Confronted with the invitation from the young woman clad in a white gown, Jeremy hesitated for a moment.
He was acutely aware that he was likely trapped within an illusion. Everything around him was fabricated, and the girl who beckoned him was undoubtedly a mere figment of this false reality.
Moreover, Jeremy speculated that the young woman in the white dress might even serve as a phased boss for this particular area.
"What seems to be the matter? Are you dissatisfied with the banquet? If you find this banquet lacking, I can certainly arrange one that meets your approval!"
The girl in the white dress fixed her gaze intently on Jeremy. Although her tone remained exceedingly gentle, Jeremy could detect an undercurrent of impatience in her voice.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Jeremy ultimately resolved to comply with the other party's directive.
After all, given the current circumstances, he had no confidence in his ability to confront her directly and emerge victorious.
With a smile on his face, Jeremy stated, "I am thoroughly satisfied with this banquet. The level of its magnificence has exceeded my expectations, which is why I was momentarily taken aback. I hope you won't hold that against me."
As he spoke, he made his way toward the long table situated in the center of the hall.
Upon hearing Jeremy's response, the young woman in the white dress replied with evident satisfaction, "I would never hold anything against you! After all, this banquet has been prepared especially for you. It brings me great honor that you find it to your liking."
Jeremy settled into a position that was neither too close nor too far from the young woman in the white dress.
Despite the numerous seats surrounding the long table, there were no other guests present aside from Jeremy and the girl in white.
"Why did you choose to sit there? Do you believe that is a particularly advantageous position?"
The young woman maintained her gaze on Jeremy, though she seemed merely curious about his choice rather than harboring any intentions of aggression at this moment.
Jeremy nodded in affirmation.
"From my perspective, this is indeed an ideal location. It is situated towards the center of the long table, which allows me to engage in conversation with every guest surrounding it.
Moreover, this position is neither too far nor too close to yours. When you speak to me, I will certainly be able to hear you, and should I exhibit any discourteous behavior, it would not directly impact you."
Jeremy's response was impeccably crafted.
After all, he had previously managed to coexist harmoniously with Bonnie, Claire, and Emma, three women of distinct personalities.
He was well aware of how to articulate words that would satisfy the young woman in the white dress.
Jeremy's words brought great satisfaction to the young woman in the white dress.
"Since you have chosen that seat, let us hasten to bring in the others! The banquet will not officially commence until all the esteemed guests have arrived."
The girl in the white dress raised her wine glass and looked at Jeremy, who felt compelled to lift his own glass in response, offering her a cordial gesture.
Despite the exquisite wine in front of him, wafting with enticing aromas, Jeremy had no intention of consuming its contents.
Given that the entire banquet was an illusion, it stood to reason that the wine before him was equally deceptive.
Prompted by Jeremy's reminder, Howard and Liam settled into seats beside him.
Although they could not fathom why Jeremy had chosen that particular spot, they instinctively felt it must be the safest place in the vicinity.
Once Howard and Liam had taken their seats, Jeremy smiled at the young woman in the white dress and said.
"They have complied with your instructions and taken their seats. Now, may we proceed to the next phase of the banquet? Before we do, I have two questions I would like to ask you. I wonder if you would permit me to do so?"
Jeremy felt that he had been cooperating with the proceedings all along.
Thus, he believed he was justified in asking two questions.
The expression on the young woman's face flickered with hesitation, but ultimately, she nodded and replied, "You may ask me two questions, but it is ultimately my prerogative whether or not to answer them."
Jeremy nodded in satisfaction.
"That is only reasonable. If my inquiries are deemed inappropriate by you, feel free to decline to answer. My first question is, how should we address you? After all, you are the host of this banquet.
If we do not even know the name of our esteemed host, would that not seem dreadfully impolite? If we, as your honored guests, are exceedingly discourteous, does that not render your banquet a failure?"
After posing his question, Jeremy elaborated with a plethora of supporting reasons.
The reason he adopted this approach was simply to ensure stability.
Although the young woman in the white dress did not launch a direct attack against him, it was evident that her strength surpassed his own.
Thus, Jeremy had to extract more information from her without provoking her ire.
The young woman in the white dress spoke without any hesitation.
"This is my oversight, I nearly forgot to introduce myself. You may simply call me Scarlett. If you find this banquet to your satisfaction, you may refer to me with the honorific, Miss Scarlett."
Upon hearing Scarlett's response, Jeremy quickly remarked,
"Miss Scarlett, I find your banquet to be nothing short of enchanting. I am immensely satisfied with your event, which prompts me to inquire about my second question.
What is the ultimate purpose behind this splendid gathering you have orchestrated? Surely, you did not bring us all together merely to indulge in a dreamlike experience."
Scarlett nodded in acknowledgment.
"You are indeed as astute as others have claimed, you are a remarkably clever individual. However, I believe that being excessively clever can sometimes be a double-edged sword.
You know I am your enemy, and I am fully aware that you are mine. The purpose of this banquet is, of course, to ensnare all of you! Do you truly think I organized this event to celebrate with you?
The only reason I have not acted against you directly is due to the constraints imposed by the rules of the Apocalypse Game. Currently, you have not triggered the conditions that would allow me to eliminate you outright.
Nevertheless, I doubt you can sustain this for much longer, as your companions are about to enter the Mirror Maze. They will undoubtedly lack the same level of caution that you possess."
A chilling expression graced Scarlett's face as she slowly articulated these words.