Chương 176: LOG-168.

My entrance into the palace proper was about what I'd expected, all things considered.

"Announcing the arrival of the flawless Nacre Four, Overseer of the Reef and White Court liaison!" With Aubergine's little declaration, the casual conversations between the various high society Gems scattered throughout the massive, almost ballroom-esque chamber all came to a rather abrupt halt, countless eyes turning to stare at me in mixtures of surprise, curiosity, and most of all, ambition. I met the veritable wall of observers with a cool gaze, before inclining my head slightly in greeting.

"Do carry on, it would be remiss of me to interrupt the gathering." And with that, the whispering began, even as a hot pink figure brazenly strode through the crowd, lesser Gems parting before her like fish before a shark. Regarding the Garnet approaching me with a respectfully distant expression, I allowed my eyes to drift to the gemstone resting just beyond her chest, taking its place in the relative center of her abdomen.

"Ah, one of the higher guests of honour! How fortunate I am to be lucky enough to host you, Overseer! I am Pyrope Facet 3U9S Cut 8XA, and it is my sincerest pleasure to make your personal acquaintance!" There is a level of familiarity to her attitude that isn't present with most Gems I encounter. She's done her research on who I am, and as a result, she knows that I am currently a White Court asset, personally selected by White Diamond, with all the implications that such a thing entails.

Considering her supposed history of fusing with Aubergine, she'll likely be exceedingly wary of my direct attention, and will try to turn me elsewhere. General tone and inflection indicate a good deal of practice in these kinds of conversations, so I should expect obfuscation at various levels. Still… there is a light to her eyes that contradicts the theory that this is all just an act. She is being careful, yes, but she also clearly stands to benefit reputationally thanks to my presence.

This is a win for her, albeit a potentially hazardous one. Gracing the planetary administrator with a small smile, one that made her stand almost visibly straighter, I shifted my tone to something that would hopefully prove a little more calming for the Gem.

"Please, the pleasure is all mine. Though you need not fear the burden of hosting me for too long. I am simply here to represent the Reef's approval in the creation of the Empire's newest Atoll, and to give my personal reassurance to its attendant Nacre." The Garnet's expression turned positively scandalised at that, her distinctly poofy hairstyle bobbing about as she fiercely shook her head.

"To call it a burden is utterly improper, dear guest! Though if your stay within my humble abode must remain brief, I shall ensure that it is as pleasant as possible throughout!" Made absolutely no effort at keeping me here. The slight worry exuding from her lightform has toned down. She's utterly relieved that I don't plan on staying too long. Less chances of me finding something incriminating that way, no doubt.

"Very good. Now, where is the Nacre of honour? I would quite like to speak with her." Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The question earned a slightly awkward dip of Pyrope's head, even as the administrator gestured back towards the entrance I'd just come in from with a gloved hand.

"Ah, a hundred thousand apologies, your seamlessness, but she is running late as a result of the troubles we've been facing with the Warp Network recently. But be assured, she shall be here soon! I have dispatched my top Aquamarine to ensure her speedy arrival!" The stress of whatever instability is spreading through her planet's Warp Network is getting to her.

A Gem of her rank and standing wouldn't be speaking to me like she's a servant, not under normal circumstances, no matter what kind of authority or reputation I might wield. Which meant that I had the perfect cover for speaking to someone else until she arrived. Good. I could always put the fear of the Stars into her afterwards. Giving a slight sigh that managed to draw a physical wince from my host, I slowly nodded.

"Unfortunate, but acceptable. Technical issues obey none of us, after all." Turning, I pointedly began to glance around, eyes searching for a familiar blue figure, until Pyrope finally got the hint and practically hopped in place, immediately beginning to wave me towards one of the chamber's many sectioned off areas. Inside, a quartet of Larimars performed a dance routine around a gaudy looking couch.

"W-Well in the meantime, I suppose it would do you good to enjoy the entertainment I've set up! Shall you be fine on your own for the time being, good Overseer?" Keeps glancing to my side. Likely at Aubergine, who is waiting nearby. Wants to go talk to her instead of me. Watching as one of the pretty Gems beckoned me towards her with a finger and lidded eyes that could just barely be made out beneath her liquid bangs, I smiled once more, brow raising ever so slightly upwards.

"Why yes, I do believe I shall." — Well, if I had ever doubted that the Blue Court represented the 'culture' of the Empire while waiting for more guests to slowly but surely filter into Pyrope's palace, I no longer did now.

"I must say, it feels somewhat ironic that I'm doing this for someone who makes Pearls of all Gems. Our castes are somewhat considered rivals, don't you know~" A few hours had passed in the equivalent of a blink, and I had spent the entirety of that time doing little more than hanging out with what I was almost certain were the Imperial equivalent of exotic dancers at this point.

"Ah, but enough about us. Do you come out often for events, Overseer? Or is this one special~" Lounging in the (honestly surprisingly comfortable) cushions of the couch, I tilted my head back slightly, ignoring the sensation of a lightform pressing into my side and focusing on the slender fingers gently running through my hair, ripping my gaze from the two figures elegantly spinning around each other in front of me to instead gaze up at the eyes above me.

Despite my distaste for the existence of Gems designed to serve, this was much more enjoyable than mingling with my so-called fellow nobility. The Larimar was clearly the leader of her little group, generally taking charge and being the most likely to speak, even as the others followed her motions and remained silent in turn. Purposeful act. She's trying to keep the attention away from her subordinates and on herself. While the others have a slight edge to them when they move, she's perfectly fluid in all regards.

An excellent mask. Likely older than her counterparts, or at least more experienced. In this way, if I happen to snap or be annoyed for whatever reason, the focus will be on her. She's slowly been speaking more and more throughout this entire interaction. Probing, testing how far she can go with me. My continued silence has been making her escalate, likely in an attempt to figure out where the limit is.

"Still silent? My, you White Court types are always so mysterious! Do you never relax?" Her hands had progressed from my hair to my shoulders now, hair somehow following the motion and encompassing her limbs as she gently massaged at my lightform, the liquid brushing against my frame producing what would likely be a pretty novel sensation for someone who had never taken a bath before.

Holding my silence, I continued staring up at the pushy Gem, long enough that she finally gave a soft, melodious laugh and looked away. Doesn't know what to do. Judging by her attitude, her little water hands trick likely gets most people to open up by this point. Catching her looking at me out of the corner of her eye, I gave the Larimar a soft smile. With some luck it would calm her down and she'd back off. The subsequent blush wasn't exactly what I'd anticipated, all things considered.

Eyes are following the contours of my face. Heightened indicators of interest are readily apparent. She thinks I am very, very pretty. Lips are twitching downwards, as if she wants to frown. She doesn't like that she thinks that. Resisting my own urge to frown at the… surprising result, I finally made to speak, only to be cut off by a different voice.

"Excuse me." Sitting up in as smooth of a motion as I could, I looked forward, before finally glancing down as the source of the voice gave a soft "ahem." And then, with four Larimars practically fawning over me, amidst countless aristocratic observers and other watching Gems, I beheld a particularly short specimen of Imperial nobility, practically the size of the average Ruby. A Morganite. Wants something from me. Obviously.