Chapter 206: Gala!
The moment the applause began to settle, the atmosphere of the throne room shifted once more. What had been a calm, historic ceremony had all the tension soften into something far more vibrant.
The Verdant Pact had been sealed and now it would be celebrated, everyone knowing how beneficial it would be to both sides for years to come.
At a single, graceful gesture from Elyndra Sylvara, the chamber itself responded as soft music began blooming.
Crystal chimes formed along the upper branches of the colossal white tree, resonating gently as mana flowed through them.
Vines coiled and unfurled along the walls, producing harmonic tones as they moved. The very air seemed to hum with melody, creating a serene, enchanting symphony that filled the space.
It was a method of making music that Jax had never seen before.
Faeries began to move.
The structured lines of nobles loosened as conversations sparked across the chamber. Attendants appeared gracefully from side corridors, carrying trays of radiant fruits, shimmering drinks, and delicacies that seemed almost too beautiful to eat.
Floating platforms descended from above, forming elegant dining areas and gathering spaces throughout the hall.
In mere minutes, the throne room transformed into a grand gala. Jax exhaled softly as he took in the change.
"Efficient," he muttered.
Beside him, Serika’s eyes sparkled, "It’s... amazing..."
Her tails swayed excitedly as she looked around, momentarily forgetting her earlier nervousness. Everywhere she turned, there was something new to see, faeries laughing, wings shimmering, glowing food drifting past on levitating trays.
Jax smirked faintly.
"Hungry?"
Serika blinked, then nodded quickly.
"A little..."
"Stay here."
Before she could protest, Jax turned and moved into the crowd with ease, his presence naturally parting the flow of faeries without resistance.
Despite the curiosity surrounding him, there was no hostility, only intrigue, admiration... and in some cases, cautious respect.
Within moments, he returned to Serika. In his hands were a small assortment of fruits unlike anything found in the Demon Kingdom.
One resembled a translucent orb filled with golden liquid, glowing faintly from within. Another looked like a cluster of violet berries, each pulsing softly with mana, and a slender crystal glass filled with a pale, shimmering drink.
Serika’s ears perked immediately.
"F-For me...?"
Jax stepped closer.
"Of course."
He lifted one of the glowing fruits, holding it just in front of her lips.
Serika froze. Her face turned red almost instantly as she questioned him, "M-Master...?"
"Open," Jax’s command was gentle, but firm.
Her tails puffed slightly as she obeyed, parting her lips hesitantly. Jax fed her the fruit. The moment it touched her tongue, her eyes widened.
"Mm!"
The fruit dissolved instantly, releasing a burst of sweet, warm flavor that seemed to spread through her entire body.
"It’s so good..."
Jax chuckled quietly.
"Thought you’d like it."
He picked up one of the violet berries next, feeding it to her the same way. This time, Serika leaned forward slightly on her own, her earlier hesitation melting into shy enjoyment.
Each bite was met with a soft, delighted reaction.
Her tails swayed faster, and her ears twitched, while her gaze never left Jax, who lifted the glass next.
"Drink."
She hesitated only for a moment before taking a small sip. A faint glow spread across her cheeks immediately.
"W-Warm..."
"It’s infused with mana," Jax said.
Serika nodded, clutching the glass lightly.
"Thank you... Master..."
Her voice was softer now and Jax reached out, brushing a thumb lightly across her cheek.
"Stay close."
She nodded quickly, stepping just a little nearer to him. Not far across the chamber, Elyndra observed everything going on.
She stood among several high-ranking nobles, her presence still commanding—but now far more relaxed than before.
A crystalline goblet rested in her hand, and over time, succumbing to the celebratory atmosphere, that goblet had been refilled, more than a couple times.
By the time Jax approached her again, it was subtle, but noticeable.
Her posture was just slightly looser and her wings shifted a little more freely, while her usual composed expression carried a softer, almost playful edge.
"Enjoying yourself?" Jax asked.
Elyndra turned toward him as she heard that familiar voice and her eyes brightened immediately, "Demon King..."
There was a faint delay in her speech, just enough to confirm it.
"...Jax."
He raised an eyebrow, "You’ve been drinking."
She lifted her glass slightly, "A little."
It was, very clearly, more than a little. Jax used his mana to check the alcohol in the glass and was shocked with what he saw.
That level of alcohol was probably enough to make a group of the strongest Demon Beasts drunk, yet she had handled all of that by herself, probably just taking this opportunity to have fun.
Seeing all of this, Jax smirked and responded to her, "I can tell."
She stepped closer, closer than she had during any of their previous conversations, "You should try it," she said, offering the glass toward him.
"It’s quite... delightful."
Jax gently pushed the glass back toward her, "I’ll pass."
Elyndra pouted slightly.
A very brief, very un-queenlike expression.
"...Your loss."
Jax chuckled.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Elyndra sighed softly, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction as she glanced out across the lively gala.
"...It has been a long time since the Faerie Realm celebrated something like this."
Her voice was quieter now and Jax leaned lightly beside her.
Jax was just about to respond when Elyndra swayed, and Jax’s hand moved instantly, catching her gently by the arm before she could lose her balance.
Her eyes widened in surprise, "...Oh."
Jax sighed, "You’re definitely drunk."
"I am not, "She paused and then blinked, "...a little."
He smirked.
"Yeah."
Elyndra looked up at him, and for just a moment, the ancient Queen of the Faeries looked... unexpectedly soft.
Almost cute.
Jax exhaled quietly.
"Come on."
She tilted her head.
"...Where?"
"Somewhere quieter."
Without waiting for an argument, he guided her gently away from the center of the gala.
She didn’t resist.
If anything, she leaned into his support just slightly as they walked.
The noise of the celebration faded gradually behind them as they stepped out onto one of the upper terraces.
The air was calm.
Cool.
Filled with the soft glow of the Faerie Realm stretching endlessly beyond the palace.
Elyndra exhaled, leaning lightly against the railing.
"...Better."
Jax stayed beside her, arms loosely crossed.
"You overdid it."
She glanced at him.
"...Possibly."
She paused, then gave a small smile.
"But it was worth it."