April, Old World, Empire, Nuln, Elector Palace.
Everyone was now gathered in Ryan's room, watching Emilia put makeup on him. Little Frederick and little Devonshire were playing together. Devonshire, not even a year old, was already very articulate. He had learned to use some psychic powers, such as playing with fire and splashing water, and with Frederick, they were like two little troublemakers, causing quite a stir in the Elector Palace. However, both children were very obedient to their mothers.
In the center of the room, Emilia was mixing several special materials with potions, applying them to Ryan's face. The imperial duchess's face was full of nostalgia. She said softly, "Unconsciously, it's been twelve years."
"Yes, twelve years," Ryan echoed. "The last time you put makeup on me like this was in Marienburg when I was going to attend the Weimars' banquet..."
"Ryan! Don't move!" Emilia didn't even let him finish his sentence. The young maid screamed, signaling him not to move: "Don't talk!"
Ryan immediately raised his hand, indicating his surrender, and closed his mouth.
"Interesting, Emilia's makeup skills," Sulia said, wearing a deep blue glowing dress from the Alisha Tailor Shop in Nuln. Her long legs were clad in black ultra-thin stockings and black high heels. The duchess maintained perfect etiquette, holding a cup of red tea. "Emilia, where did you learn this?"
"Learned it when I was a child," Emilia seemed reluctant to say more. Her makeup skills had only been shown to Veronica before. For a moment, she was transported back twelve years, to those days in the mansion on Amber Avenue in Marienburg. That period might mean nothing to others, but for the imperial duchess, it was a precious memory. In fact, not long after she returned to Nuln, she had actively sought out the Marienburg Grand Duke, Vander Guber-Schultz, to buy that mansion.
Schultz was straightforward and gave it to her for free.
Everyone in the room watched as Ryan gradually transformed from a typical black-haired, blue-eyed Aachenian of the Empire to a black-haired, black-eyed Southerner.
Alfred and Ingrid found this especially amusing. Alfred could hold back, but the female Norscan was amazed: "Wow! This is so interesting. I wonder if the duchess can make me up as an imperial noblewoman?"
"..." Everyone in the room was speechless at this remark.
"Okay!" After a final check, Emilia clapped her hands in satisfaction. The young maid nodded: "As usual, the disguise will last a whole day. Remember not to touch fire or corrosive liquids."
"No problem," Ryan nodded. He looked at the mirror brought by Olica and grinned.
After twelve years, your VAN様 is back!
"My friend, why must you attend the masquerade ball like this?" Alfred frowned, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar and the Archbishop of the West Bretonnia Diocese crossed his arms, looking conflicted: "I don't mean this is bad, but... Ryan, why can Nuln hold such banquets?"
"Why can't Nuln hold such banquets?" Ryan's face, now resembling the dark philosophical artist Van-Darkholme, smirked. "Alf, do you think that the nobles and citizens of Nuln are decadent, enjoying themselves too much, not investing their wealth in war preparations and training, but spending it on consumption and banquets? This will lead to corruption!"
"Isn't it?" Alfred shrugged, his expression not looking good. After spending a few months in Nuln with Ryan, he initially thought Nuln was an incredible city. However, his impression deteriorated after a few months.
"Alf... that's their money. They can spend it however they want. Why do you care?" Ryan laughed, shaking his head. "Banquets are held everywhere. People have not only survival needs but also spiritual and entertainment needs."
"There are other ways to meet those needs. There's no need for constant banquets, concerts, book clubs, various celebrations, and touring performances," Alfred argued. "Like shooting competitions and honor duels, aren't those meaningful? Like Middenheim? Martial, serious, always ready for war."
Ryan's face turned serious. He knew it was time to say something important.
"That's why Middenheim is the headquarters of the largest Khorne cult in the Empire—the Scarlet Skull Order. Because the entire city is extremely martial and militarized, the Scarlet Skull Order once corrupted a third of the knights in the inner circle of the White Wolf Knights—Teutonic Guards."
"Similarly, because Altdorf is the seat of the Emperor's court and the Royal Wizard Academy, it has the two largest Tzeentch cults, the Ulric's Hand and the Broken Wheel. These two cults are particularly active in court political struggles and the pursuit of the arcane arts, and the witch hunters and the Church of Justice have never been able to eradicate them."
"And because of Nuln's decadent atmosphere, the largest Slaanesh cult in the Empire, the Pleasure Seekers Association, hides in Nuln."
"Finally, the largest Nurgle cult, the Sons of Misfortune, are hidden in almost every village and town in the Empire, in dirty corners, sewers, and slums, because people there crave health and strong bodies." Ryan looked at Alfred, squinting. "No matter what you choose, Alf, the Chaos Gods always have something for you."
Alfred was speechless.
"Alright, let's get ready to go, Emilia." Ryan stood up. It was already past four in the afternoon, and the banquet would start at seven.
"You go ahead, Ryan. Let me change my clothes," Emilia waved.
"Okay." Ryan, now in the image of Van-Darkholme, nodded, stood up, and left the Elector Palace early. Emilia had forged an identity for him as a great artist, but he couldn't just appear out of nowhere in Nuln. Ryan needed to walk around and let people know he existed.
As night fell on Nuln's streets, Ryan arrived at the Golden Smile Concert Hall. He noticed it was a magnificent music hall with exquisite sculptures, many dating back a hundred or two hundred years. The entire music hall had a very obvious Baroque style, with the main body in brown-red and rust-stone, interspersed with white lines, forming a grid-like facade, colorful and grand in structure. Many young nobles of Nuln, dressed in gorgeous clothes, were already lining up at the entrance.
The masquerade ball was about to begin.
Ryan, or rather Van-Darkholme, looked around self-deprecatingly at himself in a high-quality black tuxedo, white shirt, and black vest: "Late, but... why am I not surprised at all?"
"Well, let me wait." Van-Darkholme sighed.
About twenty minutes later, the elaborately dressed imperial duchess Emilia finally appeared. She wore a daffodil-colored floral embroidered dress, her blonde hair high and styled into a cute princess bun. The perfect pink and white combination highlighted her unique noble princess charm. Her eyes were deep and enchanting, beautiful and lovely. Her legs were wrapped in white lace stockings, and she wore about five-centimeter-heeled princess shoes, appearing before Ryan.
"Oh my, you can dress up too~" The imperial duchess had a playful look on her face. "I don't know how you came up with this face, Mr. Van-Darkholme, but I must say your tuxedo looks... a bit artistic."
"Of course, I am an artist, a performance artist." The man walked briskly, smiling. "I came to Nuln to spread my philosophy and fulfill their fantasies."
"Very well, my dark artist." Emilia looked at Ryan's current appearance. The imperial duchess took out a light blue silk mask with Nuln's emblem and handed it to Ryan: "But I must say, your mask is not right. No one in Nuln would wear such a strange mask. You'd be recognized immediately and kicked out of the concert hall."
Van-Darkholme was wearing a black bull mask. He frowned but took the mask from Emilia and put it on: "Alright, Emilia, you're a bit late. The ball has already started."
"No, it's just the right time." Emilia shook her head, putting on her mask and linking arms with Ryan as they walked towards the Golden Smile Concert Hall. "Follow me, Mr. Van-Darkholme. You still don't fully understand the noble circle of Nuln. Follow me, and you won't make mistakes."
"Of course."
"Lady, gentleman, welcome to the Golden Smile Concert Hall. Today is the masquerade ball. I wish you a pleasant evening!" As they arrived at the entrance, a masked attendant greeted them. "You two are a bit late; has something delayed you?"
"Yes, we were entertained and summoned by the Savior on the way." Emilia, exuding a cornflower scent, said a classic joke in Nuln: "Can you tell us what exciting programs are there tonight?"
"Of course, the highlight tonight is Miss Angelina's performance. She will sing a song that has recently spread throughout the Empire, a song everyone loves, 'The Wind Rises'. This song praises the love between our Duchess Emmanuelle and Duke Ryan across the mountains. Oh, I always thought Duchess Emmanuelle and Duke Ryan were a perfect match, but that Lady Sulia ruined it!" The attendant said indignantly but quickly realized his indiscretion and apologized: "Oh, sorry, I said too much. I hope it won't reach the duchess's ears, or I will be
punished."
"No~" Emilia's fair, pretty face blushed. She lifted her chin: "I think she might reward you... What else?"
"There is also a mysterious guest from the Border Princes who will perform a new song!" The attendant said eagerly: "Oh, I can't say too much. Miss Angelina's performance has already started. Please hurry in so you don't miss it."
"Thank you." They hurried inside. By the time they entered the hall, the performance was already halfway through.
"I once struggled in the vast world and wanted to fulfill this story~"
"No longer distinguish between true and false~ No more struggles, deeply in love with~ him~"
"You entrusted half your life to her and gave her a country~"
"Follow your heart, let it go with the wind~"
"In the name of love, goodbye Duchess~"
The marimba gently played beautiful melodies, and the light, joyful rhythm echoed throughout the hall, lingering for a long time.
Thunderous applause and cheers filled the hall, praising the song. The people of Nuln appreciated love and music more, and this was indeed a top-tier piece, subtly expressing sympathy for Duchess Emmanuelle.
Sulia the b*tch, Ryan the scoundrel!
Ryan smiled bitterly upon hearing this, while Emilia looked a bit proud. After the song ended, she took Ryan around, trying a few games before pushing him: "It's your turn to perform."
Ryan nodded and quickly went backstage.
After a few minutes, the curtains in the concert hall opened, and deafening music blasted, capturing everyone's attention!
On the high steps, three men in tuxedos and two women in gentlemen's suits stood with their backs to the hall. A group of dancing girls held large fluffy colored balls. Bright lights shone down from the stage, five colored carpets laid out for each performer from the steps.
Behind the stage, a line of words rose.
New Treasure Island!
"Now, let Mr. Van-Darkholme from the Border Princes of Liguria and his friends bring us his latest creation!" The host shouted: "New Treasure Island!"
Accompanied by pleasant music, the five people on stage slowly turned around and began their performance. The atmosphere in the hall reached its peak.
"Ding ding ding ding~"
"Delicately depict~"
"Ding ding ding ding~"
"Sing this melody~"
"That is New Treasure Island!"
"Resent~"
The purple lights, magical dance moves, and unique style quickly captivated all the guests at the masquerade ball. Everyone on the stage began mimicking the moves, humming the tune. A wave of enthusiasm spread throughout the ball.
Under the purple lights, the ball fell into a true frenzy, with excitement spreading throughout the hall, everyone enchanted. The city was conquered.
The plan was a success!
...I'm the long-awaited dividing line...
Just like the Weimar banquet in Marienburg, Mr. Van-Darkholme once again amazed everyone. He received the highest courtesy. When he requested to meet the host of the banquet, he was almost immediately granted permission. Led by a noblewoman from Nuln, Van-Darkholme was brought to the backstage of the Golden Smile Concert Hall: "Everyone, let me introduce Mr. Van-Darkholme! A great artist. Oh, my God, I love his performance!"
"Do you like my rhombus steps?" The artist from the South smiled shyly yet proudly.
There were about a dozen or twenty nobles and performers in the backstage, all excitedly and eagerly looking at the artist, clapping voluntarily. Everyone stood up, welcoming the artist with applause and cheers. A masked male noble loudly said: "Wow~ Mr. Darkholme, you're amazing! You brought new fashion to Nuln... Can you introduce yourself?"
"Well," Van-Darkholme smiled. "I have attended many gatherings in Marienburg. You know, there's not much leather there, but I tried to create some. I performed leather shows for the Weimars. Unfortunately, it didn't last long. You understand."
"Hahaha~" Some laughter erupted backstage. Someone asked: "So Mr. Darkholme, where do your inspiration and artistic cells come from?"
"I'm mostly self-taught. I'm currently creating a new unique style. Now I'm in Nuln, and wow, I'm so excited. You can't imagine how excited, like a child in a candy store." Van-Darkholme said naturally without any stage fright: "I hope to bring something different to this city, various styles. You know, I come from the Border Princes in the South. I love pastoral, outdoor, and grassy landscapes. I also like leather, chains, and various patterns, like boy♂next♂door~ And now I'm putting it to use!" Van-Darkholme said with a smile.
"Very well, Mr. Darkholme, our boss wants to meet you." A servant approached from afar: "Please follow me."
"An honor." Van-Darkholme followed the servant without saying much, entering the office area of the concert hall, going up to the third floor, and entering an office.
Inside the office sat a man and a woman. The man was handsome but pale, and the woman was a stunning beauty with blonde hair and blue eyes. She wore a magnificent soft pink silk gown, her hair styled in an ancient noblewoman's fashion, adorned with jewels. She was incredibly beautiful, with a proud figure and an extraordinary appearance. Seeing Van-Darkholme, the woman smiled: "Welcome, Mr. Van-Darkholme. I heard you wanted to see me?"
"??" Ryan's heart skipped a beat. He quickly smiled: "Of course, this beautiful lady. It's an honor to meet you."
"Oh? Really?" The woman lazily stretched, pulling out a woman's head from under the table and throwing it in front of Ryan: "Unfortunately, you're late. Dear Ryan-Malcador, the lady you've been searching for has already been dealt with by me."
"??!!!" Ryan's face changed immediately. In an instant, Mjolnir appeared in his hand.
"Wait, I'm not here in Nuln to duel you," the woman remained calm. She extended a hand adorned with various jewelry, producing a pleasant ringing sound with her movements.
"Let me introduce my baron, Hal Harris! Perhaps you recognize him?" The woman giggled: "Ebo Wallace also mentioned you. He said you're strong."
"And let me introduce myself."
"I once had many names, but they are all lost now. I like being called by this name."
"The Queen of Lahmia, Neferata!"
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]