Chapter 7 The Sanctuary of Stars

Chapter 7 The Sanctuary of Stars

The Sanctuary of Stars.

Kraush couldnt help but chuckle at the overly grandiose name. It was a name befitting nobility progeny with the kinds of high pride one would expect.

Well, they do consider themselves the future leaders of Starlon. It was, in a way, justified.

The reality, though, is destruction.

Did these youngsters understand their duty as nobles? The reason nobles are respected in this world is because they stand in opposition to the worlds erosion, fighting on behalf of others.

Some feel that duty and train daily.

While others are oblivious to such responsibilities, simply indulging in parties as their reality.

Kraush wondered how many of the lot gathering at the Sanctuary of Stars were of any worth.

Inside the rattling carriage.

The Sanctuary of Stars where Kraush and Bianca were headed was a fair distance from Balheim.

As a result, Kraush was resigned to spending roughly a day living in the carriage.

In such confines, Kraush gazed at Bianca who was dozing off, her head nodding in sleepiness.

She loved to read books, but perhaps the carriage wasnt the best place for such an activity.

Quiet the whole time, I wondered whats up.

While on the carriage, Kraush could simply train his aura.

But Bianca, lacking such distractions, was naturally getting sleepy.

The issue was the carriage itself.

Thud!

Due to the roads irregularities, the carriage shook intermittently, flinging a drowsy Bianca forward.

Young and light due to her small stature, she was easily unsettled by the carriages abrupt motion.

Kraush quickly stretched out his hand to catch her, letting out a sigh of relief.

He lowered his head to find Bianca looking up at him with her eyes wide open.

Kraush?

Kraush straightened her up and stood, then, sitting next to her, he gently laid Biancas head on his lap.

Sleep.

Suddenly given a lap pillow, Bianca glanced up at Kraush.

His gruffness hid a tenderness she couldnt help but feel.

Soon, Bianca closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

With Biancas soft breathing as background music, Kraush gazed outside, through the carriage window at the passing landscape.

Was it because this was his first outing since that specific point in time?

The street scenes, too, seemed unfamiliar, a stark contrast to the past.

There were places like this, too, he thought as the carriage day neared its end.

Kraushs destination was a luxurious building situated on an island in the middle of a lake.

The building, usually the famous Arayong Inn, a famed tourist spot in the area, was accessible via a bridge.

However, today, the inn was wholly booked for the assembly of Starlons young nobility, the Sanctuary of Stars.

The venue for the meeting of the Sanctuary of Stars was decided on a rotating basis.

It was an utter display of opulence.

Stepping out of the carriage, Kraush gazed at Arayong Inn.

What a waste of money. Such a waste.

After being unceremoniously sent to Rahelrn Academy from Balheim.

Other than basic support, Kraush hadnt received much else.

Accustomed properly to financial matters, such extravagance did not sit well with him.

Kraush.

While Kraush pondered, Bianca emerged from the carriage, rubbing her eyes and looking for him through her half-opened ones.

Lately, she always sought Kraush whenever she awoke.

Awake? You were snoring quite fabulously.

I dont snore.

Bianca replied with a serious look.

No, but you were.

I dont snore.

Watching her stubbornness over something so trivial, Kraush shrugged his shoulders and turned to Aliod.

Aliod approached, with the outerwear he had prepared, and draped it over Biancas shoulders.

Its chilly, so wear it properly.

Upon hearing Kraush, Bianca buttoned up the coat.

Dont look at her. You might catch the curse.

Alongside him, Bianca too was not spared from scrutinizing looks.

He didnt much care for slights against himself, but Kraush frowned at the unkindness also lumping Bianca in, casting a sharp glance at the snickering few.

Already prickly, his eyes narrowed furiously, and those who feared the name Balheim naturally averted their gaze.

For them, living on power, there was nothing more frightening than power superior to their own.

Kraush.

At that moment, Bianca, who had been following, called out to him.

Concerned she might be uncomfortable, Kraush turned around to see Bianca gently clutching his clothes.

Dont mind what others are saying.

For a moment, Kraush looked at Bianca, dumbfounded.

Was she oblivious to the insults hurled at her?

Kraush glanced at Bianca then let out a snort.

I couldnt care less.

As if the terrors of Balheim were any of his concern.

Whats care less?

In response to her question, Kraush closed his mouth and turned away, vowing to watch his language in front of Bianca.

* * *

As more and more guests arrived, the party continued, and soon the attendees too busy talking amongst themselves to notice Bianca and Kraush.

He hasnt shown up, has he?

Kraush had come here believing that he would find that certain someone at the gathering of Starlons young nobility at the Sanctuary of Stars.

He felt a sense of having wasted his efforts.

Just then.

Lord Darling Danphelion has arrived!

With the loud announcement by one of the attendants, a figure entered.

Bright blonde hair, tightly braided and lifted, caught the eye first.

A prominent nose and a sunny smile that filled the face.

With an average height and a slender physique, she stood out in a crowd of dress-clad women, wearing a unique combination of pants and a skirt, topped with a frilled yet simple blouse, drawing everyones attention.

Always arriving late like this, she must love the attention.

Tch, eccentric.

Ah, Lady Darling, you look splendid as always!

Curiously, opinions on her varied quite dramatically.

And in Kraushs view, she was the oddball of oddballs.

And she was precisely why Kraush had come to this Sanctuary of Stars.

That publicity hound would never miss an event with her contemporaries.

His prediction had hit the mark.

Hello, everyone, hello!

Watching her enthusiastically greet everyone upon her arrival, Kraush promptly stepped forward.

Bianca, wait here for me.

Hmm, okay.

While nibbling on a piece of meat Kraush had brought, Bianca answered with her mouth covered.

She was usually good at waiting alone; he wasnt worried.

With that peace of mind, Kraush made his way through the crowd toward Darling who was surrounded by others.

Those standing beside her began to step back at the sight of Kraush; none wanted to get tangled up with him and face repercussions.

Thanks to that, Kraush easily reached Darlings side.

Darling tilted her head as she saw Kraush approaching.

Huh? A kid Ive never seen before.

Darling, three years his senior, had the stature of a woman.

Thus, Darling, judging the reactions of those beside her and Kraushs countenance, canted her head in curiosity.

Hmm, that face is definitely familiar from somewhere

Its Kraush Balheim.

After he introduced himself, Darlings eyes sparkled momentarily.

Her eyes then filled with interest.

That was to be expected.

Because she was none other than the nutcase who ardently adored Charlotte.

Not as a fan, but genuinely so.