While Ren and the others were experiencing relationship problems elsewhere, Trixie and her lackeys, together with some members of Dark Python, were plotting to sabotage Silvia's twentieth birthday party.

(Refer to Arc 2, chapter 81 if you forgot who Trixie was)

Their group was inside Trixie's room. All lights were shut, and it was also cold, giving everyone an eerie feeling. It was as if they were in an underground chamber, with how wide and dark the room was.

The source of their meager light was the burning brazier, which created a foreboding atmosphere, but did little to cast off the icy chill.

Seeing that all of them were gathered, Trixie stepped forward. Everyone saw her sinister eyes glint as the firelight caught her face.

"Listen up," she began.

She was about to continue when a sudden cough interrupted her.

In the silence of the night, the cough was clearly heard by everyone, making them glance toward the source of the sound.

It was a tall woman whose dress fell below the knee that did little to hide her embarrassment from suddenly coughing.

"I'm sorry," she said and shrunk, but her height didn't allow her to hide from Trixie's scrutinizing gaze.

Trixie batted her eyelids and continued, "We have gathered here today to plan a very important event," she glared at the huge woman again, "an event that will mark down in history. It's time to exact revenge!"

"Oh, is it the women from Golden Phoenix?" exclaimed an excited voice. "They have been causing trouble for us, Dark Python lately. They have been stealing our kills, ousting us in dungeons, and even killing us upon sight. I lost my prized staff because of them, and my parents haven't spoken to me ever since. That staff cost them thousands to buy!"

The voice came from a small girl this time. She seemed to have realized that she had interrupted Trixie, and with an audible gulp, she tried to blend back into the crowd without much success.

Narrowed eyes directed at the little girl, Trixie's displeasure was palpable.

Nevertheless, she continued.

"Silvia Rutherford! A name I'm sure we are all familiar with. She's hosting her twentieth birthday soon. Her interference with our guild is an insult to our pride. Not to mention our enmity in real life. This is our chance to repay that debt."

"One time, she attended my birthday party, and she stole all the attention. She ruined MY party, and she was all the guests ever talked about. I felt so embarrassed and humiliated that I didn't come out of my room for a week!" muttered another.

Trixie had enough and shouted, "WE WILL REPAY THAT DEBT IN FULL! Everyone present here has an invitation to her birthday party, and we will find Silvia's dressing room and exact the ultimate price!"

"Murder?" gasped the collective voices of everyone.

Trixie grinned, and her eyes flashed with burning fire.

"No. We will ruin her dress."

On Golden Phoenix's Island, an imposing building that curved and blended with its surroundings stole all the attention as tons of boats, yachts, and helicopters docked into the islet.

Hundreds of guests were attending Silvia's birthday party, and most of them were the cream of the crop of high society. It was such a high-end event that there was even a media present to report the whole thing as news.

The guests started to arrive at Golden Phoenix headquarters, donned in their finest attire. The glittering lights from the chandeliers were reflected on the expensive dresses and suits worn by everyone. Some even wore jewelry worth millions of dollars.

The island itself looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale. It had a castle-like structure, but the interior was decorated with modern furniture and décor.

On each side of the path, leading up to the entrance of the building, were tall trees with different colored leaves that sparkled like crystals.

There was also a fountain in front of the castle where maids and butlers dressed in white uniforms stood and greeted the guests as they entered.

But the most eye-catching of all were the two giant Phoenix statues made of gold, flanking the entrance of Golden Phoenix's headquarters.

The main entrance to the building opened up to a large courtyard, where there were several tables set up for guests to eat their meals. The guests had to pass through the courtyard before entering the building itself.

Some flocked to one central place while waiting for the hostess to arrive. The main hall was filled with expensive furniture and decorations that made it look like a palace.

A grand piano sat on the stage where the entertainment would be performed later in the night.

The guests were served by beautiful waitresses in their finest attire while musicians played music for them to enjoy. A few celebrities also made an appearance, entering with politicians and important people in high society.

Their presence was more of a show of respect for Silvia's father than anything else. All of them were seated together, enjoying the food and drinks as they talked about their future plans and businesses.

Silvia descended the stairs from the balcony overlooking the courtyard and greeted her guests. She wore a simple white dress with a plunging neckline, showing off her cleavage and ample bust, matched with dark sunglasses.

Her dress had a low-cut back that showed off her shoulders. The skirt was made of silk, and it flowed gracefully as she walked. Her long blonde hair swayed from the breeze, and her pale skin glowed under the sun.

"Welcome, everyone! Thank you so much for coming!" Silvia said as she waved at the crowd. "I'm glad to see so many familiar faces here today."

Beside her was Ragnar in a Bohemian get-up. Both of them didn't wear their usual formal dress and suit. Instead, they were dressed in Bohemian-style clothes with matching colors. It seemed like they had coordinated their clothing beforehand.

Ragnar's attire was more casual, though. His shirt was white with black stripes along its sleeves. A pair of black shorts covered his thighs, and he wore a pair of brown slippers on his feet.

( . . . continuation on NOTES)