The banquet hall had been arranged in a manner that felt composed rather than overwhelming, the space set with a quiet sense of order that guided the eye naturally toward the main table without forcing it there.
At the center, slightly elevated, stood a long table reserved for the couple, its placement subtle but undeniable, allowing it to remain the natural focal point of the room without disrupting the flow of the space around it.
Before it, smaller tables were arranged in measured rows, each set to seat two, positioned just so that every guest would face the main table without feeling confined to it. The spacing between them was deliberate, leaving enough room for movement while maintaining a sense of structure.
At the back, a tiered arrangement of trays held drinks and light portions, easily accessible without drawing attention away from the main setting, while further behind, neatly arranged gift boxes were being positioned with care.
Servants moved in quiet coordination, guided by Serena Veylan and Selene Veyra, who directed the placement of each item so that nothing clashed with the atmosphere the banquet carried.
Above, the lighting cast a soft, warm glow across the hall, something between gold and pale amber, reminiscent of early sunrise, gentle enough to settle over the space without overpowering it, yet warm enough to give everything a refined depth.
The music that drifted through the room was classical in nature, low and steady, filling the silence without interrupting it.
By the time Angel Piao and Angela Piao entered, the final adjustments were still being made.
Serena noticed them first.
"Oh, you're here," she called, her tone light despite the ongoing preparations. "Selene, can you help them out? I still need to finish a few things."
Selene turned at once and made her way over.
Her attire had changed completely from before.
Around her body, the furisode settled with deliberate elegance, its long, sweeping form following her posture without clinging, shaping her silhouette into something refined rather than revealed. The black silk wrapped her like quiet authority, smoothing over her frame while the wide sleeves fell from her arms in graceful arcs, heavy enough to sway with intention whenever she moved.
Her skin, pale with a soft warmth beneath it, stood in striking contrast to the depth of the fabric. Where the collar dipped at her neck, a sliver of it showed, clean and delicate, drawing the eye without effort. The structure of the kimono guided her stance, straightening her back, narrowing her steps, turning even the smallest motion into something measured.
At the hem and sweeping upward, red blossoms bloomed vividly against the darkness, their layered petals unfolding across the fabric like something caught mid-motion. The color deepened near the base before fading gradually into black, as though the flowers themselves were dissolving into shadow as they climbed.
When her sleeve shifted, the inner lining revealed flashes of that same bold red, like a hidden flame flickering beneath the surface, subtle but impossible to ignore once noticed.
The obi held everything in place with crisp precision, its geometric pattern of black, white, and silver cutting cleanly across the softness of the fabric, while a red cord rested over it, tying the entire look together with quiet intention.
Her hair was styled traditionally, gathered and secured in an elegant updo that revealed the line of her neck, decorative pins nestled within it, catching the light just enough to add detail without overwhelming the composition.
She did not look dressed for the occasion.
She looked arranged within it.
Behind her—
Serena stood near the arrangement of gifts, finishing her instructions, her presence drawing its own quiet attention.
The gown gathered around her like something intentional, not simply worn but composed, the bodice fitted with careful structure before dipping into an off-shoulder neckline that rested lightly along her collarbones, the detailing across it shimmering in burnished reds that caught the warm light in restrained glints.
From her waist, the skirt unfurled in full, sweeping layers, the red deepening as it descended before softening into a muted bluish-purple near the hem, the transition so seamless it felt almost natural, like dusk settling into evening. Fine sparkles were scattered throughout the fabric, subtle yet constant, so that even the smallest movement sent a quiet shimmer through the gown.
Her complexion held steady against it all, deep bronze touched with a natural warmth that did not merely reflect the light but seemed to transform it, drawing out a golden undertone that gave the surrounding colors greater depth.
Her hair was styled half-up, half-down, the upper portion drawn back neatly while the rest fell in smooth lengths down her back, with soft strands framing her face in a way that balanced the structure of the gown without competing with it.
Nothing about her felt forced.
The fabric, the movement, the light against her skin all settled together with quiet agreement, forming an impression that did not need to demand attention to be remembered.
Selene greeted them the moment they entered.
"Hey, it's good to see you," she said. "The others are still getting dressed, so they won't be out anytime soon."
Selene stepped forward, her gaze moving over them, taking in their current appearance with quiet consideration before she spoke.
"We do have outfits prepared that would suit you better for the occasion," she said, directing the comment toward Angela. "You can choose from them if you'd like."
Then her attention shifted.
"As for you," she added, turning toward Angel, "what you're wearing is already appropriate, but if you're interested, we also have a ceremonial military uniform prepared."
Angel blinked slightly at that.
"Really? That's very generous of you."
"You're welcome."
Selene snapped her fingers once, and a servant immediately approached, stopping just a step behind her.
"This person will take you to the dressing rooms," she said. "You can get ready there."
Angel tilted her head slightly.
"What about the main pair?"
"The couple?" Selene replied. "They have a shared changing room."
Angel paused.
"…That was prepared already?"
Selene hesitated.
"We planned for multiple possibilities," she said carefully, "in case they weren't… comfortable yet."
A brief pause.
Angel narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Did you tell them there were two options?"
Selene looked away.
"…They didn't ask."
Before either of them could say anything else, she stepped forward and, with surprising decisiveness, placed a hand on both Angel and Angela's shoulders, turning them toward the exit.
"Go get dressed," she said, already signaling the servant.
The servant bowed slightly before guiding them out of the banquet hall.