"Lord Jin Hustel, and Lady Melanie Alais has arrived!"
The doors open, to reveal the heir to the duchy and a lady from one of the richest families. But that's not their only titles...
"Who would've thought that the young master would go with someone who barely shows themselves to the high society?" a woman whispered.
"Maybe for his money?" Another replied.
"But she's already rich? Maybe Lord Jin needs a wife to inherit the duchy." A man whispered.
Rumours floated around the room, some were positive, and some were negative.
Melanie and Jin heard everything, but simply proceeded to enter together.
"My they look quite stunning." A noble said.
"Don't they?" A man said from behind.
"Oh my!" The noble was surprised, "Lord Cyro!"
Cyro chuckled before rushing towards Melanie and Jin.
"Wow, look at you two. If it was me entering with Lady Melanie, It'd be a much extravegant entrance." Cyro teased.
"Are you saying you're better than me?" Jin replied.
Cyro scratched his ears and started looking around, completely ignoring Jin.
"Who are you looking for?" Melanie asked.
"Where are your twins?" He replied.
"Oh, now that I think about it..." Melanie said as she looked around. "Over there." She pointed at the food area.
The twins entered before them, only high nobles get their names announced during entrances. They already got a head start on the snacks.
"Look at those kids~" Cyro laughed. "Ah, until when are you two gonna keep holding hands like that-"
Melanie and Jin immediately seperate from their locked arms, and looked away embarassed.
"Ohh?" Cyro continued to tease.
"Why do I feel like I'm missing something?" Melanie mumbled.
"What did you say?" Cyro said.
"Nothi-" She was cut off.
"His Majesty the emperor, and his imperial highnesses has arrived!"
!!!
The big doors opened, revealing the main characters of the ball... The Imperial Family.
Melanie blocked her eyes with the back of her hand because they were so...
"How radiant!" A woman said
"Are they human?! They look so gorgeous!"
"His majesty is growing old, yet he looks nothing like his age!"
"The princess and prince look so stunning!"
Compliments filled the room, everyone was astonished by them.
"I can't see anything." Melanie said.
"I wish you were joking, but they are truly stunning." Jin replied.
"Thank you all for coming here today. I am quite excited for this grand ball, and I won't say much. I just want everyone to enjoy!" The emperor said outloud.
The brightness was dimming down, everyone was getting used to it.
'Peter is a spitting image of His majesty... He looks just fine though, I thought he was sick?' Melanie thought.
"Melanieee!" Lilianne rushed to Melanie as she lifted her skirt to prevent herself from tripping.
"You look so pretty!" Lilianne smiled.
Melanie stared at her for a moment, "Is that a compliment?" she asked.
"Of course it is, why wouldn't it be?" Lilianne replied.
'Is she unaware of her beauty???' Melanie sighed.
"You're prettier." Melanie said as she placed her hand on Lilianne's shoulder.
"Kyaa! How charming~" Lilianne cheered.
It looked like Melanie had shades on, not because she looked cool but because she was being blinded by Lilianne.
"What are you two doing?" Peter approached them.
Melanie bowed, "Greetings to his highne-" she got cut off.
"Do you need something?" Peter said.
Melanie immediately placed her hand on his shoulder, "Master, how much does your outfit cost? I think I could buy hundreds of bakeries from this suit." she said.
She looked down on his chest, and saw the brooch she gave him. Melanie glanced on Lilianne's wrist and she was also wearing the dream stone bracelet.
Melanie stayed quiet, she was touched.
"So it all comes down to money~" Cyro teased.
"Aren't you going to greet the other nobles?" Melanie telling Cyro and Peter off.
Jin had already went off to greet his father.
Melanie puts her hand down, "Or perhaps you'd rather stay with the beauties of the ball?" posing, as if she was reffering to herself and Lilianne.
"Over my dead bod-" Cyro was cut off by Peter hitting his arm.
"You are truly a beauty." He said.
"???" Melanie was confused.
Until, Peter immediately looked at Lilianne after he said that.
"This boy-" Melanie was pissed.
They were all laughing, and having some fun.. until..
"Hey, isn't that the princess?" A young lady gosspied.
"Didn't she kick you out of her tea party?"
"Hey that's Lady Melanie, are they friends now?"
"No way- who'd wanna be friends with that princess." They chuckled.
Lilianne sighed, but she immediately made a bright face incase they would worry.
"How shameless." Cyro said.
"I shall punish them immediately." Peter said, but Melanie grabbed his arm.
"If you do, your reputation will plunder. The Imperial family must keep their poise even with reckless rumors. I'll handle it." Melanie said, letting go of his arm.
"My, it's been awhile... ladies." Melanie approached them, with a warm tone and expression.
"O-oh, Lady Melanie... greetings." They suddenly tense up.
"You know, I happened to hear someone talking badly about her highness. And it was coming from here, did I happen to mishear it?" Melanie acted innocent.
"Indeed. How could we, that would be treason." The ladies start to underestimate Melanie.
"We're quite offended you're accusing us of talking badly about her highness. Shouldn't we deserve an apology?" A noble woman said, as they smirk.
"Really...? But what if I told you there were witnesses who heard so? Ladies these days tend to gossip very loudly. And when they get caught, they deny it like little snakes." Melanie's expression turned cold.
"E-excuse me?! How dare you call me a snake!" A noble woman said outloud.
Everyone was noticing the quarrel, even the twins who were busy munching on food. They wanted to rush in to help Melanie, but Cyro stopped them.
Melanie disliked being the center of attention, but 'What's a party without a little drama?' She thought.
"I apologize for interrupting, but how about we all calm down." A woman appeared.
She had lush pink hair, and dazzling ocean blue eyes.
'Ah, how could I forget.' Melanie thought.
Rebecca Mint, eldest daughter of Duke Mint. She's a popular noble in high society. She had connections everywhere, and one of Gracey's hardest opponents.
She's inlove with Jin, and once she saw Gracey spending time with him, she did all she could to ruin her life.
"Lady Rebecca, it's a pleasure to meet you here." Melanie smiled.
"Same goes to you Lady Melanie, but I think you should calm down first?" She replied.
"Pardon? You want me to calm down?" Melanie asked.
"Yes, it seems as if you were accusing these girls.. with no evidence." Rebecca gave an expression, only a victim would give.
'I see.. she wouldn't get involved in the story this early on. But since I came to this party as Jin's partner...' Melanie thought.
"Oh my, did you hear that? Lady Melanie was causing a ruckus!"
"What can you expect from someone who doesn't attend to social gatherings alot."
"She's similar to her father, how unfortunate." People began to gossip.
Melanie couldn't help but chuckle. She was almost at her limit.
"Has she finally lost it?" Cyro whispered.
"I'm surprised she hasn't tried to choke her yet." Peter whispered back.
"I appreciate your concern, Lady Rebecca. But the one at fault isn't for you to decide." Melanie's tone turned serious.
"The same applies to you Lady Melanie." Rebecca replied.
"Indeed, but her highness can." Melanie said bluntly, sending shivers down their spine.
"What are you saying..?" Rebecca was flustered.
"My, didn't you think this through? Her highness is the victim here. I was only trying to defend her. She can point out who hurt her, isn't that right.. your highness?" Melanie said.
Lilianne was angry, it didn't show on her face but she was frustrated. Not because of the rumors of her, nor is it because Melanie suddenly mentioned her.
She had been holding back alot of emotions, through out the years she was harassed by nobles. Ever since she met Melanie, none of their opinions had mattered. She was only truly happy.
But when nobles started gossiping about Melanie... she snapped.
"That's right." Lilianne replied.
The noble ladies flinch, even Peter and Cyro were surprised. Lilianne doesn't stand up for herself. But this time, even the emperor had noticed. He did not want to get involved, since Melanie was only defending his daughter.
But seeing how Lilianne got confidence in herself...
Lilianne gave a cold glare, "I could mention their titles... their names... and what they did to me. I was only lenient on them because they are still my people. But if they are narrow minded, why should I keep forgiving them?" she said.
The noble ladies were shivering in fear, Rebecca was frozen.
Melanie couldn't help but smile, she was proud of Lilianne's development.
"Listen here, if I hear a single gossip about Melanie I will behead you myself." Lilianne said.
'?!?! What?! I thought she was standing up for herself??' Melanie was so shoked her expression drastically changed.
People started to whisper about her statement.
"Aren't you going to do something about this your highness? Princess Lilianne's statement was a bit too-" Cyro paused as he saw Peter's expression.
It seemed like Peter wanted to do the same thing.
"Guards, please take these ladies away." Lilianne said, as the guards immediately drag them away.
Rebecca was traumatized, she didn't expect this to happen. The last thing she saw as the door closed was Melanie. 'I'll kill you.' she thought.
The room was rather noisy, due to the commotion.
The emperor stood up, and clapped his hands, "Music!" he said. As the orchestral music played.
Everyone was slowly forgetting the incident, and the party was going back to normal.
'That was unusually quick-' Melanie thought.
Lilianne started sulking, Melanie smiled and said, "I proud of you."
"Go greet the nobles before you ruin the makeup you were so happy about." Peter said dragging Lilianne away.
"Then, I'll go greet some lovely ladies~" Cyro waved.
"Master, are you okay?" Ethan asked.
"Yes, you two go back. I need to talk to someone." Melanie replied.
She then roamed around, and finally found her.
"Greetings, Duchess Hustel." Melanie bowed.
"Oh my, Lady Melanie. You look lovely!" She replied.
"Thank you, Duchess. You look quite stunning yourself." She smiled.
Duchess Hustel, also known as Jin's mother. She may be included in his cursed family, but she truly cares for Jin. She's only being tied down by the duke, and that's why Melanie approached her to give her a boost.
"I'm glad you came with Jin, I was worried he'd come alone again." The Duchess chuckled.
"Oh, I'm thankful since he invited a girl like me." Melanie stayed humble.
"What are you saying? I have heard lots of good things about you, I wish I had a daughter like you." She replied.
Jackpot, all Melanie needed to do was gain her trust even more to the point where the duchess would ask her for advice.
...
An hour had passed, Melanie learned quite a few things about the duchess. One is that she's handling the duchy's income, and two she's been diagnosed with a sickness and is being treated by Zyn.
It could be useful information in the future, 'I need dirt on your husband~ Please talk crap about him to me!' Melanie thought.
"I feel very comfortable around you Lady Melanie." The duchess smiled.
"I also feel the same, I hope you don't feel offended, but you remind me of my late mother. She was kind and sweet like you." Melanie replied.
The duchess had stayed quiet.
'Oh no? Did I mess up?' Melanie became anxious.
The duchess pulled Melanie into an embrace, "I'm honored, if you want... please consider me like your own mother."
She let go, and smiled.
'Oh. my. goodness.' Melanie's face turned bright.
"Thank you very much, duchess." She replied.
A man behind them cleared his throat, "Greetings, mother." Jin said.
"Oh, Jin. I'm glad you're here, I was talking to Melanie, isn't she so lovely?" The duchess said.
'Oh no, you can't say that. You'll make Jin feel inferior!' Melanie thought, as she looked back.
...?
Jin's expression was far from feeling inferior. He smiled, "I couldn't agree more."
Melanie was in a daze, 'Just what is happening..?!' she thought.
The duchess was surprised, Jin has never smiled like that before. And without Melanie knowing, the duchess had completely trusted her.
"My apologies mother, I'd like to take my partner now." Jin said.
"Oh, of course." The duchess smiled.
"Would you like to dance with me?" He asked, as he offered his hand.
Melanie smiled, as she placed her hand on his. "Yes." she replied.
As they head to the dance floor.
The music changed, and some nobles had entered the dance floor.
They began dancing, and Melanie was surprised.
'This body... is a dancing genuis!' She thought.
"You're quite good at dancing Lady Melanie." Jin said.
"I know." Melanie chuckled.
As they danced, people started to notice them.
They danced to gracefully, everyone was stunned and watched them. It was as if they were made for eachother.
"I wish I could dance with Melanie." Lilianne sulked.
Peter chuckled, as he watched over them. They truly looked beautiful.
As the song went on, Jin hesitated to ask. "How was my mother?"
"She was kind, and honest." Melanie replied.
"I see." Jin didn't believe it.
"While we were talking, she said some things about you." Melanie said.
Jin's expression turned dark, "Did she say to take care of me, since I was a dissapointment?" He said.
Melanie smiled, "She said, she has the greatest son in the world. And that she's extremely proud of him."
Jin's eyes widen, "There's no way..." his voice lowered.
"I agree with her, I also think Lord Jin. So he should stop thinking badly of himself, and be proud." Melanie gave a warm smile.
Jin's eyes were fixated on her, the music had stopped and their dance came to and end.
Melanie's words echoed in his head, 'I should..be proud?' he thought.
'I can't... that's why I live in hell. They're never proud of me.' He thought, reffering to his parents.
Until... "I also think that Lord Jin is great!"
He smiled, "Thanks." he mumbled.
"Hey, dance with me." Peter suddenly approached them.
"Why should I?" Melanie teased.
"How much do you need?" He replied.
"I WAS JOKING-" She said, as she grabbed his hand to go and dance.
Music started playing again, and it was Peter's turn to dance with her.
"I'm surprised you're keeping up with me." He said.
"I know I'm good at dancing, tch." She replied.
As they danced, people were more invested in this one. The crown prince dancing with another woman other than Princess Lilianne.
Some people think they're lovers, while most think they're friends.
Melanie glaced around the audience, and saw something that made her eyes widen.
"What's wrong?" Peter asked.
Melanie's gaze was stuck there...Gracey has met Jin.
'Oh my goodness this is important!' She thought as her gaze became sharper.
"What are you even looking at?" Peter said, as he looked at the direction where she was looking.
"Isn't that Jin? Oh? That woman looks familiar." He said.
"Gracey Saures, we met her the day we became friends." Melanie replied.
"Ah, I remember she asked me to eat with her." He nonchalantly said.
"Excuse me?! Why didn't you say yes?!" Melanie replied.
"Why would I?" He replied.
Melanie sighed, as she looked back at them. Gracey bowed and walked away.
'WHAT?? Gracey is supposed to be dancing with him!' Melanie was overwhelemed.
Melanie looked pale, 'This is so stressful' she thought.
The music finally stopped, "Are you okay? Should I call a doctor?" Peter said.
"No, but I need an eye doctor, because those two kids look familiar." Melanie said as she looked behind Peter.
Peter turned his back, "Oh, they do look familiar." he said.
Melanie and Peter approach them, a teenage boy and a young girl.
As if they've seen the dirty blonde hair and radiant ruby red eyes before.
"Oh! Greetings Prince Peter." They bow.
An older woman who looked like them approached them with a smile.
"Queen Samson, it's an honor to meet you." Peter bowed.
"No need to be formal dear, I'd like to introduce to you my children. Zero and Olivia, they were taken away from me, but thankfully we found them here." The queen nonchalantly said.
'Did she just say her children was taken away and was last seen here? Is there going to be war?' Melanie's thoughts were woozy.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that-" Peter was cut off.
"No worries, if I was mad I wouldn't be here. My children insisted they come and meet you two." She smiled.
'You two? Even me?' Melanie thought.
Zero stared at Melanie, she could feel the intense gaze and couldn't help but feel awkward.
"Don't you remember? You gave me that bag of gold coins. And his highness was going to punish me" Zero said.
"Now now, mind your manners." Queen Samson said.
Peter and Melanie flinched, as they recalled. The homeless teenager who stole Melanie's pouch while she was in town. She bumped into Peter who tried to punish him, but Melanie forgave him.
'Wow, fate is scary sometimes.' Melanie thought.
"Thank you... Lady Melanie." The little girl said hiding behind her brother.
"Oh, it's nothing... I just saw how desperate Prince Zero was to feed his sister. Luckily I had his higness with me as my wallet." She jokingly said.
The queen found it funny, and said "I'm truly grateful. If you hadn't given them your gold, my precious daughter Olivia would have died."
What happened after Melanie gave her gold, was Olivia became really sick. Zero did his best to find a doctor, and luckily they did find one. And that doctor was from their birth kingdom. And that's how they reunited with their parents.
"Is there anything you want? I owe you everything." The queen said.
"Oh no, I don't need anything..." Melanie replied.
"Please, I insist."
"Well, can I maybe reserve it for next time? May I ask for your help if I need it?" Melanie said.
Queen Samson smiled, "Of course." she replied.
"Melanie!" Lilianne waved from afar.
"Oh, please excuse us." Melanie bowed, so did Peter as they head to Lilianne.
"What is it?" Melanie said.
"Let's go somewhere noble free, this place is suffocating." Lilianne said, as she held a wine glass.
"Aren't you a noble?" Melanie said.
"ehh-" Lilianne shrugged.
"Here you are." Cyro appeared with Jin.
"Jin, I saw you with that Lady Gracey. She approached me in an impolite manner, how was she with you?" Lilianne asked.
'Gracey did...?' Melanie thought.
"She just said I looked extraordinary and asked me to dance. But I refused since I was talking with an important noble." He replied.
"Well, let's just get some fresh air." Lilianne said, as they all head to the private hallway.
They went inside, and it was empty. The hallway was dark, and the only thing lighting it was the moonlight shining from the windows.
As they finally reach the open balcony, they see it was occupied.
The door was slightly open, the Emperor was there, along with Zyn and Marquess Alais.
'Why is father there...?' Melanie thought.
"Broth-" Before Cyro could call Zyn, Jin immeidately blocked his mouth.
It seems like the conversation was serious, so they decided to listen.
"Daniel, I don't understand what you're trying to say." The Emperor said.
Daniel, is Marquess Alais' first name.
"Please... your majesty." Zyn said.
Everyone could see everything as they peeked through the small gap.
"Hey, what's happening?" Lilianne whispered.
"I don't know." Peter whispered back.
!!!
Marquess Alais and Zyn suddenly went down their knees.
"What the-!" Cyro said in a loud whisper.
"Please allow us to officially conduct a research on the illness Gelidus!" Zyn said.