Blade Over Magic

Preparations

”Alright, everyone is accounted for.” Xavier nodded when he saw the group gathered up.

Xander was also currently inspecting his own attire.

Xavier had said that since they were attending a very high profile event, none of them could dress shabily. So unfortunately that meant that Xander could not wear his casual shirt and pants anymore. As such, he found himself wearing quite the exquisite attire.

Over a frilled undershirt was a black tailcoat with green embroidery covering its surface. Dark—almost black—shade of green pants, and leather shoes. There was a custom made belt for him to keep his sword, and lastly, there were a pair of leather gloves that were skin tight.

His hair had also been cut. Xavier had suggested his make it slick back, but Xander refused as while he didn’t particularly care for his appearance, even he had limits.

Aubrey and Falael weren’t much different. Falael wore an opulent red dress with a bardot style that revealed her shoulders and collarbones. The dress hugged her waist quite snugly with an elegant bow on the back, and she had very light makeup.

Aubrey’s attire was more subtle as she wore a highly structured corseted bodice. The skirt fell in controlled, heavy folds that collapsed slightly inward when she stood still. The colour was a deep midnight blue. If one were to look from a distance, it would just look like an inconspicuous dark dress. Which was the effect Aubrey wanted.

All of these were personally tailored by Mary.

The only person who did not dress very extravagantly was Curtis who still wore his winter getup, and surprisingly, Xavier did not question it. But according to him, Curtis was going to draw attention with his appearance regardless of what he wore. After all, Lycans were still seen as largely sub-sentient. So no amount of dressing up would help him.

Curtis didn’t seem to mind, though.

Mary seemed content in her maid attire, but as it turned out, Keir could actually manipulate his size. Hence, he currently sat on Xander’s shoulder, resembling the size he did when he had just hatched. But he did not look like a hatching as he still retained all his features. He just looked smaller.

Mia still wore her robe and witch hat, looking very out of place, but Xander was pretty sure she wouldn’t allow most people to be aware of her presence anyway, so it didn’t really matter.

Then off to the side, half of the Lowell knights were gathered, each of them riding a large horse with three horns on its head. A Tricorn.

Standing besides Xavier was Theresa and Claire, both of them with their own maids. Xavier himself had a team consisting of highly trained mages, each one at the High Mage level. The remaining pure-bloods including Nathan would remain at the residence to hold it down.

There were two carriages with the Lowell family insignia on it waiting for them, with Xavier and his legitimate children taking the one in front while Xander and co would take the one behind.

”Alright, before we set out, a few disclaimers.” Xavier, who had also changed and now wore a simple mage robe that was the staple for all Archmages who made a lunatic appearance, spoke.

”First, once we get there and the main events begin, there are going to be people from the different Factions that will try to break you all apart so that they can discuss with you privately for various reasons. On this, I won’t be able to step in, so you have to manage yourselves.

Second, Xander this is directed at you. People, especially those from the Mage Tower, are going to try their best to piss you off so you lose your cool and act out of turn. Doing so will cause your reputation to drop, reducing your credibility and making it easier for them to undermine you.

Third, this ties into the second thing and is aimed at the girls. Once those with unpleasant intentions realize you two are close to Xander, they will attempt to use you to rile him up. This includes, but is not limited to, flirting with you or making misogynistic comments in front of him. If he defends you too much during all of this, that will expose a weakness they will attempt to exploit.

Fourth, and this is aimed at Curtis. As I mentioned earlier, your status as parr Lycan is going to make you the subject of numerous things, most of them rooted in condescension and discrimination. It’s highly likely some people will question your ability to participate as well, citing the reputation of Lycans for being unpredictable and dangerous. You must absolutely keep your cool. The moment you show even a bit of aggression, they will have an excuse to have you removed, which will be damaging to the rest of the group as well.

Lastly, nobody go looking for fights. I know I said this is where you guys will debut, but the chances to do so will arise throughout the ball. No need to do anything unnecessary beforehand. As for anything else, use your discretion.” When he finished, the group nodded.

He then glanced at his two legitimate children, some unspoken words passing between the three of them before Xavier nodded.

”Alright. Everyone get in your carriages. We’re setting off.” With that said, Xander and co entered their own carriage that was being pulled by two large wolves. The inside was spatially expanded, so there was more than enough space for everyone to sit.

As they did so, the retinue took formation on both sides of the carriages.

”Phew, so we’re finally doing this.” Xander sighed as they began to move.

”Yup. You nervous?” Curtis asked behind his scarf.

”Eh, I might have been before the training, but now I just want to get it over with. I think I’ve heard the word ’Ball’ enough for two lifetimes.” He joked, and everyone chuckled.

Aubrey then glanced at his shoulder.

”Keir, you seem annoyed?” Hearing his name, Keir looked up, and indeed, the shrunken dragon exhaled smoke his nostrils.

”He gave you all warnings but not me. I’m a dragon, I’m supposed to be a huge deal! Does that imply that no one is gonna care if they see me? The people there are all influential people, so there’s no how they won’t know what a dragon is.” Hearing his complaint, everyone showed funny expressions.

Thankfully, Mia was the one who spoke. Though, whether her response was appropriate or not...

”No one is going to see you. Not initially, anyway. I’ll keep you hidden in the meantime.” She shrugged, and Keir’s wings spread abruptly, one hitting Xander’s head.

”Ow.”

”Aw what? Why?!” He exclaimed.

”Well, Keir, it’s because you are a dragon. You will attract too much attention.” Falael said like it was obvious.

”That’s not the only thing,” Aubrey moved to adjust her glasses, only to pause halfway when she remembered that they weren’t sitting in their usual spot. ”... Xander’s father doesn’t immediately want people to know his approximate strength. If they see you with him, they will realize that not only has he developed swordsmanship to the level he has, he has also bonded with a dragon. If we play our cards too quickly then our risk assessment will also rise too fast. It’s better for them to think that they’ve seen the extent of his abilities, only to learn that there is another layer. And no, that doesn’t mean we’ve reduced you to just an aspect of Xander’s abilities. That’s why you’re still coming.” Hearing this, Keir did something that resembled a pout.

”Still...” At this, Mary spoke up.

”If it pleases you, there will be very good food.” As soon as she said that, Keir’s eyes lit up, and for some reason Mia sat straighter too.

”That’s... acceptable.” The dragon cleared his throat, trying to sound dignified.

At this point, Falael looked at Xander.

”Will those two be problems?” By ’those two’ she was naturally referring to Theresa and Claire.

Xander considered it for a moment before shaking his head.

”I don’t think so. They spent a lot of time watching me these past months, and they seem less hostile now. Also, my father likely won’t let them act out, and if he does, it’s probably part of a bigger scheme.” Hearing this, Falael sighed and looked down at herself.

”People might come and flirt with me, huh? That’s a weird prospect.” Not annoying, weird.

”Trust me. As soon as it happens, you’re gonna want to punch someone in the face.” Aubrey huffed. Meanwhile, Xander found the prospect made his want to draw his sword.

Curtis looked between all of them, smile behind his scarf, and rest his chin against his palm.

”I can’t lie, y’all are kinda adorable together.” That made their heads snap up.

”Now hold on—”

”Curtis behave yourself.”

”Am I wrong?”

”Stop talking!”

As the group bickered, the entourage soon passed an invisible barrier which was the time dilation zone, and it was revealed that it was actually nighttime outside.

Once this happened, runes lit up across the road they were on until in front of them, a swirling portal emerged.

Slowly, they all passed through, and when the last knight was out of sight, the portal vanished.