Chapter 85: The Joys and Sorrows of Humanity Are Not Interconnected

Chapter 85: The Joys and Sorrows of Humanity Are Not Interconnected

As the time for the Evening Party drew closer, more and more people filled the venue. Aierjisi and Yake sat quietly in a corner, watching the Nobles chat and compare themselves to each other. Not a single soul paid attention to the two of them in their secluded spot.

But that was fine by Aierjisi. She had been worried about how to respond if a stranger approached her for a conversation. With no one coming to talk to her, it was a huge relief. She and Yake could simply sit there until the party ended, and that would be just splendid.

Of course, it would be a lie to say no one had noticed them. Nobles had indeed seen the two in their corner, but they were too busy with their own agendas at the party to spare any energy to focus on them.

“Ugh, why is this taking so long? When is this Evening Party actually going to start? I don’t want to be here anymore!” Aierjisi complained.

Despite the lack of conversation, Aierjisi felt the awkwardness in the air rising like a balloon about to pop. She felt completely out of place at this Evening Party and wanted nothing more than to escape.

“Come on, Aier. Don’t mind their stares. What’s that saying? As long as you have sand in your heart, anywhere feels like the Maldives!” Yake said, munching on a small cake while attempting to cheer the Little Princess up.

“That’s easy for you to say! Do you think I can be as thick-skinned as you? I can’t just ignore their gazes and sit here quietly stuffing my face with cakes!” Aierjisi retorted, wishing she could brush off their annoying stares while enjoying her cake.

“Well, how about pretending to read? Here, take this book you bought in the Small Town. If you act like you’re engrossed in it, other people should leave you alone.” Yake suggested, pulling out the storybook Aierjisi had bought earlier.

“Oh, what a fantastic idea! Yake, you really are an excellent Maid. This idea is brilliant!” Aierjisi said as she immediately picked up a book and pretended to read seriously.

Sure enough, after Aierjisi started pretending to read, the number of curious looks directed her way decreased significantly.

“Ah! Miss Yin, long time no see! You are as beautiful as ever!” a male noble exclaimed.

“Kaier, thank you for the compliment. But I doubt your citizen tax will be reduced just because of a couple of flattering words,” Yin replied with a smile, chatting with several young noblemen who surrounded her exchanging the usual pleasantries.

The small talk served the dual purpose of maintaining noble etiquette while also trying to win over Yin. After all, she was a true powerhouse on both the battlefield and in governance. Countless nobles wanted her to join their families. Having her on their side would add some serious clout in the city.

“Ah, Aierjisi and Yake! You’re here! Good evening!” Yin finally spotted them as she brushed off a group of young nobles.

“Good evening, Miss Yin. You were quite busy just now. Do you have to mingle with so many young nobles every time you come to this Evening Party?” Aierjisi asked.

“Yes, and that’s why I usually dislike attending these parties. They just wear me out. Ugh! Could I get a cocktail, please?” Yin called out to a passing Maid for her drink.

“Sure, got it!” the Maid nodded and moved on.

“I completely agree. I don’t want to be here either. But if I don’t show up, it would look like I’m not giving the City Lord face!” Aierjisi chimed in, sharing her sentiments about the pointless gathering.

“Then I’ll thank you on behalf of the City Lord!” Yin said, grateful to the Little Princess for her support.

“Speaking of the City Lord, where is he? Why hasn’t he shown up yet? Is he tied up with something?” Yake wondered, scanning the area only to see Yin nearby.

“The City Lord is currently taking a bath and changing. After all, it’s his Evening Party, so he has to wear something more splendid when he shows up. So he might be a bit late,” Yin explained with a knowing smile.

“Is that what they mean by the main character arriving last? I’m curious about what kind of fancy outfit the City Lord will wear!” Aierjisi grinned, feeling more relaxed now that she had a familiar ally around.

“Rest assured, the City Lord will definitely be the most dazzling one in the hall. He only wears that outfit for commemorative events like this,” Yin chuckled, sharing tales of the City Lord’s extravagant attire.

“Only wears it once a year? How intriguing! I’m even more excited to see how luxurious that outfit really is!” Aierjisi exclaimed.

By this point, Aierjisi had developed a deeper curiosity about the City Lord’s once-a-year fancy outfit.

“Speaking of which, Miss Yin, you hardly ever change clothes!” Yake remarked, suddenly noticing Yin’s stunning red dress. He had always seen her in uniform, so this was a refreshing change.

“Ah, you noticed? This dress is only for Evening Parties! The hem is so long that I usually avoid it; it just hinders my movements. That’s why I prefer my uniform. The pants design is perfect! It doesn’t restrict me, and it even helps during battles!” Yin explained.

If it weren’t for the City Lord’s earlier scolding—”Going to an Evening Party in uniform? What on earth are you thinking? Change into something fitting for the occasion!”—she wouldn’t have chosen a dress that allowed some mobility.

However, honestly, wearing a dress with a bare back felt quite chilling and uncomfortable. Clearly, her uniform offered a sense of security she was used to.

“Yeah, I get that. This Suit is way too uncomfortable. It’s nowhere near as comfy as my trench coat!” Yake agreed, feeling the struggle of formality.

“Guess I can’t really relate to your plight,” Aierjisi said, sipping her juice with a smirk. For a Mage like her, any outfit was just fine as it wouldn’t hinder her magic casting. For her, attacking an enemy was as simple as raising her hand and chanting a few spells—sometimes she didn’t even need to utter the incantations!