43 Jazz in the Air I

A couple of days later, on Friday, 13th October 2538 CE.

A grand feast was held at the Hoffmann estate in honour of Princess Aurelia and her royal guardian. Terissa Mercier, David McDonald, and the rest of the Defence Tower staff had also been invited to the joyous occasion.

On the expansive balcony overlooking the grand riverwall of Hasenwald, long rows of tables were elegantly arranged. They were adorned with a magnificent display of local delicacies — roasted boar, carrot salad, barbecue ribs, sausages, and more.

Waiters and waitresses in crisp black and white uniforms glided gracefully through the crowd, serving food and beverages to the esteemed guests.

At the heart of the venue stood over twenty round tables, each draped in white cloths intricately embroidered with silver thread and set with white plates and polished silverware. Soft, glowing flowers illuminated the centrepieces, casting a warm light as the evening wore on.

As the sun began to dip, painting the sky in shades of orange, the entire venue seemed to come alive. The atmosphere was regal and lavish, perfectly befitting the hospitality offered to the Princess of Solis Aeternum and her royal entourage.

Jack and Lupus made their way through the throng, Lupus's gloved arm intertwined with his. They moved with a dignified elegance that turned heads. Lupus wore a dark red gown, its long, flowing feathers accentuating her helmline. Her neckline was tastefully exposed, decorated with a cascade of sparkling arcanite sapphires.

Jack, clad in a dark crimson suit carefully selected by Lupus to complement her attire, wore silver cufflinks bearing the Hoffmann family sigil. The suit's shoulder pads broadened his frame, giving him an imposing, model-like silhouette — tall and striking.

"Nervous?" Lupus asked, her hand resting on his tricep.

"A little," Jack admitted, his voice a low murmur. "I've never been to an event this glamorous before." Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, catching the evening light.

"Just be yourself. Smile and wave, remember?" Lupus offered a reassuring smile as she demonstrated the simple gesture to a passing elderly couple.

Jack followed her lead, and a small, genuine smile touched his own lips. Wow, it really is that easy, he thought.

Ahead of them, standing at the entrance to the main dining area, was Ludwig Hoffmann, the magistrate of Hasenwald. The tall wildren rabbit, dressed in a dark brown suit with his silver hair slicked back neatly, was following Lupus's advice — smiling, waving, and exchanging the occasional handshake with arriving guests.

"Father!" Lupus greeted him with an elaborate curtsy, dipping gracefully at the knees.

"Magistrate Ludwig, good evening," Jack said, offering a small, respectful bow.

"Welcome, Lupus. And Mr. Squire," the magistrate announced, his tone warm and inviting.

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To Ludwig's left, a band of over ten musicians played a fusion of organic and mechanical sounds, their instruments a mix of wood, metal, and electronics. The soulful cry of a golden saxophone reverberated through the air, its melody flowing like liquid gold.

The music was raw and improvised, embodying the very essence of classical jazz.

"Ah, Mr. Squire. You seem enchanted by the jazz," Ludwig observed with a knowing smile.

"Jazz?" Jack's brow furrowed. "I've never heard of it, but there's something… arcane about it."

Ludwig chuckled, opening his arms theatrically. "And what about this jazz resonates with you?"

Jack listened intently, trying to pinpoint the emotions the music stirred within him. "I think it's the sense of freedom," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

A satisfied smile spread across Ludwig's face. "Exquisite taste! What else?"

"Father, let's not quiz my fiancé," Lupus interjected, crossing her arms with a playful scowl.

Letting the music wash over him, Jack continued, undeterred. "Another feeling I sense is melancholy… and a touch of nostalgia."

"Excellent! You have an impeccable ear. Lupus couldn't have chosen better," Ludwig declared, giving Jack an approving tap on the shoulder.

Jack realised that, despite being the taller of the two, Ludwig's towering rabbit ears made him appear the more imposing figure.

Ludwig's smile turned sly. "Though, do keep in mind, my daughter tends to make mistakes from time to time. I trust you're a forgiving man."

"Father!" Lupus blushed, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

"Magistrate, it's an honour to serve you and to have your daughter by my side," Jack replied smoothly, before a wry grin touched his lips. "Maybe it was destined in a past life."

Soon, the couple in crimson made their way toward a table where the Defence Tower members were gathered — David, Triss, Aurelia, Friederich, two Novitcius mages, and three DebrisX coordinators.

Jack recognised Penny, Flickson, and Gust sitting beside David. Nearby, Frain was already engaged in a fierce food competition with the twins, Lumie and Lumus, as Lunice cheered them on. Jack couldn't help but remark to himself, None of them acts their age.

"...the Armatus drone self-destructed, and Jack barely escaped, flames licking his rear!" David was saying, recounting one of Jack's stories with dramatic flair. He leaned in and dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "And as Jackie always says, 'My puny thing might be small, but it's tougher than an Armatus knight!'"

The table erupted with laughter, the princess's clear giggle rising above the rest. She really does love those dirty jokes. How strange, Jack mused as he helped Lupus with her chair.

"I don't remember saying that," Jack whispered sheepishly to David after taking an empty seat beside him.

David grinned, still chuckling. "But people love a good joke, right?"

Across the table, Triss gave Jack a teasing look. "It isn't small, is it?" she murmured, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Jack's confidence evaporated. He offered no reply, instead bursting into helpless laughter that was soon echoed by everyone else, including Lupus.

Betrayed, he thought, feeling the good-natured sting.

Waiters began to fill the tables with food and drinks. When one reached Jack, he gestured to the silver tray. "A champagne, please." The waiter placed the drink in his right hand, and Jack nodded his thanks.

"But seriously," Aurelia interjected once the laughter subsided, "I didn't know a debris collector was capable of such feats. Did you have knight training before joining DebrisX?"

Jack recognised that Aurelia had subtly steered the conversation back to her original line of questioning.

"Ahem… Well, about that," Jack began, his tone laced with a strange, mock amusement. "I've lost my memory."

The laughter died instantly. David stared at him, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"But how? You remember us," he asked, his voice full of incredulity.

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