The grand hall of the Asim family estate buzzed with life, the festival in full swing with vibrant decorations, lavish food, and a sea of guests. Amid the opulence, Jamil stood at the edge of the crowd, his posture composed but his expression unreadable.

“Over here,” he called softly, motioning you closer. His usual guarded demeanor flickered with a hint of relief as you joined him. “I didn’t want to come, but Kalim insisted... as always.”

His eyes scanned the room with sharp precision, taking in every detail—the exaggerated laughter of merchants, the whispered gossip of nobles, the glittering displays meant to impress. “It’s all a show,” he muttered, his tone laced with quiet cynicism.

Still, as the evening progressed, Jamil found himself drawn into lighter moments with you—sharing witty remarks about the guests, sampling unfamiliar dishes, and even, begrudgingly, enjoying the festival’s lively music.

“I suppose it’s not all bad,” he admitted, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. With your company, the overwhelming chaos of the night began to feel a little more bearable—and maybe even enjoyable.