WMEEM Ch 18

The Ball

The morning of the ball arrived in a flurry of activity. Servants hurried about their assigned duties to prepare for the evening's event.

I was equally occupied. Beginning with a bath, maids slathered a sweet-scented skin treatment across my entire body, including my face. Donning the gown stripped of most of its frills, styling my hair, and applying makeup demanded hours.

Just sitting still through the ordeal left my neck stiff and sore.

As preparations finished shortly before the ball commenced, Terkan arrived. A full day had passed since I last saw him.

[Celeste] "You must have been busy."

Having seen him daily, missing one day made it feel like ten.

[Terkan] "There were many matters requiring my attention."

[Celeste] "I suppose so."

He was likely the busiest person in the entire imperial palace.

[Celeste] "Did you drop by amidst your busy schedule, fearing I might commit a blunder at the ball?"

[Terkan] "Let us call it a final verification."

The guidelines he had stressed relentlessly:

If nobles attempted conversation, offer a polite smile and excuse yourself. Should they provoke you or utter loud slander within earshot, feign complete ignorance.

Above all, never approach or converse with Princess Herodia. While dancing and conversing with Aranad is fine, limit it to a single instance.

Essentially, avoid feeding the gossip mill.

[Celeste] "I will not. I am thoroughly sick of rumors myself."

In Calyx, Batizo held enough leverage to control even Raff. I assumed an Emperor of an empire would exert even tighter control over his own nobility, but that was not the case.

I didn't blame Batizo. Maintaining a throne was far more complex and arduous than imagined. Threatening a foreign Emperor was one matter, but domestic nobility presented a different challenge. Which meant I had to perform flawlessly at the ball.

I etched Terkan's warnings into my mind once more. Though firmly resolved, mounting tension as the hour drew near was unavoidable.

Terkan had repeatedly reminded me that Kellinev's nobles differed little from Calyx's. He advised viewing them not as curious guests, but as predators seeking a weakness to tear into.

I needed to remain razor-sharp.

[Terkan] "Stand up for a moment, please."

As I stood, he scrutinized my appearance meticulously.

[Terkan] "Do you recall what I told you back in Calyx?"

[Celeste] "I remember."

Keep lips firmly closed, spine straight. Appearing arrogant mattered little—he had noted—far preferable to looking intimidated.

Thus, the hour of the ball arrived.

---

I had visited tonight's ballroom venue alongside Terkan previously. At the time, I wondered whether guests could ever fill such a vast hall. A completely pointless concern. Groups clustered around rows of tables in numbers beyond estimation.

Where they sourced so many flowers in winter remained a mystery, filling the grand hall with rich fragrance.

My introduction drew near.

As the music halted and an attendant bellowed my name, every eye shifted toward me.

Bracing my trembling legs, I straightened my spine, lifting my chin and fixing my gaze straight ahead.

Noblewomen hiding whispers behind decorative fans. Men clearing their throats with disapproving scowls. Foreign dignitaries craning their necks in blatant curiosity.

Walking down the sprawling red carpet, I focused exclusively on Batizo seated at the far end.

Though cold sweat trickled down my spine, I maintained an unwavering gaze and composed expression.

[Noble] "Is that Calyx's fake princess?"

[Noble] "Indeed. They say the Emperor of Calyx possesses exceptional character, molding her into quite a respectable princess. Who, looking at her now, would suspect her lowly origins?"

I wished to ignore them, yet the whispers carried clearly.

Hearing Raff credited with exceptional character, suppressing a snort of laughter proved a desperate struggle. Yet that absurd statement settled my pounding heart completely.

I longed to inform them that Terkan—not Raff—had crafted the person standing before them. Regardless, appearing far from a lowly princess was a relief, filling me with gratitude toward Terkan.

Reaching the carpet's end and ascending the dais steps, Batizo rose from his throne to greet me. Taking his extended hand, a subtle smile curved his lips as he leaned down to whisper in my ear.

[Batizo] "Did magic transpire during our time apart? I mistook you for another person entirely."

[Celeste] "I shall accept that as a compliment, Your Majesty."

[Batizo] "It is indeed a compliment. Observe their expressions."

I glanced in the direction he gestured with his chin.

[Batizo] "Those are the nobles who opposed you."

Discerning their exact thoughts remained beyond me. Yet if Batizo perceived something, a shift had occurred.

[Batizo] "They are attempting to conceal their shock. They intended to use tonight's ball as an excuse to shower me with complaints regarding you, only to have their plans shattered. Serves them right."

Hostility toward his nobility laced his voice.

[Celeste] "Because of my appearance tonight?"

[Batizo] "Ah, maintain your composure until the ball concludes, of course. Perform well tonight, and I shall bestow whatever gift you desire."

A gift. His words sparked an idea in my mind.

[Celeste] "Your Majesty. Could you grant me something other than a gift?"

[Batizo] "Something else? What do you desire?"

[Celeste] "May I inform you once the ball ends?"

[Batizo] "You pique my curiosity. Very well."

Fearing he might dismiss my audacity, his ready agreement brought relief. I hoped he would grant my actual request just as readily.

---

The orchestra resumed playing. He led me forward by my hand.

[Batizo] "Too many eyes await our opening dance."

Holding his hand, I stepped into the center of the ballroom floor.

One of his large, firm hands wrapped around my waist while the other held mine. As my feet moved in rhythm with the music, satisfaction showed upon his face.

[Batizo] "Terkan's instruction is excellent."

Though phrased as praise for my dancing, matching his long strides proved demanding. Having practiced exclusively with Terkan, matching Batizo's swift movements required immense effort. That my long gown concealed occasional stumbles was a blessing.

Ending our dance safely, the floor opened to the guests.

Retreating to a seat, I sipped a beverage to catch my breath. Gazing at my hand holding the goblet, Batizo spoke unexpectedly.

[Batizo] "It is fascinating that those hands can accomplish anything."

[Celeste] "What is wrong with my hands?"

[Batizo] "They are tiny. Can you even hold a pen with those?"

[Celeste] "You observed my proficient knife skills during dinner, did you not?"

[Batizo] "I noticed how delicate they are anew. While dancing, I felt as though I was encircling your hand rather than holding it."

My entire hand indeed fit within his grip. Finding his intense gaze upon my hand uncomfortable, I sipped my remaining drink while scanning the ballroom.

Near the distant entrance, I spotted Aranad, our eyes locking. Having apparently waited for me to look his way, I longed to wave, yet given my position, a subtle nod served as my greeting.

Then I searched for Princess Herodia. She too was staring fixedly in our direction. Looking not at me, but at Batizo, of course.

Spotting me, a look of grim determination settled over her face as she approached. Gliding gracefully in her elaborate attire, Herodia offered a formal curtsy.

[Herodia] "Greetings to Emperor Batizo, great leader of Kellinev. Herodia, Princess of Cronak, offers her respects. May divine grace bless this land."

[Batizo] "Welcome, Princess."

His tone turned dry, stripped of the warmth present during our conversation.

[Herodia] "Thank you for inviting me."

[Batizo] "Are you grateful?"

[Herodia] "Yes. I am deeply grateful."

[Batizo] "If you are grateful, cease sending marriage proposals."

[Herodia] "Your Majesty!"

Her exclamation drew every eye in our direction.

[Batizo] "As you can see, I possess Princess Celeste."

[Herodia] "Y-Your Majesty... How... how could you in a place like this..."

Struggling to hold back tears, her plight appeared pitiful. Viewing her as a threat brought me no satisfaction in this humiliation.

Even without hearing the exact exchange, onlookers familiar with Herodia could easily deduce the nature of the conversation.

He could have addressed this privately, yet Batizo shows no leniency.

[Batizo] "Reviewing dozens of documents daily leaves me exhausted by an extra letter. Useless documents are routinely discarded. I trust your letters will no longer find their way into my wastebasket."

He delivered the final blow. Herodia's devastation hit me so acutely that I looked away.

---

It was an exhausting day.

Contrary to Terkan's expectations, Aranad was the sole individual to converse with me at the ball.

Though proving far less hostile than anticipated, constant tension throughout the event left me collapsing into a chair upon returning.

Even amid humiliation, Herodia maintained flawless decorum toward Batizo to the end. Observing her, I recognized her genuine affection for him, feeling a wave of pity.

Surrendering the Empress's throne was out of the question. Just as Batizo's affection was paramount to her, securing the Empress's throne was vital to me.

Washing up with difficulty, I crawled into bed. Reading tonight was entirely out of the question.

Just as slumber claimed me, a sudden knock sounded, and Tarega entered.

[Tarega] "Your Highness!"

Her urgent shaking roused me.

[Celeste] "...Tarega?"

[Tarega] "Please wake up."

[Celeste] "What happened?"

Rubbing my eyes, I forced my heavy eyelids open.

[Tarega] "His Majesty requests an audience."

I bolted upright.

[Celeste] "At this hour?"

[Tarega] "Yes. You must hurry. He is waiting in the reception room."

What on earth could this be about? Hurriedly smoothing my messy hair, I draped a shawl over my shoulders.

Stepping into the reception room, Batizo sat waiting for me. Why had a man who never set foot here arrived unannounced? Pondering yielded no answers.

[Batizo] "It seems I disturbed your slumber, Princess."

[Celeste] "Not at all. I was preparing to lie down."

[Batizo] "I considered postponing this until tomorrow due to the late hour, yet curiosity kept sleep at bay."

[Celeste] "Are you curious about something regarding me?"

[Batizo] "I came to fulfill the promise made at the ball."

Could he truly have come to grant my desired request?

[Celeste] "Did my performance at tonight's ball satisfy you?"

[Batizo] "Hence my arrival. What is it that you desire, Princess?"

Having intended to consult Terkan tomorrow morning before addressing Batizo, I never dreamed he would visit tonight.

Fiddling with the edge of my shawl, hesitation gripped me. Fearing I might provoke his displeasure.

Looking between Batizo, awaiting my answer, and my own hands—my resolve hardened. There is no need to consult Terkan regarding this matter.

[Celeste] "I wish for us to hold an engagement ceremony."

Gazing at me silently, Batizo burst into laughter.

[Batizo] "Why? You must have a reason."

[Celeste] "Because our wedding remains distant. Waiting aimlessly until then..."

[Batizo] "Are you implying you don't trust me?"

[Celeste] "I trust you. But I require a tangible pledge of your promise."

I anticipated he would press for my underlying motives. Yet without a moment's hesitation, he nodded.

[Batizo] "So be it."

His instantaneous consent caught me completely off guard.

[Celeste] "Seriuosly?"

[Batizo] "You performed admirably at the ball tonight, and I promised to grant your wish upon satisfactory performance. Is fulfilling my word not natural?

Do you prefer inviting guests like tonight, or an intimate ceremony? Naturally, an official engagement announcement will occur, so harbour no doubts regarding the pledge."

[Celeste] "Let us... hold it privately among ourselves."

Inviting guests felt overwhelming.

[Batizo] "Do you have a preferred date?"

[Celeste] "No. A date has not..."

[Batizo] "Then I shall arrange it in consultation with Terkan. Is that acceptable?"

[Celeste] "Yes. That is fine."

Seeking only that answer, Batizo departed upon receiving my reply. I followed to see him out.

Opening the door and stepping forward, he turned back.

[Batizo] "Does that ring suit your taste?"

[Celeste] "Ah, this?"

Touching the ring resting upon my finger, I showed it to him.

[Celeste] "I adore it."

His stern features softened momentarily.

[Batizo] "I wish you a pleasant night."

He spoke in a remarkably gentle tone before turning away.

Offering a polite farewell to his receding figure, I returned to the reception room, staring blankly at where he had sat.

Meeting Herodia stoked anxiety, prompting me to choose an engagement ceremony to soothe those fears. From conceiving the idea to voicing it, endless doubts nagged whether remaining silent was wiser. Yet Batizo granted permission so easily that my deliberation appeared useless.

Did something pleasant occur?

He certainly seemed so. His expression and tone were so surprisingly gentle compared to his usual demeanor that it felt unfamiliar.

Heat flushed my face suddenly, prompting me to press the back of my hand against my cheek.

Exhausted though I had been, sleep vanished entirely.

---

Batizo turned back as he walked.

What was so special about that ring that she wore it even into bed? When asked if she liked it, a radiant smile spread across her face. Displaying the ring to him, her violet eyes shone brightly.

He couldn't fathom why he had felt so consumed by curiosity regarding her wish, or why he had come at this late hour to discover it.

Hearing a request for an engagement ceremony from her lips had been entirely unexpected.

Why did a request essentially betraying a lack of trust fail to provoke his anger?

Was it because of her scars lingering in his mind during sleepless nights?

Feeling as though the sensation of her small hand resting within his grip lingered still, he flexed his fingers gently.

What came over me?

Letting out a soft chuckle, he resumed walking.

Reaching his bedchamber, he found Terkan waiting.

[Terkan] "Where have you been?"

[Batizo] "I was visiting the Princess."

Batizo, who invariably informed Terkan whenever moving within or outside the palace, had omitted doing so this time. Terkan felt unsettled by this subtle shift.

[Batizo] "I lay down to sleep, but curiosity proved unbearable, so I paid her a visit."

[Terkan] "What were you curious about?"

[Batizo] "The Princess noted she had a request at the ball."

He disclosed the promise made to Celeste to Terkan, adding her request for an engagement ceremony.

[Batizo] "Thus I agreed to hold an engagement ceremony. She desires no grand affair, so prepare a modest gathering."

[Terkan] "Understood. Inform the date, and I shall prepare it. Shall I fetch the tea?"

[Batizo] "No. I feel as though sleep will come tonight."

Feeling strangely content, Batizo declined the tea he had been consuming continuously.

[Terkan] "I shall take my leave. Have a pleasant night."

Terkan closed the door and stepped outside.

Though events proceeded according to plan, an uncomfortable feeling refused to leave him.

---

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