The Extra's Rise-Chapter 537: A Golden Birthday (2)

I felt a deep sense of relief at how quickly things had been resolved with Alastor. Four mentors I had encountered on my journey stood out as pivotal figures in shaping my growth: Alastor Creighton, Li Zenith, Charlotte Alaric, and Magnus Draykar.

All of my mentors were important, but Alastor for more. He bet on my potential and even gave me the Skull of the Arch Lich he slew in order to create my own Arch Lich.

Alastor’s offer was very important. Not only did it present an opportunity to mend and strengthen my bond with a man I deeply admired, but it also offered a path to elevate my spellcasting beyond its current limits. With the Astraeus Method in hand, I could address my stagnation and bring my magic closer to the level of my swordsmanship.

It felt as though a long-closed door had opened, and I was eager to step through. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

"We can discuss this in greater detail after the celebration," Alastor promised, his voice warm yet composed. With those words, we finally arrived at the grand hall, its towering doors framed in ornate carvings of frost and starlight—a nod to the Creighton family’s legacy.

The hall itself was nothing short of breathtaking. Chandeliers of enchanted crystal hung above, casting a soft, ethereal glow that danced across the polished marble floors. Streams of silver and gold fabric adorned the walls, their shimmering folds resembling cascading light. Guests dressed in their finest attire milled about, laughter and conversation weaving a vibrant tapestry of sound.

Rachel, ever the radiant host, took a moment to adjust her golden gown before stepping through the threshold, her confidence like a beacon drawing every eye. I followed close behind, feeling the weight of countless gazes as they shifted to me. It was impossible to ignore the subtle murmurs—some curious, some skeptical. After all, I wasn’t just her escort; I was Arthur Nightingale, a name that now carried its own weight.

"Look at them," Rachel whispered with a mischievous grin, her voice low enough for only me to hear. "All these nobles, pretending they don’t care, but they’re dying to know what makes you so special."

"Maybe I’ll let them figure it out themselves," I replied, matching her tone, earning a soft laugh that only made her shine brighter.

We made our way further into the hall, Rachel nodding gracefully to the many well-wishers who approached. Some offered polite greetings, others more effusive praise, but Rachel navigated it all with a practiced ease that spoke volumes about her upbringing. As for me, I stayed quiet, content to observe. This was her night, after all.

Soon, we were greeted by Seraphina, Rose, and Cecilia, who stood near the grand staircase. Seraphina wore a flowing, pale-blue dress that mirrored the serene composure in her crystalline gaze. She looked every bit the picture of calm, though I noticed the faintest glint of amusement as her eyes flicked between Rachel and me.

Rose stood beside her in an elegant emerald gown that complemented her brown eyes beautifully. Her gentle smile radiated warmth, and there was something quietly regal about her presence that spoke to her noble upbringing.

Cecilia wore a dress similar to what she had worn for her birthday banquet, but this design was more conservative, lacking the dramatic backless cut of her previous gown. The deep crimson fabric still managed to capture her fiery personality perfectly.

"I see you’ve brought him intact," Seraphina said lightly, her voice carrying just enough humor to draw a smile from Rachel.

"Of course," Rachel replied, taking Seraphina’s hand briefly in greeting. "Arthur’s surprisingly resilient, though he could do with a little more charm."

"I’ll take that as a compliment," I said dryly, earning a quiet chuckle from both Seraphina and Rose.

The five of us stood together for a moment, the weight of the celebration briefly lifting in the shared camaraderie. But the evening was just beginning, and soon enough, the first strains of music filled the air.

"It’s time for the first dance," Rachel said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she turned to me. "Shall we?"

I offered my hand, and she took it without hesitation. As we moved to the center of the hall, the crowd parted to make way, their attention fully fixed on us. The orchestra swelled, and with the first note, we began to dance.

Rachel moved with the grace of someone who had spent years mastering the art, her every step light and precise. For my part, I focused on matching her rhythm, though it was hard not to notice the way her golden hair shimmered under the lights, or the way her smile softened as she looked up at me.

"You’re not so bad at this," she said teasingly, her voice low enough to keep our exchange private.

"High praise," I replied with a grin. "Though I think you’re carrying the team here."

"Someone has to," she shot back, though there was no real bite to her words.

The dance continued, the two of us gliding effortlessly across the floor. Around us, the world seemed to blur, the music and the crowd fading into the background. For that moment, it felt as though it was just the two of us, moving in perfect harmony.

As the final notes of the orchestra’s melody faded, the applause of the gathered nobles filled the hall. Rachel and I parted with a graceful bow to each other, and she whispered, "Don’t keep Seraphina waiting too long."

I glanced toward where Seraphina stood, her crystalline blue eyes meeting mine with quiet anticipation. She stepped forward with her characteristic grace, offering a small, serene smile.

"May I have this dance?" she asked, her voice calm and melodious.

"Of course," I said, offering her my hand.

The orchestra struck up a new melody, this one more contemplative and elegant. Dancing with Seraphina was like moving through a gentle dream—every step was measured, purposeful, filled with quiet grace. Where Rachel had been vibrant energy, Seraphina was serene confidence.

"You look thoughtful tonight," she observed as we moved through a gentle turn.

"Just appreciating the moment," I replied honestly. "It’s not often we get to simply enjoy each other’s company without worrying about continental politics or magical threats."

Her smile deepened slightly. "Indeed. Though I suspect such peaceful moments will become increasingly rare as time goes on."

"Then we should treasure them while we can," I said, spinning her gracefully.

"Wise words," she murmured, her eyes holding mine as we came together again. "I intend to do exactly that."

As our dance concluded, Rose stepped forward, her brown eyes bright with anticipation. She wore her gentle smile like a crown, radiating the kind of warmth that made everyone around her feel valued and appreciated.

"My turn?" she asked softly, extending her hand.

"Always," I replied, taking her hand in mine.

Dancing with Rose was like finding a moment of perfect peace in the midst of chaos. Her movements were refined but natural, lacking the intense precision of royal training but filled with genuine joy. She laughed softly at something I said, the sound like music itself.

"You seem more relaxed tonight," she observed as we moved through the steps.

"Good company has that effect," I said, earning a pleased blush from her.

"Flatterer," she accused gently, though her smile suggested she didn’t mind in the least.

"Only when it’s true," I replied, drawing her closer as the music swelled.

Rose’s eyes sparkled with happiness, and for a moment, the weight of expectations and responsibilities fell away, leaving just two people enjoying a perfect dance.

As the music faded and Rose curtsied gracefully, I caught sight of Cecilia waiting at the edge of the dance floor. She had been watching the entire evening unfold, her crimson eyes gleaming with playful intensity. Clad in her elegant gown, Cecilia looked every inch the fiery princess she was, her golden hair catching the light like captured flames.

"You saved the best for last, I hope?" Cecilia said as I approached, her voice carrying that familiar note of playful challenge.

"Always," I replied, offering her my hand with a slight bow.

Her smirk widened as she placed her hand in mine. "Good answer."

The orchestra struck up a final melody for the evening, this one bold and spirited—perfectly suited to Cecilia’s personality. Dancing with her was like trying to keep up with a controlled wildfire. Her movements were confident and daring, each step carrying a spark of her indomitable spirit.

"You know," she said as we spun across the floor, "I’ve been watching you dance with the others all evening."

"And?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"And I think you saved your best performance for me," she said with satisfaction, leaning closer as we moved through a complex sequence.

"Confident, aren’t we?" I teased.

"Always," she replied without hesitation. "It’s one of my most charming qualities."

I laughed, unable to argue with her logic. "Among many others."

Her expression softened for just a moment, the playful mask slipping to reveal something deeper. "You mean that."

"Every word," I said sincerely.

As the final notes of music filled the hall, Cecilia and I came to a stop in the center of the floor. The applause was thunderous, but all I could focus on was the way she smiled at me—genuine, warm, and completely without pretense.

"Thank you," she said quietly, just for me to hear. "For this dance, for this evening, for everything."

"Thank you," I replied, "for being exactly who you are."

As the evening continued around us, with conversations resuming and new dances beginning, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Here, surrounded by the people I cared about most, I could almost forget about the weight of destiny and responsibility that usually pressed down on my shoulders.

Tonight was about celebration, about love, about the bonds that connected us all. And in that moment, that felt like more than enough.