Wreath of Lilies, Cauldron of Poison

Chapter 79

The Beginning of the Long Ball

“Connie. I – I don’t think I can do this.”

“Oh? Where is that cold aloofness you usually have, my dear Illumca?” Connie laughed warmly while the carriage took them to the Palace.

“You aaare…stunning. Quite…stunning,” Allenca spoke from her seat.

“I have to agree,” Martell said out loud in agreement from where he was sitting, which was outside with the driver. “Although it makes me ill to have to agree to that.”

Illumca hit the back of his chair twice in reply, eliciting a singger from the young beastfolk.

“Urgh, Connie. Can I not? There are so many people in there. Disgusting, smelly people with unpleasant eyes,” she said again in plea. She really disliked people other than Connie eyeing her with desire. “And when I feel their eyes on me, I feel so disgusted that I just want to hurt someone.”

“Well, you have to rein in it. Remember. We are there for work. And entertainment,” she eyed Allenca, who stared at her reproachfully. “Mostly for work.”

That night, the front of the Palace was filled with carriages of all shapes and sizes. The richer guests used richly decorated and extravagant ones while the less fortunate guests used plainer ones.

Balls had always been a way to flaunt one’s status, to show how rich they were. No holds were barred, no expense was too much. Especially for something this special. Even the footmen were told to use their best uniform. Mostly new, as one could see from the stiffness of their collars and the uncomfortable way they kept shifting on their unbroken boots.

As soon as a guest arrived, a member of the Palace Servants would lead them up the steps crafted from hundred years old marble and across a large hall illuminated by beautiful chandeliers, where 6 Knights in full armor - 3 from White Lions and 3 from Blue Dragons - stood guard along the sides of the carpeted floor, ceremonial swords on their belt. The hustle and bustle of servants around them did nothing to disturb their focus.

After which they were led to the Audience Chamber and had their full title and names announced by an elderly servant wielding a staff decorated with a small Calendian banner.

The Audience Chamber had been lavishly decorated with the national color of Calendia. Blue and white. The opulent marble pillars supporting the structure had blue cloths wound around them, with pieces of precious corals stuck to the sides.

At the center was a giant chandelier; as old as the Castle and powered by magic, illuminating the hall with soft, white light.

Deep blue cloths hung from the stem of the chandelier to every part of the ceilings, even the giant windows were covered with cloths of the same color, giving the guests the impression that they were partying under the sea.

The Ball had been going on for an hour and the musicians was on their second movements, yet there was no sign of the Maiden. However, the food was scrumptious and the wine was good and free flowing so there was no dissent from the guests. Other than the fact that they had unconsciously gathered into many different circles. For those without a clique, it was hard for them to mingle.

One of these people was Joan Carell.

Despite the secretive public knowledge of her promiscuity, Joan Carell still needed to uphold her image in the High Society, therefore she did not take an escort to the Ball and instead chose to come alone. And yet no one had approached her.

Dressed in an elegant red dress with Kuruppu Feathers on the hem, she was quite a beauty. And again, no one had approached her.

One reason was because of her rumors, and the other was because she had to concentrate on holding back; as recently her desires to do unmentionable things were getting very hard to rein in. Even just now, she had taken a footman and did him in her carriage. After which she doused herself in copious amount of perfume to hide the smell of men on her.

Just then, she heard a melodious voice called her name.

And there in front of her stood the Crown Prince and his would-be wife.

Young, beautiful, with a smile as innocent as a newborn babe. Her youthful face and small lips gave her the look of someone younger than her age. Her luscious, curly brown hair flowed down to her petite waist which was covered in an aquamarine dress with flared bottom which made her seem to glide across the floor like a mermaid.

Even Joan Carell knew that in an event such as this, the color blue should only be worn by the Maiden of Water, and in a lesser extent, the Church Knights. Either she was naïve or she was exerting her influence. And the widow knew that she was anything but naïve. This was proven by the fact that no one dared to criticize her.

“Good Evening, Lady Carell.”

“Good Evening, Lady Serin. And to you as well, Prince Mikael.”

“Yes, yes. Good Evening Lady Carell,” Mikael said rather impatiently. For some reason he kept turning his head towards the direction of the throne.

“Forgive us, we were just greeting Prince Abbas and his entourage. The Hero of Al-Khemiya is such a shy person,” she continued. “But then we saw you. It just wouldn’t do for us not to greet the wife of the late Duke Steelheart. He is after all, a devoted champion of the Kingdom.”

“Please do not worry. Ah, have you greeted the Hero of Vorzenny yet? I hear he is a very charming man.”

“Unfortunately, not yet. He has been busying himself with introducing himself to everyone in the room,” Serin nodded at a man in brown dress uniform who was kissing the hand of a blushing young maiden.

“He is very popular. I heard a lot of the ladies talking very positively about him.” she said helpfully. “But he is nothing compared to the Crown Prince, I’m sure,” The curve on her lips cramped up when her effort did not elicit any reply from the Prince.

Feeling rather awkward, the woman did not know how to act. Thankfully, the attentive young woman asked her a question. “Ah, now that I think about it. Where is Lady Cornelia? I was sure that she would attend this event.”

“You know her, Lady Serin. She is an uncouth young lady,” the woman answered quickly, not missing a beat. Just thinking about her somehow makes her nervous and she glanced back for an instant.

“Oh. That’s a bit too harsh,” she said in return, not refuting or supporting her word. “But that is such a shame,” the young woman said with a tilt of her head.

“She does not fit this wonderful event. It is good that she knows her place.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. I was looking forward to see her,” the brunette laughed politely. “Isn’t that right, Prince?”

“Y-yes. Of course. A shame that she will miss the event,” Mikael said, his expression sour.

“Now that I think about it, she is quite late, isn’t she? The Maiden, I mean,” Lady Serin said conversationally. “And I thought that a person of the Faith would be a more punctual person. Seeing all the prayers that they do.”

“You are quite right, Lady Serin,” Joan agreed, noting the innocent yet barbed comment she made.

It was then that they heard the announcement coming from the direction of the entrance.

“Announcing Her Eminence, The Maiden of Water, Lady Allenca Viandros of the Junnaveil Church,” the announcer’s voice was still, without any trembling, proof of his skill.

At hearing this name, all attention of the guests turned to the figures standing by as they waited to be announced.

“And Her Grace, Lady Cornelia Asterium Steelheart of the House of Steelheart,” the announcer paused for a bit, before bellowing another name. “And Lady Illumca Fir Liban of the Liban Clan.”

“What? 3 people?”

“Did I hear that right? That scorned woman?”

“Where is the escort? Did no one tell the Church how this thing goes?”

But all the murmurs of ridicule and confusion were quickly silenced when their eyes were graced by the sight before them.

Everyone knew that the Maiden of Water was beautiful, but they were not prepared for the others.

Allenca Viandros, dressed in Ceremonial indigo garb with tasteful white tunic, covering all the immodest part of her bountiful body, only to fail miserably as the luscious garb only accentuated her magnificent curves.

And opposite of her was an unfamiliar dark elf with an eyepatch. A head taller than the two, her figure in figure hugging black dress and a revealing leg gap showing her beautiful bronze leg drew the men’s attention. Her severe and cold gaze along with the flared collar bearing the tailor’s trademark lacework gave her the look of an untouchable white rose in the middle of a moonless night.

And leading them, with the two beautiful girls’ arms interlinked with hers was Connie. The very image of an arrogant young upstart with striking blonde hair, tied back in a ponytail along with a lock of red hair.

She wore all black dress uniform with symmetrical depictions of intertwining ivy and flowers with a red vest. Accented with gold trimmings and an exquisite white cravat. A lioness proudly showing everyone the flowers she had on each arm.

No one made a noise, too stricken with the arrival of the three newcomers. Even Prince Mikael, who had his focus elsewhere, forgot what he was doing and stared dumbly at the beautiful creatures walking across the room.

Connie could spot a few familiar faces around the room. The reclusive Kim Sooyoung was waving at her shyly from her hiding place behind the big Kasheem. A smiling Henrietta gave her a small nod, currently being surrounded by a handful of young, attractive men. To her distaste, she also saw her stepmother, staring at her with a mix of hate and fear.

And lastly, of course...Serin Gladstone.

“Good Evening, Your Eminence,” Serin Gladstone tugged at Mikael as she greeted Allenca respectfully.

“Gooood…evening. Lady…” Allenca glanced at Connie for confirmation.

“Oh, this is Lady Serin,” she said simply, which caused Illumca’s cold eyes to suddenly burn with silent anger. She had put a name to a face. The person who trapped Connie back in the cave. A definite enemy. "She is my ex fIance's new fiancee."

“Greetings, Lady Cornelia. I was worried that you wouldn’t come. Your job is quite dangerous they say,” she said with a face full of worry. “I hope you don’t hurt yourself trying to do the job of commoners.”

“Oh, Don’t worry about that. If I can handle some rich young boys’ hobby playing as Knights without being armed, I suppose I can count myself rather strong. Isn’t that right, Illumca?”

Her answer was a nod.

“You – ! “ Mikael smoothed his hair when he felt a furious tug from his fiancée. He took a deep breath to calm himself down and said. “Still, we have not invited you. You shouldn’t be here.”

“This is a quest,” the dark elf blurted out, unable to hold her anger. “We are tasked as escorts to Her Eminence the Maiden of Water,” she said, bowing slightly towards the woman to the left of Connie, a smirk of ridicule on her face. “Or do you suggest that the Maiden of Water should be escorted by unknown guards?”

“Surely there are other, more fitting gentlemen?” Serin said with a small laugh. But that laugh was small and forced. She remembered Connie as a useless little thing with weak will. She did not expect someone who could trade barbs and insults under the veils of eloquence. “I’m sure the Hero would be far more adequate.”

“Sure, if he doesn’t mind being a eunuch,” Connie replied condescendingly. Her words crude and abrupt. This elicited a blush of anger on Serin.

“I…aaam…a Maiden. Chastity…iiiis…important,” she said helpfully. “Of course…yoooou are welcome…to be…my guard…aaalso. First…we must do the…procedure…”

By this time, understanding dawned on the Prince that they had been making fun of him and he was on the losing side. This girl turned out to be more troublesome than she ought to be.

Seeing this not turning out well, Serins suddenly let out a cry and fall into Mikael’s arm. Her eyes teary and vulnerable as she gazed at Connie.

“Please, don’t fight! I am sorry that I took him from you, but you shouldn’t blame him! It was my fault. For I loved him too much,” she said. Looking as pitiable as she could. “I know you must feel slighted. So blame me, and not him. If you must hurt, hurt me!”

The guests all looked at this spectacle and took pity at the young girl and began to whisper unpleasant things about the daughter of Duke Steelheart.

Connie shook her head with a silent praise. What a cunning little thing. She has the full use of a woman’s weapons and are prepared to go the distance with them.

Allenca saw that this was going really bad and was about to stop it, but then Connie let out a hearty laugh that filled the room, surprising everyone in it.

“HAHAHAHAHA!! Oh, wow…that’s…haha…rich,” Connie let out a smirk. “Serin, Serin. If I was to hurt you, it would not be because of this spoiled Prince holding you in your arms. It would be because I simply desired it so. Also…”

Connie took Illumca’s hand and placed a firm kiss on the back of her hand.

Illumca quickly covered herself with her free hand to cover her blush.

“Huh?” The Prince saw this and was flabbergasted.

The blonde-haired girl then grabbed Illumca by the waist and shamelessly pulled her to her side.

“Oh, Serin. There are things outside this world that a sheltered young girl like you wouldn’t understand,”

The Maiden made no comment and simply enjoyed the bewildered look on the Prince’s face and the furious stare of the young woman before her. From her position, she realized that this seemingly innocent young woman was actually quite vile.

At the very least her escort was very blunt with her shamelessness.