Anomaly of Fate
Chapter 104: Beneath the Gilded Veil

Chapter 104: Beneath the Gilded Veil

Velren stood near the window of the Aether Tram, watching as the floating city gradually gave way to open sky. The transport glided effortlessly along an unseen path, suspended between islands as if it were skating across air itself. There were no rails, no visible means of support—just a soft hum of energy thrumming beneath their feet, guiding them forward.

The cabin was spacious yet enclosed, its interior designed with both luxury and function in mind. Gilded inlays adorned the walls, and the seats—arranged in small clusters—were upholstered in rich fabric. Unlike the grandeur of the airship, this felt more... personal.

Aside from Velren and Solenne, several other passengers occupied the tram. Diplomats, nobles, and officials sat in quiet conversation. Some cast occasional glances her way, though whether out of curiosity or recognition, Velren wasn’t sure.

Through the wide windows, the main island came into view—a vast expanse where the Skyborne Citadel stood in silent dominance. Bridges extended outward like veins, linking it to the surrounding islands in a complex web of connections. Even from here, Velren could see the flickering glow of the levitation cores embedded throughout its foundation, keeping the entire structure aloft.

The sheer scale of it all was impressive, but something nagged at him. He shifted his gaze to Solenne beside him.

"Say... what’s the real point of this summit?" he asked. "From where I’m standing, it just seems like a bunch of important figures gathering in one place—which, honestly, sounds like the perfect setup for someone with bad intentions."

Solenne let out a quiet breath, her eyes fixed on the approaching citadel.

"It’s not just a political gathering. The summit exists to reaffirm the alliances that keep the continent stable. Diplomats, rulers, and key decision-makers all come together to negotiate trade, security, and territorial matters."

She paused, then added, "But you’re not wrong. This much power in one place... It’s an opportunity. For the right people, or the wrong ones."

Velren exhaled slowly. The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. The sheer concentration of influential figures in one place—on a city suspended in the sky, no less—practically begged for trouble. In fact, it would be even more suspicious if nothing happened at all.

The idea unsettled him. If an attack didn’t happen, that almost felt... off.

’No. Better not dwell on thoughts like that.’

Then again, given his track record, he seriously doubted he’d be getting a peaceful night here...

The transport came to a smooth halt, and moments later, the doors slid open with a quiet hiss. Stepping out onto the main island, Velren took in the sheer scale of the citadel before him. Up close, it was even more imposing—massive towers of white stone and gold filigree, with arcane engravings pulsing faintly along its surface. The bridges they had seen from afar now stretched around them, suspending the structure in an intricate web of connections.

The moment they stepped onto the platform, staff members clad in elegant uniforms moved efficiently, guiding the arriving guests toward their designated paths. Velren stuck close to Solenne, following her lead as they ascended a wide flight of stairs that led into the citadel’s grand entrance.

Inside, the sheer opulence of the main hall was undeniable. A vast, domed ceiling stretched high above, inlaid with shimmering constellations that shifted ever so slightly, as if mirroring the night sky outside. Towering glass windows framed the distant horizon, while ornate chandeliers—seemingly suspended by nothing—cast a soft, golden glow across the room.

Velren stood frozen in place, his wide-eyed stare sweeping across the grand hall. The sheer extravagance of the setting should have been enough to stun him, but his mind had momentarily gone blank.

Beside him, Solenne glanced at him before tilting her head slightly.

"Are you sure you’re going to be alright?"

Snapping back to reality, Velren straightened, clearing his throat.

"Yeah. Of course."

Solenne didn’t seem entirely convinced, but she only gave a small, amused shake of her head.

"Don’t overthink it. In the end, they’re all just people like us."

No.

Little did she know, what had truly caught Velren off guard wasn’t the overwhelming presence of unfamiliar yet undoubtedly powerful figures gathered across the room. Well... maybe a little. But what had truly frozen him in place was the far end of the hall, where an opulent banquet table stretched across the space, lined with an almost absurdly extravagant spread of food.

’My culinary sense is tingling...’

Exotic delicacies, vibrant platters, golden-crusted entrees that seemed to shimmer under the chandeliers’ glow—it was a masterclass of culinary artistry, and it took everything in him not to immediately gravitate toward it.

No matter what happened tonight, no matter how tense or politically charged the evening became—he had to get a taste of at least something from that table. Even just a little.

***

Velren stood at a comfortable distance—not too close, not too far—as Solenne navigated the conversations around her. Even among the finely dressed dignitaries, she carried herself with effortless poise, responding with a measured grace that seemed second nature. There was no tension in her posture, no nervous fidgeting, just a quiet confidence that made it clear she was exactly where she was meant to be.

It was impressive, really. But Velren’s mind was elsewhere.

’Can we slide to that part of the hall...’

By that part, of course, he meant the banquet table.

It was a simple plan: keep an eye on Solenne while indulging himself in what was clearly a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. And really, it wasn’t as if he had to keep watch over her every second—Solenne could handle herself, both politically and physically.

Still...

He had already made a promise.

With a quiet sigh, he settled into his self-assigned position, occasionally sneaking glances at the banquet table like a man eyeing salvation just out of reach. That was when his gaze landed on someone unexpected.

A red-haired girl stood at the far end of the table, with cold desserts lined up before her in an almost absurd quantity. And perched on her shoulder, nestled comfortably, was a familiar red creature.

’That’s...’