Upon disembarking the dark luxurious sedan that ferried him from the landing pads to the estate itself, Deneth was taken aback for a few moments, due to the sheer scale of the estate and the surroundings. The comfortably warm temperature, blue skies and fresh air had paralyzed the young man briefly. After all, the only environments he was used to living in were bitter dark winters, cramped battleship rooms, cramped humid rooms on a large asteroid base and finally, constant rain and smog. These new sensations were sinking into Aleski's skin, albeit slowly.
"So this is Bretonian aristocracy, huh... not too shabby." he whispered to himself. He briefly remembered the houses of prominent politicians and business owners close to the Kanzler's entourage on New Berlin. They were certainly impressive, but in no way comparable to what stood before him.
He climbed the set of stairs leading to the grand entrance, music and the sound of people speaking already slightly audible.
"Are you a guest, sir? What is your name?", a member of the presumably large security detail on site asked.
"Ensign Wilhelm Deneth Aleski, I've been invited by the Countess herself." replied the man, simultaneously showing his invitation card to the sharply dressed security man.
While the person was busy making sure the Ensign was indeed on the list of guests, Deneth looked around at the seemingly unique environment. Everything in the vicinity seemed unimaginably expensive. Then, his attention snapped back to the security man.
"Everything is in order, sir. Welcome, and by all means, enjoy yourself. Please come in.", said the man clad in black, as he gestured to Aleski to follow him in. His tone was suddenly formal, but inviting and warm. Aleski nodded with a gentle smile and followed the estate employee as he escorted him towards the Main Hall.
Once there, Deneth's senses were initially bombarded by the variety of sounds and sights emanating from the giant room. Classical music, people conversing, laughing, the smell of delicate foods and drinks, dignitaries and other seemingly important individuals with a wealthy variety of accoutrements marking the different origins of the many guests were simply some of the many things to behold in that single location.
For the occasion, the ensign decided to go with his issued No.2 Parade Uniform, with every single strain of dust and fur immaculately removed from the navy-coloured vest and rank tabs, perfectly polished golden belt buckle bearing the insignia of the Bretonian Armed Forces, nicely adjusted cap and smoothly polished black shoes that glistened with the ambient lighting. This Rheinlander knew how to maintain his uniform.
But more surprisingly, even in this bazaar of upper-class bourgeois customs and traditions, Deneth spotted Commander Goodmen, in relaxed but stylish clothing, evidently trying to blend in incognito within this sea of wealth and high class workings. Deneth was grinning lightly, obviously entertained by the idea of seeing Austin there, despite the less than stellar relationship him and the Countess share. "Food really does win the heart of all men...", he thought.
Back to focus, Deneth set out to find the Countess and offer her heartfelt birthday wishes.
