Chapter 14: The Prologue

The ball was hosted for no real reason really. It was more of a social gathering hosted by the Blanchettes in order to keep face and live up to the status of the household. Also due to that very status, it became a highly anticipated event for the nobles who resides in the north. It was regarded as a social gathering to attend, and news of it spreads like wildfire. Arisanna didn't blame them for wanting to attend. The core reason why this event can cause such a commotion was because this was the site of connections.

A gathering this popular attracts people of a higher power, whether they are famous merchants or they hold a certain position in the capital. Of course, this gives benefits to the Blanchettes as they get direct contact with those around the empire, which has proven as helpful when dealing with certain errands they needed to run.

With everyone preparing frantically, making an effort to dress and look nice, this event can't be canceled even if threatened.

"I think we should just see what they have to say first. I trust your abilities to defend yourself. If they can provide us with information about what the church is doing, it could prove useful," Arisanna spoke her mind.

"You think we should gamble?" Theodore responded while looking at the letter once more.

"I think it would be worthwhile to do so. Besides, I also trust Reynold's ability to guard. We'll also have Uncle and Aunty with us, I doubt they'll actually try anything," Arisanna firmly said. Uncle and Aunty were the nicknames for the former grand duke and duchess. Since the two households were close, they were naturally very friendly with each other.

"But since they know we have security, wouldn't they be prepared to face it? For all we know, they could be part of the church," Theodore reasonably argued.

"Well, that could also be a good possibility. No one but a few knows of the church rebelling, except if we had a spy infiltrated this entire time. Assuming that this person is a spy spreading misinformation, that means they are directly gambling their life. The church probably doesn't value them and is content with the fact that they might fail. However, if you think about it from another perspective, aren't they handing us someone on a silver platter?"

"That is why I'm worried, they are really handing them on a silver platter. What is their purpose?"

"That is assuming they are a part of the church. But if the person who wrote this letter is on the neutral side, information can provide us benefits."

"But-"

"If they really aren't a part of the church, they might want something that we have. A trade offer between us and them."

"I am not convinced. It might be dangerous. Besides, we don't have anything to base it on."

"If it helps you feel better, I have an instinct that it's more of an ally than an enemy."

"Instinct? You want me to be convinced by instinct?"

"Have I ever been wrong before?"

"You once predicted that we bought you a book you already read for your birthday."

"Hey! That was because I doubted you both. I didn't realize you would actually look through my entire library to buy a book I have never read before."

"Yes, we treasure you a lot and so we put in the effort."

"Yes, and I am eternally grateful. But back to the topic at hand, worst comes worst, we could just kill them if they can't be trusted."

"That is true, and no harm would be done. Unless… they set a trap on them with magic-"

"If they did, I would see it. Don't underestimate me. Besides, we have other talented sorcerers and sorceresses attending, including your very own mother. I trust everyone."

Theodore smirked at her comment.

"Fine, we'll meet them as you planned."

"Trust me, your aide. If things go astray, I could think of different ways to handle things."

"Alright, my dear aide. Finish your work, don't you have to do dress fitting after this?"

"Ah yes, a life of a troubled noble. I at least get the day off tomorrow," Arisanna smiled and got back to work.

***

'I am here,' a certain brown-haired young lady thought.

Out of everything she packed, she chose to bring along one of the prettiest dresses she had.

'Though, nothing suited my taste. They were all too flashy with their designs. It came off as a bit much,' she inwardly sighed.

Although the ball didn't have a guest list, Emberlynn Levin, was still slightly worried about showing her appearance. She did dye her hair and had her eye color changed, but it wouldn't mean anything if they discovered this was a disguise. Thankfully, young nobles do this all the time in order to change their appearance into something more suitable, so it wouldn't stand out.

Unlike her brown hair, she dyed it light blonde at a local salon. She had the hair stylist curl it so that only the ends were slightly curled. She dyed her eye color blue which was much lighter in color, different from her usual emerald-colored eyes that sparkled like the jewel.

She hesitantly walked in without having her name announced, being incredibly discreet about her presence. Since she have only come to this world for a few weeks, she didn't have much experience when it comes to socializing. However, she then quickly copies the other young noble girls.

'This is not the critical part though. What I really need to pay attention to-'

There was a clear and crisp 'ding' that rang through the ballroom.

The duchess came forward and everyone's attention was on her. She had several creatures that flew around her.

'Just like how the novel described the Blanchettes despite never making an appearance...'

The butterflies were a beautifully rich purple that shone even through all the lighting. To match, she wore a gorgeous purple dress, which match the color of her eyes.

"I thank everyone for coming today for our annual event. This year was a bit special because it didn't have a specific theme. However, I can guarantee that this year will bring more than enough fun for everyone to enjoy. Just like every other year, I hope everyone enjoys their stay, and may you dance the night away!"

After the applaud, she snapped her fingers and the lights went out. The moonlight was the only source of light tonight, creating a very romantic atmosphere. One could hear the chatter of the nobles and slight giggles from the young noble girls. Music ambiguously started to play, signaling the start of the dancing.

The butterflies shone much brighter in the darkness, almost mystifying. The dark purple perfectly complemented the dark blue night sky tonight.

Emberlynn looked around the room and started to wander, scanning every bit of the ballroom.

'I found him.'

She was a bit nervous, but it had to be done.

'This is my only chance at surviving.'

She walked up to a dashing black-haired man. His dark blue eyes shone like a predator in the night. To make it short, it was very enchanting. He was tall, and his muscular figure was clearly defined despite being in the dark. The moonlight slightly highlighted his face, making it a bit irresistible.

'I can't get distracted.'

There were eyes on the man, as the young noble girls stood not far away while batting their eyelashes as if he could see them clearly.

She confidently walked up to this man and spoke in a small voice that wasn't drowned out by the music, "Care for a dance, grand duke?"

He raised an eyebrow and gazed at her.

The corners of his lips curved upwards, "Alright, let's dance."