Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 603

Chapter 603 135.1 - The Banquet

As Maya lay in her bed, the room darkened by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains, her mind wandered back to the events of the day. The memory of their stroll through the city, visiting the tailor, and even their quiet moments at the restaurant lingered in her thoughts. She had enjoyed the day more than she had expected, and that was largely because of Astron.

'Today…' she thought, smiling faintly as she recalled their exchanges. Today felt different. A subtle shift had occurred, something she couldn't quite put into words, but she felt it nonetheless. The way he spoke to her, the way he listened, and even his willingness to join her on the trip to the city all felt like a step forward in their growing connection.

And then there was the banquet.

The thought of tomorrow's event sobered her, the weight of responsibility pressing down on her once again. It wasn't just another social gathering.

There were deeper currents flowing beneath the surface—dangers and secrets that both she and Astron would have to navigate carefully. His words replayed in her mind, reminding her of her role in the night ahead.

'Curious but cautious,' she repeated to herself silently. She knew how important it was to play her part perfectly, to let them underestimate her. It was a game of masks. But Astron had given her a clear path to follow, and she trusted his judgment. He was always calculating.

The instructions Astron had given her were simple enough: play the role of a curious, cautious newcomer—someone inexperienced in the art of politics but eager to learn. She knew that image would lower the guards of people like Silas, but the problem was that Maya wasn't someone who easily felt nervous or unsure of herself. She had been raised in the Evergreen family and trained to be poised and confident in any situation. Nervousness wasn't something that came naturally to her.

'Curious but cautious,' she repeated once again in her mind. Her role demanded a delicate balance, something that didn't come naturally to her. Normally, when she was in social settings, she carried herself with ease. Her status and the respect her family commanded in the Federation meant that she had little need to worry about how others perceived her. Most people either admired or feared the Evergreen name.

'But this time, it's different.' She sat up slowly, her mind focusing on the challenge ahead. She had to be careful and act like she was stepping into this world for the first time—timid, maybe a little unsure, but determined. It would be a complete contrast to the way she usually presented herself. Could she really pull it off?

She frowned slightly, her fingers tracing the soft fabric of her blanket. "How hard can it be?" she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just an act."

And she was no stranger to playing roles, after all. Growing up in a family like hers, she had to learn when to put on a mask, when to show strength, and when to step back. She just needed to tap into a different part of herself—one that she had rarely shown anyone.

'I'll have to look hesitant, maybe even ask questions that seem basic, just to throw them off,' she mused.

Just like that, her night continued as she went to sleep.

Much later.

********

Maya stood before the large, ornate mirror in her room, the atmosphere around her buzzing with activity as her maids prepared her for the banquet. They moved quickly, their hands steady and precise as they applied makeup, styled her hair, and helped her slip into the gown that had been carefully tailored for the event.

She just stood still as the maids worked silently around her, their movements quick and efficient, each one focused on their task. The soft rustle of fabric and the quiet clinking of makeup brushes filled the room, creating a gentle hum of preparation.

Her face remained calm and serene, a mask of composure she had perfected over the years. Yet beneath that calm exterior, a faint flutter of excitement stirred in her chest. She couldn't deny it. Tonight, she wanted to impress not just the people at the banquet but him—Astron. She had imagined what he might think when he saw her in the dress, and though she knew he was always composed, part of her hoped to catch a flicker of something in his gaze.

As the maids continued to work, one of them approached her with a set of makeup brushes in hand. "Lady Evergreen, how would you like your makeup tonight?" she asked, her voice respectful and deferential.

Maya glanced at the array of products laid out before her. She didn't need much—her features were naturally striking, and too much makeup would only distract from her elegance. "Something subtle," she said softly, her tone measured. "Accentuate my eyes, but keep the rest soft."

The maid nodded and quickly set to work, her hands light and precise as she brushed a soft hue over Maya's eyelids, adding just enough shimmer to make her pink eyes stand out without being overpowering. The rest of her makeup was kept understated, enhancing her natural beauty without drawing too much attention.

As she sat there, watching her reflection, Maya felt that pang of anticipation grow stronger. It wasn't just about the dress or the makeup—it was the entire evening ahead. She was stepping into a role, a carefully crafted persona that would help her navigate the banquet and the political games to come. But there was also a more personal layer to her excitement.

'How will he look?' she wondered silently, her mind briefly drifting to Astron. He would be dressed in the suit Eliran had crafted, and she couldn't help but imagine how sharp he'd appear, how composed and controlled, as always. But maybe, just maybe, tonight she would see a hint of something more—a reaction, even if just a subtle one.

"Does this look to your liking, Lady Evergreen?" another maid asked, stepping back slightly to let Maya view the final touches in the mirror.

Maya took a slow breath, her eyes sweeping over her reflection. The soft glow of her makeup, combined with the elegance of her gown, created a look that was both powerful and graceful. It was exactly what she had envisioned.

"Yes," she said, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of excitement. "It's perfect."