Melancholy Waltz

In the hallowed halls of the palace, whispers floated through the air like gentle breezes. The anticipation was palpable, the staff abuzz with the latest gossip. A few days had passed since Princess Kurumi's escapade into town, and her every move had become a topic of speculation and intrigue. Amidst this undercurrent of curiosity, Princess Kurumi strolled through the grand corridors, a vision in a flowing dress that mirrored the hues of the sea. The fabric, a delicate blend of mint and teal, cascaded elegantly around her, reminiscent of the gentle waves that graced the kingdom's shores. Her ebony hair was skillfully pulled into a regal bun, and a simple silver tiara adorned her head, catching the glimmers of sunlight that filtered through the palace windows. As she walked, the soft rustle of her gown seemed to echo the tranquil rhythm of the ocean. The staff members discreetly observed, their eyes following the princess's every step, a silent ballet of curiosity and anticipation.The palace, steeped in history and tradition, seemed to stir with an added energy, a subtle shift in the air heralding something significant on the horizon. In the midst of this regal waltz, Kurumi moved with a grace that bespoke both her royal lineage and an air of mystery that lingered from her recent venture beyond the palace walls. The palace itself became a stage, and she, its enigmatic dancer, left an indelible mark on the whispers that intertwined with the grandeur of the royal abode. In the regal meeting hall, Princess Kurumi gracefully took her seat beside her brother Cedric as the assembly gathered. The air crackled with a sense of expectancy, and all eyes turned toward the imposing figure of King Darien, who stood at the head of the table. The monarch acknowledged each family member and the esteemed knights, Sir Thomas and Sir Alaric, with a nod before addressing the room. "Good day, my beloved family and trusted knights," King Darien began, his voice resonating with authority."I'm sure you've all noticed the fervor that has taken hold of our kingdom in recent days. Whispers weave through the corridors, and anticipation dances in the air like fireflies in the twilight." As the king cast an understanding glance at Princess Kurumi, Queen Elara, ever perceptive, joined the discourse. Her graceful presence added an air of maternal warmth to the proceedings. "There's a reason behind the whispers and anticipation, my dears," Queen Elara began with a twinkle in her eyes. "It's not just mere speculation. The kingdom is abuzz with excitement because, indeed, there will be an upcoming event. "The room buzzed with curiosity as Princess Kurumi, Cedric, and Isabella exchanged intrigued glances. Sensing the suspense, the second princess and the third prince couldn't contain their excitement, speaking in unison, "There's a ball, isn't there?" Laughter erupted from their father as he nodded approvingly. "Well deduced, my spirited ones. Indeed, a grand ball is on the horizon, a celebration to grace our kingdom with its splendor."Cedric and Isabella jumped up with unbridled enthusiasm, their voices harmonizing in jubilant exclamations. "A ball! Oh, this is going to be magnificent!" Their joy echoed through the hall, and even the stern Sir Alaric couldn't help but crack a smile at the infectious excitement of the younger royals."Settle down, settle down," King Darien chuckled, attempting to rein in their exuberance. "There is more to this grand affair than just revelry. The ball will mark the announcement of an alliance—a union that shall strengthen our ties with a neighboring realm." The revelation hung in the air, a delicate yet significant thread connecting the impending festivities to the kingdom's diplomatic endeavors. The room, once filled with boisterous enthusiasm, now hushed as the weight of responsibility settled upon the shoulders of the royal family. The prospect of a ball had transformed into a strategic dance, each step influencing the intricate web of alliances that defined their kingdom's fate.Queen Elara's smile encompassed Seraphina and Donovan, a mixture of warmth and purpose in her gaze. "This ball, my two oldest children, is not just a joyous occasion for our kingdom; it carries the weight of diplomatic aspirations as well."Seraphina and Donovan exchanged curious glances, their anticipation intensifying with each passing moment. The room held a subtle tension as Queen Elara continued, "This event serves a dual purpose—it is both a welcome for the visiting royalty from two other kingdoms and an opportunity for both of you." Percival, ever quick to voice his thoughts, raised a skeptical eyebrow. "What do you mean, Mother?" King Darien interjected with a steady voice, "What we mean, Percival, is that your brother and sister will be meeting with the visiting princes and princesses from the neighboring realms at the ball. It is an opportunity to assess compatibility, to see if alliances can be formed through betrothals." A surprised hush fell over the room as the gravity of the revelation sank in.Seraphina and Donovan exchanged wide-eyed glances, realizing the pivotal roles they were about to play in the intricate dance of diplomacy. "So, the ball is not just a celebration but a delicate weaving of bonds," Queen Elara concluded, her gaze lingering on her two eldest children. "Tonight, our family will not only revel in the joy of the festivities but also embark on a journey that holds the fate of our kingdom in its delicate threads." Seraphina and Donovan, caught in the whirlwind of newfound information, fired questions one after the other. The air in the room hummed with curiosity. Seraphina, with a sparkle in her eyes, leaned forward. "What are the names of the visiting princes and princesses? Do we know anything about them?" Donovan, ever the pragmatic, followed up. "Which two kingdoms are they from, and why are they considering this alliance?" The room buzzed with their inquiries, and King Darien and Queen Elara exchanged amused glances, their laughter bubbling up.King Darien, with a jovial tone, finally intervened, "Hold, hold, my eager ones! We appreciate your enthusiasm, but all will be revealed in due time." Queen Elara joined in, her laughter a soothing melody in the midst of their children's excitement. "Patience, my darlings. There will be a grand unveiling tonight, and you'll have all the answers you seek." Seraphina and Donovan, realizing the playfulness of their parents, shared a sheepish glance before easing back into their seats. King Darien raised a hand, gesturing toward the future. "Now, tonight's ball is a celebration for now, and the details will unfold like a delicate dance, step by step." The room, once charged with eager anticipation, embraced a sense of shared understanding. The royal siblings settled into a mix of excitement and patience, looking forward to the evening that promised both festivity and diplomatic intrigue. The meeting continued as King Darien outlined the arrangements for the ball, from the decorations and entertainment to the diplomatic protocols to be observed.The atmosphere in the hall shifted from initial buzz of questions to a focused discussion on the upcoming event. Kurumi, sitting attentively with a serene smile, absorbed the details. Although, she couldn't help but daydream about the extravagant night that was yet to come. Her thoughts drifting back and forth on the events that awaited her siblings. The two knights, Sir Thomas and Sir Alaric, exchanged glances as they both sensed the intricate dance of diplomacy that lay ahead. The knights were not only guardians of the realm, but also keen observers of the courtly intricacies that unfolded within the palace walls. The meeting concluded with a final reminder from their father about the significance of the evening. "Remember, my children, this ball isn't just a celebration; it's a step towards the future of our kingdom. Seraphina, Donovan, represent our legacy with grace." The royal family filed out of the meeting hall, leaving a trail of excitement and anticipation.As Kurumi headed towards the library, she couldn't help the smile that had formed on her face. The palace corridors echoed with the hustle and bustle of preparations for the grand event that would unfold as the sun dipped below the horizon. The impending ball had cast its enchanting spell on the palace, setting the stage for a night that would intertwine royal duties with the melodies of a melancholy waltz.-- -- -- --As night draped the palace in an air of anticipation, Kurumi found herself in her chambers, the soft glow of her overhead lights that radiated across the room. Lady Marissa was busy preparing a hot bath to ensure the princess felt refreshed for the evening's festivities. Kurumi was dressed in a delicate robe as she gazed out of her chamber window at the luminous Faewoods in the distance. The scent of rose and coconut mixed with the palace's gentle ambiance filled the air. The bathwater steamed invitingly. Lady Marissa turned to Kurumi with a gentle smile, "Your highness, the bath is ready. A moment of relaxation before the grand affair." The princess nodded appreciatively, the weight of royal responsibilities momentarily set aside. She removed her robe before submerging herself into the warm water, the cares of the day melting away. Marissa, with a soft elegance, assisted Kurumi, tending to every detail with a practiced hand. As Kurumi soaked in the tranquility of the bath, her thoughts turned to the upcoming ball and the potential futures entwined within its elegant threads.Tonight, the palace would become a stage for diplomacy and romance, and Kurumi prepared to step into the spotlight. The echoes of the enchanting night awaited her presence, and the waltz of destiny awaited its next dancer. Once Kurumi emerged from the soothing bath, Lady Marissa ushered her towards an array of ball gowns. The room was filled with the subtle scent of lavender, adding to the air of anticipation. Lady Marissa meticulously presented the dresses, Kurumi scanning her eyes along each of them before pointing out two that caught her eyes to which Marissa presented the two exquisite gowns, each whispering tales of elegance. The first, a dusty blue applique off-the-shoulder gown, adorned with delicate lace, hinted at an air of timeless sophistication. The second, an off-the-shoulder creation in light sage, exuded a soft, ethereal charm. Kurumi, her gaze caught between the two enchanting options, couldn't help but ask, "Marissa, which hairstyle do you think would compliment each gown?"With a thoughtful smile, the personal maid began her expert counsel. "For the dusty blue gown, Princess, a cascading half-up hairstyle would perfectly capture its timeless allure. It would frame your face delicately, adding an air of regal grace." Her fingers then traced the lines of the light sage gown. "As for this one, a loosely gathered updo would highlight the gown's ethereal quality. A few loose tendrils falling gracefully around your face would accentuate the dreamlike elegance." The princess deliberated, her mind weaving through the intricate possibilities. After a contemplative pause, she finally decided, "I'll go with the light sage gown and the loosely gathered updo. It feels fitting for the night's enchantment." With the choice made, Lady Marissa, ever the paragon of grace, began the process of turning the princess into a vision of beauty. The soft hum of the neoteric styling tools blended with the rustle of silk as preparations unfolded for a night where the palace would dance to the rhythm of both politics and the delicate steps of royal hearts.As Lady Marissa meticulously worked on Kurumi's hair and makeup, the ambiance in the room held a subtle symphony of excitement and elegance. With each stroke of the brush and every carefully placed strand, the transformation unfolded. The princess, now adorned in her chosen gown and heels, exuded an air of regal charm. Once the makeup and hair styling were complete, Lady Marissa added the final touches - mint opal earrings that caught the light in a delicate dance and a pale mint crystal necklace that graced Kurumi's neckline with understated grace. But the piece de resistance awaited in Lady Marissa's hands - a silver elvish Fleur De Lis crown. The intricate design sparkled with ethereal allure, leaving Kurumi speechless. She looked at her personal maid with a mixture of awe and gratitude. "Princess, this crown has been passed down through generations in the royal family," Lady Marissa explained with a soft smile. "Tonight, it graces your presence, carrying the legacy of those who came before you, your sisters, and your mother."Kurumi, touched by the significance of the heirloom, sat still as Marissa delicately placed the crown on her head. The silver filigree intertwined seamlessly with the updo, creating a captivating harmony. As the crown settled, Kurumi's reflection in the mirror revealed not just a princess, but a symbol of regal splendor. "Thank you, Lady Marissa," Kurumi expressed, her voice holding a sincere warmth. The room embraced a moment of silent admiration for the princess, whose radiance mirrored the glimmering elegance of the crown. A soft knock echoed in Kurumi's room, prompting her to stand and invite the visitor inside. The door swung open, revealing her father, King Darien. He entered with a regal presence, and his eyes immediately lit up as he took in the sight of his youngest daughter. "My dear, you look.. beautiful," he remarked, a warm smile playing on his lips. Kurumi blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and appreciation for her father's kind words."Stop it, that's quite embarrassing," she responded, attempting to downplay her own radiant appearance. "But I am only telling the truth. My, you look so much like your grandmother," he shared, a touch of nostalgia in his voice. Kurumi looked up to meet his gaze, noticing a slight glossiness in his eyes and it stirred emotions within her. "Father, don't you dare start to cry, for I am wearing makeup, and I would hate for Lady Marissa's hard work to be ruined," she teased, injecting a bit of humor into the moment. King Darien let out a hearty laugh, appreciating his daughter's wit. "You're right, my dear. I wouldn't want to ruin the masterpiece Lady Marissa created. But truly, you are a vision tonight. Now, shall we join the others?" With that, they left her room and the gentle hum of the palace festivities reached their ears, setting the stage for an evening of diplomacy and enchantment.The grand ballroom welcomed them with the melodic strains of a waltz, and an air of elegance and festivity enveloped the scene. King Darien guided Kurumi through the swirling dancers to join the rest of their family. Seraphina, in an emerald green gown, looked stunning with her strawberry red hair elegantly styled. Isabella wore a sapphire purple dress that complemented her dark hair, creating a captivating contrast. Donovan's ruby red ensemble accentuated his light brown hair, while Percival's dark orange attire matched his deep brown locks. Cedric, in charcoal gray, exuded a regal air with his blonde hair. The platinum crowns adorned the heads of the princesses, adding a touch of sophistication, while the boys' crowns shimmered in white gold, completing their royal ensembles. The family gathered, a vision of unity and grace, ready to partake in the enchanting dance of the evening.Queen Elara graced the ballroom in a captivating dusty pink gown that perfectly complemented King Darien's elegant olive green ensemble. The royal couple, an epitome of grace and harmony, added a touch of warmth to the regal atmosphere of the grand ball. The subtle coordination in their attire spoke volumes about their deep connection and shared elegance. Queen Elara embraced Kurumi, her words filled with maternal admiration. "My daughter, you look absolutely beautiful." Kurumi, blushing, responded, "Not you too, mother. Father already commented on my attire earlier." Isabella and Cedric shared amused glances, adding to Kurumi's embarrassment. Queen Elara held Kurumi at arm's length, her eyes sparkling with maternal pride. "Truly, Kurumi, you are the embodiment of grace and beauty tonight. The palace has never seen such radiance."Kurumi's cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, but her mother's warmth was undeniable. "Oh, hush, Mother. I'm just wearing a dress." Isabella and Cedric exchanged knowing glances again, their snickering only adding to Kurumi's rosy complexion. As the family shared a moment of laughter, the grandeur of the royal ball continued around them, with the enchanting music and the vibrant hues of the guests' attire creating a tapestry of celebration. As the melody of the grand ball echoed through the opulent hall, another royal family, adorned in regal attire, approached the Daeynore family. King Darien's eyes lit up with recognition, and he warmly gestured towards the approaching guests. "Ahaha, there you are!" King Darien exclaimed with genuine joy. "Family, this is King Orion and his wife, Queen Selene, from Kingdom Astralis. And this," he continued, introducing their elegantly dressed daughter, "is Princess Celestia."The family, with smiles gracing their faces, exchanged pleasantries with the Daeynore family, creating an atmosphere of unity among the kingdoms. "King Orion, Queen Selene, may I present my oldest daughter, Princess Seraphina, and my eldest son, Prince Donovan," King Darien announced with pride, gesturing towards his children. "I was hoping Princess Celestia might find some company in either of them tonight. What do you say, Celestia?" Princess Celestia's eyes flitted between Seraphina and Donovan, a thoughtful expression adorning her features. Finally, she turned her attention to Donovan, extending her hand gracefully. "Prince Donovan, would you honor me with a dance?" Donovan's face lit up with a warm smile as he accepted her invitation, taking her hand with a gentle nod. "I would be delighted, Princess Celestia." With that, the pair made their way to the center of the ballroom, joining the other couples on the dance floor in a graceful waltz.Seraphina let out a light sigh as she watched her brother, now in competition, walk off through the crowd with the neighboring kingdom's princess. With a subtle shake of her head, Kurumi turned her attention elsewhere, deciding to disperse from her family and head over to where the food and refreshments were being served at a grand table. As she approached the table, she greeted those already there with a warm smile and a nod of acknowledgment. The spread before her was both extensive and enticing, the array of dishes inviting her to indulge in their flavors. With permission to partake in whatever she desired, Kurumi's eyes danced over the delectable choices, taking in the artistry of the culinary creations. Before she could delve further into her culinary contemplation, a soft tap on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts. Turning around, Kurumi was met with Iveen's familiar smile."Good evening, Princess Kurumi, how are you this fine night?" Iveen questioned with a playful bow, eliciting a soft snort of amusement from Kurumi, who returned the gesture in kind. "I am doing well, thank you. And yourself, Iveen?" Kurumi replied, the two sharing a light giggle before their attention shifted to the bustling dance floor. Kurumi's gaze caught sight of her brother and the princess he was now accompanying, a flicker of curiosity crossing her features. Kurumi caught sight of her brother Donovan dancing gracefully with Princess Celestia amidst the crowd. She observed them for a moment, noting the way her brother's face lit up as they moved in sync with the music. Iveen followed Kurumi's gaze and gave a knowing smile. "Looks like your brother is enjoying himself." Kurumi nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He does seem happy. I hope Seraphina isn't feeling too competitive about this." Iveen chuckled."Seraphina is strong. She'll be fine." Kurumi tore her gaze away from the dance floor and turned back to the table, picking up a delicate pastry with glowing blue icing. "These look delicious. Have you tried them?" Iveen nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, they're amazing! Your chefs really outdid themselves." Kurumi took a bite and savored the sweetness, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "It's perfect. Just what I needed." As they continued to sample the food, a familiar figure approached. Sir Alaric, dressed in a formal dark suit with a hint of armor detailing, made his way to them. His presence, as always, commanded attention. "Enjoying the evening, Princess?" Sir Alaric asked, his tone polite but with a hint of warmth that wasn't always present. Kurumi nodded, swallowing the last of her pastry. "Yes, I am. The chefs did an incredible job." Iveen nudged Kurumi playfully."Don't let him scare you off from trying more. Sir Alaric, you should try the pastries. They're divine." Sir Alaric gave a small smile. "Maybe later. Right now, my duty is to ensure everything runs smoothly." Kurumi rolled her eyes slightly but couldn't help but smile. "You always say that. Take a moment to enjoy yourself too." Before Sir Alaric could respond, another familiar figure joined them. It was Prince Cedric, looking dashing in his charcoal gray suit. He greeted them with a broad smile. "Well, well, what do we have here? The princess, her knight, and her best friend all gathered around the food. Typical." Kurumi rolled her eyes at her brother. "Oh, hush. We're just enjoying the evening." Cedric turned to and winked at Iveen. "And how about you, Iveen? Enjoying the festivities?" Iveen smiled brightly. "Absolutely. It's a wonderful night." Cedric grinned at her before excusing himself to mingle with other guests, leaving the trio by the refreshment table.Sir Alaric looked at Kurumi and Iveen with a nod. "I must take my leave as well. Duty calls. But I hope you both enjoy the rest of the evening." As Sir Alaric turned to go, Kurumi quickly grabbed a small item wrapped in a napkin from the table and handed it to him. "Here, take this in case you get hungry." Sir Alaric accepted the offering with a raised brow and a playful smile. "Thank you, Princess. I'll make sure to savor it. But tell me, is this a bribe to ensure I don't pester you too much tonight?" Kurumi's face heated up, and she crossed her arms defensively. "Just take it and go, Sir Alaric. We wouldn't want you fainting from hunger while on duty." He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "As you wish, Your Highness. I'll treasure it as a gift from the most enchanting princess in the room." Kurumi's blush deepened, and she couldn't help but huff lightly. "Get going already, Sir Alaric."With a final, lingering smile, Sir Alaric bowed slightly. "Enjoy your evening, Princess Kurumi, Lady Iveen." He then disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kurumi standing there with her heart racing and Iveen giggling beside her. "Well, someone certainly knows how to make an impression," Iveen teased, nudging Kurumi playfully. Kurumi rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "He's impossible. But at least he's predictable." They both laughed softly, the music and chatter of the grand ballroom providing a delightful backdrop to their conversation. Iveen's eyes then sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer to Kurumi. "I've got an idea. Why don't we do something fun and unexpected tonight?" Kurumi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what exactly do you have in mind, Iveen?" With a playful grin, Iveen glanced around the ballroom before whispering conspiratorially, "How about we start an impromptu dance-off right here in the middle of the ballroom? We can challenge some of the guests to join us. It'll be a blast and definitely make tonight memorable."Kurumi's eyes widened, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling up inside her. "A dance-off? Here? Are you serious?" Iveen nodded eagerly. "Absolutely! It'll be fun, and it'll get everyone involved. Plus, you know how good we are at dancing. We'd totally steal the show." Kurumi couldn't help but laugh, the idea both thrilling and slightly reckless. "If any of my siblings catch us, they'll call me 'the wild princess' for sure." Iveen giggled, her excitement infectious. "Well, isn't that part of the fun? Come on, Kurumi, let's do it! Besides, it's not like we're leaving the ballroom. We're just adding a bit of our own flair to the party." Kurumi thought for a moment, then nodded, her adventurous spirit winning out. "Alright, let's do it. But if we get in trouble, I'm blaming you." Iveen beamed, grabbing Kurumi's hand. "Deal! Let's go and start some fun." The two girls made their way to the center of the ballroom, weaving through the crowd of elegantly dressed guests.They found a spot where they could draw attention, and Iveen turned to Kurumi with a wink. Kurumi took a deep breath, her heart racing with anticipation. "Alright, here goes nothing." Iveen started by clapping her hands rhythmically, catching the attention of those nearby. Kurumi joined in, and soon the clapping spread through the ballroom, creating a ripple of curiosity among the guests. The musicians picked up on the change in atmosphere and adjusted their music to a more upbeat tempo. "Who's up for a little friendly competition?" Iveen called out, her voice carrying over the music. "A dance-off to liven up the night!" A few guests exchanged amused glances, and some of the younger attendees, eager for a bit of fun, stepped forward. Kurumi and Iveen began to dance, their movements fluid and graceful, yet filled with energy and joy.The crowd watched in fascination, and soon others joined in, creating a spontaneous, lively dance-off in the heart of the grand ballroom. As Kurumi twirled and laughed with her friend, she felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration. She noticed her siblings watching from the sidelines, their expressions a mix of amusement and mild disapproval. Seraphina raised an eyebrow, and Cedric shook his head with a grin, clearly recognizing Kurumi's influence. The dance-off continued, laughter and cheers filling the room as more people joined in. Kurumi felt alive, the weight of her royal duties momentarily lifted. But the joyous atmosphere was abruptly interrupted. "What is going on here?" Percival's voice boomed through the ballroom, causing everyone to stop and turn towards him. Kurumi's other siblings stood behind him, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.Percival's eyes landed on Kurumi, and a scowl colored his face. "What is this nonsense?" he questioned as he walked over to the two girls. "It's nothing, Percival, we were just having a little fun," Kurumi tried to explain, her voice shaky with the sudden shift in atmosphere. "Having fun? Really? Is this what you call fun? Dancing around like a fool on a day meant for your oldest brother and sister?" Percival's tone was sharp and accusatory. "Percival, it's alright," Donovan tried to calm his brother. "Everyone in the room thought they were entertaining." The dark-haired prince snapped his head towards Donovan, his eyes blazing. "Entertaining? In what way is this entertaining? Nothing she does is that." Kurumi felt the sting of his words, her heart sinking. "Can't you just be a normal princess for just once in your life? Is that so hard to do?" Percival spat at her, his words piercing through her."Why must you be such a wild princess? Can't you just do what you're told for once?!" His voice was loud and it shook through Kurumi's body. She felt the tears well in her eyes as she stared at his furious expression. Her joy turned to anguish in an instant, the harsh reality of her position crashing down on her. "Percival, stop," Seraphina tried to interject, but her voice was drowned out by the tension. Kurumi's brows furrowed as she felt the sting of his words. Without another word, she turned away, her vision blurred by tears. She ran through the crowd, ignoring Seraphina and Donovan's voices calling after her. "Kurumi, wait!" "Please, come back!" But she didn't stop. She needed to escape, to find solace away from the judgmental eyes and stifling expectations. She sprinted through the palace corridors, her footsteps echoing against the ornate walls.The paintings and tapestries blurred in her vision, her focus solely on reaching the sanctuary of her room. Her heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm matching the frantic beat of her thoughts. As she turned the final corner, her breath came in ragged gasps. She could hear faint voices behind her, her siblings' calls growing more distant as she pushed herself forward. Finally, she reached her room and threw open the door, slamming it shut behind her. She leaned against it, the solid wood a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her. Sobs wracked her body, tears streaming down her cheeks as she slid to the floor. Her knees pulled to her chest, she buried her face in her arms, the weight of the evening crashing over her. The night that had started with so much promise had ended in heartbreak, leaving her feeling more alone than ever. The grandeur of the ball, the laughter, and the music now felt like a distant memory.She had hoped to find a moment of joy, a brief escape from her duties, but instead, she was reminded of her place and the expectations that came with it. The pain of her brother's harsh words cut deep, his disappointment and anger echoing in her mind. Kurumi's room, usually a place of comfort, felt suffocating. The walls seemed to close in on her, and the silence was deafening. She longed for a friend, a confidante to share her pain, but tonight, she felt utterly alone. The silver elvish fleur-de-lis crown, which had earlier filled her with pride, now felt like a symbol of her confinement. She reached up and gently removed it, setting it aside with trembling hands. Kurumi's sobs gradually subsided, replaced by a profound sense of exhaustion. She crawled to her bed, the plush covers offering a semblance of comfort. Curling up, she clutched a pillow to her chest, seeking solace in its softness.As her tears continued to fall, she whispered to herself, "Why can't they understand? Why can't they just let me be me?" In the dim light of her room, Kurumi felt the enormity of her world pressing down on her. The ball, meant to be a celebration, had become a stark reminder of her constraints. As sleep began to overtake her, she resolved that someday, she would find a way to balance her duties with her true self. But tonight, in the quiet solitude of her room, she allowed herself to grieve, to feel the pain and frustration that had built up inside her. And as the night wore on, Kurumi drifted into a restless sleep, her dreams filled with visions of freedom and the lingering hope that one day, she would be able to dance to her own melody without fear of judgment.