Bab 108: Sparks in the Banquet Hall
As Oscar, Crown Prince of the German Empire, made his way through the opulent banquet hall, every movement was watched intently by the assembled nobles. His earlier exchange with Ambassador Vincent had left a subtle tension in the air. Yet now, the prince's focus was elsewhere, his eyes locked on a corner where two young women, dressed in elegant white gowns, spoke quietly to each other.
The younger of the two immediately captured his attention. Her delicate features carried an ethereal beauty, and her demeanor exuded a natural purity. Unlike the bold, heavily adorned ladies who had pursued him all evening, she stood out as a breath of fresh air, an unspoiled gem amidst a sea of superficiality.
As Oscar approached, whispers rippled through the room.
"Who are they?"
"Did His Highness notice her earlier? She must be someone extraordinary."
Jealousy simmered among the noblewomen who had vied for the prince's attention, while many of the men watched with bemusement, curious to see where this rare display of interest might lead.
The girl, who had caught Oscar's eye, noticed his approach and stiffened slightly, her large, expressive eyes betraying a mix of surprise and shyness. Her companion, an older girl with a composed demeanor, leaned in and whispered something to her, prompting a faint nod.
Oscar stopped a polite distance away, his gaze softening.
"Ladies, forgive my intrusion," he said, his voice measured and warm. "I couldn't help but notice your conversation from across the hall. May I introduce myself? I am Oscar, Crown Prince of the German Empire."
The older girl curtsied gracefully, masking her astonishment with practiced poise. "Your Highness, it is an honor. I am Lady Annalise von Walden, and this is my younger sister, Lady Elise."
Elise curtsied hurriedly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Y-Your Highness."
Oscar smiled, his eyes lingering on Elise. "Lady Elise, Lady Annalise, I hope I am not interrupting. Your conversation seemed far more engaging than the countless pleasantries I've endured this evening."
Annalise chuckled softly. "Your Highness flatters us. We were merely discussing the artistry of the decorations."
Oscar tilted his head, his tone light. "Then perhaps I should consider joining your discussion. After all, appreciating beauty is far more interesting than listening to endless discussions of politics and war."
Elise couldn't suppress a small smile. "You jest, Your Highness. Surely such matters are far more important than banquets."
Oscar's eyes twinkled. "Perhaps, but even a crown prince needs a reprieve. Lady Elise, would you grant me the honor of a dance?"
The room seemed to collectively hold its breath. Elise hesitated, clearly overwhelmed, but Annalise gave her an encouraging nudge.
"It would be my honor, Your Highness," Elise finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they stepped onto the dance floor, the orchestra struck up a waltz, and all eyes followed the pair. Oscar moved with practiced ease, his hand resting lightly on Elise's waist as they glided across the floor. Elise, though initially stiff, soon found herself relaxing in his presence. His charm was disarming, and his conversation—light, yet engaging—put her at ease.
From the sidelines, Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm II observed the scene with keen interest.
"Who is she?" the Queen asked, her tone curious.
"One of the von Walden daughters, if I'm not mistaken," Wilhelm replied. "A distinguished family, but not overly ambitious. Perhaps that is what caught Oscar's attention."
Victoria nodded approvingly. "She seems unassuming. It may do him good to have someone like her by his side."
The Kaiser smiled faintly. "Let us see where this leads. Oscar has always been meticulous in his choices."
Meanwhile, in another part of the banquet hall, Prince Ethel Friedrich scowled. Watching his younger brother command the room, both politically and socially, filled him with a simmering rage.
"What is it about him?" Ethel muttered under his breath. "Everything seems to fall into his lap."
Beside him, Prince Adalbert murmured, "It's not luck, Ethel. He's aligning himself with power—first the navy, now perhaps the nobility through marriage. We should take notes."
Ethel gritted his teeth. "I will not play second to him forever."
As the waltz came to an end, applause broke out, and Oscar led Elise back to her sister. He bowed, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Thank you, Lady Elise. It was a pleasure."
Elise, still slightly breathless, curtsied deeply. "The pleasure was mine, Your Highness."
As Oscar returned to mingle with other guests, he couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was more than a fleeting moment. Elise's quiet charm had left an impression on him, one that he couldn't ignore.
For the rest of the evening, his thoughts drifted back to her—while across the room, a young noblewoman replayed every word and every step of the waltz, her heart racing at the memory.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone