'Is it true that she's coming to this annual ball?'

'It must be because she recently turned 18 and I heard that the Claramay family will be holding a

Celebration Ball for it.'

'Will she attend with a partner?'

'Haven't you heard the rumor? Apparently, her family loves her very much and her brothers won't let anyone

get close to her. So I'm guessing her partner will be one of her brothers.'

'PRESENTING THE YOUNG MASTERS OF THE CLARAMAY FAMILY, ANTOINE CLARAMAY, KEANE CLARAMAY, AND CULLEN CLARAMAY. PRESENTING THE YOUNG LADY OF THE CLARAMAY FAMILY, AURORA CLARAMAY.'

'Oh my goodness! All of them in one place!'

'KYAAAAA!!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE MY EYES! Those perfect well-built physiques! Those sharp eyes as well as

features that are pleasing to the eyes! '

'Not to mention the young lady of house Claramay. That alluring dark blue hair, those attractive pink like the

Cherry blossom petals eyes and amazing figures!'

'They do look alike, despite the fact that the young masters are triplets. Young master Antoine and young master Cullen are reflections of each other. With those shiny silver hair and capturing maroon eyes, you could never tell those two apart.'

'You can never forget about young master Keane and young lady Aurora. That enchanting dark blue hair with captivating pink eyes, you won't be able to look away from them.'

'But why does it look like the young masters are like knights guarding a fragile princess? They're circling Lady Aurora as she's like the only diamond in the rock.'

The Claramay family. A family that holds great power... Famous for its swordsmanship skills and the beauty itself. Rumor has it that the Claramay family are actually the descendants of the great devil himself. They were known to be merciless to those who betrayed them and have the kindest heart to those who were in need.

Apart from that, the news that hit the society was the young lady of House Claramay, Aurora Claramay. Her ladylike attitude had knocked down many noblewomen while her cold personality was like a magnet to increase the number of her beau. Rumors around her said that she is an enchantress that takes no notice of countless men who came before her. She even killed those who pestered her way too much. On the other hand, she helped numerous orphans by providing them with shelter, food, clothes, and even entertainment. However, she was called ' The Villainess Rose' due to her irresistible allurement and icy character. She's exactly like a rose, a deep blue rose that signifies mystery and is impossible to attain. Roses have thorns just like her. A prepossessing sight to look at but difficult to capture.

It was a sight to behold.

Just as the Claramays made their way into the ballroom, uncountable noblemen and women came rushing in order to spread their influence as well as trying to win the favor of House Claramay but mostly trying to get recognition from Lady Aurora. However, it was unachievable. Her brothers tightly guarded her and none were able to pass through them.

Many noble ladies tried to win the hearts of those young masters but their efforts were in vain as they received a death glare from Aurora Claramay herself. Of course, it was known to all that the young lady from House Claramay cherishes her family very much to the point where she's able to bring down a noblewoman if she was seen as a distraction and didn't take notice by any of her three brothers. Aurora knew that these unbeneficial ladies are only eyeing Claramay's fortune and the chair of becoming the grand duchess.

Many tried to befriend Lady Aurora but were not able to because she saw through them additionally they were unable to pass her tests.

'Tcht, if it was up to me, I'd kill these annoying pests. It's clear that my brothers are not fond of you yet you still pursue them.'.

(The sound of the trumpet)

'PRESENTING HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, THE RULER OF OUR FINE EMPIRE, EMPEROR LEROY DE ARCANY. PRESENTING HER ROYAL MAJESTY, THE QUEEN, EMPRESS REINETTE DE ARCANY. PRESENTING HIS HIGHNESS, THE CROWN PRINCE, PRINCE HEINRICH DE ARCANY.'

(Every noble and servant bows and curtsey to the grand entrance of the royal family)

'LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPRESS! LONG LIVE THE CROWN PRINCE!'

After a while, music began. It's a tradition that the crown prince dances the first dance with a lady of his choice. Just as he descended the staircase, many noblewomen wanted to be the first lady of tonight's ball. He was looking around as if he was searching for someone and finally he came to a stop after he spotted the one he wanted to dance with. Prince Heinrich walked toward the Claramay family and offered his hand to Lady Aurora.

'May I have this dance Lady Aurora?'

Just as her brothers tried to turn down the crown prince's invitation, Aurora accepted his offer as she knew that it was a disgrace to decline the invitation for the first dance in addition to the crown prince himself.

'It'll be alright brothers. We can't bring down our family name. I know all three of you wanted to be my first dance partner for tonight but Prince Heinrich had brought honor to our family with his presence. Plus, the crown prince is a reliable man, I'll be okay.'

Aurora reassured her protective brothers and smiled sweetly.

(which literally melted her brothers' hearts as well as the noblemen who saw it).

As the music started, they both danced elegantly. Many agreed that Prince Heinrich and Lady Aurora are well-suited with each other while young masters Antoine, Keane, and Cullen were holding back their anger and mainly jealous of the crown prince who got to dance with their precious little sister.

'Why you look lovely tonight Lady Aurora. Those crystals are well-blended with those blue roses that matched perfectly with your long, wavy hair. But still, it can't win against your natural beauty.'

(blushing hard)

'Thank you, your highness. You looked rather dashing yourself. I believe every noblewoman in here would faint by the time they look at your highness closely like this.'

'Then, why didn't you?'

'Because I would rather not have thousands of threat letters with dead insects being present at my doorstep.'

'Hahaha, I see. Such sarcastic words, which are one of your charms, my lady. I wonder if Lady Aurora would give me some of your time in joining me for a cup of tea as well as a horseback ride sometime later. I heard that your skills are second to none.'

'It would be my honor, your highness.'

'Then, I will send out an invitation to the Claramay's estate in a short period of time.'

As they both danced to the end of the music, others started dancing. Noblemen rushed to Lady Aurora's side in yearning for a chance to have a dance with the beauty of the ball. But, it was futile. Young master Antoine had led his sister to the floor before she was swarmed by persistent flies. Then, it was followed by young masters Keane and Cullen.

After that in order to get away from all influences and ascendancy, Aurora informed her brothers that she wanted a bit of fresh air and that she wanted to be alone wishing she could clear her mind from society's world. The three of them dislike the idea of leaving Aurora alone but they need to build connections with the foremost individuals and finally decided to have one of Claramay's knights with her at a one's one-leg length.

As Aurora walked through the garden filled with small buds that will bloom in a month's time, beautiful flowers with raindrops that sparkle like diamonds, various colors to paint throughout the massive garden, and the wind that played around long, glistering her hair finely, fan out each and every one of the flower's scent.

'You may stay here. I would like to take a walk alone. You may guard me against a long distance. Long enough for me to not be able to see your presence.'

'As you wish, my lady.'

After the knight followed her order, Aurora began to walk faster so as to lose the knight purposely. Aurora knew that her brothers care for her so much but she felt much more comfortable being alone than having a knight escort her everywhere she went. Ensuring the knight has lost sight of Aurora, she went the opposite way where after several minutes she found a secret lawn decorated with a thunderous man-made fountain with layered water flow. Around it, an untold number of butterflies and fireflies were had to brighten the place much more pleasant.

While enjoying the cozy environment….

(crack)

(Swoosh)

(Tack)

'Come out.'

(...)

'I'm not going to repeat myself. If you value your life, I suggest you come out from there.'

A few seconds later, a shadow emerging from its spot turned out to be the young master of the Coleman family, Nicholas Coleman.

The Coleman family. A family that is well-known throughout the empire for its textile business. There are numerous buildings that belong to them and most of the clothing was produced and selected by the head of the family himself.

Nicholas Coleman. Inky lilac hair and warm amber-like sunset eyes. Inherited the business genes from his father, genius even. One of the highest wanted bachelors has excellent manners and excels in everything. However, behind that courteous character, lies the nature of a sneaky and venomous snake. Known to all that that affection of his towards the young lady of the Claramay family is second to none. Rumor has it that he would unsheathe his sword towards anyone who wanted to get close to Lady Aurora with ill intentions.

'Why, that skill of throwing knife of yours is never less Lady Aurora. However, I must say that never have I seen any lady that carries a weapon with her to a ball.'

'Well, I prefer to be my true self, unlike those masked fox ladies that hide their true nature. Besides, need I to remind you that I, too, am a Claramay. The blood of swordsmanship runs in my veins. Why shouldn't I use it when I'm advantageous to it?'

'I'm not saying you shouldn't. Instead, I find it refreshing to discover a lady who would prefer to be herself.'