CHAPTER 17

I TOLD MY FATHER about the nightmares I've been having since that night. I couldn't hide it any longer because of the anxiousness welling inside of me.

He fell silent at first as he hugged me. I didn't realize I was holding my breath that time that I only sighed in relief after hearing his reassuring words.

"Even if Eilisha did come back, I still won't throw you away. You're also my daughter, so please don't forget that, Elisse."

My eyes fluttered close as I tried to relax myself. I had to or I would get scolded by Marina again for stressing myself. It's already the day of the ball, so I must focus.

I started the day by receiving a full-body massage from Marina and Scarlet. The other servants had volunteered to help, and I declined quickly. But Marina had them help by preparing the things I'll need, like the bathtub I'll be using.

The full body massage went on for a couple of hours. They said that it was needed because I will not just be attending the ball as a guest, but also a debutante like any other noble. So, I had to endure it.

"Master, aren't you hungry?" Ebony asked. He hid in the cabinet beside my bed.

No one had seen him yet, so he can't just crawl anywhere, or he will get squashed. I am. But Marina forbids me from eating anything.

"Is that really necessary when attending a ball? Master's already pretty and physically fit for these things."

I wonder what this spirit needs. You're right. If only they could hear you. Tsk.

"Too bad they cannot. Anyway, master, can I roam around the mansion and eat some useless shadow?" Somehow, I can imagine his weird grin.

I sighed. I knew it. Just come back quickly and don't let anyone see you.

"As you wish, master!" He exclaimed. Ebony quickly disappeared into thin air as soon as he got my permission.

Is he that excited to eat? He just ate a couple of shadows yesterday, and now he's hungry again. Just how big is this spirit's stomach? Wait. Do they even have one?

"My lady. Marina asked me to bring this to you." Scarlet placed a tray on the table in front of me.

We just finished the body massage, and they asked me to rest for a moment before I take a bath. I smiled as I saw the food that Scarlet bought for me.

It wasn't a full course meal, but it was enough to satisfy a hungry lady like me. I happily munch on the sandwich and cookie on the tray. I cleared up all the food and finished my tea as well.

A sigh of contentment escaped my lips as I continued to rest on the couch. I'm not specifically excited for this ball since I didn't want to debut in the first place.

As soon as Marina got back to my room, they quickly helped me with my bath. I was washed diligently and carefully by my two reliable maids. It feels nice to be pampered like this occasionally, but at the same time it's making me feel drowsy.

"Don't fall asleep, my lady! We only have two hours to get your makeup done," Marina reminded me.

I blinked a couple of times then Scarlet stood up. "I'm adding the oil now."

I huffed as I watched her pour the rose-scented oil in the tub. My half-lidded eyes stared at the wall in front of me. I did my best not to fall asleep once again, even if the drowsiness was really dragging me away.

"We're almost done, my lady," Marina said as they helped me with my dress.

It was the dress that I personally requested from Miss Lacrosse. I smiled as I watched myself from the full-body mirror in front of me.

The dress looked elegant and sophisticated, so I couldn't help but stare in awe at my reflection. It was a violet dress with see-through ruffled sleeves, embroidered with lavender butterflies at the chest and at the lower skirt part of the dress.

Since the skin on my neck and my shoulder line was exposed, they matched my dress with a purple-laced amethyst choker necklace and a pair of amethyst earrings. They put my hair into a simple braid bun and placed a small violet flower pin on the side.

As soon as I was done, the two escorted me out of my room. My make up wasn't light, nor was it too thick. It was just enough to enhance my natural beauty.

"I've never seen someone who's more beautiful than my little sister. Come give your brother a hug." Kaiser teased me as soon as I descended the stairs.

I sneered at him and went beside the duke instead.

"My daughter looks marvelous tonight. I'm afraid I might have to guard you, so no arrogant fool would approach you so carelessly." I wonder what cheese the duke ate tonight.

And before I could forget, I quickly called Marina and Scarlet closer. They were both holding the small boxes that I bought from the jewelry store the other day. I completely forgot about them last time and only remembered it earlier.

"Just a moment," I said. I took the small red box from Marina then handed it to the duke. Then I took the other small boxes and handed them to the other punks.

"You don't have to wear it or keep it if you don't want to. I'm just giving it as a gift," I said, looking away as if to hide a blush forming on my cheeks.

I shouldn't be feeling embarrassed about this given that it is I who initiated the gift, and there were none from them.

We were supposed to use two carriages, but the duke insisted that we should ride in the large carriage together. I couldn't reject his request and ended up riding with them.

I sat in between him and Kaiser while the other two sat across from us. The duke already changed his cufflinks and wore the ones I gave him. While the other three wore the brooches on their chests as well.

I honestly thought that the other two punks would throw it away.

"Next time, you can tell us if you wish for anything. We will do our best to give it to you," the duke said, tapping the back of my hand to assure me.

I smiled at him then leaned closer to whisper. "Thank you, father." I know he was taken aback by what I said, but I know that he earned back that title.

WE ARRIVED AT THE Moon Palace where the ball was held. The Moon Palace was built close to the main palace and that palace is used for balls and celebrations like this.

I unconsciously squeezed father's arm as we went inside. The attendant announced our arrival, and I couldn't help but hold my breath as the door to the ballroom hall opened.

I wasn't nervous nor was I excited. I was just overwhelmed by the people inside.

"There's a lot of people in here, master. Won't you feel suffocated or drained?" Ebony asked worriedly.

Since he was small, he managed to hide somewhere in the bun part of my hair. He must have felt the anxiousness I was trying to hide.

I will be fine. Hopefully. Just behave well.

We went to the spot reserved for the Eveningstars, and I quickly took a seat on one of the chairs. My head already feels heavy with all the people here.

"Elisse." Father glanced at me with a worried gaze. "I'll be going to talk with the other nobles in the meantime. Can you wait here for me?" he asked.

I could already feel him sulking. "I understand, father. I'll wait here."

"Alright. I'll be back right away." He gently patted my head then he went to the direction where the other noblemen were.

I glanced at the other punks, who were now staring at me. "I'm alright. You can go to your groups or friends or whatever."

"I'll be back quickly, Elisse. I just need to greet some people," Kaiser said. "Don't move around too much, okay?" He's just like father.

"Yes. I won't move an inch if ever or I'll go to the balcony."

"If someone approaches you, especially a man, just turn them down right away," Eclipse said with a firm tone.

"Don't let anyone dance with you. I want to be your first dance tonight, alright?" Kaiser's claiming the first dance already. You have to beat father first.

I only frowned at them as they left. Then I turned my attention to the last one who's now sitting beside me. "Aren't you going with them?"

Caspian clicked his tongue then he crossed his arms as he pressed his back against the soft material of the chair. "I'll keep my eyes on you, so you won't get into trouble." Then he looked away.

I only shrugged and didn't bother giving him an answer. Answering him would only lead to another series of us bickering. Instead, I rested my back as well against the soft material of the chair. My hands were placed on my lap as I looked around.

My head would gently turn and twist in other directions as I silently observed the place. The ballroom looked like a shining place for people who live in a spotlight-kind of life.

The intricate and lavish designs decorating the room mimic the grand lives of the nobles participating in this kind of event, us included.

I noticed some younger nobles throwing glances at me. They looked as if they wanted to approach me or talk to me. But no. I don't want to talk with anyone.

I tilted my head on either side as my gaze fell on the other older nobles who looked overly dressed like this big room. They were all busy chatting and socializing with the others as if all of them were good friends.

But of course, behind those sweet smiles and sugar infused words were envious people who intend to nitpick on the less active ones or put down the most active ones.

There's no in between with the people they target and use as their topic. They usually do that to make themselves feel better. I know a lot since I've been introduced to some sort of hosting party before by one of my tutors.

Amidst the sea of people in front of me, a familiar face caught my attention.

"Elisse. Don't move an inch from this spot. I'll be back quickly." I heard Caspian saying. I only nodded my head. I couldn't spare him a glance because I was too focused on the familiar man I saw just now.

His silver blue hair was neatly swept back, exposing his broad forehead. He was leaning against the wall at the corner part of the room, a spot like mine, but he was visible enough to look at. And for some reason, he feels familiar. His physique looked familiar as well.

"Is that Rin?" I murmured softly. Why do I even think of that person?

Just as the man turned his gaze at me, as if noticing my presence, another nuisance appeared beside me.

"Lady Eveningstar! It's good to see you." It was that prince I met back in the mansion.

We hadn't seen each other after that incident, but he doesn't seem to take it to heart. I stood up and greeted the prince. "Elisse Eveningstar humbly greets the third prince."

"You didn't have to do that, my lady. Please feel free to act more comfortably," he suggested.

Now I couldn't hide the frown on my face when the man I was looking at just a while ago had completely disappeared from my sight.

"What brings Prince Cassius here?" I inquired, turning my attention to the nuisance beside me.

The prince sat on the empty spot that Caspian left. He was still smiling. Somehow, he resembles Kaiser.

"I saw how lonely you were that I've decided to accompany you for a while." His smile says otherwise.

I tilted my head a little, glancing behind him. There were a few ladies staring at him expectantly.

"You mean, you're trying to avoid the other ladies?"

The prince laughed. "As expected, my lady is quite sharp." He sighed softly.

I only shrug at him as I focus my gaze back at the ballroom. On the contrary of the eventful ball unfolding in front of us, the people pressed against the walls, like me, looked like human decorations. Or like a wallflower.

They're probably outcasted by the others or they just don't like to interact with the nobles.

"I honestly sneaked in here to talk to you. I suggest for the lady to leave this place before the emperor arrives." I carefully glanced at him because of his words.

His eyes were full of emotion that I couldn't understand, and his voice was low and firm, as if he only wanted me to hear it.

"Is there any problem, Prince Cassius?"

As if the devil had granted the opposite of the prince's wish, the attendant suddenly announced the arrival of the emperor.

"Arriving, the Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor Isaiah Lucrix la Celesté. And with His Highness the Second Prince, Prince Louis Lucrix la Celesté."

My heart pounded. I abruptly stood up and bowed. I tried breathing softly to calm the uneasiness slowly rising inside of me. I glanced at Prince Cassius and frowned when I found no one beside me.

How can he quickly disappear like that?

"Master. More importantly, I think you should listen to that man's words. I can feel something ominous in the air," Ebony suggested.

But it was already too late to escape from here, especially when the emperor spoke again. The next thing that unfolded in front of me almost made me faint.

"I personally thank everyone who attended this marvelous event. And to top it off, I'd like to give a present to Duke Eveningstar and his family." The emperor made a hand gesture to the attendant then he made another announcement.

"Announcing the arrival of Lady Eilisha Eveningstar."

A lady about my height and age appeared beside the emperor. She was wearing a carnation dress adorned with beautiful gems. Her long dark hair fluttered on her back as she greeted everyone with formal curtsy.

"I am Eilisha Eveningstar, the only lady of HouseEveningstar. Humbly greeting everyone."