Chapter 8: The Debutante Ball (2)

The Rosenvelt family made their way to the Royal Family in a regal fashion.

'Damn, they are good at manners,' was the only phrase Arisanna could think of when she watched them strut their way inside. Those with noble blood show they have noble blood through their actions and this was nothing short but an excellent example of it.

Unlike the Royal Family's blonde hair and magenta eyes, the Rosenvelts possess black hair and deep blue eyes, which begs the question of the blood relationship between the two families. However, there are things Arisanna learned to never question.

As she watched them make their way over, Reynold quietly walked up to Arisanna at some point and gave her a quick nudge. She complied and held her brother's arm once more while signaling one of the servants for drinks.

'They made it huh?' she started.

'Of course, they had to make it. This is a family matter after all.'

'I can practically hear the rumors, people only know to run their mouths.'

'People always assume they have a bad relationship but none of the members of the Rosenvelt is out for the throne, so why do people even try?'

'People got nothing better to do. Rumors are what make it all the rage these days. The only form of entertainment that slowly drains one's life. Seriously, people get invested and will only learn to dive deeper into the hole.'

'Careful of what you say. You will soon also dive into the hole.'

'I could stay out of it if I wanted.'

'But it's your duty to do so. What society thinks aligns with your job as an aide no? Don't you have to report and respond to rumors sometimes?'

'In the future maybe but not right now. But I won't be starting any around this age.'

'Why not? Young noble ladies do so every day.'

'That's because they have nothing better to do. I actually have a job that I have to take over soon. Where am I going to find "spreading some stupid rumor about some random girl" in my schedule?'

Reynold gave a low chuckle, not audible, but Arisanna could clearly see him doing so.

She rolled her eyes and took a sip of her drink while eyeing those of royal blood to do their exchanges.

It may seem rough on the surface, but the family situation is better than one might think. Since the current Grand Duke has no issues with having his brother, the Emperor, on the throne, it's actually a very harmonious relationship. The Rosenvelts would often visit the capital and regularly keep in touch, at least that was what Theodore told her. He had a close relationship with his cousins and also keep in touch in the form of letters often.

Arisanna motioned Reynold to walk her closer to the appetizer table because she needed something to do to pass the time. Since she hasn't debuted yet, she doesn't need to make connections yet. However, if someone were to want to keep her company, she would be more than happy to establish a connection to think of ways of utilizing them. No harm done really, but it could prove useful in the future.

She broke off from her brother and picked up one of the appetizers and started to munch.

'Aren't you eating too early? Isn't it a lack of grace?'

'No one really knows me yet. Besides, even if they start to spread rumors, I won't be in the capital to enjoy them. So even if some random girl says something about me, she has no proof and can't get proof since I was never on the social scene to begin with.'

'Still, people will believe anything these days. She can describe you once she sees you. I mean, we kind of stand out don't you think?'

Reynold wasn't entirely wrong as people kept eyeing them from the moment they entered. It's just the attention that had been graciously on them has now been switched.

'Then, I'll eat in a beautiful manner,' she retorted.

'Beautiful? Are you serious?'

'I'll only eat this one thing. I won't touch anything else until the banquet.'

'Don't eat too much during the-'

'I know, I know, I was taught basic etiquette. Ladies shouldn't consume too much because it shows greed and a lack of dignity.'

As she discreetly eat her appetizer, Reynold suddenly pulled her. She gave him a look and he pointed his head toward a certain direction. She looked up and saw the princes and Theodore looking at them and motioning them to come over.

Once they were near, Theodore smiled, "You all arrived quite early on."

"Well, Arisanna was helping the princess with a few things so we had to be early in order to pick her up. Besides, being late is a sin and we wouldn't want to be the talk of the empire," replied Reynold.

"Well, I missed your grand entrance. I'm sure it looked nice," Theodore laughed.

"Speaking of entrances, I remember the women of the Blanchette family had butterflies flying around and landing on them. Just like the one here," the first prince, Alexander, pointed at Arisanna.

She had three butterflies in total. One resting on her head, one on her shoulder, and one on her dress.

"Well, it is all for first impressions no?" she chuckled and the butterflies flew towards Alexander. He held out his hand and one of the butterflies landed on it. The second prince, Arthur, cupped his hand, another butterfly also gently landed on his. The last one landed on Theodore's head.

"It's made of entirely magic right?" Arthur asked in fascination as he moves his head closer to inspect the butterfly.

"It's from my mana. I can control them but sometimes let them randomly wander. Aren't they pretty?"

"Certainly fitting of the daughter of a mana-wielding bloodline," Alexander smiled.

"Fitting? You should visit their house. It's a swarm of butterflies. She releases them and lets them wander aimlessly. Everywhere you go you would see a red butterfly," Theodore laughed.

"It is getting out of hand. Especially your room. Whenever you get your migraine, the entire room is densely packed with those butterflies," Reynold sighed.

"Densely packed?" Arthur questioned.

"That's why I lock my room. During my migraines, I prefer to stay alone. Besides, storing my mana during that period of time worsens my migraine so releasing them is the only option," Arisanna said while taking a sip from her drink.

"What causes the migraine? It sounds interesting," Alexander asked.

"Well, I have the tendency to-"

Trumpets suddenly sounded and the room darkened. A spotlight seemed to appear on top of the staircase.

The announcer loudly spoke, "Presenting her Highness, the hostess of the event, Princess Bridgette Alaric."

She walked down the stairs through the crips yet clean 'clacks' from her high heels. Her blonde hair has been beautifully styled and decorated with flowers, which swayed as she walked.

Her dress was the most glamorous one of the evening and definitely outshined everyone in the room. It was decorated with the finest jewels in a way where it didn't look too flashy. The dress remained sophisticated but one couldn't look away from it.

There was only one word to describe her: stunning.

But what made her stand out above the rest is those piercing magenta eyes that symbolized her position and power over everyone. One look and she could get one to submit down on their knees, or at least that was what Arisanna felt looking at her. She was also very sure many guys were knocked out of their minds right now.

'I mean who wouldn't be?'

Bridgette made her way down to her family and smiled happily at them.

She looked at the crowd and found many stares and gazes just beyond belief. Arisanna found it a bit funny how they gawked their eyes at her. Bridgette seemed to scan the crowd and met her eyes, Arisanna was sure of it. She gave her a small wave and Bridgette seemed to brighten.

"Thank you for taking the time to come to my debutante ball. I hope you all enjoy yourself today as I spent many days tirelessly planning for it. Take this as my declaration of sincerity to those here as I pray my sincerity can reach you all tonight."

She then took a drink from one of the servants and raised her glass.

"Please, let me give a toast."

People started to raise their glasses in response.

"To a wonderful evening with many miraculous encounters to the future to come. May we support each other as citizens of the empire. To the empire!"

"To the empire!" people would follow through and claps were heard.

Of course, Arisanna also raised her glass and took a drink.

The lights once again brighten and music started playing.

'And so the pain begins. The socializing portion.'