Chapter 67: Ch. 67 Blinded By Beauty (1)
The royal ball was held at Freesia Palace, which boasted the largest ballroom on the imperial grounds. Elena and Mirabelle, guided by the servant, passed a labyrinthine of splendid rooms, and already they could hear the muffled revelry of the party. Another door guard was posted at the entrance to the ballroom, and as he spotted Elena his eyes grew wide. The servant addressed him first.
"These are the two ladies of House Blaise."
The guard was unable to take his eyes off Elena as he pulled open the door.
Kiiiig–
The doors of the ballroom, as grand as the palace gates themselves, slowly swung open to reveal the shining hall. Elena and Mirabelle glided inside, capturing the eyes of the nobles and causing them to whisper among themselves. It was the same for both men and women. Those who did not notice Elena at first were taken aback when she passed them, and the buzz grew louder.
"Who is that young lady?"
"Oh, see that necklace. It's a red diamond!"
"Where was that dress made?"
Just as at the outside of the palace, Elena's shining appearance drew in the excitement of the onlookers. Perhaps it was only natural. Although Elena's dress was simple, one could not help but admire the quality of the work. From her dress to the jewelry gracing her body, everything was finely curated to highlight her beauty. While other women had splendidly attired themselves in the finest clothes for the ball, it was Elena and Mirabelle who stood out in bold relief amongst them all.
The sisters' appearance quickly sent the ballroom fluttering with chatter. The sudden influx of attention pressed in from all sides, embarrassing Elena as she headed to the corner-most part of the room.
'…I dressed carefully, so what's wrong with me?'
She wondered if there was something on her face, but she trusted that Mirabelle would have told her first. She had never received so much attention in her life.
Elena settled at the edge of the ballroom, ignoring the myriad of eyes staring at her and picked up a glass of wine on a table. It was only mildly alcoholic, so she did not have to worry too much and primly took a few sips. Suddenly, she saw Mirabelle's smiling face next to her.
"Is the ball as you expected?"
Mirabelle had been looking forward to the royal ball and seeing Carlisle all this time.
"Well, I don't know yet, but I love that everyone's looking at you. For some reason it makes me proud of myself!"
Mirabelle beamed in enthusiasm, and Elena smiled at how cute her sister was. If Elena was a beautiful rose, Mirabelle was delicate baby's breath flowers. Though the two were somewhat similar, Elena immediately caught the eye, while Mirabelle had a more subtle grace. But roses weren't the only thing that were beautiful. Mirabelle was still young, but when she matured she would surely become a very beautiful lady as well.
Elena looked tenderly at her sister.
"It's because of you. Thank you for making me look beautiful."
"Hehe, you might really be the Madonna of the ball."
"I'm not really expecting it."
"Tch, you don't think so?"
While the two were pleasantly absorbed in their conversation, a familiar woman approached them.
"Oh, Lady Blaise. You look so radiant that I almost didn't recognize you."
Elena's eyes turned to the woman approaching. It was Marissa Holland, the leading figure of southern society and the wife of the late Marquis Holland. It had been a long time since she saw her last at the tea party. Elena granted Marissa with a welcoming look.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Madame. "
"I also hastened to attend the royal ball. Many people came from the south as well."
Elena looked around, and indeed she saw some familiar faces. When their eyes met, Elena gave a slight bow to the other noble children, who also bowed their heads in recturn. Marissa turned to Mirabelle.
"And this young lady has become more beautiful the last time I saw her. I felt it then, but I did not realize how truly beautiful the Blaises were. Let me know if you have any secrets to share."
Elena demurred at the compliment.
"I'm flattered."
"Yes, the Marquess is still beautiful."
Marissa covered her mouth politely and smiled, then turned back with some curiosity.
"But the necklace that you are wearing…It is a red diamond, is it not?"
The one thing that noblewomen did not miss at gatherings were the dresses and jewelry. Elena nodded simply, understanding it would be a topic of conversation. There was no reason to lie. Marissa also likely already knew the type gem set in the necklace, but conversation was the hallmark of social circles.
"I see I am right. I can tell it's a precious jewel. It suits you very well. "
While others might have wondered where Elena bought the necklace or if she had received the gift from a man, Marissa didn't make any further remarks. She might have thought it rude to pry so deeply. It was because of her wise nature the she was such a powerful figure in southern society.
Elena answered abashedly.
"I'm pleased that you think it suits me. It's actually a little heavier than I thought."
Marissa smiled at Elena's humble yet clever reply.
"Ho ho ho, young lady."
While they were conversing with each other–
Chugchugchugchug.
A sound of steady marching, and soon the royal guard appeared on a platform. Their appearance halted the activity going on in the ballroom. The herald proclaimed in a booming voice:
"Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress have arrived!"
It signaled the appearance of Sullivan, the Twelfth Emperor of the Ruford Empire. He strode forward, bearing no signs of illness at all other than a somewhat pale face. His illness was not known to many until the time of his death, and he did not look much different than usual.
Sullivan entered the ballroom with a soft and gentle air, as opposed to the usual ruthless auras of the previous emperors. The assemblage of nobles echoed in chorus,
"Hail to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress! Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire!"
Before he sat down, Sullivan addressed the many nobles gathered here.
"I am happy to see so many of you present. Tonight we will officially introduce our Crown Prince."
Perhaps because of Sullivan's pleasant way of speaking, the mood in the ballroom seemed to brighten again. Next to Sullivan was a middle-aged woman standing in regal pose. Though Empress Ophelia was getting in age, she was still admired for her beauty.
"Your Majesty, you must be happy to have the crown prince back."
However, Ophelia had sour look on her face.
"Yes, I feel relieved now that the man who will be the future pillar of the Empire has returned."
"I am glad to hear that your heart is at ease."
On the surface, they appeared to be a harmonious couple. Sullivan spoke to the nobles again.
"Now, let me introduce the Crown Prince, the star of today's dance. Come forward!"
The moment his words ended–
Chapter 68: Ch. 68 Blinded By Beauty (2)
Tubug, tubug.
Carlisle strode steadily inside, dressed handsomely in a tailcoat uniform. He took his place next to his father, Emperor Sullivan.
Everyone stopped breathing. So did Elena. She knew Carlisle was attractive from the moment they met, but today he seemed to overwhelm the room. His cold blue eyes showed no signs of apprehension despite the attention of the nobles on him, and his expressionless face and proud arrogance only further served to stir the hearts of women. Soon the numerous nobles spoke in unison.
"Hail the Crown Prince."
Emperor Sullivan looked proudly at his son then turned to address the room again.
"Everyone, please enjoy the ball!"
The music and conversation resumed, and Elena caught sight of Emperor Sullivan introducing Carlisle to the highest ranked nobles. The prince seemed a little different when viewed at this distance. Elena soon caught snatches of gossip from other parts of the room.
"I didn't know the Crown Prince would be so handsome."
"I know, I could swoon."
"Don't you know the prophecy about the Crown Prince? The first woman to marry him will be miserable for the rest of her life. "
"That's why I'll be his second wife, pig."
All the young woman clamored together to babble over Carlisle, and Elena could not help but feel a little strange about his popularity. It wasn't just the other women. Mirabelle had a dazed expression on her face as well.
"Wow, I expected the Crown Prince to be like a prince in the fairy tale, but…he really is very handsome."
Elena nodded stiffly at Mirabelle's admiring words. Carlisle was more popular than she expected. But aside from that, Elena was quite relieved.
'…Thank God.'
In her last life, Carlisle was assassinated before the ball. The grieved Sullivan welcomed the nobles in a very different way than he did now, and informed them he would not join in the revelry. She remembered Mirabelle's disappointment. Now, however, Carlisle was here and had the attention of the everyone. She felt a little hopeful at experiencing a future she changed herself.
Marissa, who was nearby, approached Elena again.
"There are many gentlemen today who would like to be introduced to you tonight. Shall we head to the dance floor? I assure you the men come from good families."
Building personal connections were a must in aristocratic society. Elena knew that Marissa's intentions were well, but she felt uncomfortable leaving Mirabelle by herself. Marissa spoke again with a smile, perhaps noticing her hesitance.
"The dance will begin soon, and we should find our partners."
Many times ballroom partners often turned into lovers later. And the more times a lady was asked to dance, the more people paid attention to her. Elena recollected that she was asked to dance by one or two men in her previous life, but again she refused as she didn't want to leave her sister alone.
Mirabelle seemed to know what Elena was thinking and pushed her forward.
"Go on, sister! I'll be watching from here."
"But–"
She was about to speak when, suddenly, Marissa's and Mirabelle's eyes widened in surprise. They were not the only ones. Everyone in the vicinity turned to her with a stunned expression.
"…?"
Elena was about to ask what was happening, when all of a sudden everyone bowed in unison.
"It's the Crown Prince!"
She whirled around and saw Carlisle standing tall behind her.
"Ah…"
Elena was frozen as a statue.
Carlisle looked at the beautiful young woman before him, then offered out his hand towards her.
"Would you like to dance?"
"…Huh?"
Elena was surprised at his unexpected request. Even more surprised were Mirabelle and Marissa, their eyes looking as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. Elena quickly pulled herself together and took Carlisle's proffered hand.
"Yes, Your Highness. It would be an honor."
And so they made their way to the center of the ballroom. It was still a little early to dance, but the music changed as soon as Carlisle and Elena exchanged bows.
The dance between Carlisle and Elena began in full view of the room. Elena was taught the court dances when she was young, but Carlisle had quite the aptitude for a man who spent his life on the battlefield. Carlisle drew Elena's waist closer to him and he whispered in her ear.
"I thought you would've been taken from me if I was too late."
"Of course not…"
Even if she danced with another man, it would be an exaggeration to say that she was taken. Ballroom dances were fully enjoyed even by married people.
"I'll tell you in advance. If another man dances with you, he will not have a good life in the future."
"…Why?"
Carlisle replied with a sly smile.
"Just keep it in mind."
The two figures swayed beneath the great chandelier as if in a painting. The other nobles soon stepped in with their partners and began dance as well. Soon, the center of the ballroom was filled with waltzing men and women, however…
Among the constellation of splendored nobles, the most breathtaking were Elena and Carlisle. Everyone was blinded by the beauty of the couple.
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