Chapter 15: Feathered String Tavern
"Feathered String Tavern... this is the place."
In Asuka Alley, Janna confirmed the signboard adorned with kingfishers and fresh flowers before heading toward the glass revolving door with the invitation in hand.
"Good evening, madam. Do you have an invitation?"
Just as she passed through the revolving door, a tall female attendant appeared before Janna.
"I do. Here you go."
"Thank you for your cooperation. A gentleman has been waiting for you. This way, please."
The attendant, who took the invitation, led Janna respectfully toward the redwood staircase, her posture slightly bent with extreme politeness.
"Is it on the second floor?"
"Yes, madam. Tonight's gathering is in the ‘Floral Rendezvous’ private room on the second floor."
The layout of the Feathered String Tavern was quite similar to the Antler Alley Tavern, but the décor and furnishing here were even more luxurious and refined.
Not to mention the semi-automatic glass revolving door—even the redwood stairs exuded a faint, pleasant fragrance.
"Tap tap tap—"
Her footsteps light on the wooden stairs, Janna looked at the empty main hall on the first floor with a hint of confusion on her face.
"The Feathered String Tavern is reserved today by the White Ballet Shoes Club. Unless you’re wearing the club’s accessory or have an invitation, entry is not permitted."
Years of experience in observing and interpreting people's expressions allowed the female attendant to quickly catch Janna’s confusion.
"Miss Janna, you’re finally here."
About two-thirds of the way up the stairs, Soro, having heard the movement, quickly came out of the private room.
"Am I late?"
It was now 6:50 PM, still ten minutes before the official start of the gathering.
But judging by Soro’s appearance, he seemed to have been waiting for quite a while.
"You’re not late. Today is the day the White Ballet Shoes Club welcomes new members, so a few of us veterans arrived early to greet you."
"Then as one of the new members, I’m truly honored."
Offering a polite compliment, Janna, who had already entered “social mode,” skillfully adjusted her expression using her [Muscle Control] talent.
"It’s also my honor to have invited you to join."
With pleasantries exchanged, the two arrived at the door of the “Floral Rendezvous” private room.
As the attendant gently pushed the door open, the sound of elegant music mixed with lively chatter filled the air, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere inside.
"Everyone look, the last new member has finally arrived!"
Under gazes filled with kindness, scrutiny, or amazement, Janna—though long accustomed to such scenes—still felt a slight pressure.
Fortunately, thanks to the clever use of her [Muscle Control] talent, Janna’s composure appeared flawless from an outsider’s perspective, her bearing impeccable upon her entrance.
"Isn’t that Miss Janna Roland, hailed as ‘The Brightest Gem of the Magic Tower’? Who would’ve thought she’d be one of the new members today?"
To preserve the element of surprise, information about the new members had not been released in advance within the White Ballet Shoes Club.
"Now that everyone is here, let’s all take our seats."
Unlike the usual dance-party format, the setup in the “Floral Rendezvous” room resembled more of a dinner banquet.
The ivory-white long table was filled with sumptuous food.
The crystal glasses gleaming under the light made the setting even more charmingly intoxicating.
Ding—
Just as Janna was about to take her seat, a familiar mission prompt suddenly sounded in her mind.
[Today’s Quest: Try to meet as many people as possible during the banquet.
Reward: 100 Talent EXP, 500 Skill EXP, one random reward.]
Seeing the white-font mission prompt window, Janna’s social smile grew a little more genuine.
"Today marks the thirty-first anniversary of the White Ballet Shoes Club! It’s also the day we welcome fresh blood and new members!"
The speaker was a senior male apprentice sitting at the head of the long table. He had a gentle, effeminate appearance and wore a silver-rimmed monocle.
Janna, who had already done some research on the White Ballet Shoes Club, knew that this was Richard Eva, the current president of the White Coral Club.
He belonged to the same Eva family as the Crimson Witch, Grace Eva, and was also her younger brother.
"Aside from those who are on leave for special reasons or stuck in other wizard gathering points, thirty-two old members are present today... and three new members have joined us. According to tradition, the new members will now introduce themselves one by one!"
At his words, more than half of the thirty-plus gazes turned toward Janna.
Seeing this, Janna did not hesitate and began her introduction gracefully.
"Hello everyone, I’m Janna Roland, a First Tier Wizard Apprentice. I specialize in the Mysterious-side Summoning branch and the Plant branch, and I’m skilled in purifying contamination and curses. I’m honored to join the White Ballet Shoes Club..."
Special Character Talent: [Voice of the Heavens]
Effect: A voice as melodious as the heavens. Anyone who listens will become somewhat enamored, increasing their favorability toward the speaker.
Just a few simple sentences, enhanced by the deliberate use of her [Voice of the Heavens] talent, had an unexpectedly powerful effect.
Almost instantly, a few members who had only regarded Janna as “a mere First Tier Apprentice,” “not strong enough,” “beautiful face,” or “probably a connection-based member,” suddenly changed their impression of her—some even thought, “She’s actually quite impressive.”
As for those who had already heard about her good looks, modest demeanor, and excellent reputation, their favorable view of her only deepened.
"Miss Janna Roland is skilled in purifying contamination? May I ask, does that include soul contamination?"
"Yes—"
"I can vouch for that."
Before Janna even finished her sentence, Soro Flare, the one who had invited her to the club, confidently confirmed her “purification” ability to everyone present.
"That’s quite a surprise!"
Hearing Soro Flare’s affirmation, Richard Eva looked at Janna with even more astonishment, and a few apprentices who were fond of exploring secret realms couldn’t hide their excitement either.
"Let’s have the next new member introduce themselves."
Seeing that several old members were clearly eager to start chatting with Janna, Richard Eva resumed his role as host to keep the gathering on track, passing the spotlight to the next new member.
"My name is Bell Moonshadow, a First Tier Mist-Shadow Apprentice. I specialize in shadows, and excel in hiding and endurance... I hope to have the chance to spar with Miss Janna next time."