I feel like a penguin. My reflection in the mirror reminded me of one; the suit my grandmother chose fits me perfectly once again, the combination of black and white highlighting the color of my eyes, my pale skin, and my reddish hair.

"You look good, young Maki." One of the Solar family's workers was helping me with my attire. She was older, her white hair reaching mid-back, and her eyes reflecting countless experiences.

"Do you really think so, Soph?" I was staying in this family's house at Sol's request. I had received invitations from the Marquis and Arisa to stay in their castles, but I politely declined since Sol had been the first to invite me.

"Yes, you look charming, like someone who is about to get married." I thanked Soph for her words. "I don't know if with Lady Sol or Lady Arisa…" Those last words I let slip by since they sounded more like a whisper.

I headed toward the carriage after the final adjustments. I would be going with the Baron because Sol had already left a little earlier to help Arisa, just like Arisa had helped her at her own party.

"You look good, Maki. You seem older, no one would guess you're only twelve." The Baron was already waiting by the carriage for me.

"Good morning, uncle. Thank you, and sorry for making you wait." We chatted a little as we boarded the carriage. Although we would be seated at the same table, he would be moving around greeting acquaintances, which probably meant I would be left alone at the table since Sol and Marga would be sitting with Arisa.

As we approached Arisa's castle, we saw a long line of carriages, some simpler and others very luxurious. We waited for our turn until we reached the drop-off point, where a family servant guided us to our table. We were placed near the main table, with eight seats available, though for now, we were only two.

We ate some appetizers while chatting and waiting for the party to begin. Many minutes later, glowing lights swirled across the main hall until the announcer's voice finally introduced the birthday girl. Arisa descended from the second floor in a dazzling orange dress. She looked absolutely stunning, her curves accentuated by the outfit, with perfect makeup to highlight her features.

Everyone stood up from their seats to applaud. At that moment, a voice spoke through the amplifier, introducing himself as Count Timal. So he was Arisa's father? He had orange hair like his daughter and elder son, a beard of the same shade, and calm black eyes. He seemed only a little shorter than the Marquis.

We listened to the speeches of the father and daughter. When they finished, a soft melody began, and the father-daughter dance commenced. At that moment, I felt an Imra touch mine. It startled me—I hadn't sensed anything before, and only when it chose to make itself known did I notice something different.

I followed the trail of the Imra. It seemed no one else had noticed. Such terrifying control. As I traced it, I saw the Marquis looking at me and giving me a wink. A shiver ran down my spine. What was this?

The Marquis rose from his seat to dance with his niece, and everyone applauded again just as before. When they finished, the announcer spoke. "Now, a special guest will dance with Lady Arisa. Let's give a warm welcome to Maki Vichag." The applause was soft, and I froze, my mind going blank for a second.

My body moved before my thoughts caught up. I was already walking toward the center of the floor. Confusion washed over me, but I understood that it would be rude to make her wait. Thanks to my own world ability, I could feel everyone's surprise and whispers, except for three people: the Marquis, the Count, and the Baron, who were laughing. Sol, on the other hand, looked confused.

I took Arisa's hand, which was also trembling with a bit of confusion. My other hand went to her slender waist, and she placed hers on my shoulder. "Arisa, you are dazzling." My words seemed to snap her out of it—apparently, she hadn't known about this either.

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"Thank you, Maki. You don't look bad yourself. You'll draw the eyes of many women…" At that moment, a slight frown crept across her face. "Don't you dare look back at them. Did you know about this dance?" Her expression changed with subtle gestures I could only notice because of how close she was.

"No one will dare come near me after this dance." I smiled back. "And no, I didn't know either. Your uncle caught me off guard." I glanced discreetly at the Marquis, who was eating as if nothing had happened. When we finished, I escorted her to her table and returned to mine. Now, everyone was staring at me.

"Your dance will bring me many advantages in business." Camux spoke as I sat down.

"Why?" His words left me a bit puzzled.

"Now all these nobles know about you. They've surely deduced the same thing: you are favored by both the Count and the Marquis. When I speak to them about trade, they'll ask about our connection, and I'm your favorite uncle, aren't I?" He winked. His ability to understand and exploit situations amazed me; he would turn a simple dance into profit.

"Good luck with your business." I raised my juice to clink with his wine. Our families already had an agreement of mutual aid in times of danger, and if his territory grew stronger, we would gain a powerful ally. I could also use this as leverage later when I brewed the grade 2 potion—I would need a specific flower from his lands.

The events continued, with various groups performing shows, most of them magic or music related. The most interesting was a group of three performing acrobatics in the middle of the floor.

"Go dance with Sol and Marga, they'll be upset if you only dance with Arisa." The Baron nudged my arm with his elbow when the music began again and everyone rose to dance. I deactivated my own world ability to relax my mind a little. Just as I prepared to head toward their table, I saw Marga already halfway to me.

She wore a gray dress that matched her eyes. The outfit not only enhanced her hair and eyes but also made her figure look fuller. I rose to meet her halfway. She took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

"I need to mark my territory a little." Those were her first words as the dance began, as blunt as ever.

"Someone is more likely to approach you, Marga. You're truly beautiful today." I wasn't lying; her status and beauty could make anyone drool.

"Don't play humble. You grow more handsome by the day. If I don't act soon, someone else will try to catch you. It's already enough having to share you with Arisa and Sol." I gave her an awkward smile. I never knew how to handle Marga's boldness—she was always straightforward.

We exchanged banter as we danced, caught up a little on the past months, and promised to talk more later when the party shifted into a different mood. When I brought her back to her table, I seized the chance to invite Sol to dance.

"Are you upset, Sol?" She was smiling, but her happiness didn't quite reach her eyes. I could see a bit of frustration there.

"Why am I the last to dance with you? I understand the situation… but it's frustrating." Sol surprised me; she was usually softer in her words. She must have felt deeply upset.

"The best is always saved for last, Sol." My mind had moved faster than ever to come up with something to lighten her mood, and it seemed to work. Her smile changed, her movements softened, and she pressed herself closer to me until our bodies touched, and we danced slowly.

Sol wore a green dress like her eyes. Her beauty stood out on par with Marga and Arisa. The three of them were stunning in different ways, each possessing something unique that made them shine.

When the dance ended, I escorted her to her seat. At that moment, Arisa's parents were smiling warmly at me. I smiled politely back and bowed to them before returning to my table.

Camux had gone off somewhere else, leaving me alone with my juice. I reflected on the recent events. I hadn't expected to draw so much attention so quickly. Everyone kept looking at me and whispering while trying to act discreet.

For a moment, I considered slipping away to get some fresh air, but I didn't. The Marquis was still watching me, waiting for me to act. So I remained in my place, enjoying the food.

"Maki." When I turned, I saw a tall young man with white hair and eyes as blue as the sea. "It's been many years." That princely face was one I hadn't forgotten.

"Hello, Bush. You're right, it's been a long time. How are you?" I rose from my chair to give the young man who had been teleported with me into my first dungeon a strong hug.

"Not too bad. And you?" His calm and reserved tone hadn't changed.

We sat to talk about everything that had happened since we had parted ways. I slowly told him about the dungeon, how I managed to escape, and some of what had happened to me in recent months. He also told me how he had been training diligently all this time. I was a little surprised when he admitted he had felt useless after being separated from me in the dungeon.

He had felt like dead weight left behind, and that was why he dedicated himself to improving as much as possible in his free time. Bush had already been strong as a child, but now I wondered just how powerful he had become. A spark lit inside me—I wanted to face him. Maybe the four of them against me would be a fair practice.

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