My monster cards can evolve infinitely.

The interior of the Golden Goblet Merchant Guild is even more luxurious than its exterior.

A starry sky is painted on the towering dome, with magically simulated stars slowly flowing within it.

The walls are inlaid with gold decorative lines, and every few steps there is an exquisite statue of a legendary hero from all over the world.

In the center of the hall was a huge fountain. The water was not ordinary water, but a magical elixir that emitted a pale golden light and carried a sweet fragrance.

Long tables are set up around the fountain, covered with white tablecloths, and decorated with a variety of exquisite snacks and drinks.

Elegant music filled the air, played by a band hidden on the second floor.

The strings and woodwinds intertwined to create a soothing melody, setting the tone for this grand social event.

When Xiuqi and Jiasili entered the hall, almost everyone's eyes turned to them.

The men wore well-tailored suits, while the women wore gorgeous dresses of various colors and adorned themselves with sparkling jewelry.

They are the elites of the Harbour City and even the Kingdom's aristocratic circles, or promising young talents.

Xiuqi could feel the scrutiny in those gazes—curiosity, assessment, suspicion, and occasionally, undisguised contempt.

"Relax," Cassie whispered, linking her arm with his. "Just stay with me."

With a perfect social smile on her face, she nodded to those she knew, but her steps never faltered as she led Xiuqi through the crowd and into the depths of the hall.

"Cassley, my dear!" A middle-aged lady in a royal blue dress greeted her. "It's been a long time. You look more and more like your mother when she was young."

"Mrs. Eileen," Garsley said with an elegant bow, "you flatter me."

Madam Eileen turned to Xiuqi, her eyes filled with obvious curiosity: "And this is...?"

"Shuki Wright, my companion." Jasley's tone was natural, as if this were the most normal introduction. "Shuki, this is Lady Eileen, the wife of the city garrison commander of Harbor City."

"It is an honor to meet you, Madam." Xiu Qi performed a standard aristocratic bow, which was awkward but correct.

A hint of surprise flashed in Mrs. Eileen's eyes, then she smiled and said, "Mr. Wright, welcome. Jasmine is a jewel in our circle. To gain her favor and become her guiding light, she must possess extraordinary abilities."

These words, seemingly a compliment, actually carried a probing tone.

Xiuqi calmly replied, "It is my honor that Miss Jiasili invited me."

The simple conversation had already begun the first round of social probing.

Mrs. Eileen chatted with Jasley for a few more minutes before turning to leave.

Xiu Qi noticed that after she left, she immediately gathered with several other ladies, talking in hushed tones and occasionally glancing in their direction.

"Mrs. Eileen is a notorious gossipmonger," Garsley said, her face darkening. "In less than half an hour, the entire ball will know you're my date."

"That's exactly what we want, isn't it?" Xiuqi said.

Jasmine smiled and did not deny it.

They continued walking in, with people occasionally approaching to greet them. Gassley handled them with ease, while Xiuqi maintained polite but concise responses.

This is the social arena of the aristocracy, a war without gunpowder.

"Jacqueline!" a clear male voice rang out.

Xiuqi turned his head and saw a young man of about twenty-five or twenty-six years old walking towards him.

He was tall and slender, dressed in a silver-white suit, with his blond hair neatly combed. He had a handsome face and a gentle demeanor that exuded an undeniable nobility.

He was followed by two guards, but they kept a proper distance from him.

The surrounding guests made way for them, showing great respect.

"Your Highness Arthur," Cassie said, giving a more formal curtsy.

Xiuqi immediately recognized the other party's identity—the Third Prince, Arthur Reed.

He also bowed and greeted her: "Your Highness."

Prince Arthur smiled and waved his hand: "No need for formalities. Jasmine, is this Mr. Hugh Wright, whom you mentioned to me?"

"Yes, Your Highness." Cassie straightened up. "Shuki, this is His Highness Arthur Reed."

"I heard about the duel at the Arcane Academy yesterday." Prince Arthur looked at Xiuqi with interest.

"To defeat a second-year student like Fernand as a first-year apprentice, and to demonstrate an extraordinary understanding of protective spells... Mr. Wright, you have given everyone a pleasant surprise."

"The stars guided the way..." Xiuqi replied, "I am merely a follower."

“You don’t need to be so modest,” Prince Arthur laughed. “I heard you’ve made a pact with an ogre? That’s extremely rare among spellcasters.”

The news spread really fast. Xiuqi's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive: "Ado is a very special partner."

"Special, truly special." Prince Arthur nodded. "If I have the chance, I'd love to see it. I've loved studying all sorts of creatures since I was a child, especially those large ones that are not understood."

These words sounded sincere, but Xiuqi dared not take them lightly. The words and actions of members of the royal family often had deeper meanings.

"Does Your Highness also study biology?" Cassie chimed in at the opportune moment.

"It's more of a hobby," Prince Arthur chuckled. "Compared to my eldest brother's passion for military affairs and my second brother's dedication to politics, my interests seem somewhat 'unproductive.'"

He said it lightly, but Xiuqi sensed the subtlety in it—he was implying that he was different from the other heirs to the throne, and in a way, he was also stating his position.

"Interest is the best teacher," Xiuqi said. "It's also a kind of luck to find expertise in something you're interested in."

Prince Arthur's eyes lit up: "Well said. Mr. Wright, you are more insightful than I thought."

They chatted for a few more minutes, mostly Prince Arthur asking questions, Shooki answering, and Garthie occasionally adding information.

The conversation ranged from learning magic to contracting partners, seemingly casual, but in reality, each question was a test of Xiu Qi's depth.

"Your Highness." A servant quietly approached and whispered something.

Prince Arthur nodded, and said to the two with a hint of regret, "I'm sorry, I have some matters to attend to. I hope to have another opportunity to speak with you both tonight."

Jasmine and Hugh bowed in greeting.

After Prince Arthur left, Hugh breathed a slight sigh of relief. Every step had to be taken with caution when speaking with members of the royal family.

"He seems very interested in you," Jasmine whispered.

Is it good or bad?

"It looks good so far." Cassie thought for a moment. "His Highness Arthur is known for his talent for discovering people. Many of his investments in Harbor City support promising young people and projects."

As they were talking, the music suddenly changed, and the rhythm became lighter and more lively.

"The ball is about to begin," said Cassie. "The first dance is usually the opening dance, led by the host or an important guest. It seems that this year His Highness Arthur will be leading the dance himself."

Sure enough, Prince Arthur walked to the center of the hall and extended his hand to a noblewoman wearing a pale gold dress.

The two danced to the music, their movements elegant and fluid.

Other guests joined in, spinning in pairs on the dance floor.

"Shall we jump?" Jasley asked Xiuqi.

Xiuqi was silent for a second.

Because he hasn't danced in a long time...

"If you don't want to, we don't have to jump," Jasmine said, noticing his hesitation.

"No." Xiuqi extended his hand. "Please."

Jasmine smiled slightly and placed her hand in his palm.

The two stepped onto the dance floor.

Xiuqi was a little awkward at first, but he quickly found his rhythm. Jia Sili was a great dance partner, light and in sync, guiding him through the crowd.

"You danced very well," Jasmine said, somewhat surprised.

"I learned it when I was a child," Xiuqi said simply.

As he spun around, he saw the gazes around him—admiration, envy, curiosity.

He also saw Fernand.

Fernand stood at the edge of the dance floor, dressed in a dark blue suit, his face somber.

Standing beside him was a middle-aged man who resembled him, as well as several nobles who appeared to be of high status.

Their gazes shot towards Xiuqi like cold arrows.

"Fernand's father, old Fernand." Jasley followed his gaze and said, "Among those people next to him are a representative of the Harbor City Magic Materials Merchants Guild and a court mage."

"The lineup is quite impressive," Xiuqi said calmly.

"They're definitely plotting how to deal with you," Jasley said with concern. "Be careful, Hugh. Old Fernand is notoriously protective of his own and ruthless."

When the music ended, the two stopped. Polite applause rang out from around them.

Just as Xiuqi was about to leave the dance floor with Jia Sili, a voice called out to him.

"Mr. Wright."