Blanche
She simply can't help but spin once more while admiring her reflection in the long mirror. The red ruffled dress is exactly like she envisioned it, and the only problem is the slight looseness around the shoulders. Luckily, the dress designer fixes this material on her properly and takes careful measurements with her hands.
"So, your honest thoughts?" Oliver's mother, Paula, asks the noble girl. She chose to visit after hours and try on the piece made for her with a mere two days until the pageant. The woman had no difficulties in bringing her detailed sketch to reality.
"It's absolutely stunning! I appreciate you making a custom order for me. It seems the outer beauty section of the pageant I already have nailed." Blanche glances over at the black-haired male reading a book by the window. If he didn't put a good word in as promised, she would've had to settle on some bland dress from another shop. Though according to him, it didn't take much effort at all for his mother to agree.
"Well, I'm glad you like it. I don't accept custom orders, but I feel honored you prefer something I sewed over Everlane's gowns. I'll have this bit around the shoulders fixed tonight, and Oliver can deliver it to you tomorrow afternoon. You'll need time to collect proper accessories before show day," she finishes, stepping back to examine her work.
"Oh, thank you, Paula! For accepting my request and even throwing in these beautiful red pumps. You're being far too kind to me," she gushes, but his mother simply waves off her praise.
"Well, my husband had a steady job as a hired hand for your family for several years. This is a small way to pay back the generosity your parents have done toward us. I was surprised when hearing that you all moved here to Calestra. Furthermore, because you scored an engagement with the young prince."
"Yes, all thanks to my father's high standing in Quincy it was arranged."
"You're a lucky lady to be uniting with him while bypassing the typical marriage banquet. Tell me, how was His Highness?" The woman wears a childish smile, and she cannot leave out to her a single detail.
"Oh, he was quite the charmer! The two of us had so much chemistry when dancing at the ball, and we even went on a second date to explore the rest of his home. The castle layout is huge! Without a doubt far larger than our current home, including the old mansion back at Quincy. I can hardly believe that come next month, I'll be the queen of Calestra!" Blanche slips on her new heels to break in and gracefully twirls around--imagining when she'll obtain that throne. Everything she wished for since a little girl is going to be granted once they tie the knot. It feels like a dream with how dramatically life can change when people least expect it.
A certain scoff from the only other presence in the room interrupts her daydreams. Oliver's eyebrows furrowed although his scarlet eyes don't waver from the book in hand. Perhaps her friend came across a part displeasing, the girl unsure what genre he's reading.
"That sounds amazing, Blanche. I truly am happy for you. The prince's upright nature is the best catch with him being mature, kind, and talented. I'm sure he's an angel to raise compared to my rebellious son..."
Paula suddenly appears more tired as if all of her energy has been zapped away. She shoots the boy a stern gaze who buries his nose deeper into his novel.
"A perfect example is earlier this morning when a man came by saying you injured his child. There was a faint bruise on his arm, and I apologized just hoping our neighbor would let this incident go. The fault is those pointless 'patrols' you do which only causes me trouble."
"Considering that guy's age matches mine, he is in no sense a defenseless kid. You saw the bruise yourself, thus knowing it was hardly visible. Besides, he fell on his own when I was trying to kick him out of the vineyard. Martin and his friends were destroying crops for fun, that residents toil hard to grow. I stepped up so Dalton wouldn't have to deal with those idiots himself," he explains, and she can understand his good intentions. However, Paula frustratedly runs fingers through her dark tied hair. Her deep sigh implies they've had this exact discussion numerous times, yet neither of them are willing to compromise.
"Your patrolling still inflicts more harm than anything. To top it off, you now have a little friend that tags along adding to this mess."
Paula exhales again before returning her attention to the new visitor. "Anyways, as I was saying, the prince is quite impressive. He's learned four different languages, is skilled at playing the harp, and takes a class at the Royal Warriors Association."
"Did you forget I'm undergoing the swordsmanship course too, Mom?" Oliver slams the book shut, apparently having lost interest to continue his chapter.
"Indeed you are and might've not passed if it weren't for him," she counters with folded arms. "I ran into Gardulf at the marketplace when shopping just yesterday. He told me how Wendell came up with a clever strategy which won you both the victory. If you fought alone that reckless spirit of yours would've failed you guarantee. Did you ever even thank the boy? Those are words you can never remember to utter."
Paula's lecture continues to drag on and her flip of personality is a shocker. Blanche is aware they hold a bit of friction, but she hadn't thought their relationship was this strained. His mother speaks so highly of the prince like Wendell is her biological offspring, meanwhile, she puts down her actual son in the process.
"Um, surely Oliver has his fair share of achievements too?" Blanche voices quietly, though Paula shakes her head with a bitter smile.
"Please, my stubborn son hasn't grown one lick. I strived to raise him to become a perfect gentleman. The opposite of my pathetic father, but to no avail. You're already starting to look like him more everyday. I wonder when you take that first sip of wine come next year will you begin acting like him too." She shoots a glance at her son lacking the usual tenderness in a mother's eyes. "Honestly, some days I feel it would be better if God gave me a precious baby girl instead."
"Y-You can't possibly mean that?!"
The noble girl isn't able to contain such disbelief with Paula practically rejecting her child that sits within earshot. Her amethyst irises dart toward the open window where a cold evening air sucks up the present warmth. Though Oliver is unbothered by this breeze, not paying an ounce of attention to the confession his selfish parent has just made. Almost as if she didn't say anything wrong, or maybe, he has been ignoring her complaints altogether.
"It's a hassle disciplining a boy. Everyone has their faults but men are on a worse level than us females." Paula takes a step closer and gently fluffs the girl's hair with a flicker of longing in her dull gaze. "You know, I was going to name my baby girl Olivia, until it was revealed I had birthed the opposite gender. With such difficulty for me to carry a child, it was unlikely that I'd ever have another. Now, I can only imagine what it would've been like, but there are a few decent fish in the sea. So many men take their wives for granted, treating her more as a slave than their significant other. I was blessed to find the sweet man that's currently my husband, and you're fortunate to be marrying the prince."
Paula's wounded and confident words leave her lips without any hesitation. Blanche is left standing baffled by the cruel and false explanation that his mother just gave. It is strange to uncover this hidden side to her that she hadn't seen once over years of knowing the woman.
"Well, it's awfully late so you should be heading home. Don't worry, I'll get your dress all fixed up tonight. Oliver can escort you to the capital gate."
"Alright..."
The indigo haired girl's mind is at a blank on what else to say while she slowly enters the boutique changing rooms.
The minute she has dressed, the teens' exit the shop and start down the dark empty road. Blanche's worried gaze remains pierced at her childhood friend who stomps further ahead. Contemplating what to say, he abruptly stops which causes the girl to bump into his back.
"What is it? You've been staring a hole through me since we left."
"Well, I'm still speechless by how your mother acted in there. You never had shared much about her, and I only really ever talked with your father... Was she always that way?" Blanche softly asks, unsure if he desires to speak on the subject.
"Yes, although she did get a lot stricter as I got older... Regardless of what I do it won't be good enough to reach her ridiculous standards. I've grown accustomed to tuning out those long rants by now. Look you don't need to be so glum, okay?" he assures with a weak smile, perhaps sensing her concern, yet it feels so forced. "Your number one priority should be the pageant you've spent weeks preparing for."
Oliver proceeds to walk with his head hung low but there's something she wants him to understand.
"Despite what Paula says, I believe your patrol is a fantastic thing. Sure it won't always go exactly as planned, but you're taking precious time to assist others in distress. Even if I hadn't defended myself then you could've easily protected me against those drunk vermin."
"...You're saying all of this from pure pity. Solely because you witnessed first-hand the crap my mom dishes to me on a daily basis."
Oliver's usual cocky tone is absent, sounding oddly hoarse. The noble girl hasn't seen his vulnerable interior very often, and she assumed the previous bullying was to blame for this broken self-esteem. Apparently, that horrible trio wasn't the only one responsible as his mother plays a huge factor. Even more determined to get her point across, she quickly blocks his path with outstretched arms.
"No, you're wrong! You should know by how long we've been friends that Blanche Valenta doesn't coddle anyone. What I said is the absolute truth."
His scarlet eyes widen for just a second at her firm response though just as fast this short twinkle fades. Oliver maneuvers around the girl who is curious if her words even got through to him.
"...Come on. We can't keep stopping to chat or it'll be pitch black by the time you arrive home."
Both soon enter the capital gate when the moon has fully risen and now conquers the starry skies. The travel did seem far lengthy--considering this silence which lasted the whole rest of their trip. Blanche turns to him wearing a bright smile while choosing to shove aside the awkward air.
"Thank you for exhorting me here. If it's not too troublesome, I'd like to request your help with a little pageant-related ordeal tomorrow. It really won't take up much of your valuable time," she pleads, the boy releasing a tired sigh.
"I might as well agree since I'll be playing errand boy anyways."
"Excellent, you can come to my residence at three o'clock sharp. That should be enough of a wait for my dress touch-ups to be finished. Remember, I live at the large blue mansion directly across from the cathedral. Well, have a goodnight."
"Wait!"
Oliver's loud shout makes the noble girl yelp in surprise, and Blanche places a hand on her chest to calm her racing pulse. Then next she gives the culprit an accusing glare but this anger vanishes when noticing his bright red ears.
"S-Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you... Truthfully, I was debating if I should call it quits on patrol. My mom complained so heavily that I started to think the townspeople were better off without me. Though listening to your opinion, I've completely perished the thought." A bashful grin tugs at his lips and on her heartstrings. "Thanks for that, Blanche."
This simple action is genuine, unlike the bitter expression he wore moments ago. Yet, Blanche doesn't get a chance to even comment about it before he departs into the night. The noble girl glances back at his shadow one final time, and she hurries home having quite the busy day come at sunrise.
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When the late afternoon rolls around, Blanche anxiously paces in front of her home. Oliver has been to visit just once since their reunion, so he may forget where she lives given the size of Everlane. The girl had mentioned to him a reference point yesterday but still keeps a watchful eye for the black-haired male.
"Oh, Blanche. What a nice surprise. I didn't expect to run into you."
A snide voice grabs her attention that definitely isn't the friend she is waiting on. Instead stands a familiar face with her typical arrogant smirk and Blanche can't help but reflect the disgust.
"Delancy, I won't pretend it's a pleasure to see you. I'd be lying right through my teeth. So, what brings you to Everlane?" She forces a plastered smile that has her rival's devilish grin grow wider.
The caramel-skinned girl is around her age and just above her own height. She has bouncy ginger hair that reaches the shoulders with a slight curl at the ends. A light pink floral dress that must've cost a fortune clings annoyingly to her perfect figure.
"I only finished dining at Versace with a cup of peppermint tea. I was on my way back to the capital when I noticed you and swung by for a quick hello. How confident are you about the pageant tomorrow night?" she innocently asks, and Blanche's arms cross not to express any fear in the presence of her biggest competitor.
"I feel just fine actually. In fact, everything is in order for me. I simply need to ensure I get a good night's rest."
Delancy's composed front doesn't falter, rather she simply giggles at her response. "I see, well that's relieving to hear. I figured you might've gotten nervous jitters considering how the last competition had gone between us. You were utterly devastated losing to me and had a tantrum right on stage."
I knew she would bring that up! Her petty intimidation tactics won't work on me!
The second beauty contest Blanche participated in as a child placed her runner up. In pageant terms that still means a loss, and all because Delancy had the judges fooled by her innocent act. Nearly ten whole years passed since then, and finally, the chance has arrived to claim a much-deserved victory.
"Now don't be silly. That was almost a decade ago. I won a pageant in Quincy sometime after you left and plan to win the one tomorrow as well."
"Like I'm sure I declared earlier when we spoke, I won't settle for any place but first. Still, you have blossomed into a beautiful flower that you've matured. Although..." Delancy's narrow silver eyes drop to her waistline frowning just a tad. "If you wish to compete in that snug dress, I'd suggest moving up a size. Too cute how you forever fail to control your love for sugar."
"You snarky little-" Blanche is so rallied up she completely loses her composure only to be ignored, the girl strutting off.
"Sorry, but this is the only tip I can offer, though it won't increase your success rate to beat me. Nonetheless, best of luck tomorrow, Blanche. Tata!" Delancy gives a halfhearted wave gaining gasps of awe as she passes by from all but one. No sooner does Oliver approach, him unimpressed before turning to her with a questionable gaze.
"Who is she?" His tone is serious though her irritation can probably be felt from a mile away.
"Just an old rival of mine that'll be my number one competition. Delancy already won the pageant here twice, and you get a new title when winning three in a row. To this day nobody has earned such a trophy, and I most certainly will not allow her to be the first," she grumbles, huffing to release the frustration that has built because of her short encounter. "Anyways, I'm glad you made it on time. I could use your input on my answers to these pageant questions."
Leading him inside, her fixed dress and shoes are taken to her chambers as they stay put in the living room. She next hands Oliver the list for him to read aloud and give his honest opinion. The questionnaire can range from simple responses like preferred hobbies to more personal matters such as their favorite role model. She must be capable of answering without long pauses or any stuttering in between. Thankfully, he lends some suggestions on what can be rephrased while going through them. Blanche makes mental notes of his advice, and soon, they reach the tenth and final question.
"Now for your last question, Blanche Valenta. Describe in your own words what true beauty means to you?" Oliver asks, continuing to keep the host vibe as instructed to feel realistic.
"Well, I say most tend to judge based on outward appearances. Getting bouncy hair, maintaining the perfect weight, or gorgeous skin free from all blemishes. But really none of these qualities will grant young ladies true beauty." Blanche's hands go up to her chest with a gentle smile. "To me, it means to always have a nice and generous heart. The type which inspires those around you to become better people. That's the kind of beauty that penetrates both inside and out."
"Blanche...that speech was beautiful," he mumbles, and his astonishment proves this is a winning answer.
"I would hope so. I took that piece right out of my favorite romance literature I had bought back in Quincy. I thought the tender passage would fit great for this question."
"Don't you think they'll catch onto that?!"
"I was obviously joking!" she snaps, causing his face to turn deathly pale. "Who are you taking me for?"
"R-Right, of course, you were! I mean, you wouldn't be so desperate to win that you'd cheat off some cheesy novel! Haha... Sorry for jumping to conclusions," he meekly apologizes, the girl standing with hands placed firmly on her hips and back faced toward him.
"...How do you think my answers sounded? This is the area I was most unprepared for, and every section of the pageant is important."
"Personally, after tweaking your responses to five and eight, I believe you did nicely. I'm sure you'll receive a high score if you remain calm and collected and don't overthink things. Considering you've perfected the other two rounds, you should conquer this beauty pageant," Oliver encourages with a smile which eases her lingering anxiety.
"Thank you for helping me practice. Would you care to stay for a little while? I can have the maid brew us some tea."
"Sorry but I have a swordsmanship class starting up soon so I oughta get moving."
This revelation now brings a frown on her lips, and she was hoping Oliver could visit like the previous time he dropped by.
"Ah, I didn't know you had class and this dragged on longer than planned. Suppose I'll see you tomorrow night at the theater anyhow. Like I said before my father purchased tickets for you, Justus, and another noble friend of mine. The pageant will commence at eight sharp," she reminds, while he goes for the door.
"I'll be there. You probably have last-minute stuff to sort through, but do make sure you get some beauty sleep tonight. Fatigue can ruin a solid performance, plus you're awfully cranky when not getting at least seven hours rest."
"Seems you've overstayed your welcome, so why don't you hurry up and leave!" Blanche retakes her original annoyed stance, and once again, the color drains from his face.
"I was the one who was kidding this time!"
Oliver releases an audible sigh when he suddenly snaps his fingers closing the small gap between them.
"Oh, I nearly forgot. Doesn't this belong to you?"
Blanche curiously gazes at the boy as he digs in a pocket pulling out a decorative white cloth. He places the fabric into her cupped hands, and she immediately recognizes whose it is. This exact handkerchief she allowed him to borrow as kids, but it soon changed to a farewell gift when he boarded that late-night train to Calestra.
"I...can't believe you actually held onto this for so many years."
"It may just be nothing but a mere handkerchief to you. However, for me this was a treasured gift. I couldn't possibly toss it out like trash, and this was the sole item to remember you by. Even when our letters ceased, I still didn't have the heart to discard it..." Oliver scratches his cheek and avoids meeting her sparkling gaze. "Since we're reunited now, I just figured I'd return the handkerchief to you. Use it to wipe away your tears of joy when claiming first place tomorrow night."
"Oliver, I'm flattered our friendship was so important to you through the period we drifted apart. This is precisely the little pick-me-up I desired! I'll crush Delancy with no trouble now that I have this unexpected lucky charm." Blanche clutches the item tightly inside her folded hands, and a faint blush rises through his umber-brown complexion.
"I-It's no big deal. Anyways I'm off! Have a good evening."
Saying goodbye he exits the home, and Blanche's eyes fall shut with a nostalgic smile.
I truly am grateful we've been reunited, Ol
iver.

A/N At last another update for this book. They will definitely be coming faster from now on. As explained before, the focus will stay on these two for the next chapter.