Rise of the Inquisition (Arcs 7-9)

Chapter 174: Royal Gallery

Inside the Royal Gallery, the building showed its true wonders. The Royal Flower Ball was taking place in a large hall inside the Royal Gallery, the entire hall was painted white. With large white pillars placed in various areas around the hall, holding up the ceiling seemingly. The floors of the hall being shiny white marble tiles. Standing on the marble floor were the round tables, with white covers and white flower vases that sat in the middle of each of the round tables. Sitting down at one of the round tables together. Paladin and Lady Athena were sitting down next to each other, but left enough space in between them for another person to sit down between the two of them. As Paladin and Lady Athena were chuckling about something, Delta flew down from out of nowhere and landed on Paladin's right shoulder.

"So Lord Inquisitor, explain to me something about that dragon you flew here. Where did you get the dragon from? How did you tame it?"

Paladin chuckled and he shook his head.

"Well Lady Athena, the dragon was something I gained on my journey away from the Kingdom of Orion. I would love to tell you some things about the dragon, but I'm gonna have to refrain myself from doing so."

Lady Athena smirked as she placed her right elbow on the table, and proceeded to lean onto her right hand.

"If you won't tell me how you go the dragon, then explain this to me Lord Inquisitor. How do you make the dragon listen to you? How do you command that powerful beast?"

Paladin placed his left hand on the bottom of his chin. He thought to himself for a few minutes about how he controlled Delta, and how he made Delta followed his commands.

"Mmmm... well to be honest with you, it is a long and very complicated story. A story I think we should avoid for now, and save it for another time."

As Paladin finished speaking. Two Royal ladies from two different Royal houses approached the table. The Royal ladies stood in between Paladin and Lady Athena, having their backs turned to her. Paladin looked up at the two Royal ladies, one of them having brown hair and the other having red hair.

"Lord Inquisitor, how are you doing this evening?"

"I'm doing good--"
"That's good Lord Inquisitor, extremely good. I have an important question for you Lord Inquisitor, I was wondering if you would be willing to be my partner for the Royal Flower Ball?"

Paladin sighed and proceeded to shake his head.

"I apologize if this comes off as rude. But, I cannot accept your offer."

"Why so Lord Inquisitor? Is it possible that you have some other Royal lady you have chosen for yourself? Is it possible that you already have a partner?"

"No, it is neither of those things. I have simply chosen to be by myself for this evening, and be in the presence of my good friends for this Royal Flower Ball. I appreciate the offer to be your partner, as you are a pretty looking woman. However, I have no interest in dancing with you, I'm afraid."

The brown haired lady sighed as she nodded her head, while the red haired girl squinted her eyes while looking at the Inquisitor.

"Well then Lord Inquisitor--"

The red haired lady then interrupted the brown haired lady. She spoke with a spiteful and condemning tone.

"Don't you think it is odd Lord Inquisitor, for someone as powerful as yourself to be coming to this event, alone."

Paladin shook his head.

"No, I don't believe so. But, I do think coming to this event alone shows I have no interest in the Royal ladies of Orion. I don't want to be passive aggressive here, but do you mind moving on from here? I'd like to continue my conversation with my good friend, Lady Athena."