SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 491: An Evening in Velkaris

Shortly afterward, Trafalgar and Rhosyn had arrived in Velkaris's northern district.

The shift from the southern regions hit them right away upon stepping in. Streets shone spotless, stones remained perfectly maintained, buildings soared higher and pricier yet without any flashy display. Gleaming lamps, sparkling windows, neatly manicured doorways, servants gliding exactly where required and not a step beyond. It resembled the city zones Trafalgar had become accustomed to traversing, where riches lingered subdued since they required no show of strength.

Mayla’s residence blended seamlessly with the others, exuding the identical tidy precision.

Trafalgar had scarcely halted before it when the entrance swung open, and she descended to greet them.

She’d attired herself suitably for the night, avoiding anything over-the-top. An elegant choice, somewhat formal, signaling her clear preparation. Her brown locks were no longer bound in her work style, and upon spotting him, her features lit up instantly.

"Trafalgar."

She swiftly bridged the gap and enveloped him in her arms without a second thought.

Trafalgar reciprocated the hug effortlessly, his arm encircling her as she drew nearer momentarily, seemingly compensating for lost time prior to pulling away.

"It’s good to see you," Mayla said.

"You too."

Rhosyn lingered slightly apart, observing with her typical facade of indifference to her surroundings.

Mayla spotted her afterward and offered a smile. "Rhosyn."

Rhosyn offered a slight nod. "You look strangely proper."

Mayla chuckled lightly. "That usually happens when people are invited somewhere decent."

Trafalgar eyed them briefly before Mayla inquired, "Where did Aubrelle reserve it in the end?"

"A good restaurant," he said. "She chose well."

Mayla’s grin widened subtly at his words. "That sounds like her."

Footsteps sounded from behind them shortly after.

Vivienne.

She had switched outfits too. Nothing lavish, merely adjusted to suit the night more fittingly. Yet as she entered their midst, Mayla’s focus snapped to her immediately.

A short silence fell.

Mayla then turned to Trafalgar. "And who is she?"

Trafalgar replied directly, no evasion. "Vivienne. She’s the disciple of a Primordial."

Vivienne froze in place.

For an instant, the hue fled her cheeks. Evidently, she hadn’t anticipated such blunt disclosure, let alone delivered so casually.

Rhosyn stayed rooted, utterly composed.

Mayla showed no flinch, posed no query about his sanity, viewed Vivienne not as a sudden threat.

Vivienne scanned them, then ventured hesitantly, "Is... everything alright?"

Mayla blinked, the inquiry startling her more than Trafalgar’s revelation.

"Yes," she said. "Why wouldn’t it be? If Trafalgar says it, then I trust him." A soft smile curved her lips. "Besides, with him around, strange things stopped being surprising a long time ago."

This rattled Vivienne differently. She glanced at Trafalgar, then back to Mayla, as though grasping anew the pivotal role he occupied among those close to him.

Trafalgar allowed the quiet to linger briefly before he spoke.

"We should go."

Mayla agreed promptly. Rhosyn shoved off the wall. Vivienne trailed moments later, bearing that pensive expression.

Evening had fully draped that Velkaris sector by their restaurant arrival.

Aubrelle’s selected venue occupied a prime northern avenue, lamps bathing refined stone and hushed shops in a cozy radiance. Elegant without aloofness. The doorway gleamed pristine, panes crystal-clear, golden accents on the edging understated rather than gaudy. It evoked a spot for genuine enjoyment, not dazzling distant onlookers.

Aubrelle awaited outdoors already.

Pipin orbited silently beside her, pale plumage glinting sporadically, cane gripped in her grasp. As they appeared in the bird’s vision, her expression gentled noticeably.

She approached Trafalgar first, tiptoeing faintly for a quick kiss. Next, she drew Mayla into a hearty hug.

"It’s good to see you," Aubrelle said.

"You too," Mayla replied smiling. "You chose well."

"I wanted this to feel nicer than yesterday."

Trafalgar observed them, then introduced, "Aubrelle, this is Rhosyn."

Aubrelle pivoted to her instantly. "It’s nice to meet you."

Rhosyn nodded faintly. "Likewise."

Trafalgar then gestured to Vivienne. "And this is Vivienne."

Aubrelle dipped her head mildly, cane steady. "It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Vivienne mirrored it. "Likewise."

Aubrelle’s voice held no strain, her greetings free of stiffness. All flowed smoothly, comfortably, the welcoming vibe Trafalgar anticipated from her.

He regarded Aubrelle once more. "Later, I need to tell you something important."

She refrained from probing amid the group.

"Alright," she said. "You can tell me when we have a moment." Trafalgar nodded slightly, then continued, "Can you do me a favor? I thought Xavier was already inside. If he is, can you call him out for a moment?"

Aubrelle paused merely a beat as Pipin swooped overhead once.

"He’s not inside. He’s coming from behind you." she stated.

Trafalgar whipped around immediately.

Xavier approached them steadily.

Dressed for the occasion, recognition came easily. Black attire, sharper than his norm, tailored neatly to his slender build. Scarf draped eternally at his throat, shadowy on fair skin, heterochromatic eyes flashing under light—one amber-gold, the other blood-crimson. Effort showed for the event, yet it suited him organically.

He decelerated spotting Trafalgar.

His eyes slid beyond.

And halted.

His face transformed the second Vivienne registered.

"You!" It burst forth uncontrollably. Arm rose partially, shock-driven not purposeful. "It was you!"

Tranquility shattered before the eatery. Sufficient to stir street notice, yet visible to nearby folk. Her posture rigidified, and for the first instance post-Dravok, her gaze darted uncomfortably.

Trafalgar intervened prior to further words from Xavier.

"Give me a moment," he said. "I need to speak with him and Vivienne alone."

Aubrelle sought no explanation. Pipin’s vantage had revealed Xavier’s shock, signaling this demanded privacy beyond the threshold. She angled toward Trafalgar, their shared glance conveying understanding.

She assented with a nod.

"Come on," she murmured gently, directing Mayla and Rhosyn this time.

Mayla peeked at Trafalgar, then Vivienne, yet held her tongue. Rhosyn appraised Xavier longer, gauging potential chaos unsupervised, before joining.

The trio entered jointly, rendering the doorway serene once more.

Three remained outdoors.

Trafalgar centered.

Xavier evidently rattled by her presence.

Vivienne ashen and rigid, evidently dreading this confrontation above alternatives.

There, beyond the eatery’s inviting glow, door sealed on the rest, night constricted sharply.