Kampf

The Ball and The Gun Factory

Fuck

Fuck

FUCK

I made an embarrassing mistake..

Felix sat in the corner of the grand ballroom, clapping his hands to the upbeat rhythm of the band's lively tune. Outwardly, he appeared composed and immaculate, but inside, he was berating himself fiercely.

The room was bustling with people, the center occupied by couples dancing a lively rendition of the 'Peabody' ballroom dance.

Felix's spirits lifted slightly when he saw his parents dancing happily together.

His older brother was dancing with his fiancé, while his younger sister was off somewhere Goddess knows where with her escort in tow.

Damn. I want to dance with Tanya too...

Felix scanned the room, noting the various groups in conversation. Nobles, military officials, and government leaders engaged in discussions. He sensed a subtle divide between the nobles and others, a small amount of contempt from the nobles towards those not of 'noble birth' can also be sensed.

Despite the Empire's meritocratic values, this discrimination still persisted, with nobles viewing themselves as superior while contributing little beyond paying minimal taxes.

Going back, Felix can also see a person who was shining brightly amongst these men and women. This person is Tanya.

Tanya is currently talking to different people in order to make connections. Most of them only see her as a kid with some achievements, but a bunch of them saw her as something more than that.

These people saw her as someone who will do great in the future. They saw that due to her supreme combat skills and ability, promotion is just a matter of when.

Of course, Tanya is delighted to make some friends in high places. She saw them as a piece of life vest that will save her from the horrors of the depths known as the frontlines. However, she still regrets not having to befriend the prince, who is of the same age as her, and is someone who belongs to the ultimate top of the Empire.

Regrettable. Damn. Only if the prince haven't said those cursed words, maybe I can befriend him.... No... Forget about befriending, if he is not the prince then I could have just crushed him with my mana enhanced fist. Plus.... I AM A MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back to Felix, our MC stood up and went to the bar area. On the way, he was greeted by the various people in attendance, and they knew that no one should talk about what happened earlier.

Felix can feel the intentions of these people and he was grateful for it.

Once he arrived at the bar area, he wants to drink something heavy, something that will make him forget the embarrassing event that happened earlier, but he knew that he could not drink alcohol since technically, he is a minor.

After a bit of thinking, he settled for an orange juice with a drop of German Vodka, Primakov. He somehow coerced the bartender to give him just a drop of vodka. Just 0.05mL of vodka since an mL consists roughly of 20 drops.

Once he got his drink, he faced the ballroom, with his back towards the bar, and drank silently.

Many people wanted to approach him and say his greetings or do something more, but looking at the gloomy aura of the prince, they knew not to approach him.

Felix continued drinking his glass and swayed his head to the beat of the song.

After a while, Goldy came back and settled on the bar just beside him. Besides Goldy, he also saw a falcon who was ruffled in some of her feathers.....