Omniphage of Apathy

Vastarael took a deep breath as the final notes of the music faded away. It was time for him to speak.

Vastarael began to trace runes in the air that shimmered with a soft blue light. The Sound Enhancement Rune formed around him. The effect was immediate. His voice was amplified effortlessly, filling every corner of the ballroom with its resonance.

"Lords, ladies, and distinguished guests, I stand before you today, not only to celebrate my seventeenth birthday, but to acknowledge the life I've lived, the lessons learned, and the paths yet to be forged. Seventeen years of life. Some full of joy, others steeped in hardship have shaped me into the man I am. A son, a brother, a prince."

The Sound Enhancement Rune ensured that every person in the room heard his voice as if it were spoken directly to them. Even those who had attended countless royal balls, who had seen many heirs take the stage, were stunned by the depth and quality of his speech.

"But, I would be nothing without those who have shaped me. My family, my kingdom, my people. It is because of them and because of you, that I stand here today. And as I step into a new chapter, one where I leave the safety of this palace to attend the academy, I carry the legacy of our family with me."

His gaze now turned toward his mother, standing proudly beside him.

"And I carry the love and lessons of the one who raised me. My mother, Lysameria, the Blade Nexus, the Nexus of Oceans, whose strength and wisdom have been the foundation of my life."

Vastarael's voice dropped once more, but this time, it was soft, personal, like he was sharing a secret with them all.

"And to be honest, I don't even know what's up for me after this. Believe me, I've spend seventeen years of my life training, reading, getting stronger... I even escaped a god when I was just thirteen."

"But all I know is this. I might not be suitable for the throne, maybe now, maybe decades or centuries after. Besides, who knows when the old man will finally give the throne to me. I did challenge him for it if he refuses to hand it to me though."

Dilasyus flashed a wide smile when he remembered how his son declared that he would take his throne at a tender age of four.

"But I will do whatever it takes for the continent of Anqerise to continue thriving. Sure, I haven't been outside the Rise Borough and the Richinaria Palace so I don't know much about the continent but... I'm willing to try."

"I'm lacking. I don't know how the common folk live their lives. I'm the son of two Nexuses so I know nothing about how they live. I don't have any practical experience on how to actually rule a continent. But I can say this."

"I'm willing to try. After all, that's what school is for, right? Oh... before I forget, I want to sincerely thank you for coming to my second birthday celebration. I might be obligated to ask a few of you for a dance but anyways, enjoy yourselves and have a wonderful time. Thank you."

He let his words hang in the air for a moment before lowering his hand and giving the smallest of bows, signaling the end of his speech. The silence that followed was deafening. No one moved, no one dared to speak. They were all still processing what they had just witnessed.

And then, slowly, applause began. At first it was soft, then growing louder, as if the room had been struck by a wave of admiration.

As the applause died down, Vastarael returned to his place beside Lysameria, his eyes scanning the room once more.

"Good speech. But did you have to say that you'll be obligated to share a dance?"

"Oh, you think you're the only mother I'll dance with?"

Caresse, not one to miss a chance to provoke, gave Lysameria a knowing glance before she pulled his hand from his mother's grasp without so much as a word. Lysameria stood for a moment, surprised by the sudden shift in direction. She opened her mouth to protest but Caresse had already begun to lead Vastarael toward the dance floor.

"What do you think you're doing to my son?"

Caresse smiled. "Come on, Prince. You can dance with her later. Right now, you're with me."

Vastarael, never one to shy away from a playful challenge, nodded with a grin. "Of course, Lady Caresse."

As he followed Caresse to the dance floor, Lysameria sighed, her expression one of soft exasperation. She turned to Dilasyus, who was standing near the far side of the ballroom, his brows furrowed deeply. There was a brief flicker of anger in his eyes, as he watched Caresse take Vastarael's hand. He didn't need to say anything for his irritation to be evident. He did not like this at all.

Lysameria's hand, as always, found its way to his arm, calming him instantly with her silent strength.

"Let them enjoy themselves. You know how she is. Let it be. Our son will dance with Opera too tonight so don't blame them."

Dilasyus' sharp gaze lingered for a moment longer on his son and Caresse, but then, slowly, he exhaled a breath he had clearly been holding. His expression softened, just barely, as he turned to Lysameria.

"Fine. But it's not proper, Lys. You know that."

Lysameria smiled, a touch of mischief in her eyes. "Let them learn the rules as they wish. Vastarael will understand when it's time. For now, it's his night. You also did the same with—"

"Let's... not remind ourselves of that day."

Meanwhile, on the dance floor, Caresse and Vastarael moved with ease, the elegance of their steps almost matching the subtle power in his presence. But even as they danced, Vastarael couldn't help but notice the way every woman in the ballroom watched them, eyes fixed on his every move.

As they twirled across the floor, Caresse's smile widened, though she leaned in just slightly, her voice low enough for only him to hear.

"You know," she said, her lips brushing near his ear, "I could dance with you all night if I wanted to. I'm sure your father would appreciate it."

Vastarael chuckled, a soft but knowing sound. "I'm sure he would but... I don't want to die before I go to the academy."

Dilasyus heared them but he didn't mind. His son had an undeniable way of commanding attention, whether he wanted it or not.

°°°°°°

As the night carried on, Vastarael danced with his sisters.

After a moment, he turned to Elyonari, who stood beside him, watching with wide eyes as he approached. She looked both hesitant and intrigued, but before she could say anything, Vastarael held out his hand with a charming grin.

"May I have this dance, Princess Elyonari?"

Elyonari hesitated for a split second, then took his hand, feeling the unexpected warmth in his grasp. Vastarael guided her gracefully across the floor, making her feel lighter than air.

The other guests, particularly the young girls of the noble houses, watched with rapt attention, their faces flushed and their eyes wide. Many whispered amongst themselves, speculating about the connection between the two, wondering if this dance was more than just a passing courtesy.

After all, they are the children of Nexuses.

Adelasta, on the other hand, observed with a neutral expression, though a slight crease formed between her brows as she watched the interaction between the Prince and the Elven princess. She couldn't deny that Elyonari was graceful, composed in her own right, but there was something about her that seemed... different from the usual suitors and noble ladies who surrounded Vastarael. It was almost as though the girl didn't fawn over him and yet, she danced as though she were born to do so.

After a few moments, Vastarael released Elyonari's hand and she quickly curtsied, eyes lowered, trying to keep herself composed. The prince offered her a warm smile, and it took all her strength not to blush.

"Thank you, Prince Vastarael," she managed, dipping her head slightly. "That... was unexpected, but... wonderful."

Vastarael chuckled, "You're welcome, Princess. It's not every day you get to dance with a Richinaria, right?"

Elyonari managed a small, polite laugh, though inside, she couldn't help but feel like the room had shifted slightly. It was as though the walls of propriety that had kept her separate from others were dissolving around her.

Meanwhile, Anamorsia danced with him next, practically glowing with enthusiasm. She was much more accustomed to this kind of attention, and she gave him a playful nudge as they spun across the floor.

"See, big brother? You've got it! I told you that you'd be a natural."

"I don't know about all that, but it's fun. I can see why you like it so much."

After Anamorsia, he turned to Adelasta. Unlike the previous dances, she approached him with a steely expression, but there was something unreadable in her eyes. Vastarael held out his hand and after a pause, she took it.

As they danced, there was an intensity in their steps. Adelasta was silent for the first few moments but then, her expression softened just the tiniest bit.

"I didn't think you could dance," he remarked, his voice almost sounding... curious.

Adelasta sighed, raising an eyebrow. "Well, you never know what you can do until you try, right? I am a Duke's daughter after all."

Adelasta's lips quirked upward slightly, but he didn't reply right away. Instead, she focused on the rhythm of their steps. And for the first time, Vastarael saw something soft and almost vulnerable in her expression.

As the dance came to an end, he bowed deeply, offering her a warm smile.

"Thank you, Adelasta. I... hope you enjoyed it, even if it was brief."

"We'll see, Prince."

As the evening went on, Vastarael found himself surrounded by congratulatory nobles and guests, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they introduced their daughters to him. He could see their intentions, both the sincere ones and the more calculating ones.

Young ladies with doe-like eyes and fluttering lashes, their hands subtly trembling as they curtsied or held out their gloved hands to him.

"Prince Vastarael!" One of the younger girls gushed, her cheeks flushed pink. "Oh, you're even more handsome than the hologram photos!"

Vastarael gave her a charming smile, nodding politely, "Thank you, my lady. You're too kind."

Another young woman, barely more than a girl, approached with wide eyes and a shy, breathless expression.

"P-Prince, would you like to dance with me? I-I mean, if you have time...?"

Vastarael's gaze flickered over to his mother and father, who were watching with amusement from the sidelines. Lysameria gave him an encouraging nod, while Dilasyus rolled his eyes but said nothing. Taking the young woman's hand, Vastarael led her gracefully onto the floor.

By the time the evening began to wind down, it was clear that Vastarael's presence had cast a spell over the entire ballroom. Nobles from every house were talking about him about how effortlessly he commanded attention, how regal he seemed, and how... approachable he was.