Hollywood Zenith
Chapter 91 Dinner: Sitting Arrangements

In the evening, a guest came to visit. The security bureau alerted us, and I made my way toward the reception area. Everyone is not allowed in the northern part of the palace, so the guest waited for us on the eastern side, where most of the business buildings were located.

Oscar also accompanied me and looked much better after a few hours. I also noticed him talking to Iblis before in the garden area.

" I am glad they talked things out." I thought as I walked toward the meeting place.

" Do you know it's about?" I asked Oscar.

" Yeah, he is the head of the branch for Japanese region of our businesses. He overseas the whole operation and numerous companies under the family name."

" Oh, I look forward to meeting him then."

I entered the room to replace a middle age man sitting rigidly; he seemed nervous at first sight.

We exchanged greetings, and he mentioned his name as Fulio, there was nothing special about him, but I think you need composed people like them.

" I heard about your trip and arranged for someone to guide you. She is very talented and my personal pupil. She is also stationed around the park to overseas their expansion." Fulio informed me; there was a slight accent in his voice which told me he was not used to the English language.

" You can talk to me in your native language. No need to force yourself. I also appreciate your help, although we research a bit but having a local will ease our worries."

He was surprised but smiled slightly; I could sense he was worried about my responses but speaking to me lessened those worries.

We talked for a few more minutes, and he promised she would wait for us at the park gate. I also gave him our schedule to make meeting up easier tomorrow. He bid us farewell; it was clear that he only came to meet me personally. He could have easily told anyone to deliver the news or called us to relay the information. There was no reason for him to visit me personally.

" He is clumsy but ambitious too." I thought.

It was nearing the time for the dinner, and we also had to present ourselves appropriately. I also caught glimpses of Oscar and Iblis talking and smiling, Karoline was still a little reserved, but they were looking OK for now.

Hannah, on the other hand, enjoyed the company of her new friend, Adele, along with a few people who could help them communicate would follow them. I perked up to listen to their conversation, but it reminded me of the time when we were discussing our plan.

They were in deep strategic discussion about tomorrow; Hannah also looked excited to hear about the princess accompanying us. Oscar was stressed about it; he informed David, who was working outside the palace. They had to coordinate with each other, and it was a whole mess; it would take them a few hours, after which Oscar had to prepare for the party too.

" He already looks like a ghost, we are only on our first day." I thought.

As I entered the room, I saw Adele panicking; I hadn't talked to her since morning, So I made my way toward her.

" What are you up to? Is something wrong?" I asked

" I don't know what to wear, I don't know we would be attending parties here." She replied.

" I could help you arrange it. I am calling Oscar, he would think of something."

" No wait! I don't know he could help me. Beside, thinking about this morning. I don't know what to say to others."

" You didn't do anything. They would be fine after some time."

" That is the problem. I should have done something. I basically stood there!" She said she was frustrated about the situation.

" I don't think we could have done anything about it. They were holding on too much inside, we can not read mind to know what they are thinking. You don't have to blame yourself."

" I know but I still feel--"

I cut her off, " Have you talked with any of them yet? "

" No," She said as she looked down.

" I know what you should do. You need someone to help you with the dress right? Why don't you ask Iblis? It will also give you a perfect conversation starter."

" I don't know." She was hesitating.

" Do you hate her because of today's incident?" I asked.

" NO! She is still my friend. She is just confused right now."

" So, what are you waiting for? Go, I am sure she needs you right now." I somehow convinced her.

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Everyone was dressed up. Few people were leading us toward the venue.

Oscar wore a tuxedo which completely changed his appearance; he also reverted back to his clean look as Iblis knew everything, and there was no reason to hide anymore. It was a narrow-lapeled version with perfectly-folded pocket squares and a dark greyish colour to complete the overall vibes.

Hanna wore a cute blue dress with frills around the seam; she looked like a fairy. Apparently, she and the princess selected this dress in their downtime.

Iblis also wore a dress, but it had a more mature vibe. It was black with some dark, violent mixed in between. The black greatly complimented her pale complexion.

Iblis also helped Adele select a dress, she didn't pack much, but Iblis offered her one of her formal party dresses. The dress fit her perfectly. It was light colour with bright highlights; the former Adele was nowhere to be seen.

Karoline wore a sleek dress which complemented her curves, she also wore heels, but one could tell she was uncomfortable in them. She also complained about it as it severely hindered her mobility, but upon hearing Oscar's compliment, she decided to go with it.

Lastly, I sported a western suit specially prepared by my Mother.

I was informed that the suit was a Diamond Edition suit, cost around a million pounds and consisted of a blend of Cashmere wool, silk and 480 o. 5-carat diamonds smattered on the suit. It was studded with jewels. There are only 3 of its kind in the world, which seemed over the top, but everything I had was prepared by her, so this was one with the little jewels on it.

We soon entered a large hall, which was made up entirely of limestone inlaid with swirling lines of ruby and gold, both of which seem to be softy luminescent. Four grand yet simple columns of the same design mark the halfway point between each of the four corners and the centre. The lines all make their way to the centre, where a massive chandelier is hung. Its light illuminated every corner of the room.

It also had light orbs floating, which were suspended by thin wiring. The overall appearance was inspired by both western and eastern design; it shows that the designer was very talented, and their work blended both influences perfectly.

I looked at the sitting arrangement; it was separated with quite a lot of distance between them. One side had a lot of chairs than the other. As far as I was told, this was a private family dinner, and there will not be many people. With the size of the hall, everyone could be accommodated in a single file, but that was not the case.

" Oscar what about the people that came with us? David and others?" I asked Oscar.

"They have different arrangement. We are the only ones who would attend the party." He replied.

" Someone must be planning something. I guess it will be an enjoyable dinner." I smiled: I ignored it as I saw other people flooding through the door.

Thus, another greeting session began. I met a few of them, but Emperor and his wife were also present this time. Others hadn't met him, so they were tensed in his presence. He had a stoic face, and his wife also presented herself with elegance; they were completely different from before. I could sense that some people of the imperial family were keeping their distance from me, but it was good as long as they didn't try to harm me.

Hannah was more surprised to see the changes; she had never attended such parties, especially in a culture that emphasised manners and portrayals of oneself. Adele was also struggling, but she gave her best fake smile; meanwhile, Iblis showed graceful movements. Although she didn't speak the language, she impressed the other party with her demeanour.

Several young boys were charmed by him, which definitely made the situation awkward because of the language barrier. She didn't have a single clue, and I also refrained from participating in their conversation. I did see some translators rushing in from the side, ready to serve.

It went smoothly until I saw the sitting arrangements. I was led to the side where chairs were sparse while everyone else was toward the other side. Oscar and Karoline wanted to object, but I shut them down. As the family's representative, It was only proper for me to sit down with other important people and heads of their families.

I saw others sitting down after the Emperor took the central seat.

Emperor, Empress, Naruhito, his younger brother, and an old man took the closest seats to the Emperor. There were few others, but one man in his thirties seemed to be their leader and sat across from me.

He was glaring and leaking some hostility toward me. I quickly glanced toward the Emperor, but he remained stone-faced the entire time.

" So, you can't help me. What are you up to?" I thought and stared back with a faint smile at the man sitting across from me