Page 10 of Bladed Kiss

Then I stand up.

“A round for everyone here!” I bellow. The pub almost shakes from the volume of the screaming, cheering, and yelling.

The barmaid brings our drinks first. Jugs of ale for everyone else, and three shots of zhisk for me. They already know my order.

At least here I am appreciated,I think darkly to myself, even though I know that has more to do with my money than them actually liking me.

I know that everyone except Farzhi, who is also a noble though a lesser one, sees me as a drunk privileged noble who they can take advantage of.

But they appreciate me, so at least I’m getting something out of it.

“You okay, brother?” Farzhi has been calling me that since we met several years ago in the Red District.

I don’t know why he does it, but it makes me feel good, nonetheless. And Farzhi always pays for his own drinks, so I know that he spends time with me because he wants to.

More of our friends join us, although these are dark elves I don’t spend a lot of time with.

“We’re going into the Red District later. Maybe find a few human women to spend the night with,” one of them says. “You guys want to join?”

I know that Farzhi has his own woman problems, so he won’t go. And I’m not going into the Red District with people who are strangers to me.

“I’m fine.” I buy them all another round so that they don’t pester me about this too much. “But you all enjoy yourselves. And don’t get hurt.”

A hush falls over the pub then, and we all turn to the door to see who has entered. The person who has entered is headed directly for our table.

The miou dark elf is a messenger of King Ishiyara, and he holds a velvet envelope in his hands.

He bows to me. “For the young Master Thuvrol. This is an invitation to the hundred and fifth ball, hosted by His Majesty, King Ishiraya of Vhoig.”

He hands me the envelope, bows, and then promptly leaves.

I am conscious, then, of everyone’s eyes on me. I open the envelope and pull out the glossy paper inside.

The date and time are stamped on the paper in gold and silver. For the first time today, I feel optimistic.

This is it. This is my chance.

I clap Farzhi on the back and jump up.

“I’ll see you soon.”

* * *

This is it.This is my chance to prove myself.

It is the day after I received the invitation to the ball hosted by King Ishiyara. And I know that it is the perfect opportunity for me to prove myself to my parents.

I am at my favorite tailor today, and I have commissioned a fine ensemble for the ball. After the tailor finishes the ensemble, I head to a jeweler who has a forge nearby, and I pick up a fine gift for the royal family.

I realize then that I am, for the first time in a month, spending money on something that isn’t alcohol.

At the jeweler’s, I find several zanthenite bracelets, and the jeweler’s eyes widen with shock when I drop a bag of ipia coins on his countertop.

Then I head back to the tailors’ shop.

I am feeling good for the first time in a very long time. Going to the ball is my way to finally prove to my family that I am worth something.

My attendance at the ball is where I will make a name for myself as a responsible, successful nobleman.

---