Chapter XVIII: Invitation to the trouble?
(Alice's POV)
We're in the hallway in the mansion of Kai. This guy received a letter of invitation which was provided by the Kingdom.
It says in the letter that Kai must attend the Mother Queen's birthday celebration.
"Since Kai is a son of a noble family. He got invited."
Hanako affirmed. Although, Kai received such a wonderful invitation. His face is drawn in disappointment and unpleasantly.
I had to ask him what is wrong, "Why the long face? Does invitation wasn't your liking?"
He then shook his head, "I never want to go on such occasions."
But in my history of living in such a world, most people love occasions like this.
I only like some kind of occasion where I can eat a lot.
"Kai needs to represent his family. But Kai only wants to keep a low profile in the public at all times." Hanako addedly explains.
"Ohhh… so, going on this occasion will make him known?"
That's preciseness.
"Uhn, you are never wrong. Who needs a name in society? I obviously don't need one." Kai said.
"The fact that he received an invitation that can't decline. That's really troublesome."
The conversation is rather tough.
"What will happen if you don't attend that party?" I clucked while making a glance at both of them.
"They are expecting me. If however, I won't attend such an invitation. I will be punished by neglecting the Queen's favorable invitation."
I can't help but feel hostile.
Why in the world he would get punished for neglecting such an invitation. What if the person is sick and can't attend? Will they still go to punish him?
"Then, are you really going?" Twitching my eyebrows to him as I can see how his expression was. He looks frightened. I'm sure he is.
"Do I have any other choice?" He answered.
"But, you knew clearly if you dared to go in that place… You will get mockery and insults! Noble people are no mercy even to a half-blood like you!" Hanako yelled worriedly.
"Insults? Half-blood?" I'm totally confused about this conversation.
"Yes. You heard it correct. Kai is half lowborn and noble. His mother was a lowborn from the slave village, and because of that. He lost his mother at such a young age because of the insult she received. It causes her to self suicide—"
I scowled from what I heard. Upon hearing these words, I only grew despised from this land. Not only demi-humans but also lowborn!?
"This won't work! I will go with you!"
That's why I decided this. I don't care about other people. I will protect this kid from harm.
This is way unfair. From the moment I landed in this land, I knew that this world is crooked.
"Wait… wait? What do you mean? No, you can't. Demi-humans aren't allowed in the celebration."
I forgot. People here despite different races.
"I don't care. I'm still going with you! Maybe we can cheat my appearance. And I told you I'm not a demi-human! I won't allow someone to ridicule you." I demanded.
But based on Kai's expression. He rather gapes.
"Why do I feel like this already transpired? How will we go to hide your ears?"
"Ah!" As Hanako ecstatically shrieks. He was smiling at us with a severe nod he was doing.
"What?" Holding both of my hands tightly. He then explained the idea in his mind.
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Later that evening.
"Uwah! She looks stunning."
Before we proceed to the ball, Hanako needed to fix my appearance. He helped me by choosing a dress for me from several clothes, and accessories for my hair that are able to cover my demi-human ears.
Since the noble people despise the demi-humans. I am forbidden to be part of that party. However, I couldn't be idle. I am willing to protect this kid no matter what happened.
The ball dress fits her perfectly. The pink garniture around the neck and either the unwanted collar were matching. The skirt is even detailed by ensemble stars and moon. As for the hair, it was braided around and some pink ribbons attached were enough to cover the ears. The shoes are adorably made from silk.
"Hmm, now she totally looked like a human."
"Precisely."
I have worn a lot of these dress before and they were all quite similar if you were to ask me. The only difference is the ears that were attached to my head. If only Cheshire didn't put this then it won't be troublesome for me to attend such an occasion.
"Here. You won't be able to appear beside me if you don't have a title." I turned over to Kai when he muttered something weird if I may say.
"Yes. Like, for this ball of the night. You will be my fiance, your name will be Alice Ruby. Daughter of the duke in south-east Calaris."
He babbled, we already know that I don't understand anything about what he was trying to say. I just nodded like a puppy to end the conversation. It is way troublesome for me. And All I wanted to do was protect him.
How hard can that be?
"Hence, is she going to be fine? A duke without a name will become suspicious, Kai. What if someone actually asked what faction that unknown duke supported? What will you say? You shouldn't name anyone, Kai. It'll be far more dangerous for the both of you." Hanako worriedly muttered.
Kai leaned his hand into his chin as if he was trying to figure out something. He then slowly nodded his head, showing that he was agreeing with what Hanako said to him.
"You are probably right. However, what Alibi would we be able to say to those people? We all knew that these people love to gossip. We can't hide the fact from them, they'll press us until they are able to learn things from us."
Few more minutes, Hanako was able to figure out how we could gossip. He then suggested a...silly thing to us but I'm sure capable of doing it.
"Alice, you need to pretend dumb."
I bugged out when Hanako said that straight to my face.
"W-what do you mean, dumb?!"
Yelling at him, he tapped my shoulder then looked at me with a very serious expression that at the same time I could feel this demonic energy vibe lurking out of his body.
"You want to protect my friend right? Then all you need to do is to act dumb to other people. You know, if they asked you a complicated question then you must answer them an alternative answer which they won't be able to understand. This way, you two can save yourself from the people who create unpleasant rumors." he explained but I don't actually agree with it.
"What do you mean it won't cause unpleasant rumors. That's impossible… If I act dumb then wouldn't they going to start a rumor about me being a dumb person!?" I stated.
A dark atmosphere began to kick in as we continued this ridiculous conversation. However, we heard Kai suddenly laughing out of the blue.
"I think we should probably go to the party. The main door will close after thirty-minutes."
I don't really think what Hanako suggested will be helpful. I think I better go off and act the way how the atmosphere will be.
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We went to the night ball; the celebration of the Mother Queen's birthday. We rode something called a carriage, very unfamiliar for me because I haven't or even rode one like this in my world.
Both excitement and anxiety were running through my blood at that time. I know that this party is nothing different than the party I presented; however, it's because this party is from another world. I don't know if I'm able to socialize with the people here.
I am also aware that I'm nothing but an extra in this place, no one knows me and perhaps in that place, some people will easily judge me. I'm pretty scared myself, I don't want to mess everything up and give shame to this kid.
"Ms. Alice... You don't look good. You mustn't worry about it too much. It will make you uncomfortable if you continue thinking about it."
Even so, you say that I couldn't help myself. I am a troublemaker, I already admitted that to myself. One wrong move and I could get ourselves into the middle of laughing stock.
As I gulped, looking down the window. I could see how beautiful the outside window is. Some glimmering lights were sparkling, there were still a lot of people outside and enjoying the night.
I too, I should enjoy the night. It's not about making mistakes. But this is all about a friend that needs to be protected by the people who will mock and insult him. It's not about myself, it's about him. That is why avoid anything unnecessarity and at the same time. I must also enjoy it.
Soon, we've arrived at the palace where they are holding the celebration of the mother queen's birthday. We're still outside and yet I could already hear the loud sounds from inside.
"Are you ready?" Kai was smiling at me while he peacefully asked me that question.
"I am always prepared for better, and of course for the worst!"
You've got this. Alice!
To be continued. . .