Diane smiled lightly. Her beautiful eyes staring at the graceful and quiet lady standing behind the Duchess.
Eliose had never liked socializing, this ball will not change that.
"Shouldn't Lady Eliose be with others??". Playfully, Diane teased the quiet lady.
"Miss Diane, you know that I dislike gatherings as such as this". Eliose glared at Diane who laughed.
" Lady Eliose, this socially awkward stance of your should change. There is no harm in making friends or allies. They will be of great help to you in the future...
"Or they might stab you in the back in the future". Eliose softly cut her off, stunning Diane.
"This is your reason why?? You are scared to get closer to people??".
Diane knew she guessed right when Eliose did not give her an answer.
"Lady Eliose, this fear of yours is completely understandable but you can not hide forever. It is from this time that you will start to mingle with others. If you insist on being alone, there will be a day when someone will come to you as a good person with the intention of decieving you. As you, you don't know how to separate the good people from the bad people because you have no experience, will fall deeper into the trap that has been set out for you. I am telling you this out of experience. Mingle and observe people, you will have an advantage". Diane advised. If Eliose didn't want to take her advice then as a Governess, she will do her best to teach her. Then it is up to Eliose if she wants to heed to her teachings or not.
"Lady Diane... You...". Eliose wanted to argue, but seeing the solemn gaze, she decided to listen to Diane. After all, Diane had seen more of the outside world than a sheltered noble like her.
"Alright. I will heed your warnings".
"You made a very good choice Eliose. Diane's words are very true. You have not seen much of the world of people. There are different kinds of people, the ones waiting for you to fall, the ones planning to oust you, the ones who pretend to be dear to you but end up betraying you. There are only a few that are dedicated and sincere to you, only when you socialize can you know who is meant to be close to you and who is not". The Duchess added. She joined in on their conversation as she heard the topic. She believes in what Diane said.
She felt grateful that Diane could make Eliose rethink her decision.
"Alright. I will heed your warnings".
"You made a very good choice Eliose. Diane's words are very true. You have not seen much of the world of people. There are different kinds of people, the ones waiting for you to fall, the ones planning to oust you, the ones who pretend to be dear to you but end up betraying you. There are only a few that are dedicated and sincere to you, only when you socialize can you know who is meant to be close to you and who is not". The Duchess added. She joined in on their conversation as she heard the topic. She believes in what Diane said.
She felt grateful that Diane could make Eliose rethink her decision.
They chorused, their heads lowered in respect and reverence.
"Do not stand on ceremony. Please rise".
"We thank Your Majesty!!". They rose up. Most of them were excited mainly because most of them wanted to be noticed by the royalties.
A chance to be noticed might mean a lifetime of pleasure and enjoyment.
"How is the Ball going?? I trust you are all having fun??".
A noble who thinks he is smart quickly steeled himself and stepped up to speak.
" Greetings to the Empire's Sun and Moon. Your Highness, attending a gathering hosted by you is such an honor. How will it not be fun". He flattered the Queen.
" Is that so?? Then it is good that you think like that. The Queen replied with a small smile.
" Hahahahaha. Yes Your Highness".
No one noticed the disgusted look in her eyes, nor the clenching of her fists.
She despises everything!! She truly does!!
Diane blinked, wondering why the Queen Consort had such a look in her eyes.
"The Crown Princess has arrived!!".
Maria swayed in with her trusty attendant by her side.
Diane's eyes widened. That woman is the Crown Princess?? Then that time, when she said she didn't like this ball... Will she be killed for indirectly disrespecting the monarch??!!.
Unexpectedly, Clara's eyes met Diane's. Diane froze, not quite knowing how to react. Clara saved her the trouble, she pretended like she didn't know Diane. Those who watched them will think it was just a momentary glance.
"Clara, why are you late?? I waited for you for a long time". The Queen scolded Maria but people heard the doting tone in her voice. It is obvious that Clara is greatly favoured.
"Mother, I was trying to get Elder Brother to come too. Father is here, the family has to be completed. Unfortunately, Elder Brother is a workaholic. He doesn't want to take a day off".
Maria complaining voice touched the heart of some people. The Royal Family is definitely in harmony!! Unlike others whose whole life are built on scheme's and lies.
"Hahahahaha!!". The King's booming laughter reverberated in the hall.
"Your Elder Brother knows he will be spanked if he doesn't do the work he is supposed to do".
" Father... Elder Brother has been working for a few days straight. He is allowed to have a break".
" Okay. When he finishes the one given to him, he will be allowed to have one". The King finally succumbed to his grown up daughter's charm.
" Thanks Daddy!!".
Diane stared at the exchange with twitching lips. She doesn't know if she should laugh or smile at their father and daughter bond. However, something doesn't seem right.... The Queen's expression. It didn't seem right.
"Ahh Right. Where is my Sister?? Maria??".
" I am here. Greetings Your Highness". The Duchess greeted but she didn't bow. The Duchess is exempted from bowing to King and Queen.
"Maria... It's been a long time since you last visited me at the Castle. Did I do something wrong??". The Queen asked, her lower lips trembling.
Anyone could see the sisterly love between them.
"No Your Highness, you did nothing wrong. I have been busy with my affairs, that is the reason why I have not visited. When I am done, I will make sure to visit your quarters".
Why is it that when the Duchess says stuff like this, it looks lile she's flirting??.
"Alright!! Sister, you promised!! I'll hold you to that!!".
" No worries Your Highness".
From beginning to end, the Duchess did not look at the King. The King wasn't concerned either. Hidden rivalry ran between their veins.
Diane observed the emotions that connected the family. The Queen's love for the Crown Princess isn't real, from her hidden actions, the Queen shouldn't like the Princess.