I Was Summoned as the Academy’s Janitor… But I Accidentally Became the Most Overpowered Harem Protagonist?! -
Chapter 47: The Velvet Banquet — Dances, Daggers, and Declarations
Scene : Castalia Ballroom (Evening)
The Castalia Ballroom gleamed under thousands of floating crystal lanterns, each swaying to the soft strains of harp and lute. Silk banners in hues of ruby and sapphire draped the vaulted walls, embroidered with the crests of Arventia, Valken, Frosted Court, and the Obsidian Dominion—symbols of the fragile alliance. A polished marble floor reflected the dancers’ twirling silhouettes, and a raised dais at the far end held the feast’s bounty: platters of phoenix-roasted pheasant, ice–glazed trout, emberbread spiced by Flameheart forges, and delicate violet tarts from Moonshimmer Grove.
At the dais’s center, Zephyr Arclight stood beside Rosalia de Glorieux, ceremonial lily pinned to his tunic and mop discreetly sheathed at his side. Rosalia’s white-and-gold gown trailed like molten light, and her sapphire eyes glowed with pride. As they descended the steps, nobles and students alike bowed, the orchestra swelling in applause.
Across the hall, Athalia Lynx and Selena Frostveil watched from a balcony. Athalia’s eyes flicked to Zephyr, admiration—and a hint of envy—shimmering in their shadows. Selena’s fingers tapped the balcony rail thoughtfully, her Frostbrand Grimoire strapped at her hip. She whispered, “Stay close to him, Athalia—tonight’s peace may be deceptive.”
On the ballroom floor, Princess Lyssette von Regalia led Prince Kael Umbros in a formal court dance. Lyssette’s Sunlit Charm aura cast a warm glow around them; Kael’s violet cloak swirl flickered like living shadow. Their steps—perfectly practiced—masked the political tension beneath every curtsy and dip.
Nearby, Drakynia Flameheart leaned against a column, her amber eyes scanning the crowd as if daring any to spark trouble. She sipped spiced wine, the ember’s heat reflecting in her metallic armor trim. Arwen Galehart approached, ice-silk sleeves whispering like a winter breeze.
Arwen (softly): “Be on guard. I’ve sensed subtle ripples—dark intent under polite smiles.”
Drakynia (gruff grin): “Then let them try. My flame will scorch any assassin bold enough to strike under lantern light.”
A hush fell as Queen Caterina took the raised floor. Her presence demanded silence; even the floating lanterns dimmed in deference. With measured grace, she addressed the gathered dignitaries.
Queen Caterina (voice clear): “Tonight, we celebrate unity forged in trial. Let our dances bridge the divides of ice, flame, shadow, and light. May our steps echo the promise of peace.”
Laughter and music resumed. Couples formed into intricate patterns, weaving an emblem of harmony on the marble canvas. Zephyr and Rosalia joined the dance—his steps surprisingly light, her laughter ringing like silver bells. Their unity drew every eye, hearts stirred by their genuine warmth.
Scene : Midnight Duel & Unveiled Power (Late Night)
At the stroke of midnight, the orchestra’s melody shifted to a haunting minor key. Lanterns flickered as a lone figure in a silken mask slipped through the crowd, dagger glinting beneath a blood-red sleeve. The Cult of Ruin had sent its blade—and it targeted Zephyr.
As Zephyr guided Rosalia through a gentle pirouette, the masked assassin lunged. Rosalia cried out, shielding Zephyr with her arms, but the dagger’s curse-tainted steel sliced the air toward him.
Before the blade could touch his cloak, a silvery phoenix-wing silhouette erupted from Zephyr’s Divine Mop—its bristles aflame with Purification Light. The assassin’s dagger shattered on the radiant aura, scattering pieces that sizzled on the marble floor.
Gasps filled the hall. Drakynia sprang forward, igniting a ring of fire around the masked assailant. Arwen drew Aurelia, nocking an arrow of ice–flame fusion. Selena whispered a containment rune, encasing the culprit in frost-bound glass.
In that flash of purification, Zephyr’s cloak flared open, and for the briefest heartbeat, his form shimmered—wreathed in phoenix-fire and shadow’s silhouette intertwined. The assembled nobles beheld not just a janitor, but a Relic-Bearer of ancient power.
Drakynia’s amber eyes widened. “By Flameheart’s forge… he’s more than we ever knew!”
Arwen’s frost arrow pinned the assassin’s mask to the wall. Rosalia knelt beside Zephyr, eyes shining with awe.
Rosalia (whisper): “Your power… it’s breathtaking.”
Zephyr gently reined in the radiant aura, the phoenix-wing silhouette folding back into the mop’s head. His dark eyes met each of his companions’—steel under flame, kindness under frost, logic under warmth.
Zephyr (softly but firmly): “I never wanted this spotlight… but I will use this gift to protect every heart in this hall.”
A stunned silence held until Queen Caterina stepped forward, applauding slowly. Her smile was proud and triumphant.
Queen Caterina: “So it is proven: the Custodial Regent wields power that cleanses not only curses, but doubt itself. Let all who witness this night remember: unity and compassion can dispel the darkest plots.”
Applause thundered, tremors of relief and wonder rippling through the guests. The masked assassin—now unmasked as a pale-faced cultist—was led away in frost and flame wards, powerless under the combined might of court and hero.
End of Chapter 47
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