The Redo of a Novel's Villain: Moira - Chapter 27: Chapter 27

"In my opinion, I don't think we should approach the other noble circles yet." Huey began, the three of them were standing by the glass doors connected to one of the balconies. The loud waltz of the music rippled in the back.
"Care to expand?" Kayson was fiddling with the edges of his gloves, pulling then straightening it out again. Still, the boy was listening.
"It's no secret Nicholas is a bastard child and the Vergis Barony is pretty up there on the ​​ignominy chart. No offense."
Nicholas shrugged. "None taken."
Huey nodded and directed at the other youth. "So I doubt many other nobles would willingly want to build connections with him, and it's not like me and you are the ideal representative of our households." He cringed.
Kayson hummed in understanding.
He continued, " And even if he does manage to get in, it'll be bad for his reputation as people may see him as an avaricious sycophant which'll exacerbate the finally dying accusations of him acting obsequiously towards us." Huey allowed himself to take a breath and added his second point. "Which is why we should focus on the merchants and expand on his business connections instead. It'll be much more useful for him than the favors of other nobles right now since the barony's in debt, so getting a better grasp on the current and upcoming market is essential."
Nicholas pinched his chin in thought, voice coming out low. "I see... any ideas on who we'll approach?"
"Yes, the head of Orbit Pharmaceuticals, Alex Smith. It'd be best to pay extra attention to him, his business will boom in less than a year's time."
"How do you know this?"
"Secret, but trust me it'll work."
Orbit Pharmaceuticals, a small pharmaceutical company with mild to moderate success. Nothing really worthy of note, but next year their company will manage to uncover the cure to a disease thought to be incurable. Stock and share prices will instantly rise followed by further discoveries of potion varieties, medicinal qualities, medicine, and other techniques. Someone no one could've predicted without knowledge of the future: which he had.
The blonde just sighed clearly unsatisfied with the dismissal but did not give chase. "Anybody else?"
Kayson cut in, "Definitely don't try to mingle with the more successful merchants yet. Those guys constantly have a stick up their ass and a pompous attitude because of their wealth and they'd look down on you 100%. I suggest starting with a circle like... hmm." He spun around and surveyed the much more spread out guests in the revenue. He outstretched a pointing finger at the group that caught his eye. "Them."
"Aren't those the merchants involved in the mana stone and jewelry wares?"
"Mhm! Good, you already know what they do! Now go Nicholas we'll watch from over here if you need help place a fist behind your back!" With that said he placed his palms on the blonde's back and ushered him forwards.
"Alright alright! Don't push me." Nicholas exasperatedly snapped, brushing the other's arms off of him. Sage eyes stared forwards at his target and looked back into blue-gold and scarlet red. He took a deep breath, reaffirming himself.
If anything goes wrong, they have his back. His friends have his back. This is all for his sake, he can do this. He can do this.
Like a mantra, Nicholas repeated the phrase in his head as he stalked forwards. Until eventually he was standing right in front of the group of merchants. He let a second of their confused staring tick by before a professional smile graces his features.
"Greetings gentlemen, how are you?"
✦ ✧
Kayson pursed his lips and poked at Huey beside him. The youth's expressions mirror each other in a mix of mild shock, expectedness, defeat, and acceptance. The pink haired youth parted his lips in a sulk.
"Hey, are you seeing what I'm seeing?"
Huey bristled. "Crystal."
The sight of Nicholas engaging in a pleasant and insightful conversation with the other merchants was a sight hard to miss. No one would have guessed this was their first time talking. The way the boy seemed to naturally blend into the group like he's been there for months if not years; how come neither of them noticed Nicholas was an extroverted genius?!
'Next time I have to talk with someone I'm making him do the work.' Huey had a sly thought.
"I don't think he needs our help." Kayson crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. The sudden scene of one of the merchants amiably shaking Nicholas' hands further reinforcing it.
Huey grinned wryly. "I doubt we'll be of any." He watched the conversation unfold for a while longer before turning away, speaking while walking. "I'm gonna use the restroom, be right back."
He heard Kayson mutter a 'kay' and before long he was out of ear shot thanks to the crowd of guests. Albeit the chatter of everyone still intertwined and mingled together into a lively cacophony he could easily locate a servant passing around fruit tarts thanks to the spread out people.
Huey tapped the servant's shoulder, a young boy with a face of freckles. He jumped a bit and turned around, clutching the platter of tarts so as not to send the pastries flying. He felt a tinge of guilt but brushed it off.
"Excuse me, where are the restrooms?" He asked.
The boy quickly gestured towards a far off hallway scarce of people.
"Go down the corridor and take two rights." The boy instructed. Huey thanked him and headed in the direction of his destination.
The hallway had similar marble floorings like the venue but in a different coloration and design. Every couple feet were either giant vases or small ones on an antique table, no doubt pricey and of the best quality. The windows were well made, clearly showing the visa of the estate gardens below. The sky was a cobalt blue with thick clouds. Huey betted on the fact that when he awoke tomorrow morning the roofs and land will be covered in a thick layer of frost and snow.
He hummed a broken tune quietly and took two rights, arriving at one of the restrooms. He quickly finished his business and right as he exited the room someone's silhouette caught his eye. Further down the hallway, dressed in royal blue and an exalted mask of white and gold, Sorin looked... lost?
"Sorin?" He unknowingly called out, slightly regretting the action but it was too late. The platinum-haired youth already turned his head and made direct eye contact with him. The natural distinct coloration or rather lack thereof of those pupils drawing his attention once again. He watched as those same pupils flashed recognition before slightly widening and Huey couldn't help but compare the sight of the protagonist to the more ruffled version he saw at the Midsummer Festival.
...
Wait.
Huey sucked his teeth. Suddenly the unmistakable weight and texture of the mask sitting on his face became all the more present. Had his hair not been gelled back, the outfit not so exceptional, and the mask being very very different from the one he wore that night...
Huey panicked (internally of course). His outer appearance was as serene as a lake with raging torrents hidden beneath the mirror-like sheen. He walked forwards, not liking the heels of his shoes clacking louder than before. Everything seemed so much more clearer yet muddier at the same time. Now standing a mere two feet away from the protagonist Huey could feel the last couple streams of self preservation barely gathering in the gulf of his palms.
'Just act natural.'
"How's the ball treating you?" He started, the first to begin had an upper hand after all.
"It's nice," Sorin gave a curt reply. "I saw Nicholas back there with the merchants, how's it going?"
"Extremely well, surprisingly. What are you doing here by the way? Not with the birthday girl?" He teased, briefly remembering Melissa's motives for liking Sorin.
"Melissa's hanging out with Celine and shooed me and Kade away, something about a girls' only topic." He sighed, shrugging his arms. "Kade got caught up by other guests and I barely escaped being bombarded by people too so here I am."
Huey huffed amusedly. "So you mean you're lost."
Sorin blinked, letting the accusation sink in before scratching his head and avoiding eye contact. Bingo. The shorter youth laughed and turned to face the window beside them, admiring the noon-night view. He could vaguely hear the loud rustling of wind licking the glass and walls of the estate in a soothing roar, brushing the leaves and sweeping up any unfallen leaves.
"I'm supposed to be back there with Kayson in case anything goes wrong with Nicholas but I highly doubt that. So I'm not against keeping you company for a while longer, if you'll have me."
Sorin nodded. "No I insist, I don't want to end up loitering around like a fool for a good duration of the ball."
Huey chuckled, shuffling closer to the other before beginning their first line of conversation that day. Contrary to belief Sorin wasn't the one to really contribute, instead opting for singular responses and short pipe-ins every now and then as Huey rambled on about his favorite novel series. Content with listening even as context began to go missing and he was left very confused in certain parts of the retelling.
"And when Julian destroyed Naomi's barrier and landed his hit—sorry, I'm rambling again." Huey abruptly cut himself off, feeling his cheeks heat up behind the cool compression of the mask.
Sorin spoke in pleasant retaliation. "No it's fine," His voice rose a pitch higher. "Hearing about your interests doesn't bother me. What's the title of this series called again?"
"Teris."
Sorin smiled. "Do you have the volume copies? It piqued my interest."
Huey's ruby eyes widened as he beamed. "Really? Wait, I'll lend them to you once the mid-term break is over."
"That's a promise." He laughed, the edges of his eyes crinkling.
As the joyful peals died down Huey stepped away, gesturing for the other to follow. "Come on, I think we've been gone long enough."
"Hardly feels like it." Despite his words Sorin obediently trailed after the other as they navigated their way back to the main revenue. Just as he predicted the shorter boy truly did act like a repellent towards the more obnoxious of nobles and unconsciously Sorin stuck closer to Huey.
The moment their reappearance was spotted a restless pink haired boy could be spotted marching straight towards them, or rather straight towards Huey.
"How long does it take for you to piss—ohh hey Sorin." Kayson immediately switched up as he lightly waved at the protagonist (who waved back). Curiosity swam in those blue eyes upon seeing the taller male behind his friend but he didn't bother pursuing it.
"How's the situation?" Huey wondered, keening his head to look for the familiar blonde locks of Nicholas.
"As great as it can be, he's already moved past that Alex dude and is speaking with even more parties."
"I didn't know Nicholas had a talent for discussions."
"Yes well neither did I, no wonder his grade in evanese was so good."
"In any case it looks like I came just at the right time." Huey pointed in the direction of their friend with his chin.
"Hm?" Kayson spun around to see Nicholas trying to find the two of them. He quickly raised his voice over the crowd and waved him over. "Heyyy! Nicholas!!!"
Successfully catching the blonde's attention, the youth diverted his path and soon caught up to them. He started, "Hey guys, eh Sorin Ceylon? Good afternoon.."
"Good afternoon to you too, Nicholas Vergis. Please, call me Sorin." He placed a hand over his chest in an introductory way.
Nicholas quickly conducted himself, putting on a neat appearance as he reciprocated the action. "Call me Nicholas too then."
Sorin just smiled, turning to face everyone as a whole. "Melissa's going to begin her toast soon if you would like to tag along?" He invited them. The event sparked a sense of nagging in Huey. But the thought course was interrupted before it could fully take fruit by Kayson.
"I don't see why not, let's go!" Kayson laughed, hooking both of his arms with Huey and Nicholas' before pulling them after Sorin.
Following the boy, the four of them arrived at a room adjoining the revenue. Sorin pushed open the heavy door, revealing a round table and Melissa, Celine, and Kade all standing to the side. Melissa's face lit up marginally seeing Sorin, although confusion quickly overtook it seeing the three extra faces that appeared behind him. Any remark was silently shut down by Sorin lifting a finger to his mouth.
Huffing, Melissa clapped her hands together and a servant came in with a trolley cart. The same timid boy that gave him directions, Huey noted. The cart held a bowl of some kind of drink and beneath it was another shelf loaded with glass cups. The boy filled each glass with the drink and handed it to everyone before making his way out of the room.
Huey swirled the liquid in his cup, the ice clinking from the motion. He admired the peachy color shining under the chandelier and the faint aroma of the fruit wafting under his nose. He heard someone clear her throat, and as he looked up he could see Melissa raising her glass up into the air. Her authoritative voice rang out.
"I've invited most of you here as a personal toast of sorts." The three of them ignored the emphasis on most. "A toast consisting of my close retainers as—"
"Aww skip the formalities Melissa just say you want to thank your friends." Celine promptly cut the (probably) very long speech down to a modicum as she chortled, her simple floral mask and matching dress (albeit leagues behind the others') brought out her natural beauty.
Melissa scoffed and sputtered, "Nothing as simple as that! Oh never mind, toast!" She announced and brought the glass inches before her lips when...
"Wait." Huey called out. Making Melissa freeze moments before the cup touched her lips. She brought it down, irritated.
"What do you--" She scowled in surprise, backing away slightly as Huey moved towards her without pause with barely the slightest hint of his intentions.
"It'd be in your best interest if you don't drink that." He warned, not giving her or someone else the chance to speak.
With that said he raised his hand and plucked the glass straight out of hers and downed it. The sweet liquid sliding down his throat too strong all at once for his liking as he emptied it. Huey wiped his lips, tasting the tangy peach flavor in his mouth as he offered his own (untouched) cup to a dumbstruck Melissa in front of the equally surprised others.
"You can have this though." He prompted, fully understanding how uncouth it seemed.
"You... you!" Melissa seethed, snatching the glass crudely out of his outstretched hand, biting her lips to calm herself. Once somewhat composed she coldly regarded Huey with disdain. "Huey Astaseul, that was far from appropriate behavior."
'I know'
"Yes, well you'll know why soon enough." He shrugged.
Somehow, her glare became even more intense yet icy at the same time and just as she was about to speak he cut her off.
"I'll see myself out, and all of you should come out too if you want to see something... interesting. I suppose." Brushing past her and out the door, Nicholas and Kayson quickly went after him after giving apologetic and shocked glances back. Sorin held onto his cup in immense confusion. The act just now far from the image he crafted in his head based on the little interactions they had.
Seconds ticked by and carefully Celine approached Melissa. She gingerly placed a hand on her shoulders. "Are you okay?"
She earned no verbal response as her hand jerked away when Melissa abruptly slammed the glass down on the trolley, her eyes blown wide from irritance. She clenched her teeth and growled. "It's fine." Taking deep breaths Melissa composed herself. After one long drawn out exhale she ran a hand through her bangs, sliding them in place behind her ears. "I didn't like the drink all that much anyways."
Outside Kayson hurriedly caught up to Huey with Nicholas in tow. He grasped his shoulder, pulling him to a stop as he demanded, "Why'd you do that?!"
Huey just blinked owlishly at Kayson, a sardonic expression appearing on his face. "You'll see."
"Stop with the riddles!"
Huey zoned out Kayson's incessant babbling as his mind focused on one thing.
Seven seconds.
He counted down anticipatedly and as it narrowed to four he turned to his friends. "Don't overreact."
Two.
"What do you—"
One.
"Hey!"
Huey coughed once, curling in on himself. His chest heaved and staticed, shoulders shaking and vision swimming. That one cough was soon followed by another, then another, and another as the intensity and frequency increased and soon it was a series of coughs and gags. The ruckus began alerting the guests as confusion rose, Kayson and Nicholas' concern multiplying by folds with each unnatural shake of Huey's body.
And he collapsed. Legs no longer mustered the strength to support himself and torso barely held upright by shaking arms.
Kayson screamed, rushing for him but the noise was distant. As Huey felt something tangy slide up his throat one thought made itself known.
'My feeling was right.'
He gagged.
There was a dribbling sound of rain, no. Something thicker, denser, something like...
Scarlet trickled down his lips as a thick metal scent wafted out. It smeared on his clothes, ground, and chin. And as he wistfully brought a hand caked in red splotches up to his eyes, he distantly heard his friend's shaky whisper-gasp.
"Blood..."