Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world

A young waitress, barely older than a student, perhaps just inducted into her role by the host House approached their table.

She wore the standard servant's attire for events of this scale: a sleek black uniform with a white collar and a modest skirt that ended just above the knee, with her long hair neatly tied back into a bun.

In her gloved hands, she carried a polished silver tray.

Crystal glasses glittered atop it, filled with a pale violet wine, known for its light sweetness.

A small dish of delicate appetizers accompanied it: thin slices of meat, soft rolls of smoked cheese wrapped in greenleaf, and roasted berries drizzled with honey.

But her eyes were not on the tray.

They were locked on Brandon.

Her steps slowed as she neared, and her breath caught in her throat as she looked at the man.

Surrounded by some of the most terrifyingly powerful women in the world, he looked completely at ease.

His raven-black hair framed a youthful yet dignified face, and his black formal suit, though modest compared to the women's gowns, clung to him with sharp lines.

There was something magnetic about his presence, something beyond the fact that he is the Herald.

She felt it in her knees.

The moment she stepped close, she bowed her head quickly and extended the tray toward the center of the table, her hands trembling slightly despite her best efforts.

"P-pardon the interruption, honored guests," she said in a soft voice, trying to keep it steady.

"I've brought refreshments, if it pleases you."

Naevora glanced at her, then at the tray "Ah, good. I was about to chew on the table."

Florence chuckled lightly and reached for one of the crystal glasses, "Etherblossom wine... this is quality."

Yverine nodded approvingly as she took a glass with both hands.

The waitress turned her gaze, hesitantly... toward Brandon.

"Lord H-Herald. Would you… would you like a drink?"

Brandon can see that she is too nervous so he offered her a gentle smile, leaning slightly forward in his chair so she wouldn't have to bend so much.

"Yes," he said softly, "Thank you."

He reached out and took a glass from the tray, his fingers brushing ever so slightly against the edge of her glove.

The moment it happened, she stiffened and her eyes widened in shock.

For a heartbeat, she didn't move.

Brandon raised an eyebrow slightly "Are you alright?"

"I-!" she straightened instantly, almost spilling the tray. "Yes, Lord Herald! I-I mean, I apologize! I'm just honored, I never thought I would be serving someone like you."

Naevora gave her a side glance, "You're shaking like a leaf. First day?"

The waitress nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, Lady Naevora. I've only served at minor noble events."

Florence, sipping her drink, gave a gentle smile. "You're doing just fine, dear. No need to be afraid. You're among polite company."

The girl gave a nervous chuckle, clearly unsure if that was a joke or not.

Brandon gave a warm smile to reassure her "You've done well. Thank you."

The girl's cheeks flushed, and she bowed deeply. "Th-Thank you, Lord Herald."

As she stepped back, trying not to trip over her own feet, Naevora gave Brandon a sideways smirk.

"Look at you," she teased under her breath. "You're turning waitresses into stuttering messes now."

"She was just nervous," Brandon said, lifting the glass to his lips and taking a sip of the fragrant wine. "It's a formal event. Not everyone is used to this atmosphere."

Drinking the wine, he sighed faintly because the flavor of the wine didn't quite sit on his tongue the way he expected.

It was pleasant and sweet but it lacked the complexity, the richness that lingered long after the first sip.

He leaned to Florence and whispered "Florence, the wine you gave me that night was much better..."

Hearing this, her gaze softened, and she smiled proudly "Ofcourse, it's the best wine in the world."

He glimpsed at the wine glass in her hand and realized that she cannot taste the wine.

She noticed his gaze and gently patted his shoulder "Don't worry about me, I have already become accustomed to this."

Naevora noticed Brandon and Florence whispering to each other in the corner of her eye 'Seems like they are very close...'

Callista who was sitting silently, noticed their interaction too.

Her eyes flickered to Charlotte who was sipping her drink, but then her gaze narrowed slightly and turned to look at the woman walking toward them.

Just from the presence, she already knows who it is... another Empyrean.

Charlotte turned her head to look at the red-haired woman walking towards her "Aveline."

Behind Aveline Tenebraux, there was another familiar woman with white hair, and beautiful white gown and sharp crimson eyes.

Brandon instantly recognized her, Clarisse De Valiene, the Academy's Student body president and the leader of the Council of Seven.

Clarisse looked at Brandon and smiled faintly "We meet again, Brandon... or should I call you Lord Herald?"

With a chuckle, Brandon replied "Senior Clarisse, it's nice to meet you again and you can call me Brandon."

Clarisse nodded faintly and Brandon glanced at Aveline "Miss Aveline..."

Aveline placed her hand on Charlotte's shoulder and replied "Been a long while since I saw you, Brandon. Was it chapter 11 the last time I saw you?"

He nodded his head and replied "Yeah, good to see you here. Take a seat."

Aveline nodded her head and both of them took their seats.

Aveline tapped Charlotte's shoulder and muttered "Char, your friend is here, can't you even greet me?"

Charlotte looked at Aveline and nodded her head "Mhm."

With a deep sigh, Aveline took a glass of wine "You are indifferent as ever."

Clarisse looked around at the table in amusement 'Quite the gathering we have here...'

The soft hum of conversation in the grand ballroom quieted suddenly.

All eyes turned to the elevated dais at the head of the room, where a figure is standing under the radiant glow of chandeliers.

Maerina Caeles.

Her voice rang across the hall "Ladies and esteemed guests," she began, her gaze sweeping the room, pausing momentarily upon the table where Brandon, Florence, Charlotte, and the others sat.

"Tonight, we gather not in mere ceremony, but in celebration of potential, legacy… and the future."

Behind her, a woman is standing with solemn eyes.

Her black hair was tied in a high ponytail with golden cords, and she wore a regal indigo gown embroidered.

"This," Maerina continued, gesturing toward the girl, "is my daughter, Ardyn Caeles. In the recent trials of ascension, she not only passed with great etheric synchronization, but she shattered her previous assessment records, earning her the rank of S-Class... a feat few in our generation have accomplished."

A soft wave of applause swept through the hall.

Brandon watched as Ardyn stepped forward with grace, bowing her head slightly to the guests.

Maerina lifted her glass in salute. "To growth. To strength. And to every young soul here tonight who dares to carve their own legend."

The crowd lifted their glasses in response.

"To Ardyn!"

The toast echoed through the ballroom, followed by applause and cheers, and the party resumed.

Brandon, Florence, Naevora, Charlotte, Callista, Yverine, Aveline and Clarisse continued to drink and eat while the music played in the background.

Clarisse, who had remained quiet, suddenly turned to Brandon. "She'll probably come to you," she said simply.

"Hm?" he blinked.

"Ardyn," Clarisse muttered, finishing her wine. "You're the Herald of Divinity. Her mother invited you here specifically. Don't be surprised if the daughter wants a word. Or a dance."

He laughed nervously "I'm really hoping no one asks me to dance tonight."

Aveline raised an eyebrow. "Why not? You look good enough. Honestly, you might be the most eligible bachelor in this entire ballroom. Well, you are the only man in the whole party..."

"Not surprising because the Noble Houses hate men and even the servants are women here."

Florence nearly choked on her drink and gave Aveline a deadpan look.

Aveline looked at her with a smile "Am I wrong? Florence Bleaufort."

With a sigh, Florence shook her head "No, you are right..."

Naevora glanced at Brandon and uttered "Are you free tomorrow, Brandon?"

He looked at her and gave a nod "Yeah, I am."

She smiled faintly "Then we can go to the dungeon, Yve?"

Yverine nodded her head and replied "Sure."

Hearing this, Naevora nodded in satisfaction "Good then."

Meanwhile, people surrounding the table looked at Brandon's table because it probably is the most powerful table.

Three Empyreans, an SS- rank awakener, and a Noble House matriarch are sitting there with the Herald of the Church.

This alone shows the support for the only male awakener.

Aveline looked at Charlotte in the corner of her eye 'She called me to the party and made me sit here.'

'Now everyone will think I am also in favour of the only male awakener...'

'Anyone who wants to make a move against him will hesitate, knowing well that there are already so much power on his side..'

She glanced at Brandon 'Well I am not really against it. Charlotte is my life savior; this is the least I could do for her.'

'I will also stand with this boy...'