4 4 301 A rainbow of lights from the chandeliers glisten in the ballroom, the crisp tinkling of glasses and silverware ringing around the room. Laughter and toasts weave together into a festive waltz.
5 5 301 The band performing on the stage is playing the newly recovered Golden Age single from Squared Circle last month. The ecstatic electronic music paints a romantic picture of a time long gone.
6 6 301 Men and women dressed to the nines, delicacies served on silverplates, cocktails brimming with colors... The guests have been transposed to a strange fairy tale, leaving the war behind for a moment of respite.
7 7 301 ...
8 8 301 ...
9 9 201 1 500128
10 10 301 1 Bianca ? 1
11 11 302 Nothing. 12 Bianca, you're getting a little too close... 14
12 12 301 Bianca Is that so? 1
13 13 16 301 Bianca The other commandants are all socializing. Why aren't you joining them? 1
14 14 301 Bianca ...My mission is to make sure of your safety. 1
15 15 19 301 Bianca But if you think it would affect your ability to socialize, then I'll keep my distance. 1
16 16 302 Maybe they've noticed how close you're standing... 17
17 17 301 Bianca ... 1
18 18 302 And they assume I already have company... 24
19 19 302 That would be great. Thanks. 20 That's not what I meant! 20
20 20 301 Bianca ... 1
21 21 302 It's just that, the way you've been following me...
22 22 301 Bianca ... 1
23 23 302 They might assume that I already have company. 24
24 24 301 Bianca ... 1
25 25 301 Bianca I'm sorry. 1
26 26 302 It's fine. This is nice. 27 I'm happy to have you as my company if you're willing. 28
27 27 33 301 Bianca I'll be waiting for you at the door. Please let me know immediately if you need anything. 1
28 28 301 Bianca I'll pass. My job here is to keep you safe... 1
29 29 302 It doesn't have to be one way or the other. 41
30 33 302 Are you leaving me behind? 34
31 34 301 Bianca I'm still nearby. I'm just guarding the door. 1
32 35 301 Bianca No matter what happens, I will not leave you behind, Commandant. Your safety is my top priority. 1
33 36 302 I can always count on you, Bianca. 37 I was just joking! 41
34 37 301 Bianca I'm just doing my job. 1
35 38 302 But if you would join me at the ball... 39
36 39 301 Bianca ... 1
37 40 302 It'll make me very happy... 41
38 41 301 Bianca But... 1
39 42 302 This is Babylonia. No one's going to stab me in the back. 43 I'm the Gray Raven Commandant. I can protect myself. 43
40 43 301 Bianca But the mission I received was to guard you in all your public functions. 1
41 44 302 Isn't that just spying on me?! 45
42 45 301 Bianca The President was just worried about your safety. 1
43 46 301 Bianca After all, Babylonia knows so little about Ascendants, and you're the only commandant who has had meaningful contact with them. 1
44 47 302 Sigh, fine. 48 So are you just going to stand there the whole time? 48
45 48 301 Bianca ...If it makes you feel better if I do as you say? 1
46 49 302 Maybe. 50 Of course! 50
47 50 301 Bianca Very well. 1
48 51 301 Bianca ... 1
49 52 301 Bianca ... 1
50 53 301 Bianca What do I do next? 1
51 54 302 Just accompany me out there. 55 Have you not been to a gala before, Bianca? 60
52 55 301 Bianca Ah. Alright. 1
53 56 301 Bianca I'm sorry. I've never been to an event with the objective to socialize. 1
54 57 302 Why? 60 Has the Purifying Force never hosted any parties? 60
55 60 301 Bianca Constructs don't need to socialize. 1
56 61 301 Bianca Maybe some of my colleagues would have private gatherings, but as long as those don't interfere with their work, I wouldn't intervene. 1
57 62 302 Don't be so strict on yourself. 63 Then let me show you a good time today! 63