Lupin The Third: The Beast of Lykanisches

Chapter 5

At the top of the stairs, Ruby grasped Goemon's hand.

"Oh my God," she whispered. "We really are the last ones here. Everyone's staring. We're drawing too much attention. Aderlass is going to be suspicious. I just know it!"

Goemon gave her hand a squeeze and whispered softly to her, "Breathe, Gabriella. Breathe. Be at ease. This is the moment for strength and to be brave. You can do it. I believe in you."

Ruby took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Her hand loosened on Goemon's as she, instead, looped her arm in his properly. "I'm fine. Just... make sure I don't trip down the stairs in these fuckin' shoes."

That sounded more like the Ruby he knew and loved.

Carefully, they began their descent.

Herzog von Aderlass, himself, was already mingling with his guests. But now that Gabriella Ishikawa had arrived, his attention was ensnared. There she was. The so-called 'guest of honor.' Aderlass grinned. Standing beside him was none other than Bernhard, formally Antony Del Monte's butler and right-hand man, and now, right back where he belonged by his true master's side. Aderlass leaned close to Bernhard and whispered.

"Now... it begins."

As the pair descended down the stairs, Matthieu DuPont got a better look at the girl called Gabriella Ishikawa. She was a true vision of beauty. But it wasn't until she alighted off the stairs that one could appreciate her fully.

The dress was positively dazzling. It twinkled hypnotically in the lights from the crystal chandeliers above. Her short, bobbed black and purple hair stood as a striking contrast against her ivory skin; a complexion that was as faint and fleeting as moonlight. Those in attendance who did not know her well found this to be an appealing fae-like, even ethereal sort of quality that enhanced her loveliness. But for those who knew her well, they saw that what was once a rough-and-tumble tomboy had become like the delicate petals of a white lily; far too fragile and in need of proper and immediate care lest she wilt.

Ruby swore she heard whispers in the crowd as she and Goemon passed through.

"Wow. Look at her. She's gorgeous!"

"Forget her. Look at the guy she's with! He's SO hot!"

"Did they say they were married?"

"How old is she? Is she old enough to be married?"

"A damn shame is what it is."

Ruby did her utmost to not look nervous. And she hoped that any potential nervousness she did exude would simply come across as shyness in the face of so many people at an impressive gala such as this. But she wasn't the only wallflower. A few others stood off to the side, looking as though they'd rather observe the proceedings than be in the spotlight. One man in particular seemed to be doing just this, simply enjoying a glass of champagne as he gazed mildly around at everyone, as though simply taking in the sights.

Matthieu DuPont took a slow sip of champagne, his eyes never once leaving the young woman. Just how long had they been separated? She looked so pale. So fragile. She didn't resemble the tanned nymph that he once watched run barefoot through the grass. Instead, she looked more like an ethereal being, barely clinging to the fabric of this world. His brows furrowed. Just what happened to his little RuRu?

Goemon heard the comments around them from the various party guests. And yet, they were none of his concern – even if he did hear some comments regarding himself that made him want to flush. But he resisted. After all, he had to remain strong for Ruby. And as 'her husband,' he had to play as if she were his entire world. And really, that was hardly far from the truth.