In this ball, there were few people that Neirin targeted. One of them was Edward William Johnson. Just thinking back to the few secrets he had made Neirin a bit amused, for his secret was unique and wasn't something any nobles could replicate. No, he doesn't have any illegitimate child or a mistress.
Edward William Johnson's secret was more than that.
However, for someone to be able to pull such a secret to such an extent, there were matters much more profound than they appeared to be. Neirin should approach this man with caution. She should familiarize his habits. Everything surrounding her was like a fragile glass that could be broken any minute. Moreover, she has a reputation she needs to take care of.
"Your grace?" Right, Jefferson Molan was also with her.
It would be best for Neirin to wait until a particular specific time has allowed them to exchange some words. If She approaches the emperor's advisor right now, gazes with curiosity and even with motives will flock at her, and in that way, she'll ruin her debut in society.
Some things should be approached with care.
Hence, Neirin gave a smile and offered her hand. "I would love to dance with the young Lord."
Jefferson's eyes sparkled with her acceptance as though he had received a priceless gift on his birthday. His hands trembled as he did not expect this to happen. Well, he was trying his chance but for the lady to accept. Does she think of him as someone handsome who passed all her standards?
Jefferson's ego seemed to be skyrocketing at the moment when he kissed the back of Neirin's palm. And just like a cue, the music changed. The orchestra sounded welcoming the start of spring and washing away the cold winter with their music. The fluttering gowns of the ladies looked like decorations made for flowers to bloom. It gives a different atmosphere to the heavy tension inside the ball.
Jefferson delicately held Neirin's hands. Their bodies began to sway with the rhythm of the music. Neirin did not mind their contact, but it was different with Jefferson. His face was all red, and if Neirin knew better, he was already juggling questions in his mind for Neirin to answer so that it won't be awkward for the both of them.
"Your grace," Jefferson started.
Neirin was curious about what his question will be. "Yes?"
"Is it okay for me to ask questions?" Neirin's right brow rose. She smiled.
"It depends on the question you'll give me." Neirin met Jefferson's gaze. He was startled at the very moment. He shifted his gaze, and in a split second, their bodies swayed again in turn. A few people were looking over at them, curious about what they were talking about and interested in the following actions between the two.
"I am sorry for being this flustered, your grace. I am just amazed by your beauty."
Jefferson Molan seemed to be lacking words as he repeated his praises to Neirin repeatedly that she was already getting tired of it.
"You flatter me so much, Sir Molan. I hope you won't run out of praises since this ball will be held for four days and nights."
"No matter how many praises I give you, my lady, there is no word that can ever specifically define your beauty right now. You look like a goddess descended from the heavens to reign in this world."
"I have fallen for you. It was love at first sight, your grace! Please allow me to court you properly."
What nonsense! She felt all the hair on her body shiver down to her spine.
Neirin was speechless. She took a step back internally as it seemed that Jefferson had been out of his mind the moment she had already accepted his dance. Her heart palpitated. Jefferson's grip was getting tighter and tighter, and Neirin wanted to kick him at that moment. If it weren't for her social debut and the gazes she was receiving right now, she would have walked out right there and then!
"Entering!"
It seemed that the heavens might have heard her plea. The music stopped, and all the people's attention shifted to the ballroom entrance. Neirin withdrew her hand and took a few steps backward at that moment.
Jefferson seemed confused, but another announcement was made before he could ask why Neirin had distanced herself. "The emperor Gideon Hendrous and the crown prince, Cassius Leandre Hendrous!"
In that instant, like a scene from a fairy tale where everyone present must give honor and respect to those seated on the throne, all of the people bowed their heads with reverence and without second thoughts.
Even Neirin was glad inside her heart that the dance between them and Jefferson ended. "This is such a joyful and bountiful day! I thank all of you for coming here. Please raise your heads as I am about to introduce you,"
Neirin felt a light descend upon her.
She looked up.
She wasn't wrong when she saw all gazes go to her. Some gazes were expecting, and others were full of anticipation mixed with their cautiousness, while the others were calculating. However, none of the eyes were happy to see her except for the emperor and the crown prince. Eventually, Neirin knew they were delighted to see her because they viewed her as a tool, nothing more.
As trained as she was, Neirin flashed a beautiful smile that welcomed the audience. "Most of you will probably ask who the lady is," The emperor continued. "I would like to present the new duchess of the Halstead duchy! Duchess Neirin Circe Halstead!"
Neirin heard the warm clap of the people around her. She gave an elegant bow and smiled with sophistication. "I thank his majesty for warmly welcoming me to the capital like this. This is such an honor to the Halstead duchy!"
The emperor and the crown prince descended and walked toward Neirin. People's eyes followed them.
"Thank you, duchess, for attending this banquet." the emperor seemed to look like he was happy. He was wearing extravagant clothes with his cape and crown, while the crown prince was dressed in the same high-quality fabrics as the emperor.
"No, your majesty. It is my honor to be invited by you." Neirin returned their humble praises. The crown prince took a step forward and offered his hand. Neirin gave her hand and smiled when the crown prince, Cassius, kissed the back of her palm.
"I greet the most beautiful lady in this ball," he uttered with flattery.
Neirin giggled. "I am happy, your highness." The crown prince took a step back.
Just as they were about to talk, the emperor leaned over and whispered in her ears. "I heard there's another victim." He stressed. Neirin had a hard time concealing her expression and emotions. "I know it's only been days, but I will expect results soon, hmmm?"
Neirin smiled and nodded. "Yes, your majesty."
The emperor withdrew his face and smiled sweetly. "I am glad." He laughed. "I would like to introduce you to my people. Would that be okay?"
Neirin smiled again that her cheeks were already hurting. However, she could not mess this up, for this was the opportunity she had been waiting for all this evening.
"Of course, your majesty."
"Then, son," the emperor looked at the crown prince. Neirin glanced over him as his eyes flickered with different sets of emotions that Neirin couldn't decipher, for they disappeared more quickly than she thought.
"I'll be with the duchess. Escort her later."
The crown prince bow. "Yes, father."
The crown prince and Neirin's gaze met before he excused himself and surrounded himself with his friends. On the other hand, the emperor announced the resume of the banquet.
--
The emperor leads Neirin in a different direction. The banquet resumed, and the music sounded in every corner of the room. Jefferson was forgotten, and he wasn't able to put in. Neirin was a little bit thankful because of that.
"I assume that the lady is preparing?" the emperor opened the topic about the serial murder case that only targeted the nobles once again.
"I have met my people, your majesty. Fret not, as I will have some news to inform you soon."
The emperor's smile grew wider.
Just as then, the dignified-looking man in his thirties approached them. He was wearing a dashing suit himself with decorations of gold and silver. He was talking with some other noble men when he excused himself and met the emperor halfway.
"I greet the empire's hope and sun, your majesty."
"Marquis Edward, we just met this morning, and now you are here again."
"It's my honor to see the emperor's face even if it is my job."
"You flatter me very much," Emperor Gideon pointed to Neirin. She smiled and introduced herself.
Marquis Edward smiled back as though he was meeting one of his acquaintances. "You look beautiful, duchess of Halstead."
"You flatter me very much, Marquis." In a noble society, people secure their protection through flattery and their uses. That was why most nobles learned the art of flattery. Of course, Neirin had known those things too long ago, and she was pretty well versed in it.
"No, it's not flattery at all. I heard the emperor's expectation from you, and I am simply expecting you to prove yourself, hmmm?"
Neirin nodded. "I am also expecting that from myself, Marquis Johnson. Meeting the emperor's expectations was beneficial for the empire and the people. It's a great honor for me."
"Is that so?" The Marquis stared at her for a minute. The music inside the ball changed, and a different dance started.
"I see you both are getting along well," the emperor spoke. He was watching them with delight. Even though Marquis Edward was praising her, Neirin could already feel his scrutinizing gaze and doubts behind his voice. He seemed to have a prejudice against women taking the title of the duke.
"I plan to get along with the duchess, your majesty."
"Ho! I like that!" The emperor replied. He was the one who was delighted the most with what was happening now.
"Speaking of getting along, duchess Halstead do you know some games that involve cards?"
"Although my father, the late duke of Halstead, taught me how to play cards like I am betting my life, I am afraid I am a bit lacking in that aspect. However, if the Marquis would not mind my incompetence, I would love to embrace the honor of playing with you with the emperor. I pray that your insights will greatly help me in the future?"
Neirin looked at both the emperor and the Maquis with an expected gaze.
Right, this is it! Neirin smiled inwardly, preparing her response. Nobles loved flaunting their money, and the game of cards was simply a tool for bragging, wasting their wealth, and trapping someone in the wrap of their hands.
This was also Neirin's attention, and she was already sure that the Marquis would invite her for a game of cards. Apart from the secret she learned, she already knew how the Marquis loved playing games, for it gives him a different kind of satisfaction.
"What a humble lady," the emperor praised. "Then, should we teach her, Marquis Edward?" Emperor Gideon asked his aide.
The Marquis stared at Neirin for a moment. His eyes looked like he was serious before changing his expression once again. "I would be delighted to teach a young lady."
The emperor clapped his hands. "Very well!"
Neirin felt her heart pounding. She was excited.
--