Cinders & Gold (Celeste Academy Fanfic👑)

Cinders & Gold ◇ Amber's Reappearance

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♠chapter twenty six♠
AMBER'S REAPPEARANCE

Charles tapped the bridge of his nose as he scanned his blue notebook. He had already visited the kitchens and inquired on what foods, snacks and drinks would be available on the day of the Ball.

"Let's see," he hummed as he pushed his glasses up. He had written down the foods that were currently available, and since the Ball was primarily a Denovegasian festival, the fourth ranker took note that tubers, nuts and berries were the staple foods.

Although they were in plenty, Charles felt the need to add more types of food. The head cook had explained the routine appetizers, main course and desserts that would be prepared on that day.

"How rigid," Charles had told the head cook, Marlene.

Marlene had gasped slightly in shock. "B-But sir, that is how things have always been for the past few years —"

"I know," the fourth ranker interrupted. "But since the twelve are assisting with the festival, I thought it would be nice if there was a twist to it this time round."

His voice sounded convincing yet commanding at the same time. Marlene gulped at the intense look that Charles gave her beneath his glasses. As though the fourth ranker had sensed the tension between them, he broke into a small smile.

"Worry not, though. The recipes that you're accustomed to will still be there. I'll just be recommending a few additions and will personally tend to the new courses."

Marlene heaved a sigh of relief.

Charles ripped a paper from his notebook. "Alright then, here's the list of things to be included. I presume that these can be available on time when ordered from Lord Dillian's kitchen, right?"

Marlene hastily scanned the paper, and her eyes bulged at the number of items listed. "I . . . guess so . . ."

"Good." Charles snapped his notebook before exiting the busy kitchen while throwing nods of acknowledgement to the staff who smiled his way.

Once he got to the ballroom where all the rehearsals were taking place, he revisited his notes.

"Let's see," said Charles as he tapped a page. He wanted to confirm if the members of the Twelve were on track.

Elfre and Aneeka were supposed to be working on costumes, but that would only be possible once they went to the marketplace and got to interact with seamstresses. Charles looked up and saw Elfre talking animatedly with a guy who sported vomit green hair. Aneeka, on the other hand, was in Rowe's arms and the duo were slowly waltzing while talking in hushed whispers.

Charles frowned. He wanted to walk across the ballroom and remind them of their duties, but thought better of it. He let them be.

The fourth ranker's eyes strayed across the ballroom and landed on the musicians. He spotted Valeriana and was a bit glad to find her interacting with them. Charles hoped to the heavens that Valeriana was discussing the entertainment strategies and not just dawdling.

Another cohort of ladies and gents came in through the castle's entrance, and Charles sighed. He still hadn't rehearsed the dance. Although, he did not feel the need to do so since he already knew the steps like the back of his hand.

But the main reason as to why he hadn't yet danced with the others was because he had not yet given his glove. At the thought of his glove, he felt as though it suddenly weighed a lot in his tailcoat pocket. Charles itched to remove it but thought better of it.