The sound of horse hooves hitting the ground stopped being heard. The carriage stopped moving, and finally, a servant opened the door.
"We've arrived, welcome to Ebony Castle, home of the Noirs," the servant informed.
"Finally," Baltazar commented while getting out of the carriage.
Outside, the man extended his hand to his wife to help her out.
"Oh! Thank you dear," the woman said surprised, accepting the gesture with a small smile.
Her blonde hair was styled in drill ringlets. She had a white and gold dress, with a voluminous skirt.
Meanwhile, Baltazar wore his white hair combed back. He had a black suit with a red tie that made him look elegant.
Lastly, it was Lloyd who came out. His hair was also combed back, but he wore a white and gold suit.
Barbara wrapped her arm around her husband's while smiling.
"Wow, it's been a long time since we came to an event like this, right dear? This brings back many memories of when we met," the woman said.
"Yes, true," Baltazar commented, somewhat uncomfortable.
The woman laughed a bit.
"Back then our families were rivals, and you had the mission to kidnap me. But when you did, you were captivated by my beauty," the woman laughed lightly. "I still can't believe we met like that."
The man smiled, pulling her by the waist, and extending his fingers toward her chin.
"Yes, and I'd do it again just to have you all to myself," the man replied, making the woman blush.
"Oh! But what embarrassing things you say," the woman replied looking away.
Lloyd was surprised by the scene, usually his father was very quiet and serious. Though perhaps he hadn't known enough about him.
Then, the servant's throat clearing made them reconsider.
"If you'll allow me, I'll guide you to the hall."
Lloyd's mother turned somewhat annoyed, it was uncommon for her husband to get so romantic.
That man had ruined the atmosphere.
They were guided by the servant. They weren't the only guests as expected, Lloyd could recognize some of the shields from other carriages, which bore the symbols of other noble houses.
The boy knew them from the novel, though not all were mentioned.
They were led through a wide garden to the castle.
The building wasn't called "Ebony Castle" for nothing, the bricks that composed it were black, while the roof was purple.
Those bricks weren't conventional, but had the ability to block both magic and aura.
Lloyd observed attentively, it was fascinating to see structures like this, though they weren't that different from his world.
At the entrance, above the door, was the Noir house shield: a black raven, on a purple background, on top of a grayish skull.
The Noirs became a feared family, especially for their magical power: Taboo.
Their hereditary ritual consisted of the ability to impose unbreakable taboos in an area.
In turn, they also specialized in an ancient magic called voodoo, however, this was lost over time.
"We've arrived," the servant said while opening the great hall's door.
Lloyd left his reflections behind, while observing the room before him.
It was illuminated by a large chandelier on the ceiling. A perfumed and clean fragrance traveled to his nose, while music and murmurs enveloped him.
There were many elegantly dressed people and large tables full of food. The typical atmosphere you'd expect from a banquet.
"Follow me please," the servant indicated, while guiding them.
Lloyd scanned the hall with his gaze, he wasn't sure he recognized anyone. There was a big difference between reading a novel and experiencing an event in person.
Besides being a light novel, there weren't many details to retain.
"Lord Notos, Lady Violet. I present to you Baltazar and Barbara Morfeus, and their son, Lloyd Morfeus," the servant said.
"Thank you for inviting us to this event, it's a pleasure to be here," Barbara added while curtseying, crossing one leg behind the other and lifting the tips of her dress.
Apparently his mother was knowledgeable about high society manners, something that didn't surprise Lloyd.
"Oh don't worry, there's no need to introduce yourselves, we already know each other, don't we? After all I don't think our guests can follow high society customs. I'm sure they feel more comfortable if we treat them with a simplicity they can understand."
Who spoke was a purple-haired woman, whom Lloyd intuited was Violet.
Barbara's gaze froze for a second, she hadn't taken that comment well, however she maintained composure.
"Wow, how considerate of you, but don't worry, I'm sure it's not necessary," she replied, trying to stay calm.
On the other hand, Baltazar's features had hardened, he shot a murderous look at Notos, as if trying to say "control that bitch" with his gaze.
The man, who was looking at Lloyd with disgust and rage, felt a chill. His gaze moved to Baltazar's.
Notos swallowed.
"Please Violet, restrain yourself a bit. You know very well we can't demand the same level of etiquette from them as from a noble, but you don't have to humiliate them either."
Baltazar growled, the comment hadn't improved the situation, that's for sure.
"Wow, it's really surprising," Lloyd then said, with a cold look. "This party is very luxurious."
The young man pretended to observe the party in question.
Violet couldn't waste those words.
"Right? I'm sure you're not used to such big events, but don't feel overwhel—"
"Can you afford it?" Lloyd cut off. "I thought the Noir family was ruined, it would be a shame if they spent the little money they have left on a simple celebration."
Lloyd's voice sounded calm, he even managed to fake some concern.
The boy felt his blood boiling with rage since Violet's first comment, normally he would have made a scene.
However, in the time he'd been in control of that body, Lloyd had managed to control his pride.
But of course, he had a limit. A limit he'd just reached.
His parents' features relaxed upon hearing his words. His mother seemed proud.
On the other hand, the Noirs didn't seem very happy.
"What are you insinuating brat? Are you—"
"Enough," Notos interrupted, before his wife let out some outrage. "Our daughter is about to make her appearance."
Violet snorted annoyed while crossing her arms. Lloyd gave her a triumphant look.
"Ladies and gentlemen," a butler's voice then said. "Everyone receive Miss Penelope Von Noir."
The music stopped suddenly, the murmurs went silent.
Everyone looked at a door up high, which was being opened slowly.
Penelope was about to make her entrance.