Chapter 177: 177: The Day
Just like that, the day of the awarding approached. Caleb had finally finished writing the speech that he would say in front of hundreds or thousands of people after breaking hundreds of quills. Joke aside, he doesn't know if his speech was enough to rile up the crowds, but he hopes that it could.
Caleb stared at his reflection in the mirror in dread that was what was about to come.
Caleb's short, dark hair remains neatly combed but now has a slick, sophisticated look. It has been styled to fall gracefully over his forehead, adding a touch of elegance to his overall appearance.
Caleb's facial features are refined and accentuated by the elegant tuxedo. His thin eyebrows frame his black pupils, and his delicate eyelids give him an enigmatic charm. His jawline, though always decently developed, appears sharper and more defined, adding a touch of masculinity to his refined look. With a hint of a five o'clock shadow, Caleb exudes a sense of confident maturity. His ramus and maxilla became even more defined as he lost a lot of weight and body fat with constant grueling training daily.
The all-black tuxedo consists of a well-fitted, single-breasted jacket that enhances Caleb's stature. The lapels are satin, providing a glossy contrast to the matte black fabric. The jacket buttons up to his chest, and it's tailored to perfection, accentuating his shoulders and chest. A crisp, white dress shirt with a black bow tie is neatly tucked underneath the jacket. The shirt has fine pleats down the front, giving Caleb a distinguished and classic appearance. His slender, pale skin is now complemented by the richness of the black tuxedo.
Yes, his skin was still as pale as shit even though he tried to tan it by sunbathing for an hour and eating a lot of beta-carotene-rich foods like carrots to make his skin orange. Alas, it was damned genetics...
His black tuxedo trousers are impeccably tailored to his frame. They are slightly tapered down the leg, allowing the fabric to drape gracefully and end in a neat break over his polished black shoes. The trousers were complete with a formal look, and Caleb's slender build added a hint of modern flair to the traditional tuxedo.
In his tuxedo, Caleb has added a silver cufflink set that glimmers subtly in the right light. The cufflinks bear a sleek design, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble. A sleek black belt with a silver buckle accentuates his waist, and he has opted for polished black dress shoes that mirror the overall refinement of his outfit.
Caleb's demeanor in the all-black tuxedo exudes confidence, elegance, and a touch of mystery. He carries himself with a newfound air of sophistication, radiating charm and poise.
'Fuck! Not to be narcissistic, but I look dashing!' Caleb nodded with a rare hint of satisfaction on his face. With this, he was ready for the battle ahead!
Currently, he was in a hotel room instead of the wooden house where he and his team were assigned. He chose to check in at a hotel because it was closer to the venue where the awarding would take place and it was more convenient. Actually, his team members did the same, but they were not in the same hotel as him.
Honestly, he chose not to be with them since they would just fucking tease him. He wants to be in his optimal condition. Both in body and mind. After all, he needs to look good as possible for the damn speech.
"Well, it's time to head out, and I think." Accepting his face, Caleb fixed his tie one last time.
...
The last minutes to the start of the awarding ceremony arrived under a clear, cobalt-blue sky. The sun hung high, casting a warm and inviting glow across the venue. Wisps of white clouds lazily drifted, providing occasional relief from the bright sun but still allowing its radiance to bathe the proceedings in golden light.
The center of attention was the expansive, grand stage, constructed at the heart of the venue. It was a towering masterpiece of dark mahogany wood, adorned with intricate carvings and a dark velvet curtain backdrop. The stage itself featured a polished wooden floor that gleamed with a rich sheen, and its edges were lined with elegant golden trim. A spotlight shone on the center, where a podium with a sleek black marble finish awaited Caleb to deliver his speech. The stage was flanked by towering arrangements of red roses, their fragrance permeating the air.
The crowd gathered for the awarding ceremony was vast and diverse, stretching from the foot of the stage to the farthest edges of the venue. People from all walks of life, dressed in their finest formal wear, had assembled to witness the recognition of heroes. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and the sea of faces represented various emotions. The attendees exuded a sense of unity and pride as they awaited the commencement of the event.
Arranged in a semi-circular pattern around the stage were the seats of honor. These were lavishly cushioned and upholstered in deep burgundy, providing comfort and elegance for the esteemed guests. The seats were adorned with golden accents and featured a high back with intricate embroidery that added a regal touch. Reserved for dignitaries, city officials, and honored guests, the seats of honor were strategically placed to provide an unobstructed view of the proceedings. The front row was designated for those individuals who would present the awards and acknowledge the achievements of the heroes.
The entire venue was a harmonious blend of sophistication and grandeur, perfectly complementing Caleb's refined appearance and the solemnity of the occasion. As Caleb stood ready, he was not only prepared for his battle of words but also to make his mark in this exquisitely designed setting, surrounded by an expectant crowd and under the brilliant, inviting sky.
Caleb stepped onto the stage. As he did so, he saw the familiar faces of his team members. There were also Andre, Luna, and Clifford, who were smiling at him. Seeing his friends, he couldn't help but feel sad for Fatty, who was still currently in a coma. The director told them that he still hasn't shown any signs of waking up anytime soon.
Then his gaze fell on Roger, who gestured at him to take the podium and start his speech.
Sighing, Caleb walks onto the podium to face the sea people in front of him. He felt his heart beat fast at this moment.