Chapter 283: Grand Ball I

A few days later...

Two figures were standing in front of a building, each with expressions of nervousness and excitement.

They were both wearing handsome suits that accentuated their features, making them seem elegant even though they still had a trace of being a baby face due to their young ages.

"This is it, huh?" Said the figure with snow-white hair and blood-red eyes.

The other figure, a boy who looked the same age as him, fixed the lapel of his suit as his noble blue eyes shone with confidence, "Let’s go hunting!"

Thwack—

"Ow! Why did you hit me?" The figure with noble blue eyes complained, feeling wronged.

The other figure with snow-white hair merely said, "This is a celebration for the establishment of our corporation. Besides, don’t you get tired chasing skirts all the time?"

"Heh, me? Getting tired? I can go all night lo—"

Thwack—!

The two figures were none other than Regis and Killian.

"Haa... There’s really no need for a ball..."

Regis sighed with an exasperated expression, thinking about his conversation with Aurum in the past few days.

This was because the leader of the Midas Merchant Organization insisted on having a grand ball to celebrate.

Looking at his expression, Killian chuckled and patted Regis’s shoulder, "You know, Boss, Sir Aurum merely wanted to showcase the first adventurer corporation he sponsored. Besides, you also know that this is for us to socialize and form connections. After all, networking is a must-have ability not only for nobles and royals, but also for the leaders of organizations."

"Yes, but... this feels like it’ll be way too tiring." Regis sighed once again as he replied, his expression becoming more exasperated.

Killian looked at him and smiled, "Come on, just treat this like I do. Hunting!"

"I’m not like you, though..."

"No, I meant you should just treat this like hunting monsters. The only difference is that you’ll face humans and fight them with words."

Regis sighed helplessly, "Whatever, let’s just get this done and over with."

"That’s my boss!"

Without delaying any further, Regis and Killian made their way into the luxurious building in front of them.

***

The venue for the grand ball was not something that could be described as ’grand’.

As the word ’grand’ itself was an understatement of its splendor.

After all, just the red carpet that was obviously made from the hide of a high realm monster was not something that could be bought purely with money.

In addition, everything in this grand ball— from the venue, delicacies, wine, and everything else— was all sponsored by the Midas Merchant Organization.

One must remember that this merchant organization was the biggest in the industry.

Furthermore, it was the only human merchant group that had established connections and performed regular trades with the other major intelligent races.

From the top-quality red carpet, the luxurious golden engravings in the interior, the sparkling chandeliers above, and everything that could be seen with the naked eye, were all worth hundreds of gold coins at the very least.

"Whoa..."

Regis could not help but marvel at the sight before him.

He could not help but remember his life back in the slums— back when just a gold coin would be enough for him to live comfortably for a few years.

’Just how much is this all worth... and to think that Uncle Aurum owns this place...’

Regis could not help but let his mind wander, as his eyes were filled with amazement.

Beside him, Killian was also dumbstruck, "S-So rich..."

Even a noble like him could never imagine their family spending this kind of money just for a celebration.

This grand ball was a statement from Aurum himself.

Being the honorary founder of Harmonia, the Midas Merchant Organization had already secured this place as its headquarters— the center of all its trades and affairs.

This was why they did not hold back, especially due to this being a huge step for them.

Regis and Killian walked through the luxurious main hall, feeling overwhelmed due to everything being so sparkly and shiny.

"J-Just where am I...?" Killian spoke out loud.

Fortunately, due to the sounds of the various instruments, his voice was not heard by anyone else.

"Brother!"

Hearing a familiar voice, Regis turned his gaze, "Pandora—— Ahhhh!"

However, just as Pandora’s figure appeared in his peripheral vision, he was suddenly blinded by the sparkle emerging from her.

Regis could not help but cover his face with both of his arms in an "x" formation.

"Is the light coming for me!?"

Thwack—!

Hearing the joking tone in his voice, Pandora could not help but slap his shoulder, "Brother..."

"Haha..." Regischuckled, only for his expression to freeze in the next moment.

The reason for this was partly because of Pandora’s black hair that was elegantly braided, and her face that was oozing with refreshing elegance, which made her look amazing.

However, a major part of his shock was due to her dress and accessories, which were all made with high-quality diamonds that could only be harvested in dangerous areas.

A little smug smile appeared on Pandora’s face, as even with her usually emotionless expression, the fact that she was wearing shiny things seemed to make her feel very proud.

This was to the point that she even smiled smugly— something out of her usual demeanor.

However, Regis was fully focused on something else, ’Diamonds, no matter the kind, are very hard...’

This was common knowledge, since diamonds, even the lowest quality, were one of the hardest materials in the world.

Looking at his surprised face, Pandora felt even more proud as she asked with a tinge of excitement, "What do you think, Brother? This dress is something Aurelia had custom-made for me, hehe."

’What kind of tailor can weave it to make it into a seemingly soft material...’

Regis felt more amazed by the tailor who made this dress.

Despite the random thoughts in his mind, he did not forget to praise her with a smile, "You look amazing."

"Hehe..."

At this moment, Pandora’s cheeks reddened slightly, which made her look more beautiful.

’She looks like a tomato covered with diamonds...’

Unfortunately, Regis’s eyes were seeing something different in this moment, "Haha, you and your liking for shiny things..."