Masquerade Banquet: Shadowless Mansion (3)

The young boy was dressed in garments similar to Alarice, and his mask covered the entirety of his face. As for the Archduchess, she wore a gown that nicely complemented the Archdukes' attire.

"Look at you dressed up all prim and proper," The Archduchess said, pinching Alarice's ear. "You finally look the part."

"…Mother," Alarice swiped at the Archduchess's hand, her ears were scarlet red as if they were about to start dripping with blood.

"Don't you agree that your sister looks even prettier in a beautiful dress, Regis?"

The young boy who stood next to the Archduchess snorted, "Naturally. Lari looks like a peasant boy in that get-up she always insists on wearing."

"Why you foul-mouthed little runt…!"

"Enough, it's your brother's birthday, Alarice, cut him some slack." The Archduke finally interfered. Seeing as how his wife had slipped away, and planned on playing the role of bystander and instigator, he could only reluctantly sigh at the dilemma before him.