The Last Order

The Beginning of An End Part II

The doors opened as a bright light came into Sylvia's view. She looked around at the young and old nobles that filled the room and knew that after this ceremony was completed, nothing in her life would be the same ever again. Everyone in the room proceeded to stand as she walked down the aisle to the priest where the ceremony would take place. As she walked down the red carpet, her beautiful golden gown flowing behind her swiftly, people would smile and give their congratulations. 'I never thought how happy and amazing this day can truly be' Sylvia thought to herself before stopping before the High Priest. She looked down and hesitantly grabbed the staff before turning around to face the nobles and commoners as they stood up. "Do you promise to be here and stand by Sundari, in weakness and in strength, to lead her into a new and beautiful era surrounded with peace and tranquility for her people?" the priest asked. "I do." she replied softly with a straight face. "Then I now pronounce you Empress Sylvia of the Sundari" said the priest. "All Hail Empress Sylvia of the Sundari" the people cheered softly as the trumpets played. Joyful music rang in the ballroom as happy cheers could be heard through-out the halls when Sylvia walked in. "What is this?" said Sylvia in confusion looking around at the people laughing and dancing to the jolly music that blasted from the podium. "Why this is your Coronation Ball, Lady Sylvia" the maid said with a soft smile as she saw the young girl gaze over the crowd. Sylvia soon started to dance along with the other nobles for a long while, enjoying her own party, before taking a break and watching the other nobles enjoy the ball. She took a seat away from the crowd, which made it possible for her to scan through the room while taking a drink of water.

As Sylvia looked amongst the crowd, a specific gentleman had caught her eye. He was tall, slender, and had a slight muscular build. He wore a dark cloak that covered his face, but it made her even more intrigued to find out more about him. She had never seen such contrasting attire and aura from what he radiated. Sylvia knew she needed as many people on her side as possible to achieve her goals in a timely manner, so she took it upon herself to go say hello.

"Hello sir," she said in a soft tone. "If I may ask, which region are you from?"

He bowed before her and answered her question quite frankly.

"Northeast Division."

She tilted her head in confusion at his blunt response.

"Please remember to address me as Lady, Sir..."

She looked down at his name-tag to catch his name, only to see it to be blank.

He did not seem too apologetic however, and had just bowed once again.

This was refreshing for Sylvia, as nothing like this had ever happened before.

"What is your name?" she asked.

"Is that an order to answer?" he replied. She could feel the chill of his smirk, although it could not be seen.

Sylvia had never dealt with this behavior as a duchess, but had trained for this scenario numerous times. However, there was something so unique about this situation that it made her let it slide.

"Yes," she said with a grin.

"In that case, my name is Yōkai," he quickly replied.

He held out his hand as an invitation to dance. "May I?"

Without a word, she was already forming a yes.