Luciel surveys the ballroom with a bored expression, his wings folded neatly behind his back and his tail swaying slightly. Beside him, Grimalkin adjusts his glasses and one of his cat ears flicks. The pair was invited despite the tensions between Umbra and Altaria. At Grimalkin's insistence, Luciel accepted the invitation. But the number of humans staring at him in terror annoys him. He says in a low, cold tone. "Tell me, Grimalkin, how long should I stand here and let the humans gawk at me?"

Grimalkin, undeterred and used to his older brother's cold nature, says politely. "Until after the announcement, Your Majesty. It would be rude otherwise, and tensions are high as it is." he adjusts his glasses and continues watching the opposite end of the ballroom where Altaria's crown prince, Sebastian, is speaking with a few human nobles.

Luciel sighs, and his wings shift slightly, as if restless. He glances at Sebastian, and a flicker of annoyance passes through his eyes. He mutters in a low voice, only for Grimalkin to hear. "Remind me again why we decided to attend this foolish ball."

Grimalkin tries not to laugh and says politely. "Politics, Your Majesty. If we declined, we would look bad. As if we're holding a grudge against the humans." A few of the guests walking past subtly stare at Luciel and give him a wide berth.