The Incubus System Chapter 991. Boring Party

The Incubus System Chapter 991. Boring Party

The constant effort to appear engaged and interested in the endless stream of small talk and noble gossip was exhausting. My face felt stiff from maintaining a polite smile, and my mind was numbed by the intricate and often confusing details of noble lineage, political alliances, and social expectations. I reminded myself why I was here. This wasn’t just a party; it was part of my mission. I had to endure this for the greater goal.

Somehow, I managed to get through the evening and the party. Not until the end, of course. The guests were permitted to leave only after the queen left the hall, which made sense. When she finally rose to depart, escorted by her retinue, I caught Elros glancing at me. His eyes were sharp, scrutinizing me as he walked beside her.

I kept my cool, offering him a polite smile that I hoped conveyed no ill will. I had no interest in engaging with someone I considered insignificant in the grand scheme of things. It certainly wasn’t jealousy. As Mia had said, the relationship between Elros and the queen was limited to master and servant.

Once the queen exited the hall, I exhaled a long breath and turned to Mia. “Now what?” I asked, my eyes reflecting the exhaustion and boredom of a child who had endured a long, tedious party with their parents.

Mia seemed to understand my frustration. She smiled at me, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. She took another glass of drink from a passing servant and handed it to me. “Just bear with it for ten more minutes, okay?” she said, her voice soothing. “We can’t leave right after the queen. It’s too obvious,” she added apologetically.

I exhaled silently and nodded, taking the drink from her hand. I scanned the room, noticing that the departure of the queen had signaled a shift in the atmosphere. The music softened, transitioning to a gentler melody as the evening drew to a close.

Mia's understanding expression helped ease my frustration. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of apology and encouragement. I took a slow sip from the glass, feeling the cool liquid flow down my throat, momentarily easing my discomfort.

The room began to quiet down, conversations turning into murmurs. The air felt lighter without the queen’s imposing presence. I watched as the nobles’ composed facades began to slip, revealing signs of weariness similar to my own. The tension that had held the room captive all evening started to dissipate, replaced by a more relaxed and genuine atmosphere.

Mia stayed close. She leaned in slightly, her voice low and conspiratorial. “You did great,” she whispered, her tone sincere. “Just a little longer, and we can get out of here.”

I nodded once again, despite the exhaustion.

The minutes ticked by. I observed the remaining guests. Some were still engaged in conversation, while others started to make their way toward the exit. The soft strains of the music provided a soothing backdrop, signaling the end of the event. Finally, ten minutes passed, and I caught Mia's eye. She gave me a subtle nod, and we made our way toward the exit, blending in with the departing crowd.

'Free at last!' My inner voice screamed despite the formality of my outer appearance. Pearl and Diamond were still in the hall, engaged in serious conversation with their own kin. We returned to Mia's previous room, which wasn’t her actual quarters but a private space for the royal family to prepare themselves.

Once I closed the door and it was just the two of us, my facade crumbled. My shoulders slumped, my expression showing the exhaustion I felt. I walked toward a plush sofa and plopped myself onto it with a heavy sigh. "That was the most tiring party I’ve ever been to," I said without enthusiasm, my voice reflecting my weariness. My face must have looked as if I were questioning my very purpose in life.

Mia cringed slightly and sat beside me, her expression softening. "It shouldn’t be that bad," she said, trying to offer some comfort.

I shook my head, letting out another sigh. "You have no idea. Trying to keep up with all those conversations, the names, the politics—it’s exhausting. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of unfamiliar faces and stories."

Mia laughed softly, her eyes full of sympathy. "Welcome to the world of royal gatherings. It’s all about connections and maintaining appearances."

I rubbed my temples, trying to alleviate the headache forming from the evening's strain. "I guess I prefer parties in the demon world. At least there, I can just be myself, no need for all this pretense."

Mia nodded, leaning back on the sofa. "I understand. But here, appearances are everything. The way you present yourself can determine your standing, your influence."

"I get that," I said, my voice weary. "But it's hard to be on all the time, to constantly filter what you say and do."

Mia reached out, placing a comforting hand on my arm. "You did well tonight. You kept your cool, and you made a good impression on the queen. That's what matters."

I turned to her, appreciating her words. "Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you. Your guidance kept me from making a fool of myself."

She smiled, her eyes warm. "You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. And besides, it was kind of fun seeing you navigate royalty world."

I let out a small laugh, feeling a bit of the tension ease. "Fun, huh? I guess there were a few moments that weren’t too bad. Like when you told me about almost getting lost in the maze as a child."

Mia grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, that was quite the adventure. My parents were so worried, but I had the time of my life exploring."

I smiled, enjoying this lighter side of our conversation. "I can imagine you as a little adventurer, causing all sorts of trouble."

She laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I suppose I was a handful. But those were good times, simpler times." Then her smile faded. “This was also the reason why I found that angelic crystal.”