Arisanna observed every little detail of the ballroom. She and Reynold hid in the shadow while remaining in contact with Theodore. They knew the interior of the Blanchette's household like the back of their hand, it was where they grew up after all.
Arisanna carefully laid out her plans to their parents, seeking their cooperation as well as their advice on how to handle the situation.
Without a theme for the ball, it gives the person less chance to hide their appearance. In turn, it would force them to seek several methods in order to hide their appearance, creating a risk of being discovered in case the magic wears out. It also narrows the list of suspects as not many young noble ladies opt to change their appearance, keeping their natural look. Of course, this was all thought out with the possibility that they will change their appearance.
However, Arisanna felt it was more likely they kept their true identity a secret, in case of being investigated. It didn't matter as everything will be revealed during the ball. The person who sent the letter has to approach Theodore after all, which relieves her a bit knowing he was fully capable of defending himself.
Once her mother's speech was over, the room darkened, only allowing the bright moonlight to enter.
'The moon is beautiful tonight,' Theodore jokingly commented.
'Well, it still has to look good. We can't just improvise a ball without something that makes it grandiose,' Arisanna replied.
They have connected the entirety of the ball, allowing them to speak to each other in secret. Arisanna would occasionally break contact in order to connect with her brother, but for the majority of the time, she talked to Theodore.
'Do you see anyone suspicious?' Arisanna asked.
'Not really. I can't feel anything off just yet… Can you see clearly in the dark?'
'I can see, but maybe not as clearly. I need time to adjust my vision,' she frowned.
In response to her, Theodore walked toward the nearest window. The moonlight shone on the young man, highlighting his features from his face to his build. He cast a great shadow beneath him, extending toward the dancing people.
'Can you see better now?'
'In such an obvious light, I would need to get my eyes checked if I couldn't.'
He smiled, 'Are you sure you don't need glasses? You have been reading a lot of documents lately. Won't it worsen your vision to do so in the study?'
'There is no helping it. It is my job after all.'
'Yet to do it in dark lightning with a little candle next to you?'
'You always turn on the lights anyways.'
'You now depend on me to be your light switcher?'
'It's your fault for cultivating that habit instead of telling me directly.'
'Alright-'
'Wait, I think someone is coming.'
Emberlynn had no idea of their exchange as she strode towards the Grand Duke.
"Care for a dance, Grand Duke?"
'How bold…' Theodore thoughted.
'She has to have guts if she sent such a letter.'
'She doesn't lose to you one bit.'
'Wait… what are you trying to say?'
He simply smiled and replied, "Alright, let's dance."
***
'I'm glad everything went smoothly,' Arisanna couldn't help sighing.
Standing before her was a mysterious yet vaguely familiar entity. The woman claiming to be "Cecillia Gardner '' glanced at Reynold and her for a short moment before returning her gaze toward Theodore. There was a brief look of question on her face as if she was a bit confused about the situation. She behaved calmly, maintaining a trace of elegance before she sat down on the couch.
Becoming warier, Reynold cautiously held the hilt of his sword, ready to pull it out in an emergency.
Arisanna walked up toward her, her eyes shining despite the lighting inside the already-lit room. Emberlynn could feel her burning gaze.
"Marquess Dewbringer, is he really a traitor as you told?"
Emberlynn's eyes widened at her question. She calmed herself knowing it was a question she could answer.
"Yes, he is on the side of the church."
Arisanna continued to stare at her, her eyes not blinking.
"Are there more traitors among our group of trusted officials?"
"Yes."
Arisanna nodded. Her demeanor never wavered at her answers.
"List them all."
"I won't."
Arisanna raised her eyebrows, "You won't?"
"I won't disclose anything further, unless…"
"What do you want in exchanged?"
"For… your protection," Emberlynn firmly replied while glancing at Theodore.
"Protection?" Arisanna said in surprise.
"Yes. As I have said before, I have no ties to the church so you know I am not rebelling against them. However, I am in need of your protection, or more accurately, your status."
"Status? The power behind the status to protect you? Well, the title 'Grand Duke' is powerful however we have no intention of ruining that reputation," Arisanna cautiously spoke.
"I will promise to not hurt your status or ridicule you. Whatever you or I do, I will be sure to keep you in the light."
"You say as if you already have plans. Care to tell us what exactly is your goal?"
"If only you cooperate with me."
"What can you bring us?" Theodore chimed in.
Arisanna looked at him with her eyes widened and he gave her a reassuring gaze. She then rolled her eyes.
"I can give you more information. I know more than what I have told you."
"Alright, we will cooperate if only you tell us what you know as well as what you plan," Theodore intimidated.
Reynold pointed his sword at her neck, anticipating her answers.
"I have nothing to lose. You have been seeing if I was lying to you, right?" she looked at Arisanna.
She then stared back into Theodore's cold eyes, "I will cooperate with you and fulfill my end of the deal. In turn, I get to use you and your status however I like."
Reynold lowers his sword, his eyes still coldly staring at Emberlynn, making her shiver.
"Alright, happy cooperation," Theodore nodded and reached out his hand.
"Happy cooperation," Emberlynn nodded while shaking his hand.
Her hand was noticeably paler in comparison to Theodore's hand. Hers looked frail, perfectly outlining the structure underneath. While his hand was larger, completely enveloping her hand, with a more muscular outline.
'What do you think her plan is?' Theodore asked her a quick question as he shook Emberlynn's hand.
'I… don't know. Status equals power. Maybe she needs it to get revenge or something. Besides, this deal doesn't seem too bad. Nothing is more valuable to the emperor right now than the information is willing to give us.'
'Right. I hope you are right.'
'What did I say earlier? When have I been wrong?'