Even above the very upper layer of the Layered city, lay the Upper Dome. Despite now being covered by a thick fog, it was quite a sight from the outside of Natovis, but it was even more impressive to be on the very top and look down on the city.
The tower climbed above even the largest skyscrapers that lay in the city. The structure was a tower in a cylindrical shape. On top of that cylinder was a massive flat circle where events would be held. On top of that circle was a large glass dome.
While sitting at the large, long table, conversing with the administrator next to him, Arturian the greater's long time assistant, Mr. Aldenstrung could hear Music from string instruments in the background. He heard glasses clinging together, the sound of laughter and conversation among smaller groups of people throughout. There was a large party taking place or more commonly known in Natovis as a "ball".
It was rare to see a butler actually take part in these famous parties, but due to his master's high profile and popularity, Mr. Aldenstrung was treated, partook and acted as if he was a member of the most elite of all of Natovis.
"Mommy, mommy, why must we always come to these parties so much, I am bored! There is nothing to do, I want to leave now!" The demand came from the Nine year old daughter of Nadeeya. Nadeeya was one of the many daughters of Arturian the greater.
She was a middle aged woman well into her forties who was still quite beautiful with long black hair.
Before Nadeeya could answer her child's question, a chair could be heard scooting back. An administrator who was clearly eavesdropping from a few chairs down got up and began to educate the child.
"Ah, the innocence of a young lady! This truly is the place to be. This place is the envy of all of Natovis!"
"Only the very best that the layered city has to offer come to attend this ball. The very best, such as yourself get invited by the Prince himself, the man who hosts these parties. It would almost be a crime to not accept these invitations!" The administrator bent down on one knee and pointed at the distinguished man she was referring to so the child could see. The prince was standing 100 feet away holding a glass of wine as he made some guests surrounding him laugh.
She was pointing toward "Prince" Vanderton. He held several of these events every year and the they were sought after by the most prevalent in society. He was not at all a prince, but it was what he was nicknamed from being intertwined in so many of the prevalent members of Natovis. How he could even afford these lavish parties no one really knew. Everyone could assume he was wealthy, but no one could tell for sure where his money came from. There was a pretty good chance he was a smuggler of some sort. Vanderton had a reputation for being eccentric.
Most of the people attending the ball were government administrators, business leaders and even some leaders of the rogue states that surrounded Natovis. There were also some religious leaders that would attend.
Other notable people that were there were many of Arturian the Greater's family members. This included his children, cousins and even some of the women he had been with in the past. The most notable however was Arturian the Younger had not been invited to the ball.
Mr. Aldenstrung was a good talker, but he was even better at listening. He was skilled at listening in on many conversations at once.
From across the table and 3 seats to the right Aldenstrung could hear the conversation between one of Arturian Noble the Greater's sons and one of his daughters. They were discussing the quickly spread news that Arturian appeared in the past week.
"Did you hear about Arty going to the police station this past week?" The daughter asked.
"Delusional as always! He likely just wants attention or perhaps he is trying to come up with another one of his speculation theories. It's a wonder why father adopted him in the first place."
This surprised Aldenstrung when he heard this. He always knew Arturian the Second was never liked by his siblings, but he did not know it was this bad. Oddly enough, these two siblings were ones he considered to be some of the kinder ones. He wondered how the other relatives felt About Arturian II and his recent public embarrassment.
The two started to say more: " I hear father does not even say anything about Arty's absence from-----" Vanderton came on to the announcement device: Hello everyone, thank you for coming tonight" He said a few words then got back to the reason for him coming onto the microphone. "I present to everyone the guest of honour this late evening! Everyone, this man is exceptional and hard working, yet has made time tonight to be here. The one and only...."
Arturian Noble the Greater himself walked in to the main entrance.