Chapter 623: Chapter 624: Allergic What a horrible human being who goes to a public gathering and expects to get into trouble. It was like he was hoping someone provoked him. This was someone who just wanted to create a scene but still act like he didn’t start it. He didn’t want smoke, he wanted an inferno. Damon moved towards the grand entrance while arching his shoulders slightly, his presence deliberate and confident. As he approached, he noticed rows of knights guarding the entrance. The early darkness of the evening was dispelled by glowing lights. He noticed magic artifacts for capturing pictures in the hands of journalists scattered all around. Each was taking note of those who arrived, their notepads ready for the next big scoop in the newspaper. The capital was in a festive atmosphere, and some young nobles wanted to be featured in the papers, so quite a few of them were getting interviewed. Damon was approached by several of these journalists himself, but Renata happened to scare them off before they could be a bother. Using the opportunity, he slipped away into the building. His eyes were welcomed by the pristine sight of large banners flying along the walls and flags hanging proudly. The floor was made of marble, and at the very center, the same crest was designed into the stone. Large chandeliers hung high above, lighting the ceiling. Stairs at short intervals led to VIP seating, each carrying the banners of a few great houses. This was a simple sight, but even here there were ranks. No, actually, this place of all places had the most hierarchy. Maybe it might have seemed the same to a commoner, but among nobles the hierarchy was strict. This was the distribution of land, wealth, and power. The greater the gap in nobility, the more vast the differences in authority. A low-ranking noble might as well be considered a slightly less appalling commoner by a high noble. It was not unusual for children of low-ranking nobility to be servants of high-ranking nobles, often as ladies-in-waiting or knights. This was not a form of humiliation, but rather a sound and logical step to rise into power. It was an opportunity to climb higher, to gain support, or to be seen associated with a high noble household. In this world there was rich, and then there was RICH. This was the divide. And of course, this didn’t stop all of them from looking down on commoners. Like him. That said, Damon wasn’t one to take things lying down. Naturally, he came prepared. With a flower in each arm, they were a sight to behold. The hall was bustling with the low drone of people talking, young nobles interacting with each other in a complex atmosphere driven by subtle power hierarchies. It started with one person, then two, and soon almost everyone present had noticed them. There were soft murmurs and whispers, all people enamored by the sight of the two beautiful women. One was a violet-haired woman with her hair tied in a bun, wearing a long dress that highlighted her curves. The other was like a doll, dressed like a warrior with a large sword strapped to her back that added to her aesthetic. These two beautiful flowers both had their arms locked with a man in armor that seemed mysterious. His face was hidden under his hood, and the lights seemed to dim in his presence. "He’s here... it’s him, the Ascendant." Murmurs began to spread among the young nobles, especially those who had an interest in the rising star known as the Ascendant. "So that’s Damon Grey... the commoner who supposedly overcame three death zones by scurrying around like a rat." Another noble next to him sneered, jealousy dripping from his tone. "His reputation is bloated among the commoners. He must have been riding the efforts of the nobles in his party." "Pfftff." A noble with a large headwear laughed, confident in his shallow assessment. "Rumors say he even bested an orc war band in combat and saved a small caravan." "Hmph." Someone sneered, shaking his head. "My report said two hundred knights were present, though they sadly died. How can he shamelessly claim credit? Disgusting." "Perhaps there might be truth to his legend, or maybe it’s just Aether Academy propaganda." Damon sighed under his hood. "Damned tough crowd... isn’t this supposed to be the part where they bootlick me, or have we not gotten to that part yet?" His words were only loud enough for Renata to hear, so she was the only one to give him a reply. "Shall I kill them, my lord? These fools are unworthy to even be counted in a single page of your legend, even as defeated foes." He chuckled, shaking his head. "There’s no need. I was worried there wasn’t going to be drama... thank goodness it’s not a boring evening." Renata smiled. It seemed he expected this after all. He looked around. The balcony overlooking the ground floor was where all the VIPs sat, the highest-ranked nobles. The biggest way for him to slap their faces would be to go up there, but at the moment he couldn’t... not without Lilith, who attached the right noble ranking. ’It’s not like I can tell those House Brightwater knights I’m the Grand Duke’s grandson...’ He looked up and noticed a female figure with golden hair smiling at him. Her sun-marked eyes gleamed like they had just found hope after being alone for such a long time. Next to her was an ostentatiously dressed young man who wore a golden crown studded with several gems. His chest proudly bore the emblem of the imperial family, as if he was afraid no one would know he was a prince. He was obviously pestering the beautiful golden-haired girl. As soon as she locked eyes with Damon, it was like she saw hope—or rather a way to get rid of something annoying. So, disregarding the ambiance, she called out to him. "Damon... over here. Hold on, I’ll meet you." If her noble upbringing had allowed it, she would have jumped down from the balcony. She easily made her way down the stairs, her dress fluttering as she practically ran toward Damon in front of everyone’s eyes. To his shock, she jumped into his arms and hugged him. "I missed you so much..." she said aloud for all to hear. Damon hugged her too, whispering into her ear. "Alright, you two-faced snake, what do you want? I smell ulterior motives. Why are you dragging me into whatever the hell this is?" She broke free from the hug, smiling. "I’ll be relying on you, okay? I know you don’t mind the trouble." He gave her a deadpan expression, muttering. "Eva... when did you become such a horrible human being?" "I learned that from you. Turns out we have more in common than I thought." "I hate you for this," he whispered. She gave him a deadpan expression of her own. "Then why are you smiling? You’re clearly enjoying the drama. It’s like you’re allergic to peace." "Shhhshhh, let me do my thing."