Ren didn't comment. He was thinking about his plans. Now that Pii was known and discovered, there was no going back.
Sooner or later, everyone would know that he was Ren. Like he always said to himself, 'There's no secret that remained secret.' This saying saved him countless times in the past. It allowed him to prepare for future troubles. To not be safe in his comfort zone and always be alert to what may come his way.
"By the way," Elena nudged Ren, "You didn't tell me that you have a very cute pet." She scratched little Pii's chin, and the latter purred under her caress.
"Pii, was it? An amazing pet. Would you–"
"Pii isn't for sale," Ren cut her off.
Elena pouted. "I haven't even said anything."
"I know the meaning of that glint in your eyes and that concerning grin on your lips."
Elena made a face. "How rude. I was just going to ask that . . . if you can lend . . ."
"Let's go." Ren cut her and changed the topic. "The sun is up, and the Queen needed her suckling warthog for tonight's feast."
They had wasted enough time here. It was time to move and advance the scene.
When Ren left and went to the village mayor to collect their rewards, Elena grumbled.
"What an infuriating man," she heard herself say before she went after him.
As soon as they got their reward, the two went back to the palace and presented the warthog to the Queen, while Elena kept the other one as promised by the Frogfolks.
The Queen was so delighted and in a happy mood that she nearly forgot about her third quest.
We'll . . . nearly.
"Thank you. You have saved our dinner tonight. I am preparing to host a feast and party for visiting Archfey and other fey nobility and would like you to assist me in doing so."
"Assist? In what way?" Elena inquired.
Ren took a deep breath. Was there no end to this? He lamented.
"For my third quest, you can take up a variety of roles that would suit you best: serving food, serving drinks, playing music, acting as entertainment, etc. Creatures from the Material Plane are considered oddities in the Feywild," Queen Floraia giggled.
When no one laughed, the Queen cleared his throat, long and deep, before her face turned serious. "This is to test your resolve and your character under pressure." She made it clear.
Something told Ren that the Queen just wanted them to serve just for kicks.
"This is a much more open-ended and roleplay-heavy quest, consisting of a lot of character interaction and back-and-forth conversation and improvising," explained the Queen.
[QUEST Received!]
[Queen Floraia wants you to entertain her guests tonight at her party. Talk to different nobles and just survive the night without killing yourself or others.
Queen Floraia will consider the soireé a success if no one is killed and their opinion of her in the Summer Court hasn't drastically lessened.]
This was new. Ren thought. The quest didn't contain any enemies to defeat or errands to get a specific item. This was just going to be a simple conversation quest. Or so Ren thought.
Came night, Ren was given a suit, a masterpiece of tailoring, fit for a prince. It was crafted from the finest black wool, which shimmered subtly in the light, giving the suit a sleek and sophisticated appearance. The jacket was cut slim and fitted, with crisp lapels that added a touch of formality to the ensemble.
The suit trousers were tailored to perfection, hugging Ren's legs snugly without being too tight. They featured a single pleat at the front, which gave them a classic look that never went out of style. The trousers were finished off with a subtle break, which allowed Ren to move with ease and grace.
The suit was completed with a crisp white shirt, which contrasted beautifully against the black wool of the suit. The shirt was made from the softest cotton, and the collar was starched to perfection, giving Ren a regal and elegant appearance. The shirt cuffs were adorned with gleaming silver cufflinks, which added a touch of luxury to the overall look.
The suit was a work of art crafted with precision and care. It fit him like a glove, accentuating his tall and lean frame and giving him an air of confidence and poise that suited him perfectly.
Ren went to the grand ballroom of the royal palace. The area was decorated with dazzling chandeliers, magnificent tapestries, and vibrant floral arrangements of every color. The scent of freshly cut flowers filled the air, creating a delightful ambiance that made everyone feel happy and at ease.
Queen Floraia was dressed in a shimmering silver gown that sparkled with her every movement and stood at the center of the ballroom, greeting her noble guests with a warm smile and gracious words. And, of course, she wore her royal slippers on.
The nobles, dressed in their finest attire, bowed and curtsied as they made their way toward the Queen, eager to pay their respects and mingle with their peers.
I wonder where the Princess is? Ren thought.
"Ren."
When Ren looked over, he saw a woman with a mask. But he would not be mistaken. The voice came from the Princess.
Princess Elena was a vision of elegance and beauty, even with her face hidden behind a mask. Her platinum blond hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back, framing her delicate features and drawing attention to her sparkling green eyes.
The mask she wore was an exquisite work of art made from lace and adorned with glittering crystals that caught the light with every movement. The mask covered the upper half of her face, from the bridge of her nose up to her hairline, leaving her lips and chin exposed. The mask was held in place by a slim and elegant band that wrapped around the back of her head.
Elena's dress was just as breathtaking as her mask. It was made from the finest emerald green silk, which shimmered softly in the light, giving the dress a magical and ethereal quality. The dress was cut in a classic A-line style, which flattered Elena's figure and moved gracefully with every step she took.
The bodice of the dress was adorned with delicate silver embroidery, which added a touch of shimmer and sparkle to the overall look. The neckline of the dress was high, with a sheer overlay of silk that covered Elena's collarbones, giving the dress a regal and sophisticated appearance.
The dress flowed down to the floor in a smooth and uninterrupted line, with a slight train that added a touch of drama to the overall look. Elena wore a pair of silver heels that complemented the dress perfectly, adding a touch of glamour to the ensemble.
