Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 605 135.3 - The Banquet

"Lady Evergreen, welcome to the Cox Estate. The evening is honored by your presence."

As she stepped forward, her posture poised and regal, the weight of her family's name already rippling through the air around her, Maya felt the subtle tension pressing down on her.

Yet, beneath the calm exterior, she was carefully crafting her role for the evening—a delicate balancing act that required her to appear not as the powerful figure she truly was but as the curious and nervous young lady she needed to portray.

Astron remained a step behind her, his presence calm and steady, a silent guardian watching over her every move. His sharp eyes swept over the scene, taking in the way the guests reacted to Maya's arrival. He noted how some gazes lingered on her with curiosity while others whispered quietly among themselves, likely speculating about her sudden presence at the event.

Maya could feel the eyes on her, but she pretended not to notice. Instead, she allowed her steps to falter slightly, her fingers twitching ever so faintly as though she were unsure of herself. It was all part of the act—a carefully constructed facade that would let her slip into the evening unnoticed by those who might otherwise see her as a threat.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as her eyes darted quickly around the room, taking in the opulence of the Cox Estate and the grand ballroom beyond. The chandeliers above sparkled like starlight, and the hum of quiet conversation and clinking glasses filled the air. It was a room filled with power, influence, and hidden agendas, yet Maya's task was to appear as if she were stepping into this world for the first time—cautious, unsure, but eager to learn.

As they approached the entrance to the ballroom, Malford, the Cox family butler, greeted them with a low bow. "Lady Evergreen, welcome to the Cox Estate. The evening is honored by your presence."

Maya gave a small, almost timid smile in response, her voice soft and measured. "Thank you... Mr. Malford, was it?" She added the faintest hesitation in her tone as if trying to remember his name, a calculated move to make her appear less confident in her surroundings.

Malford, ever professional, responded with a respectful nod. "Yes, Lady Evergreen. If there is anything you require this evening, do not hesitate to ask."

Maya nodded, her eyes briefly flicking to the ballroom doors, then back to Malford. "I... I will, thank you."

As they entered the grand ballroom, the murmurs around them grew louder. Maya could feel the weight of the room's collective gaze shifting toward her, though she kept her own eyes lowered for a moment, as though uncertain. She took a breath and allowed herself to hesitate slightly before stepping fully into the room, giving the impression of someone not quite used to being in such grand company.

Astron, watching her closely, was impressed with how seamlessly she had stepped into the role.

'She did indeed have such a talent as I had thought…..'

The faint uncertainty in her movements, the careful way she held herself—it was all perfectly executed. No one here would suspect that Lady Evergreen was anything but a nervous young woman, stepping into the political world for the first time.

The moment they crossed the threshold into the ballroom, Maya turned her head slightly toward Astron, her eyes catching him for a brief moment. It was a subtle signal, a silent acknowledgment that she was ready to proceed. Astron gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable, but Maya could sense the approval in his gaze.

The two moved further into the room, and Maya kept her gaze moving, her expression one of awe and curiosity as if she were taking in the grandeur for the first time. She allowed herself to glance at the powerful figures in the room—Argen Delvora, Vivienne Althea, and, of course, Silas Vayne—without lingering too long, as though she were too intimidated to hold their gaze.

Her hand tightened ever so slightly around the delicate fan she carried, a subtle gesture of nervousness that did not go unnoticed by those watching her. Silas Vayne, in particular, observed her with a calculating gaze, though his expression remained calm. Maya knew that he was already assessing her, trying to gauge her significance at the event.

As Maya and Astron moved through the grand ballroom, it became impossible for them to go unnoticed.

Eyes followed their every step, and whispers began to ripple across the room. The pair drew attention not only for the powerful family Maya represented but also for their striking appearance. Astron, clad in a perfectly tailored black suit, looked like a figure straight out of a painting.

His cold purple eyes, chiseled face, and dark hair made him stand out like a model in an elite fashion magazine. Several of the ladies in the room could hardly keep their gazes off him, his silent yet commanding presence only heightening the allure.

Maya, no less captivating, stood at his side, her beauty enhanced by her flowing black gown that shimmered with every movement. Her long purple hair cascaded down her back, and her blue eyes sparkled under the ballroom's bright chandeliers.

Together, they created a striking contrast—him with his cold, calculating gaze, and her with her composed yet timid appearance. They were a pair that seemed to belong in a world of legends rather than a mere banquet.

As they passed by, more than a few heads turned, and many of the women in the room exchanged curious glances. The men, too, took notice, their expressions ranging from admiration to speculation. Whispers circulated, many of them wondering who the mysterious man accompanying Lady Evergreen was.

Among those particularly intrigued was Vivienne Althea. Her green eyes, sharp and observant, lingered on Astron as Maya exchanged pleasantries with the gathered guests.

Vivienne leaned slightly forward, her gaze unwavering as she took in every detail of the young man's appearance, his presence undeniable even though he remained largely silent, watching the room with those cold purple eyes.

And Maya did not miss that as well.

"Senior, you may go to her table."

Hearing Astron's words confirmed what she thought.

'I thought the same.'

With that she moved towards her table. Reaching there, Maya gave a small, hesitant smile and dipped her head in greeting. "Good evening," she said softly, her voice just loud enough to be heard but with a hint of shyness that fit the image she was portraying.

The men and women around the table offered polite smiles in return, their gazes curious but unthreatening. Vivienne Althea, in particular, gave Maya an appraising look, her green eyes gleaming with interest. "Lady Evergreen, how wonderful to see you here," Vivienne said smoothly. "I must admit, I did not expect to see someone of your standing at this event."

Maya smiled nervously, her eyes briefly meeting Vivienne's before she looked away. "Oh, I... I'm just here to learn," she replied softly. "My family thought it would be a good opportunity for me to observe."

Vivienne's smile widened slightly, her eyes flicking toward Astron for a moment before returning to Maya. "How wise of them," she said. "These events can be quite... informative."

Vivienne's gaze, sharp and calculating, shifted once more toward Astron, her curiosity evident. The way he stood just behind Maya, composed yet commanding in his silence, had clearly piqued her interest. His cold purple eyes, as unreadable as ever, seemed to study the room, but he remained a quiet enigma in the midst of the gathering. Vivienne's green eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she spoke again.

"And who might this handsome young man be?" Vivienne asked, her tone smooth but laced with intrigue. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting him before. Could you introduce him, Lady Evergreen?"

Maya felt the slight shift in attention as the other guests around the table subtly leaned in, curious to hear her response. She offered Vivienne a small, polite smile, her expression still reflecting the careful blend of timidity and poise she had been maintaining all evening. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"This is Astron," Maya said softly, her voice warm but understated, as though hesitant to draw too much attention. "He's my partner for tonight."

There was a subtle flicker of something in Vivienne's eyes—perhaps surprise, or even admiration. She looked Astron up and down once more, clearly intrigued by the fact that such a striking figure was with Lady Evergreen. The word partner seemed to hang in the air for a moment, and Vivienne's smile widened just a touch, though she hid her deeper thoughts behind a veneer of politeness.

"Well, Lady Evergreen, you certainly have good taste," Vivienne said, her tone light but with an undercurrent of interest. "I must say, it's not every day we see such an impressive young man accompanying a lady of your status. It's quite the statement."

Maya's smile faltered ever so slightly, just enough to fit the nervous persona she was projecting. "I-I'm grateful for his company tonight," she said softly, her fingers lightly adjusting the fan in her hand. "It's a bit overwhelming to be here, and he has been a steady presence."

Astron, ever composed, remained quiet, giving Vivienne a respectful nod. His presence spoke volumes without needing to say much, and Maya could feel the eyes of the other guests lingering on them both, assessing the dynamic between them.

Vivienne's gaze, still lingering on Astron, softened just a little. "You're very fortunate, Lady Evergreen," she said with a knowing smile while licking her lips.

'You fox bitch.' And thanks to the fact that her gaze was on Astron, Vivienne missed a small expression that Maya showed just at that moment.

How her eyes turned red, and they were narrowed, even though it was just for a split second.

Vivienne's smile remained sharp, though it softened ever so slightly as she steered the conversation into more familiar waters. "It must be quite an adjustment for you, Lady Evergreen," she began smoothly, her eyes finally shifting back to Maya. "Attending such events, especially considering the weight of your family's reputation. I imagine there's a lot of expectation riding on your shoulders."

Maya allowed her smile to return, though it was tinged with just the right amount of nervousness. "Y-Yes, it can be a bit overwhelming," she admitted, lowering her gaze momentarily, playing her part with subtle mastery. "There's so much to learn... and so many people to meet." Her fingers fidgeted delicately with her fan, the perfect picture of a young woman trying to navigate her way through a world she was only beginning to understand.

Vivienne's gaze remained fixed on her, clearly entertained by Maya's seemingly vulnerable demeanor. "I'm sure you'll do just fine," she teased, a playful glint in her green eyes. "Though I must admit, I've never expected to see you this…..timid."

At those words, Maya's eyes perked up a little as she slightly tensed.

'This woman…..'

She realized Vivienne was not that easy to fool.