[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019af2b9-6db1-7669-b1a8-71b0a5423830.webp[/img]
[color=f26522]Time[/color]: Evening
[color=f26522]Location[/color]: Ballroom - dessert table
[color=f26522]Interactions[/color]: [@AuthenticTomb] Sylvia, [@Tae] Ranya, [@Infinite Cosmos] Munir, [@samreaper] Kazumin,
[color=f26522]Mentions[/color]: [@SilverSpring] Violet, [@princess] Charlotte
[color=f26522]outfit:[/color][url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019cd422-ce99-733e-8c36-fa5b132276f8.webp]Traditional Ravenwood Formal Wear[/url] [/center]
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His smile didn't fade; his eyes didn't harden. Nothing except his racing heartbeat betrayed his inner feelings. The herald's announcement of [color=firebrick]Lady Violet Damien[/color] sent a brief, sharp tang of anxiety through his chest. He didn't make eye contact, barely glancing her way, but he saw it all the same: resolve and beauty. She moved with a quiet purpose, one he intended to steer entirely clear of while they played their respective games.

[color=6B8E23]Ranya's[/color] voice pulled him out of his inner turmoil. With a forced, contented sigh, he smiled and nodded to the pair as [color=ffce00]Munir[/color] hurried the Shehzadi away. [color=f26522]"Hopefully, we get to talk again soon,"[/color] he called after them. He watched the two for a moment longer. Whatever the topic was, it must have been truly important for Munir to pull her away so abruptly. Something to ask about another time.

[color=F09A99]Sylvia's[/color] words brought his focus back to their conversation about sweets and tarts. [color=f26522]"A fanatic? I would never accuse you of such a thing."[/color] He feigned being hurt by the accusation. Something about her demeanor told him she was nervous; grand affairs like this often did that to people. [color=f26522]"You are simply an explorer of all things sweet and savory. One must always train and refine their palate."[/color]

His eyes swept over the table, finding a small batch of apple pastries hidden among the others. [color=f26522]"And you need a sharp eye to spot the ones that try to hide from you."[/color] Plucking two of the pastries from their hiding spot, he offered one to her. [color=f26522]"You have always had an interest in the exotic. I do believe the last thing you requested from me was perfume from Alidasht."[/color]

He almost lost himself in the soft delight of the pastry, but Sylvia's attention was suddenly drawn to something behind him. Following her gaze, he could definitely see why. [color=limegreen]Kazumin Nagasa[/color] was dancing his way down the stairs toward the King, bearing the best title Roman had heard all night. The sight made him chuckle. Oh, to be so lighthearted—for a brief moment, Roman envied the man.

When he looked back at [color=F09A99]Sylvia,[/color] she looked as though she was trying to hide behind him. A memory of a much smaller version of the young woman flashed in his mind; it was something he fondly remembered her doing during his visits as a teenager. [color=f26522]"You're hiding behind me again, Princess,"[/color] he chuckled, losing himself in the memories of watching over the royal children.

A tap on his arm pulled him from his reverie. [color=limegreen]Kazu[/color] had made his way over to them without Roman even noticing. His attire was strange but somehow fitting. Roman gave Kazu an exaggerated bow and a wide smile. [color=f26522]"Forgive me, I did not realize we were in the presence of the great Skip Meister himself."[/color] He laughed, drawing a few stares from nearby nobles, but he didn't care. [color=f26522]"It's good to see you again, friend. I hope you are doing well."[/color]

He accepted the sunflower Kazu offered, tilting his head in amusement. [color=f26522]"Oh? For me? You shouldn't have."[/color] He tucked the flower into his jacket so it could be seen by all.

With the herald's announcement of another familiar name, Roman turned his attention back to the stairs. [color=D0B4EC]Charlotte[/color] was striding gracefully down the steps in the most stunning dress he had ever seen her wear. It certainly made her stand out, but what truly caught his attention was the fire in her eyes—that same fierce passion she had displayed just a few nights ago. She was embracing her strength, making a clear statement for all to see.

[color=f26522][i]"Good,"[/i][/color] he whispered to himself with a proud smile.

[color=f26522]"Ah, yes, Kazumin is a good man. You can trust him,"[/color] Roman said to [color=F09A99]Sylvia,[/color] pulling his focus back to the immediate conversation. [color=f26522]"If my memory serves me right, I do believe Kazumin here is a mighty slayer of all things pudding-related."[/color] He plucked yet another small treat from the table. [color=f26522]"I believe even you, dear Princess, could learn a thing or two from this master." [/color]