Chandeliers with a gleaming luster. Every pillar of the hall was draped in silver and gold banners with the imperial insignia. A melodious melody boomed out throughout the hall, played by the empire's most well-known orchestra. And nobility in fine suits and gowns. It was lavish, as one would expect from an Imperial Ball, but I couldn't help but find it tedious.
I sighed internally.
As we walked down to the grand stairs, many of the guests were looking at us with awe. Well, particularly to my sisters.
They were absolutely captivated by the beauty of my sisters. It was a given they would be like this, since both of my sisters had hair that looked like it was weaved from golds and eyes that sparkled like rubies. They were both certified beauties with such lovely features.
Unlike me, I only have dull dark brown hair and a mediocre appearance. I simply had the same ruby eyes like them, but that was it. If it weren't for the make-up, I'd seem like a complete outsider in these two leagues. My thoughts were jolted as I felt someone grab my right hand. It was none other than Kristie. Her hands were trembling.
'Ah, she must be anxious with all this attention. This is her first ball and public appearance after recovering from her disease.'
I couldn't stop smiling. She was very enthusiastic and passionate about all this earlier in the carriage. I'm curious, where did all that fervor go?
"You don't have to be concerned about anything; just be yourself," I reassured her. "Veronica and I will be there for you if you have any difficulties."
Kristie only looked down as she softly squeezed my hand.
Hmm... I glanced around and noticed two girls her age. "Veronica, I'll just greet somebody with Kristie."
Veronica, who was already busy talking and exchanging greetings with the other nobles, simply nodded her head and whispered, "Take care."
"Kristie, let's meet new friends," I said with a smile on my face then headed to the two girls. Kristie nodded her head meekly.
"Hi!"
The two girls turned to us. They seemed surprised but nonetheless, they were able to keep their composure.
"Greetings, to the second princess and the third princess of Valtora." Both of them spoke politely as they held their skirts and gracefully bowed.
"It's my pleasure to meet you, the second and youngest daughter of Duke Arastelle, Melissa Arastelle, and the sole daughter of Duke Morgan, Eunice Morgan."
And again both of them seemed surprised that I knew their names despite belonging to another kingdom.
"You know us, your highness?" Melissa asked.
"Of course, pink hair and eyes like spring blossoms could only belong to one household within the empire, Lady Melissa," Then I faced the other girl. "And glossy green hair and eyes like emeralds like yours, Lady Eunice; anybody would be able to recognize who you are, with both the ladies great qualities. Not only that, plenty of news about the ladies talents is always on the newspapers."
Ah, that nostalgic sense of Deja Vu again just by mentioning their traits like this.
"Thank you for your praise, your highness," Eunice said.
"We are flattered to hear that, your highness," Melissa said with a smile on her face.
My, My, they are just twelve or around thirteen years old but look at how composed they are. Just remembering those etiquette classes drilled to being a royal and noble really sent shivers to my spine.
"If you don't mind, can my sister join you two? This is her first ball. I will be at ease to have someone close to her age be at her side. Will that be alright?"
The two girls looked at each other. Then back at us with a radiant smile on their faces. "Of course your highness! We will be delighted to accompany Princess Kristina! Please let us be of help to you, your highness! The cakes and sweets prepared at this ball are one of a kind. Would you like to have some with us?"
Melissa extended her hand towards Kristie.
I looked at Kristie who looked at me then at Melissa. "It will be alright. Like I said earlier, Veronica and I will always be at your back." I smiled at her as I patted her head. "Go and have fun."
Kristie steeled herself then accepted the hands of Melissa with a smile on her face.
"That sounds fun," Kristie said. And the three girls went to the table containing the sweet confectioneries.
When they reached the table, I turned around to observe the entire hall. I watched everything in silence as I grabbed a glass of champagne from one of the waiters that was passing by.
This ball as mentioned before, commemorated the Foundation of the Empire of Raven. It has been five decades since the empire united the kingdoms in the Continent of Hasha. And this was their second ball in the spring of the year. No matter what I looked at, nobles and royalties from other allied kingdoms, it was just the same thing to me.
Their true motives and agendas were hidden under their pleasantries. Some were just relishing and flaunting their wealth and power.
Those with lower status had only two options: either appease those with greater rank or suffer the consequences. Those who were unable to do so were devoured and isolated by everybody.
Why am I alone then? Nothing really. It seemed that my presence seemed weaker compared to my other two sisters. That was why no one was talking to me. Well, in the past, there were some, however, for some reason after that, they never talked to me again. And it was not because they wanted to isolate me either or something.
But I don't find being alone bothersome. Rather, this is much better than conversing with people you needed to be always careful around.
My eyes trailed to the meek boy that looked the same age as me surrounded by other nobles. And it seemed that they were making fun of him.
That was really nothing out of the norm. Those lesser nobles who couldn't please those higher up were devoured or secluded, as I previously stated.
"The Imperial Family is now entering!" The servant suddenly announced which garnered everyone's attention.
The once buzzling room fell into deafening silence.