Omniphage of Apathy

As the party raged on, Vastarael found himself surrounded by an ever-growing crowd of admirers. The air was thick with whispered conversations and stifled giggles, all focused on him. Every nobleman seemed eager to make their introductions, but it wasn't just the adults who sought his attention. The young girls of noble houses, ranging from shy to bold, lined up one by one to dance with him.

He could hardly refuse, especially not when a little girl, no more than six or seven, approached him with a shy, almost fearful expression. Her voice trembled as she asked for a dance, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

Vastarael smiled warmly, bowing slightly as he held out his hand.

"Of course, little lady. It would be an honor," he said, his voice as smooth and gentle as always.

Her eyes lit up as she took his hand and he led her to the center of the floor. She was stiff at first, but he made sure to match her small steps, guiding her carefully and smiling as she became more confident. The little girl beamed up at him, her laughter ringing in the air. It was a simple thing, this dance, but for her, it was the most important moment of the night.

As the dance ended, she curtsied with all the formality her tiny frame could muster, and Vastarael kissed her hand with the same grace he'd shown to the older ladies.

"Thank you, my lady. You were the perfect partner."

The little girl skipped away, her cheeks flushed with pride and that only made the other girls around the ballroom more determined to catch his eye.

And he didn't disappoint.

He danced with many of them—some older, some younger—sweeping them all onto the dance floor with ease. He made it fun, lighthearted and never once did he show a hint of frustration. It was part of the game, the endless pursuit of attention, but for him, it was all part of the fun. Besides, he was always fond of children and seeing their joy in something as simple as a dance made the entire evening worth it.

By the end of the night, Vastarael had danced with nearly everyone who had asked, young and old, noble and common-born. The reputation he built that night was one of charm, elegance and a willingness to engage with those around him.

He wasn't just a handsome prince. He was approachable, fun-loving and even kind to everyone.

The party eventually wound down as the clock ticked towards midnight. Guests began to trickle out, murmuring their compliments, bowing low, and whispering of the prince's mesmerizing presence. As the last of the noble families left the ballroom, the doors closed, and the staff began cleaning up the remnants of the lavish event.

The family gathered in silence as they stepped out onto the balcony of the floating palace, the cool night air wrapping around them as they looked out over the clouds. The vast expanse of the night sky stretched before them, the stars twinkling brightly against the velvet black. The clouds beneath them glowed faintly in the moonlight, swirling gently like a sea of mist.

That was when Vastarael noticed that Spheraphase has three moons, one of them being destroyed as if a meteor struck it.

Lysameria stood tall beside Dilasyus, her eyes scanning the horizon. She wasn't much for idle talk, but the quiet after such a bustling night seemed to pull her into reflection. Caresse leaned her head on her husband's shoulder, her fingers gently tapping against his arm. Opera, standing close by, watched the stars with a thoughtful expression, her mind no doubt on the conversations and intrigues of the evening.

Anamorsia and the twins, Leones and Leon, stood quietly at the edge of the balcony, gazing at the sky as well. Milliania, a bit more animated than the others, had a small smile on her face, her eyes shining with the afterglow of the celebration. Vastarael stood tall at the center of them all, looking up at the stars, a small, satisfied smile curling on his lips.

"Well," Lysameria said softly, breaking the silence, "you've made quite the impression tonight, Rael. Dancing with almost every girl? Are you trying to create a harem?"

Vastarael didn't reply immediately, his gaze fixed on the stars. He had a feeling tonight would be a memory he wouldn't forget, not for the laughter, not for the attention, but for the first real glimpse of what his future might hold.

"The ball was just the start. And... maybe? I mean, if dad has three wives, who's to say how many I'll have?"

Lysameria's lips quirked into a small smile as she looked at her son. She wasn't surprised by his boldness; Vastarael had always been that way; confident, unafraid to stake his claim in the world and... just a little bit daring.

"You'll learn," she said lightly, her tone more teasing than serious. "It's not about the number. It's about the connections you make. The alliances, the families you build. But make sure it's about more than just the title. I'd expect nothing less from my son."

Caresse snorted lightly at that, her arms folded as she leaned next to her husband, Dilasyus.

"Make sure you don't steal all the good ones, Rael. You're going to be the bane of all men in Spheraphase."

Dilasyus gave her a sideways glance, a little twitch of irritation appearing at the corner of his eye. But Caresse simply chuckled, unbothered by her husband's rare annoyance.

Vastarael smirked, turning his attention back to the distant stars as if the conversation was merely an afterthought.

"I don't plan on stealing anyone. But let's be honest, if I end up with a few more wives than Dad, I'm sure he won't mind. He has plenty of room in that big castle of his for them."

Lysameria chuckled softly, brushing a stray strand of her hair back behind her ear.

"You're not wrong about that. But remember, your father doesn't share easily. You may have a lot of options, but be prepared for the consequences of taking too many at once."

Vastarael's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Consequences are overrated, Mother."

"Vastarael…" Opera spoke up, her voice a little more serious than the others. "Don't forget that women are not prizes to be won. Especially not in this family."

Vastarael glanced at her, his grin fading for a moment as he took in her words. He was silent for a beat, before nodding slowly.

"I know," he said softly. "I didn't mean it like that."

Opera's stern gaze softened, but her words remained firm.

"Just remember that love and loyalty are much more important than status or power."

"Of course. But come on, who can blame me for being a little cheeky about it? And I know very few women would resist me."

Milliania, standing off to the side with a small smile on her face, couldn't resist chiming in.

"Just make sure that fun doesn't lead to a disaster, big brother. You know how... complicated relationships can get. Just look at our parents."

"Yeah," Anamorsia agreed, her voice quieter but no less sure. "Complications are a pain in the ass—ow!"

Lysameria bonked her forehead with her fist. "Language, little girl."

"I'm thirteen..."

"Doesn't matter."

"Ow..."

Vastarael laughed softly, casting a glance at the faces of his siblings. "Trust me, I don't plan on complicating anything just yet. But... I'm not gonna let anyone tell me I can't enjoy the ride."

Dilasyus cleared his throat, his deep voice cutting through the conversation.

"Let's just hope your ride doesn't come with too many bumps, boy."

His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no real malice in his words, just the guarded protectiveness of a father who knew his son was destined for something much larger than he could fully understand.

Vastarael winked at him, unbothered by his father's veiled concern.

"I'll be fine. You know me."

Lysameria gave a small, amused smile, looking between her husband and her son.

"It's true. Vastarael's never been one to shy away from what's coming for him. I suspect he'll handle it just fine, just like he always does..But you'll have to be careful, Rael. There's more at stake than you realize, especially with your future ahead of you."

"I know, Mother. And I will. But I won't let anyone take away my freedom to enjoy it all. Now what will you all do when I leave?"

Leon raised his hand, "I'll join you soon enough."

"You're ten, Leon. By the time you'll get to the academy, I'll be leaving. Unless dad here allows you to come."

"Or all of us," Leones replied. "Can you allow us to go, dad?"

"Mmm... I'll think about it when your brother adjusts to it. You're both still too young you know."

"Oh," the twins replied in unison.

"Well... at least we got to spend time like this," Vastarael smiled. "I love you guys."

The family stood together on the balcony, the cool night air swirling around them, the stars twinkling above, and the sounds of the grand celebration still echoing faintly from inside the palace.

It was one of the best memories Vastarael had with his entire family.

______

Okay, this might be the middle of the first volume. I don't usually get a lot of reviews or comments but... eh, who cares?

Anyways, leave a message or something at least. Or a vote. Or a Power Stone, whatever those are. And in any case, this is going to be an extremely long novel so buckle up?