On the 3rd day, we tried to look for Marx Miller at all possible locations inside the palace and still couldn't find him.
"What should we do? There are only 4 days left until we need to leave this place"
"Dan, isn't it time you explain the reason you want to meet Marx Miller?"
"Well, my grandfather was a musician. He was a prominent member of a well-known orchestra in the 21st century. Following his footsteps, I tried to arrange a new orchestra but the members kept quitting one after the other.
It can't be helped since no one listens to classical music anymore. Nowadays, the music genre revolves around techno pop and AI singers.
I want people to remember music that touches the soul and Marx Miller has enough influence to make that happen"
So Dan's a classical music geek
"You're familiar with the greatest musicians in history like Mozart, Beethoven and Bach right, Rune?"
"R-right. I like Rhapsody in Blue"
"That's composed by Gershwin"
"Oh. . haha"
"Why don't you know that? You're from the 21st century, aren't you? Grandpa always bragged about his orchestra, he said they often performed in large concert halls"
"I know there were classical music concerts but I wasn't really interested so I never attended one"
"What?! You had the opportunity to attend a classical music concert but you didn't?? That's such a waste. If I were you I would have attended as many concerts as possible"
"I don't listen to classical music that much. Most people in the 21st century listen to pop music"
"Umm. . What have you been talking about since earlier? What do you mean from Rune is from the 21st century?"
Darn it! I totally forgot about Rio!
He was too quiet I forgot he was here!
"D-did we say that? We were discussing about the music from the past centuries right, Rune?"
"Y-yeah. I often listen to music from the 21st century"
It's dangerous to have Rio know about my secret. He's connected to that shady Cyber Auction House after all. I guess there's no other choice but to use this. .
"Sorry, Rio"
Rio fell asleep at his chair after I used the memory eraser on him. Dan seemed a bit worried but I assured him Rio will wake up after a few hours.
"That's really a useful tool. Do you have another one? I want to buy it"
"No, this is the only one and it's not even mine. I'm going to give it back to its owner no matter what"
"We need to figure out how to find Marx Miller. He should be somewhere in this Palace. I heard he often attends parties hosted in the ballrooms but we don't have an invitation so we can't attend them"
"If that's the case, then how about we organize our own party? It's not impossible since I have 35 million Crons to spare"
"No. That's your money, Rune"
"I want to help find Marx Miller as soon as possible. Let me help you. Besides, I'm not planning to stay in this era for long so this money is no use to me. In return, help me find something I'm searching for"
There were only 4 days left before their access to the palace expires. Dan needs to find Marx Miller before time was up.
The Palace in the Sky features two large ballrooms for parties hosted for various occasions. Fortunately, there was one open slot however that date was the final day of Dan and Rune in the palace.
In other words, this will be their first and last chance to find Marx Miller.
******************
Despite the last minute plans, the preparations went smoothly due to Rio's help. Apparently, there is an app called "Evental" which instantly connects with suppliers. The services ranges from ballroom decorations, guest tables and even catering.
"We will host a party open to the public and invite Marx Miller"
"This is brilliant idea, Rune! But I'm looking at the scheduled services and there doesn't seem to be any entertainment booked for this party"
"We don't need to book entertainment. Since you will be performing in this party, Dan"
"What?! It's the first time I've heard of this!"
During our stay here, I heard Dan play the violin once. Despite not being a fan of classical music, it left a deep impression on me. I could feel that there was soul in his music.
I believe he is someone with enough talent to make an impact on this world one day.
A few days passed and the day of the party finally came.
The theme of this party is [Victorian Era].
Guests were advised to wear Victorian-style coats and dresses. Fortunately, there was a tailor shop inside the Palace in the Sky which uses advanced equipment capable of sewing complex outfits in less than an hour. Even smart glasses can be customised to create elegant masks.
It wasn't my intention but this looks like a masquerade party. The party will begin in a few minutes and there were already more than 20 attendees.
I was in charge of monitoring the names of the guests using Smart Glasses registration system. With this, we will be able to know when Marx Miller enters this ballroom.
The lights gradually dimmed and everyone focused on the stage where Rio officially announced the start of the party.
There was no available host in the Evental app so we had no other option but to rely on Rio. He was hesitant at first but eventually agreed when I promised him compensation.
[Ladies and Gentleman. Welcome to the party tonight]
As expected of a host from the Cyber Auction House
*****************
Meanwhile at downtown Orbis Vortex
In a rundown apartment, a middle aged man woke up his younger brother in a desperate voice.
"Hurry! We need to escape this place now!"
"What are you saying all of a sudden?"
"I saw the Harbinger of the End in my vision! This world is going to end soon!"