0.2.

“Second Imperial Princess, Her Highness Evelyn!”

The master of ceremony recited the names of each member of the royal family. For every individual that went up to take their place beside the emperor’s throne, a zealous applause would run through the crowd of nobles.

Today, in the imperial ballroom, a banquet was held to celebrate the first prince’s birthday. He was garbed in a white suit adorned with well endowed ornaments. A gold lanyard hung from one epaulet to the pin located at the pocket of the opposite side. A oriental sword hung on his waist, the insignia of Equestria royalty etched into the dark blue sheath.

His Highness Wilson Equestria. 

His eyelids always lowered, giving him an impression that he had small eyes. He exuded a warm demeanor which many people were fond of. His dazzling blonde hair swooned the ladies; coupled with the ever present gentle smile on his face, he was the perfect eye candy for many charming women.

“He’s so cool.”

The 13 year old Sequencee whispered. Anna, his mother, who stood beside him chuckled.

They were wearing formal attire in attendance of this celebratory occasion as invited guests. Sequencee in a blue suit had a nice stuffy tie looped around his collar, meanwhile, Anna was wearing a tight, exposing purple dress which gave a touch of seductiveness to her typically nonchalant vibe.

“We’ll get to the food soon, don’t worry,” Anna said.

“I can’t wait. Yum,” Sequencee, being the person who lacked any interested in the happenings of the royal family looked around the crowded hall.

Towards the food aisle, dishes of various cuisines had already been laid out along the extensive tables. Musicians at the corner stage stood with their instruments in hand as they waited for the royal family to finish whatever speech they had prepared. There were also young adults attending, some of which, like himself, were busy looking around instead of paying attention to the words of the prince.

Sequencee saw Leticia Estia amongst them. She was the daughter of Reed Estia, the governor of the barony which he and his mom’s home resided at. For this occasion, Leticia had styled her platinum blonde hair with a pink flower barrette, her dress was long and drapery, reminiscent of those worn by elves.

‘Well, her mother is an elf.’

Their eyes met. She rolled her eyes around in a circle, Sequencee shrugged.

“We’re so disrespectful … ” then he turned back to the stage and scratched his cheeks. 

‘Better listen to the prince, otherwise someone might just quiz me on what he said later.’

Back when he first met Leticia, he assumed that she was at least a couple decades years old. After all, elves could live for hundreds of years. Never in his wildest imagination that this half-elf would be his age. 

‘The growth developmental cycle of half-elves is weird … ’

“... I thank all for coming to attend this party. I’m honored to be the celebrated guest for tonight. I pray everyone will continue to maintain good relations with the royal family as we continue to pursue what is best for the empire. Help yourselves with the food, enjoy the wine, dance with your loved ones. On behalf of everyone here, I wish all participating members to enjoy this time to the utmost,” the first prince declared, raising his glass.

His speech erupted the loudest applause since their arrival. The mages that have been commissioned released mini magic fireworks inside the hall. A spectacular scene of shinny, snowy particles drifted down from the ceiling, simply enchanting.

“It’s time to eat,” Anna said with a blooming smile, nudging Sequencee out of his awe.

The two headed to the food station and began to stuff their plates with all dishes they found appetizing. Sequencee was a little disappointed that there weren’t many hero cuisine dishes here. Nevertheless, he didn’t doubt that the buffet options for the party were still the best he had by far. 

‘As expected of royalty.’

Sequencee bit into the gold goose meat seared in hot gravy made from a mixture of chives, spices and sturgeon eggs. Flavors exploded in his mouth as he allowed the blissful taste to occupy his mind. Anna was no different, caring more for the food than she did about connecting with other nobles. 

The first prince, the celebrated figure of the royal banquet, was busy shaking hands with the long line of guests in the room. Meanwhile, the other members of royalty had either gone to meet their faction supporters, chat with royal family members of other visiting kingdoms, or indulge in the wine and food.

“Miss Anna,” a voice boomed behind.

“Hm?” She turned around with stuffed cheeks.

A large man with a brawny physique wearing a tight ochre suit. The red handkerchief sewn with the crest of his house emblem in his pocket and sword by his belt displayed a complimenting style of vigor.

Dark brown hair, deep green eyes–one of the empire’s five SS-rank mercenaries–this man here was Aaron Smite.

“Sir Aaron. Nice to see that you’re here! Long time no see–” Anna forced another forkful of food into her mouth mid sentence.

He loosened a sigh and smiled wryly.

“Good evening Sir Aaron,” Sequencee greeted with respect. Unlike his mother, he made sure to swallow his food before speaking.

“Good evening to you Sequencee, I’ve heard a lot about you from your mother–so this is your son, Anna?” he patted Sequencee by the shoulder and glanced at Anna.

“Yes. This is my dear son Sequencee. Looks just like me doesn’t he? Fufu.”

“I can’t quite agree. How has it been since the...”

And so the two settled into a deep conversation regarding their recent plans. As SS-rank adventurers respectively (though one of them denied the promotion), they had a deep sense of camaraderie with one another. If Sequencee remembered correctly, his mom did tell him once that this Aaron guy was a close party member of her’s in the past.

Sequencee tried to locate the other SS-rank adventurers in the room–not that he knew who they were. His eyes were only met with the gazes of many curious nobles.

‘I guess they’re as confused as I am.’

The rumors about his identity must’ve spread pretty far.

“Should I shake hands with the prince?” Sequencee muttered to himself, noticing the human line had grown noticeably shorter.

He then glanced towards the lounge area for young nobles like himself. There were a bunch of people surrounding the second princess and third prince. Fortunately, the floor hadn’t been divided into rings where some sections were restricted only to nobles of a certain rank. Sequencee was free to roam and meet whoever he wished.

‘Yeah, let’s go shake hands with the prince.’

“Mom, I’m going to go line up. Can you help me take care of my plate for a bit.”

“Sure dear, be careful.”

He made sure to make himself presentable before settling himself into the queue. There were many adult nobles here, so he found it a little discomforting being the only kid around. 

Sequencee was glad he wasn’t the child of some grand noble, otherwise he would’ve needed to care for how his actions reflected the image of people towards him and his mother. He disliked having to act in a set ‘role’ corresponding to his ‘status’ in front of everyone.

‘Actually, just by standing here, I am acting out my status as a free and wild person, aren’t I?’

Nobody was free from the judgment of status. It was just a matter of high or low, and as Anna didn’t care for any of it, so did Sequencee.

A couple minutes passed when his turn arrived.

“Happy birthday, Your Highness Wilson,” Sequencee greeted crudely as he accepted his handshake.

His Highness Wilson couldn’t contain his laughter, “Thank you young sir. Where are your parents? Did you come here alone?”

“No Your Highness. My mom is there talking with Sir Aaron.”

“Oh? So you are Miss Anna’s son?”

“Yes.”

Sequenecee was surprised he knew. The prince chuckled.

“What an unexpected chance to speak to the son of a renowned adventurer. It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy the evening party.”

“Yes Your Highness, thank you,” Sequencee bowed and left. He couldn’t take up too much time as there were still many new people behind him.

‘It must be difficult to handle so many people like this … I wonder if he’s hungry?’

He looked at his hands, amazed that he had really just shook hands with the future emperor.

Sequencee made his way over to his mother. She was still talking to Aaron, and their exchange had grown heated, laughs leaked in between every few words.

“Mom, I shook hands with the prince,” Sequencee waved his palms.

“Oh, congratulations.”

“Oh boy, you should really look out for your son. What if His Highness thinks you’re neglecting him?”

“Nah. I don’t think they’d go so far as to think as such. His Highness has so much on his plate, if he cared about every little thing, he would be crushed.”

“You better not let him hear that,” Aaron shook his head.

“Dear, sorry but you mom wants to go meet with some people so is it alright if you go there and try to make some new friends?” Anna passed Sequencee’s plate back to him and point to the young noble’s lounge with her thumb.

“After I get a few more crusted crab patties.”

“Yes, yes,” Anna giggled.

Sequencee stocked up his plate and felt that his throat was parched. He used magic to keep the plate in the air as he asked for a glass of juice. The bartender who saw how the plate was levitating couldn’t help but admire this genius in front of him. He poured him a glass of sweet gold-dew juice and sent him on his way.

Sequencee dabbed his mouth with his handkerchief after wetting his throat and walked to the lounge. He was trying to find Leticia. Though they weren’t that close of friends, they were at least somewhat acquainted with one another.

He circled around the area but couldn’t find her. He scanned the crowd of adult nobles and mused to himself.

‘She’s probably with her family or something … oh well.’

There was no way he would be able to make friends knowing that these people had a higher standing than himself. It would be better to just find some secluded place and wait for the party to be over.

“Maybe I should sneak out into the garden.”

Sequencee had read many stories about mercenaries that felt uncomfortable from the banquet ending up in the garden to pass time. There they would stubble upon trouble and save the day–that kind of trope.

“Is that magic?”

“The plate is floating ... he must be really skilled.”

“Which house is he from? Have you seen him before?”

“Probably some low commoner. I’ve never seen him in the academy.”

To these whispers, Sequencee glanced at the young nobles and made a trouble expression. Confused as to what they should do, they stared back at him.

‘I should find some odd corner of the hall to stand at.’

Sequencee found a nice veranda to veer off to. He lowered his plate and cup to the ledge and looked towards the night scene of the city. With the fork, he sliced the patty of the meat and enjoyed the flavor as he took in the night air.

“Oh dear, it seems I’m not the only one who doesn’t fit in.”