It was a great day to start a day since the sun was shining up high, and the wind felt warm.
Early that morning, Echeron asked Iris to accompany him to a hunting event with his fellow noblemen and, at the same time, introduce Iris to the aristocratic world.
Iris was unsure since this was her first time meeting many people, but Echeron assured Iris that he would guide her in every way he could.
Iris thought about it, and in the end, she eventually agreed to him since she couldn't resist those beautiful ruby eyes.
Iris told Echeron that she would get ready this time by herself so as not to repeat the same incident last time. The maids complained first, but Echeron told them to follow what Iris wanted and leave her alone.
Iris went to the wardrobe and looked for something appropriate for hunting but hadn't really found anything useful because all of it was long gowns and dresses. She rummaged through the cabinet, but she found nothing.
Until she looked up and saw a box at the top of the dresser. Iris attempted to grab the box, but she was too short.
She jumped a few times to reach it.
'Almost there', she thought as she made the last jump and touched the tip of the box, but it made her stumble backwards and fall on the floor, and the box fell on her head.
"Ouch", she groaned.
"Are you okay in there?" Echeron shouted from outside
"Yes, I'm fine", she yelled back.
She opened the box and found long black pants like jeans and a pair of Boots with a heel so her foot wouldn't accidentally get caught in the stirrups if she fell. A fitted long-sleeved shirt and a long blazer.
Iris wondered why this attire was hidden at the top and not included with the rest of the clothes. The outfit was appropriate for the event, so Iris changed into it instead of the dress.
"Well, this is much better," she said confidently.
She went out the door and saw Echeron leaning at the wall, waiting for her. He immediately noticed and looked at her, shocked at what he saw.
"What?" Iris asked
Echeron looked away immediately. "nothing, it's just I didn't expect you to wear that."
"What's wrong with it?" Iris asks confusedly, "We are going to hunt, right?"
"Yes,' Echeron answered, "but no one wears that anymore" he continued.
"You kidding, right?" Iris laughed. "So why are these clothes in my closet?" she asked timidly.
Echeron stayed quiet, not answering.
Iris rolled her eyes. "I know I haven't got out much in my life, but I know people were supposed to wear like this in hunting events."
Echeron just looked at her. He extended his arms towards Iris. "Let go," he said, avoiding the questions.
Iris hesitated at first, but she grabbed his hand. They walked toward the carriage as Echeron assisted Iris in climbing onto it, and they sat there quietly.
They arrive on the hunting ground. There was a big field full of horses. There is a big manor in the centre of the area, A barn and stables on the left side where the horses reside.
There was also a race track where people played race, and on the right was a forest used for hunting.
Iris was amazed by the view outside.
"This is amazing", she mumbled.
"first time seeing a Hunting ground?" Echeron asked
Iris looked at him. He was looking outside with his left hand on his chin and crossing his legs.
Iris did not answer and just looked at him.
Echeron glanced in her direction, catching her looking. Iris was startled and looked away immediately and blushed.
"Actually, this is my first time seeing anything from outside", she mumbled, fixing her hair to the side of her shoulder.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the manor.
The coachman opened the door for them. Echeron was the first one to leave the carriage. Iris was about to get out, but Echeron's hands were ready to assist her walking down the carriage. Iris didn't hesitate this time and held Echeron's hand,
stepping down.
A man approached the duke with an open arm.
"Welcome to Bellonia," the man said
The Duke Echeron extended his hand for a handshake to avoid the hug.
The man looked like a middle-aged man, tall with black hair, black eyes, and tan skin.
"Marquis Bellona," Echeron said as he shook his hands.
"And who is this beautiful lady?" Marquis Bellona said, grabbing the hand of iris and kissing it
"...but your clothes are--" the marquis said, pointing at Iris's outfit. "what do you call it?"
The crowd started gathering around, looking at Iris and whispering to each other.
Iris looked at the ladies around. They are wearing a dress up to their knees and long boots.
Different from her, now he understand why Echeron was laughing when he saw her wearing the outfit.
Insecurities were returning to iris, ruining her confidence. She put her head down.
Echeron noticed and instantly grabbed Iris's shoulder closer to him. Iris was shocked. He looked at him confusedly.
"I told her to wear something comfortable," Echeron said. "why do you have a problem?" he questioned with a high-pitched voice.
"no, no, she looked great", the marquise said, waving his hands back and forth.
Also, the people around stopped talking as the duke glared at them.
The marquise led them inside the manor.
The banquet had already started as they entered. The marquis leads them to a table where they can sit.
The banquet was lavish; many people danced and enjoyed the classical music.
A Few nobles came to the dukes' table and started discussing business. Iris doesn't understand their topic, so she walks towards the feast to get food.
Echeron just glanced at Iris, that is walking toward the feast table. He wanted to join her, but people started to gather around him, wanting to discuss business.
Iris was now at the feast. She grabbed a plate and started to get desserts. Everything was terrific. Foods she only sees in books and also new food she has never seen before.
She put everything she liked on her plate until three girls came closer to Iris with their arms crossed.