That afternoon, Ryan Bennett was reading in his study when the door was gently knocked.

"Come in!"

The door was quietly pushed open. The butler entered, bringing someone with him—a man of about thirty, dressed in a court attendant’s uniform, his hair meticulously combed. He bowed and said, "Viscount, by order of His Majesty the Emperor, I invite you to attend tonight’s court ball."

"A ball?"

"Yes." The man handed over an invitation. "Tonight at eight o’clock, your presence is requested."

"Alright!"

Ryan Bennett nodded. Although he didn’t enjoy reveling with the nobility, as the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Besides, this was a personal invitation from the Emperor—there was no way he could refuse.

Chapter 15: Dancing Across the World

The afterglow of the setting sun gradually faded, and stars began to dot the sky. Unlike Earth, Hailan Star was still in the Middle Ages. Even as the imperial capital, the night view of Alsace was not beautiful, but the palace was brightly lit. Giant candles and magic made the magnificent building shine as if it were daytime.

Outside the palace gates, splendid carriages were already lined up, each family crest representing a prominent house. The empire’s elite had all arrived. What major event was about to happen?

"Viscount."

Ryan Bennett turned and saw a middle-aged man hurrying over. It was the palace steward, Royce. The young man smiled and nodded. "Count."

These days, aside from reading, Ryan Bennett had been studying magic, rarely leaving his room. This count was practically the only noble he knew.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two walked into the palace together. This was Ryan Bennett’s second time entering the empire’s center of power, but unlike the nervousness of his first visit, this time he could leisurely admire the grand architecture.

The marble floor was as smooth as jade, the pointed roof soared seven or eight meters high, adorned with intricate patterns and exquisite carvings. The furnishings were lavish to the extreme. Along both sides of the corridor, every ten meters stood a maid—young women around twenty, with delicate features and graceful figures wrapped in thin gauze dresses. The air seemed to carry the faint fragrance of girls.

The count clearly wanted to win Ryan Bennett over. Seeing his interest in the palace, he enthusiastically began to recount the history of this great building.

"Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since the palace held such a grand ball. This time, it’s thanks to you."

"What?" Ryan Bennett was taken aback, a trace of confusion in his eyes.

"Ever since Princess Alice fell ill, His Majesty has been in low spirits. Among the nobles of Alsace, who would dare to hold a festive event like a ball? But today, we’re celebrating the princess’s recovery." The count glanced at Ryan Bennett; the young man’s miraculous medical skills had left a deep impression on him.

Ryan Bennett responded modestly. As they spoke, the two arrived at their destination—a gigantic hall covering several thousand square meters, its ceiling even higher than the other buildings. In the center of the roof was a gemstone the size of a basketball—like a chandelier on Earth—casting a soft glow that illuminated the entire hall.

Clearly, many had arrived before them. Both men and women were dressed in splendid attire. Tonight’s ball was a gathering of the powerful, with people forming small circles, discussing topics of interest.

Earl Lloyd was soon pulled away by several familiar nobles. He cast an apologetic glance at Ryan Bennett, but Ryan Bennett didn’t mind. He had no interest in mingling with these middle-aged men and slowly made his way to the edge of the ballroom.

Around the hall, many specially made long tables were set up, covered with white cloths and laden with pastries, fruits, and all sorts of mouthwatering delicacies. Beautiful palace maids, dressed in form-fitting outfits, carried trays of fine wine as they weaved through the crowd.

Standing by the table, Ryan Bennett quietly sampled the pastries—they tasted quite good. The voices of those around him drifted into his ears from time to time.

"I heard it was a young man who cured Her Highness the Princess."

"I heard that too, and he’s a very handsome youth. His Majesty even made him a viscount."

"Truly a young hero. I wish I could meet him."

...

Ryan Bennett looked toward the voices. It was a few noble young ladies. Unfortunately... they were rather plain, not as pretty as the palace maids nearby. Ryan Bennett shook his head, dismissing the idea of striking up a conversation.

Feeling a bit bored, Ryan Bennett played with the wine in his hand. Just as he was growing restless, a group of knights entered—all clad in silver helmets and armor, their swords gleaming coldly. The leader stepped forward: "His Majesty arrives!"

Immediately, the entire hall fell silent. The nobles bowed. Ryan Bennett was unconcerned and quietly lifted his head for a glance. Baron Fairfax XV entered, accompanied by a stunning young woman—the empire’s jewel, Princess Alice.

Her beauty was breathtaking. Compared to their first meeting, the princess looked much healthier. Dressed in splendid court attire, her exposed skin was as flawless as jade, captivating all who saw her—truly worthy of her reputation as the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Rise, all of you!" The emperor beamed, clearly in excellent spirits.