Eventually, the Soiree slowly came to a close. The party then moved outside, to the mouth of the cave where the moon was still brightly shining down on them.

Even at that point, many people were still trying to make conversations, hoping to get one last alliance before the party ended. Meanwhile, those who were already confident of their company's strength left immediately, choosing to prepare for the upcoming Archery Tournament. They were very few.

Michael remained till the end because he was still waiting for Lady Farren. Yuna decided to wait with him, which he was thankful for.

The conglomerates, on the other hand, were waiting for some other reason.

"The Adult Soiree is still currently ongoing, and we have some important business to discuss with a few of them," Gabriel explained.

And it seems that they didn't have to wait long.

Out from the darkness of the cave's mouth, they heard the sounds of footfalls echoing outwards. A few seconds later, many figures began to bask in the moonlight's glow.

Those that remained from the Soiree couldn't help but draw a deep breath. Such grand figures.

Exiting the cave, they saw Chiefs of the Werewolf Tribes, Royalblood Vampires, Mermen Leaders, Elven Bosses, and even the elusive Draconians were there. Forgot connections within the Soiree. If they could get an audience with at least one of those important Beastfolk leaders, then they could advance their company well ahead of others!

Gabriel Vanderbilt slowly approached the imposing Beastfolk figures, giving them a courtly bow.

Some of the figures within them immediately recognized the blonde-haired man.

"A Vanderbilt," one of the Werewolf Chiefs said. "It is an honor to have the conglomerates participate in our tradition."

It wasn't long before Gabriel was approached by several other figures, most of which were from the Werewolf Tribes. One could tell that they were really interested in the Vanderbilt name.

The four other conglomerates were recognized as well, but as with Gabriel, the Beastfolk leaders were more interested in the organizations behind them and their surnames, rather than their first.

But as all of this was happening, an extremely curious thing happened.

A few figures walked past the five conglomerates, not even giving them a single glance.

One of them was a Mermaid Princess, the other was an Elven Chief, the next a Werewolf Chief, and the last one a Royalblood Vampire.

It wasn't long before they arrived in front of a certain lion-masked youth named Keo.

"I didn't expect all of you to be here," Michael said to them, seeing his motley group of allied friends.

"And miss the chance to strengthen my connections much more than my brother? You're underestimating me," said Princess Octavia, her tentacled head tilting towards him with bemusement.

"Keo, you didn't tell me you were acquainted with a Merman Princess, an Elven leader, and a Vampire!" said Chief Lupan, his excitement through the roof. Being part of such a diverse and powerful group of allies only strengthened his tribe's position much more than before!

"It has been a long time, sir Keo," said Lilith, the blonde-haired and stunning Vampire with a striking resemblance to Kuno, the Vampire progenitor.

Shocks and gasps once again rang out in the open forest. Despite being in the presence of the five conglomerates, an unknown figure named Keo took the spotlight.

He wasn't just acquainted with one Beastfolk leader. Not even two or three. But four. He had a connection with every Beastfolk race aside from the Draconians, which admittedly, was the hardest thing to do so it wasn't that surprising.

Still, no one, not even the Legacies had such an extensive list of acquaintances.

"Woah… how does he know all of them?!"

"Is he allied with those Beastfolks?!"

"Who is that guy?! Look at how the Royalblood Vampire looks at him!"

The first three Beastfolk leaders treated Michael with the same respect as they would an actual acquaintance, and even as a friend. However, Lilith, a prominent Royalblood Vampire treated Michael with a little bit more reverence than most.

Now, Vampires were more religious than most Beastfolks, with their life goal centering on disintering their buried theology. So, the fact that she looked at Keo with reverence meant an even greater deal.

For some people who were in the know, this was perhaps the most surprising thing of all.

"Keo! I didn't know you were such a bigshot too!" Jot'un quietly screamed.

Yuna didn't seem all surprised, and even looked proud of him.

The conglomerates were surprised too, of course. They looked at Keo with shock and understanding. They finally got why he was able to attract the attention of someone like Yuna.

Michael then turned to Lady Farren. "Did you see him there?

She shook her head. "I thought he'd be at the party but—"

Just before she could finish her words, everyone suddenly heard the sounds of wings flapping above the sky, followed by a huge gust that disturbed the quiet trees in the night.

Everyone turned their heads just in time as a Red Dragon descended into a cluster of trees in the near distance, breaking and splintering wood in the process.

Its giant and imposing features soon diminished, as Michael saw in real time how the dragon's wings shrunk into five-fingered limbs, its scales receding inwards and revealing pale, hairless skin.

In a few seconds, the dragon transformed into a red-haired human.

A… drunk human.

As soon as the Draconian received his legs, he began stumbling and lurching forward as if he was inebriated.

Correction. He was drunk. Michael could smell the strong scent of alcohol as the Draconian got closer and closer.

"...hiccup… I didn't come too late…BWWWW— did I?"

As this red-haired Draconian came stumbling near the mouth of the cave, Michael heard a few murmured discussions around him that confirmed his suspicions.

"That's the infamous Romeo Flameheart!"

"I didn't think he'd come. The elusive eccentric…"

"For someone with such an important background, he sure does like to never show up in big meetings."

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