody, couples made their way onto the dance floor, performing a formal, dignified dance to the music.

The men led their partners through carefully practiced steps, their movements elegant and beautiful.

For the young, unmarried men, however, this was more than an opportunity to dance. It was a chance to gather their courage and ask for the hands of the ladies they had set their hearts upon.

Some approached their chosen partners with confidence, while others stumbled through awkward introductions, their nervousness apparent to anyone watching.

A lot of young hearts were broken that night when Genevieve made it clear that she already had a man. And she was not scared to show her love to the world.

"Come on!" She grabbed Adam’s hand and pulled him to the dance floor.

Adam inwardly grimaced when he felt the heated gazes of many bachelors boring into his figure.

Once they reached the dance floor, Genevieve turned toward him and wrapped one arm around his neck. Leaning closer, she gazed into his inky eyes, her breath brushing against his lips.

Adam was momentarily taken aback. Then he smiled, placed one hand around her waist, and took her other hand in his.

"May I have this dance, my lady?"

Genevieve smiled brightly.

"You may, Sir Constantine."