Chapter 266: Poor Budi
Her clear eyes moved quickly, scanning the room with a hesitant expression. Her slightly wavy, long hair shimmered like silk, reflecting the light from the crystal chandelier above. A white ribbon adorned one side of her hair, adding a soft, pure impression—like a living porcelain doll just released from its glass case.
Hana, sitting on one side of the table, sensed the girl's presence before seeing her. She raised her hand cheerfully, waving toward the door.
"Elen! Over here!" she called out, her voice full of enthusiasm.
Elen, the girl, was momentarily startled but then managed a small smile. Her initially hesitant steps became more assured as she walked toward Hana. Her white gown swayed slightly, following the rhythm of her now quicker steps.
Reaching the table, she stopped, bowing her head stiffly but politely to greet the others.
"Yo, Princess Elen! You look stunning today!" Arya, seated across the table, exclaimed playfully, his smile widening as he glanced at Elen from head to toe.
"Welcome, Princess Elen," Takulani added in a calm, deep voice, nodding slightly at the girl.
Elen's cheeks immediately turned red. She lowered her gaze, avoiding direct eye contact.
"Thank you," she whispered softly, bowing once more.
Her gaze briefly darted toward Arya and Takulani before she quickly escaped to a chair next to Hana, sitting upright like a student attending their first class.
Seeing Elen's shyness, the other members exchanged faint smiles. They were accustomed to her reserved nature. However, no one underestimated her. Everyone knew that beneath her gentle and hesitant demeanor, Elen possessed a terrifying power—the ability to control time, capable of making anyone tremble.
Hana, sitting beside Elen, beamed. She couldn't be happier. Finally, another woman at this table.
"Elen, how did you get here today?" she asked curiously. Hana knew Elen often relied on her father to escort her since she was too afraid to travel alone.
Elen slowly turned to her, her large, beautiful eyes meeting Hana's. Her smile curved slightly, showing a small pride she could barely hide.
"I came here on my own this time, Sister Hana. I'm no longer afraid of those people," she said in a soft voice, though a hint of courage was evident beneath her tone.
Hana raised her eyebrows high, her expression instantly shifting to disbelief.
"What? You came here by yourself? Really?" she asked, her eyes widening as if she had just heard something impossible.
Elen nodded firmly, her cheeks flushing again. "Yes," she replied shortly but confidently.
"Amazing! That's the spirit, Elen! You're actually very strong!" Hana grinned broadly, then flexed her arm as if showing off muscles. The gesture looked amusing yet endearing.
"You need to have more confidence in yourself," she added, her tone like an encouraging older sister.
Elen chuckled softly, her nervousness gradually fading. This warm interaction made her feel welcomed and appreciated.
"Thank you, Sister Hana," Elen said quietly but with a sincere smile. Her eyes sparkled, reflecting her happiness at the praise.
She sat up straighter, trying to shake off the shyness that usually overtook her in crowds. While still feeling a bit awkward, she made an effort to adjust to the atmosphere around her.
The conversation at the meeting table remained light. Now, six core members had gathered. Small laughter and casual discussions filled the room, creating a warm atmosphere. They talked about various topics, ranging from alliance developments to personal experiences during their time in the Divine Sky realm.
The clock on the wall showed 10:55. Only five minutes remained before the meeting began. Outside the room, the sound of footsteps drew closer, accompanied by faint whispers. A strong aura and a distinct presence alerted Hana and the others that more core members had arrived.
The large wooden door with elegant carvings slowly opened. The elderly Haikal entered first. His long white robe moved gracefully, exuding an undeniable sense of authority. His sharp eyes scanned the room, but his lips curved into a friendly smile.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Haikal greeted warmly, his voice deep yet gentle, instantly drawing everyone's attention. He walked confidently to the center of the room and chose an empty seat not far from Lein.
Behind him, Laras stepped in. Unlike Haikal, she wore simple yet elegant casual attire—a pastel blue blouse and white trousers. Her flowing black hair, perfectly styled, added to her charm.
"Hello, everyone!" she said cheerfully, her voice clear like a spring breeze. She waved casually before walking toward an empty seat near Hana and Elen.
However, all attention was immediately diverted when the last person entered the room.
A young man with an unorthodox style. His bright green hair, as striking as neon lights, and his outfit, bursting with bold abstract patterns in orange, purple, and yellow, made him almost painful to look at.
The man paused at the doorway, standing tall with a confident pose. Then, in a loud voice, he shouted, "Hello, everyone! How are you?"
His voice echoed, making a few at the meeting table wince involuntarily. He spread his arms wide, his broad grin unwavering, as if daring anyone not to respond to his enthusiasm.
"Budi, take your seat. You're blocking the way for Brother Lein and Sister Nita," Bagus's deep voice came from one side of the table, spoken in a flat but firm tone.
Budi slowly lowered his arms, looking slightly awkward after the reprimand. Still, his smile remained intact.
"Ah, Brother Budi is always so full of energy," Elen murmured softly, her eyes watching him with a mix of admiration and bewilderment.