Lin Shu nodded at Seraphina’s instruction.
‘But more urgent than hiding my identity is seizing the opportunity to talk business with “Dextrous Hands,” Eve.’
That was the original purpose of their visit to the ball.
As they entered the grand hall, the light from the magnificent golden chandeliers reflected off the carved windows on either side. For a fleeting moment, Lin Shu felt as though she had returned to three years ago.
Demons dressed in gowns and suits stood by small tables on either side of the hall, sipping from wine glasses and conversing.
“Mas — ” Lin Shu began, but she suddenly realized she needed to hide her status as a familiar. She immediately corrected herself. “Miss, we can go behind the screen in the corner of the hall first. It will be easier to talk there.”
Seraphina agreed and turned to Eve. “Miss Eve, we came here today because we were hoping to discuss a potential partnership with you.”
Eve looked a bit surprised, then nodded slowly. “Good.”
They moved into the relatively quiet space behind the screen.
“Miss Eve, is it true that ‘Dextrous Hands’ is just you alone?” Lin Shu asked, seizing the moment.
Eve folded her hands over her knees. “Me, alone. But ‘Dextrous Hands’ also includes my puppets.”
“And the rumors about your combat power on the battlefield…?” Seraphina took over the questioning.
She was curious. If every puppet required Eve to control it with threads, how could she manage multiple puppets at once in the heat of battle?
“Ella was the first. She needs my threads,” Eve explained softly.
“But the other puppets do not,” Eve added, her tone carrying a hint of quiet pride.
“In other words, the other puppets have their own consciousness and can follow your commands?” Seraphina finished the thought for her.
Eve nodded quickly. “Yes. In battle, they listen to me.”
It seemed Eve was indeed the legendary “Dextrous Hands.”
Seraphina became increasingly certain that the person who had attacked Eve earlier was likely from the Holy Race. Fortunately, she had made Lin Shu wear a mask and a disguise. Even if members of the Holy Race were lurking in the crowd, it wouldn’t be easy to recognize Lin Shu as a human.
Was the Holy Race here specifically for “Dextrous Hands”?
Regardless, they needed to pick up the pace. They couldn’t stay at the ball for too long.
Lin Shu continued, “May I ask, Eve, if you have a specific goal for attending this ball?”
“Because rumors say ‘Dextrous Hands’ has been silent for a long time.”
Eve rested her hands on the armrests of her wheelchair and straightened her back. Her expression became serious, though she still seemed a bit awkwardly nervous. “Looking for a partner. Need a place to make puppets.”
“And a place to house the post-war puppets.”
Lin Shu understood. Eve needed space to manufacture her puppets and a place to store them.
“Our needs are also quite simple,” Seraphina said. “Our family’s shop was recently attacked. We need combat support, and we are also expanding our workforce.”
“Miss, the fourth floor of the castle seems to be vacant,” Lin Shu reminded her. “There is plenty of space there to satisfy Miss Eve’s requirements.”
Eve remained silent, but a flicker of hope shone in her pure white eyes.
“Fighting… my puppets can do that.” She tugged the threads in her hand, and suddenly, Ella stepped forward and threw a powerful punch.
‘What a “Mage-class brawler.”‘ Lin Shu stifled a laugh.
Seraphina added another point. “Our family is in the garment industry. If your puppets need custom clothing, we can help with that as well.”
“Okay,” Eve agreed. “In a few days, I will come to Drago.”
Seraphina smiled and reached out her hand. “I hope we have a pleasant partnership.”
Eve hesitated for a moment before raising her thin arm. “Pleasant.”
Just then, a symphony began to play in the hall, signaling the formal start of the ball.
“Are you going, Miss Eve?”
Eve shrunk her neck slightly and glanced at her legs before shaking her head. “I do not like crowds. But I can watch.”
Ella pushed Eve’s wheelchair as they followed Lin Shu and Seraphina toward the dance floor.
The moment Seraphina stepped out from behind the screen, several demons immediately approached her.
Lin Shu had been nervous, but she felt relieved when she realized they were only interested in talking to Seraphina and paid her little mind. Thanks to the mask, she could stay among the demons in peace. She was no longer the focus of attention and could simply watch Seraphina navigate the social circle with ease.
*Bang!*
Suddenly, the main doors of the hall were thrown open, and a commotion broke out at the entrance.
The demons on the dance floor and in the surrounding areas stopped what they were doing and looked toward the source of the noise.
A striking figure appeared in everyone’s sight.
Leia was dressed in a brilliant red gown, walking forward with long strides. Her long golden hair flowed behind her, swaying dramatically with her movements.
It was actually Leia!
Lin Shu’s heart skipped a beat.
‘Why is she here? With her personality, she hates these kinds of social events.’
The demons nearby began to whisper:
“Who is that?”
“A vampire? With golden hair… is she the genius young lady from the Teppes family?”
“Teppes? Isn’t that the family of nobles who looks down on us the most?”
“Shhh… keep your voice down…”
Leia walked to the front of the dance floor and stopped. Her high heels clicked twice sharply against the marble floor.
She tilted her chin up slightly, her crimson eyes scanning the entire room. In her hand, she held a small, rectangular gift box. People speculated privately that she was likely looking for someone.
“Don’t make a sound,” Seraphina whispered to Lin Shu.
Seraphina led Lin Shu in a slow retreat, trying to move behind the crowd to leave the hall quietly. She didn’t want a direct confrontation with Leia in front of everyone. It wouldn’t be good for her little darling.
“Seraphina!”
A sharp call rang out.
Unfortunately, Leia’s gaze pierced through the crowd and landed instantly on the familiar back.
The crowd standing between them dispersed, following Leia’s gaze until it landed on Seraphina and the masked girl behind her.
Seraphina had no choice but to stop, shielding Lin Shu behind her. When she turned around, a composed smile was already on her face.
Leia walked forward and stopped in front of Seraphina.
Seraphina noticed that Leia looked calm, unlike her explosive state back in the underground jungle. This calmness made Seraphina wary. This temperamental young lady seemed to have come prepared.
Leia didn’t bother speaking to Seraphina. Instead, her eyes turned to the masked figure behind her.
The person in front of her had a strange aura that didn’t seem human, but the height and build were identical to Lin Shu.
“Lin Shu?” she called out tentatively.
Lin Shu did her best to control her movements, even though her heart was racing.
‘I can’t speak. She’ll definitely recognize me.’
“Young Lady, you have the wrong person,” Seraphina said, stepping forward with a smirk. “She is just a half-vampire of the Drago family. She isn’t used to showing her face.”
“Is that so?” Leia continued to stare at the mask.
“Then I want to invite her to dance.” She looked at Seraphina provocatively. “That should be fine, right, Seraphina?”
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