EVERYTHING HAS A PRICE

[ The Grand Ball ]

"Everything has a price." Granger stood there silently judging Guinevere's character, make of this what you want but this Habbit has served Granger well over the years with his profession. Normally he'd be mad or atleast upset at such remarks it's usually the rich and arrogant who says things in a simmilar vein, but with Guinevere it isnt a smug remark. But rather a grim reminder of the world they live in. "Even if you have royal blood that does not discount you, hehe... discount... ironic." Granger is constantly updating his psychological profile of Guinevere, now he isnt blessed of being a psychic but his intuition and knowledge of pyschology made him renowned even amongst psychics. "You need to be a man to even practice magic or go to an academy, i had to work myself up the social ladder to even get to where i am at." she progressively got more and more emotional gripping her seat and holding herself from crying over the years of hardships and discrimination. Granger knew this he couldn't stand being around people when they get emotional, normally he'd deescalate the situation.

But for some reason he's willing to hear her out, call it intrigue or curiosity. But deep down he knows he feels some sort of pity or empathy. "if i were a man i wouldnt need to do a quarter of the things i've done just to go to an academy, they expect us to sit and look pretty or satisfy their fantasies." She couldn't hold herself back beads of tears started to fall on her cheeks, the cool night breeze acting like it's trying to comfort her as the loud sounds of music and laughter roared downstairs. Granger could do nothing nor say anything, he just watches and listens. Her tears looking like starlight darting across the night sky as the moon reflects off of them. While Granger knew she isn't entirely innocent this moment of showing someone this vulnerable side, to a total stranger shows she still has some innocence left within her. Granger would see to it that it is protected, no, she is protected. " I-it isn't fair at all...and knowing that my father is willing to basically sell me- her own d-daughter for power and wealth is disheartening."

Granger placed his hand on her shoulder "The night's still young, let's not waste your big moment." Guinevere was clearly taken aback, she never heard him like this, his soft tone, even his face looks more laxed and less intense. He made her feel all warm inside and giddy all without smiling, he only looked like he cared for her and understood her struggles.
"You're right you know, it's not every day a woman graduates from a prestigious magical academy. Let alone being top student." He's right Guinevere thought, it isn't time to cry about what has been it's time to celebrate her efforts, sacrifices, and the work she pain stakingly gone through. So what if she had to work 3 times as hard, it clearly worked out despite the prejudices, biases, and discrimination she had underwent she does have something to show for. "Y-you know what? you're right! I made it and this is my night. I can do whatever i want tonight i deserve it. Gosh and here i thought you were as cold and heartless as the rumors said, you're just a big softy under your stone cold exterior."

Guinevere said as she wiped off her tears, she felt great after that well...venting and Granger's attempt at comforting someone was actually fuitful. "And I miss judged you Miss Violet, you aren't the spoiled brat i thought you were." Did he...giggle? she never heard him laugh or giggle before they've been together for 4 weeks now leading to the graduation. Her father knew that there would be salty schoolmates who think they deserved the number one spot more than her daughter. And well knowing the type of people they are, spoiled, rich, arrogant, and egotistical exactly like him he knew she wasnt safe. So he hires the most infamous and feared demon hunter there is. "You know...you should really laugh or express yourself more...You giggled just now it was um kinda cute." Guinevere said sheepishly she could feel her face flush a bit. Totally embarrassed at herself for saying such a thing, did she overstep his boundaries?! "Sure...I'll...try." This caught Guinevere offguard, for a second there she was scared that she overstepped some lines. Huh, call her crazy but it looked like he was blushing. "Anyways are you ready to go down? I think they will be introducing you soon." In truth Granger was blushing he cant really hide it on his own seeing as he's pale as death. Thank god for his overly exaggeratedly high collar.

"Gwen, Call me Gwen. We are friends right? I like to think we are so...I figured you can call me that, "Miss Violet" is a bit too formal." Guinevere really did think of him as a friend especially with what happened yesterday... He earned her trust something she doesn't just give away easily. "Right, well Gwen...are you ready for the big event? god sorry but still feels weird calling you that." Granger's starting to feel something weird inside his stomach, might have to go to a doctor later..."Well not yet silly i ruined my make up, i'll be ready in a few. Oh and are you sure you'll be fine being alone at dinner time, Dad's such a dick he wont let you in the "special dinning hall" for some reason." Granger knew why her dad didn't want him there he cant bare the thought of eating with an orphan like him who came from the bottom class, now that's not public knowledge but Granger and her dad had worked together before. Well it wasn't very legal business and Guinevere's dad wants background checks for the people he works with. "I'll be fine seriously, just tell me how it goes alright?" He also had to work his ass off to get to where he is, it was his body count that got him his reputation both demon and man. So it is understandable why he abhors rich men who hadn't done a single day of hard labor, so he wasnt really mad being excluded in a room filled with em. "Alright then if you say so...Ah! well i'm ready wish me luck!"

[ The grand announcement - Main hall ]

The sound of trumpets and drums roared as Guinevere was about to be announced, the crowed was mixed with happy and supporting friends and fellow women whom they idolize Guinevere and what she stands for and well the sour crowd of jealous schoolmates, and angry old rich men who are strongly agaisnt the notion of a woman being top of their academy beating their sons. The crowd stood in anticipation for the star of the party to finally get announced and go down the stairs."And now introducing his majesty's Daughter, The number 1 student of the magical academy, and soon to be member of the Paxley's Guinevere Baroque" The crowd all cheered for the princess even the less supportive of her, with her baroque heritage and her soon to be union with the Paxleys she has power. And they wanna show the most powerful families their praises. Guinevere went down the stairs with a certain elegance to her movement as she swade from side to side. Her vibrant purple dress capturing everyone's attention, her long curly auburn hair, and eyes as green as emeralds suffice to say she had everyones attention. As she went down she noticed her friend whom she dearly loves....platonically that is!was just standing there being on duty. She also noticed a few of Granger's habbits one of em's standing at the sideline observing any possible threats.

"It's a party, there are plenty of other guards keeping me safe." She thought she wanted Granger her friend whom she cares about deeply...in a platonic way should loosen up and enjoy the night. "Granger can you accompany me!" She said half way through the stairs as she starts running towards Granger, she was gonna make him have fun if it was the last thing she does. "Gwe- I-i mean Miss Violet i really shouldn't" Granger couldn't really do anything he knew she was eager and determined to do this. And one thing he learnt about Guinevere is she never takes no for an answer. There it is again that funny feeling in his stomach, he couldn't help but blush a bit could it be he's nervous? Now everyone's attention was drawn to the notorious Death Chanter this was the last place they'd expect to him to be in, Miss Violet and The Death Chanter himself what an odd pair. To Guinevere's father's dismay both his daughter and this low life scum were going down the stairs, he knew this will spark headline with how eager his daugther was with bringing him with her down the stairs.

Now this is going to be bad if the Paxleys hear about this a representative is here so it's only a matter of time when they catch wind of recent events. He cant have his upcoming union with the Paxleys be in jeopardy, he'll have to talk to the Paxleys and her daughter. Especially Granger, sadly he cant touch him as he's "Princess Silvanna's dog" but he'll only have a word with him and it wont be pretty.