"May the blessings of the Goddess be with the Imperial Family. I am Emris Fallow, the daughter of His Grace, Duke Fallow."
Emris sweetly spoke as she bowed her head to Stephen and Ashton. Stephen's heart fluttered from Emris's adorable manner as he lifted the corners of his mouth, beaming a hearty smile. At the same time, Ashton continued coldly staring at Emris without saying anything. He looked as though he had been trapped in his thoughts, but it was hard to tell from his indifferent demeanor.
There he is, the man I need to keep the most distance from, Emperor Ashton Radomir. His cold stare is frightening; I can already feel my heart tensing up. Let's just ignore him and focus on Emris' Father. She thought, gulping the ball of saliva stuck in her throat and shifting her attention.
Once she fixed her stare on Warin, he wandered over and interlocked her hands with his. "I'm glad you made it, Emris, but did something happen that delayed your arrival?" The theoretical idea of his daughter getting hurt brought despair to his expression.
An uplifting aura emitted from her, curing her father of his darkened state. "Don't worry, Father, it was nothing concerning. The carriage encountered a problem before arriving at the manor, so my departure took longer than expected." Emris explained.
"Well then, I'm relieved nothing happened, and you arrived safely." He caressed Emris's shoulder, treasuring her smile, wishing it to be engraved into his mind.
"Ahem, pardon me, but Warin, aren't you forgetting your promise?" Stephen pretended to clear his throat to butt into the moment. His eyes were star-struck when looking at Emris as if she was a rare portrait of beauty seen once in a lifetime.
"Alright, Alright, I've heard you, Stephen." Warin wrapped his arm around Emris, presenting her forth to Stephen. "Emris…this is Stephen Julius Radomir, the Grand Emperor of the Imperial Empire and also my friend since childhood. Stephen, this is my beloved daughter, Emris Fallow."
In her eyes, a man who shed not an ounce of callousness. His beaming smile brings life to even the soulless of beings. Like a stuffed animal, he appeared to be fuzzy on the inside just as she appeared on the outside. Emris laid down her guard, allowing herself to be reeled in by Stephen, thinking it would be fine.
"An honor it is to be in your presence, Your Imperial Majesty. May the Goddess's blessings keep you in good health always." Emris held her hand to her chest, slightly bowing her head, a smile of grandeur on her face. Thankfully, winning over the Grand Emperor won't be difficult, considering his friendly and bubbly personality. Still, the overpowering chill belonging to the Emperor is growing.
"It's an honor to finally meet you, Lady Fallow; I've heard much about you from your father. He always spoke of his kindhearted daughter and how much he cared about her." Stephen babbled, getting exceedingly comfortable around Emris.
"I had no idea of my father's words; thank you for sharing this with me, Your Majesty. I am grateful for my caring father. He is the reason why I have grown to be the person he speaks of." Emris joined in Stephen's babble, influenced by his infectious smile.
That's adorable! I can't believe Emris' father always bragged about her. She side-eyed Emris's father, and with an immediate glance, she could see the imaginary tears overflowing his delighted eyes.
Warin smiled and relaxed as he saw the sparkling vision of his daughter, knowing that he need not worry about her being locked in the manor any longer.
"Are you enjoying the Ball so far, my dear?" Stephen asked, his starry violet eyes eagerly awaiting her answer.
With a beaming angel smile, Emris pierced his heart and responded, "Yes, Your Majesty! The lively chatter of others and enchanting scenery is a nice change of pace. It feels no different from a dream."
"Is that so? I'm glad you think so, Lady Fallow; your response was much more refreshing than the one made by your father." Stephen jokingly chuckled.
"Really? What did you say, Father?" Emris turned her head back to her father, but he snatched her away and glowered at Stephen.
"That's enough, Stephen. You've taken up enough of my precious daughter's time." Emris was caught between them, feeling a little flustered, unaware of what to say.
"Don't be like that, Stephen." Stephen fixed his expectant gaze onto Emris. "You know, Lady Fallow, I consider your father my best friend; therefore, I would be delighted if you were to call me Stephen instead."
What? Did he just tell me to be… informal with him!? Hmm, is he playing at something? With her investigative watch, she scanned deep into his facial expression, waiting for him to falter, but to her surprise, he didn't.
He's being serious!? No, doing that could be problematic for me! Think, Think I need a way out of this. Ah! I got it! "….I propose a compromise; why don't I address you as Mister Stephen instead." Emris found her medium ground.
"That's perfect, I agree." Stephen's eyes twinkled with a sparkling splendor.
It's okay; I won't use it often because I'll do my best to steer clear of you, Mister Stephen. "It's settled then!" Emris proclaimed as she clapped her hands together in glee. Ashton stared at his father and Emris, exasperated by their constant chatter.
Stephen caught a glance at Ashton and forcefully moved him in front of Emris. Emris stared at him awkwardly as he fixed a heartless grimace upon her. The atmosphere between them thickened, and Emris eluded his eyes, not wanting to show her tense countenance to him.
"Miss Emris, I don't believe you've ever met my son, Ashton. He can be a little cold-hearted, but he's actually kind." Stephen proudly announced, only fueling Emris' disbelief. Not one fiber of her being believed that Ashton, the man with the power to terrify an entire room of people with one glance, was kind.
Emris held back her scoff, denying any shred of claim that Ashton was the slightest bit kind. Refusing to be shaken by his stabbing gaze, Emris kept a strong smile before him and bowed her head. "It's a pleasure to be in your presence, Your Majesty the Sun of the Empire."
It turned silent with no response from Ashton as he watched her apathetically like something to be observed. The silence ripped Emris apart as she bowed, not knowing what to do next.
"Hello, Lady Fallow." Emris lifted her head as her smile faded into a slight smile, noticeably becoming more insincere. However, keeping an optimistic mind, Emris strengthened her smile and held a gracious gaze.
Breaking through the ice, Stephen resurfaced in front of her once again. Sweat poured out excessively, praying the chances of Emris and Ashton becoming close were not severed. "I apologize for my son's behavior, Lady Fallow. Please excuse him for his improper way of speaking."
That's alright; I can forgive him as long as you can forgive the words about to come out of my mouth next. Earnestly, she'd placed her hand on her chest, a glinting hint of sweet retaliation in her eyes. "You shouldn't apologize, Mister Stephen. In fact, I'm quite impressed; I've never seen such a unique talent for repelling conversation with ease. It's truly praiseworthy!"
Their heads flicked toward Emris, a dead silence overtaking the air. Emris still maintained a jeering face, her sharp eyes cutting off a chink in the icy armor surrounding Ashton. A bomb had been dropped, and neither of them could say anything nor make a move.
"I'll excuse myself then, father. Goodbye." Emris cooly waved her hand at Warin, brushing off her words. "Good day, Mister Stephen, Your Majesty." She spun her body in their direction, slightly bowing her head before turning to leave.
Emris' lush hair flew in the wind of her brisk twirl, but she looked back at Ashton one last time. "Congrats, Your Majesty!" Emris winked, flashing a thumbs up and a beaming smile.
Clenching his hand, ready to burst from rage, Ashton tried his best to refrain from detonating. Abruptly, he withdrew his presence as well as the bone-chilling aura that kept Stephen and Warin from taking so much as one breath.
Once farther away from them, Emris dropped her smile and chewed on her bottom lip. Phew, It felt so good to get back at that jerk for causing me to feel uncomfortable for so long. Did it really hurt him to just say hello!? An infuriated fever of emotions filled Emris as she remembered the feelings of discomfort from earlier.
"Emris!!!" Emris' friends cheered as they ran over to her side. "You came!" Julia grasped her arm tightly. It seems like my late arrival caused them trouble.
"I'm sorry; it was not my intention to arrive late. I faced a few complications with the carriage. Again, I'm sorry if this put you in a predicament with the other nobles." Julia froze up, her face growing pale from Emris' words.
"…So you know?" The idea of Emris being hurt by the news brought a throbbing pain to Julia's heart that was reflected in her eyes.
"Yes, I read the newspaper this morning and saw it all." Afflicted with the guilt of letting down Emris, Julia became sullen and clenched her dress.
"… I'm sorry, Emris." Julia apologized.
"Julia…" Orla reached for her hand, but Emris embraced them both.
"Thank you both for helping me. I know it has been difficult, so I am grateful for all your love and care for me." I don't care about the newspaper because it'll help me get involved with social circles in the future, but I also don't wish for Julia and Orla to feel like they have let me down.
For a short while, the world falls away, leaving them surrounded by the warmth of their embraces. The stone guards that kept away any possible hurt in Emris' heart crumbled ever so slightly.
"Ah, Emris, Julia, and I must tell you something." Orla pulled out of the hug when the realization hit her mind.
"Right! You must be vigilant when it comes to—"
"How lovely? The Duke's famous daughter has finally enriched us with her entrancing presence." Adela Lindton barged in once more, darkening the atmosphere with a glare behind her smiling eyes.
"We meet again, Lady Fallow. It's been a long time…" Adela Lindton, the daughter of Count Lindton and belonging to one of the five most powerful houses in the Empire. A woman who flaunts her wealth and appearance all for the sake of the 'Beauty of the Empire' title she's attempted to steal from Emris.
Her father is known to be an essential figure of the Anti-Imperial Group, which opposes Ashton's reign, and wishes to sit his daughter on the Empress seat for the benefit of the Anti-Imperial Group. She herself also desires to stand next to Ashton because of her unrequited love for him.
"Marchioness, you're well-read when it comes to the concept of etiquette, yet I couldn't help but notice that your idea of propriety differs quite substantially from the etiquette taught. It's quite heartwarming how deep your friendship lies. However, one can't help but wonder if such unrestricted friendliness dilutes the refined essence of gatherings like these." The entourage of Adela stared daggers at Emris, sending goosebumps throughout her body.
Narrowing her eyes, a glint of mischief danced within. "I understand your words, Lady Lindton, and I pity you for not knowing the warmth of friendship that allows all honorifics to be disregarded. Those so-called friends of yours, with their polished smiles and empty gestures, are mere players in your well-rehearsed facade." Emris chuckled darkly, savoring the moment.
Orla and Julia felt their heart drop, hearing Emris bite back at Adela's remarks, which she'd never done before.
"I deeply admire the bond you've created with the Marchioness and Baroness, and I appreciate your sincere concern for me, so it fills me with great embarrassment to ask something like this. However, I'm curious if you're familiar with magical restoration." Wearing a fake smile, her voice tinged with subtle condescension.
"It's the process of altering the body using magic. The process can usually last up to five years, and well, your departure from society is conveniently aligned with the time it takes for certain enhancements to work. More specifically, the alteration of facial features. I'm quite amused by your capability, Lady Fallow; perhaps you'll share your secret one day." Adela implied that Emris used magic to maintain the title 'Beauty of the Empire.'
Keeping her composure, Emris kept her head held high, and her smirk played on her lips. "My secret, you say, I'd hate to disappoint you, Lady Adela, but magical restoration is widely known to leave small marks on one's face or body, but as you can see…" — Emris leaned over, her face a few inches from Adela's — "I am not nervous at all for you to inspect my face for yourself. I must say, though, if you wanted to see my beautiful face, you didn't have to resort to such trickery."
Adela squeezed the fan in her hand, its edgings marking her palm. Fire burning in her eyes, her voice remained resolute. "Yes, it must be a coincidence as your face remains unclear of blemishes or scars. I hope it continues to stay that way for a long time and you don't run into any unfortunate accidents." Adela emphasized the last two words, implying her wish for Emris to fall to harm.
"Unfortunately, I must excuse myself now. I promised my father I'd spare time to greet his business colleagues. Until we meet again, Ladies." Adela made herself scarce, not showing her anger until the very end.
I know I said I wouldn't consider her a suspect, but her household's power and its own selfish desire to seat her on the throne might just be reason enough to be cautious of her family. Through the Empress's reign, they'll be able to control the domestic affairs of the Empire and collapse it from within. I should report this to Conan once I get home and see his opinion.
"Emris, you did it! You finally defended yourself against Adela!" With a warm smile, Orla's voice filled with genuine pride.
"It's a good thing you sprung your words on her quickly. I was debating whether or not to slap her." Julia crunched her knuckles, the cracking noise startling Orla and Emris.
Surprised yet appreciative, a soft smile graced her lips. "I hadn't realized you both were watching our interactions so closely, but when you say 'finally,' does that mean I didn't before?" Emris asked, her eyes depicting concern.
"Well, yes, you used to let her talk down to you all the time. Sometimes, you'd stay still even when she'd pour an entire glass of wine over your head." Emris flinched, gasping while covering her mouth.
"….I see." Is that why she looked so sad in the picture and why she ran away from society? Emris…. Until the last day I spend in your world, I promise to protect you and build a reputation that does not allow a single person to bully you again. This is my solemn goal. Her eyes spoke the solace words of her heart.
***
Stephen had spent most of the ball around Warin, drinking the wine given to them by the attendants walking around. The song had changed to a slow waltz, allowing for close contact with the partners.
His eyes flipped the room upside down until he spotted his target, Emris, who'd been alone gazing at the dance floor at her friends dancing with other men.
This is my chance! I must do all I can to break the ice created by the conversation from earlier. Ashton, I will make sure that you fall in love with Lady Fallow and ensure your happiness, I promise.
"Ashton!" Stephen called out for Ashton, making his way toward him.
"What is it, father?" Both Ashton and Reinfrid turned their heads, focusing on Stephen.
"Why don't you dance with Lady Fallow?" Along with Stephen, they faced Emris's direction and saw how she stared into the dance floor. "She must be feeling lonely since she wasn't asked to dance, so you should—"
"No." His gaze was icy and distant, and a flicker of annoyance resonated in his voice.
***
Emris was charmed by the lavish world of Riphulon; it felt like she was on top of the world, carefree and happy, until a hand extended itself to her. The crowd's attention had been put on her as everyone stared with looks of disbelief.
Huh? What's going on? Why is everyone suddenly staring at me?
Her eyes met Ashton's bitter face as he looked away from her. "May I request a dance, Lady Fallow?" His hand reached out for her, catching her glance.
What?! Why is he asking me for a dance!? He must be crazy if he thinks I'll say yes.
"I'm sorry, but I must reject—"
"Why is she refusing?" – Her ears caught the whispers of the nobility – "She must be stupid for refusing to dance with his majesty." The whole ballroom murmured and whispered, pressuring her.
"I guess one dance couldn't hurt, but I should warn you. I haven't danced with anyone in years, so I don't remember how." Emris looks at him earnestly, forcing a smile as she raises her hand. Emris places her hand in Ashton's, dismissive; his eyes hardened with indifference.
"That's fine. I understand that you may not be as experienced as you might have been before," Ashton squeezed her hand, feeling a sudden uncontrollable outburst of annoyance in his mind.
They approach the dance floor as the guests stare at Ashton and Emris. While some were in awe, others were jealous just by looking at them. Emris and Ashton began to dance as they fixed their gaze away from each other.
Since he's been nothing but a thorn in my side, I will continue to give him reasons not to choose me as an Empress Candidate. Swaying together in the middle of the ballroom, Emris found the opportune moment to stomp on his foot with her heels as hard as she could.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry, Your Majesty! Maybe this was a bad idea!" Bathing in radiance, a sly grin playing on her lips.
Purposely, he sped up his steps, but Emris, having practiced dancing in her past life, could keep up with him. Determined to step on his foot again, she kept her eyes on her feet, trying to step on his, but he managed to escape her foot every time.
He keeps dodging my steps; what on earth makes him want to keep up this act? What's going on in that diseased mind of yours, Ashton? Emris was puzzled, looking at his unwavering eyes; he was strange to her.
I know what you're doing, Lady Fallow, but it won't work. As much as I don't want to dance with you here, I need to for my father. He desperately wanted me to dance with you, so I won't deny my father's wish even if I dislike you. Ashton looked at Emris, seeing how she didn't give up even though Ashton evaded her every time. You're very determined, aren't you?
Haaa…I want this dreadful dance to end; how else can I end this? Ashton then placed his foot forward toward Emris; she saw an opportunity right before her. Ashton grabbed her hand and spun her around just as she was about to step on his foot.
Her white-lavender hair flew in the wind of her steps as her dress spun with her.
"Ahh!" Emris misstepped, tripping herself. Ashton saved her as she was about to fall, supporting her back with his hand. His face was inches away from hers; that cold stare of his made her feel more annoyed.
"Your attempts at dancing are nothing short of a disaster. I wonder, are you even capable of keeping time?" His words were patronizing, but his tone was as cold as winter.
Eyes narrowing, a hint of irritation in her voice, Emris kept her composure. "Thank you for the advice, Your Majesty. I'll keep your words in mind." Immediately, she jerked her body out of his arms.
Pulling the corners of her dress, she curtsied. "Thank you, Your Majesty; having this dance with you was a pleasure." I was lying through my teeth; this dance made me want to vomit.
When she lifted her head, everyone released their applause. Ashton said nothing as he looked at Emris with an expression of skepticism. The confusion of the situation scrambled Emris's thoughts when she glanced at him. Deciphering him seemed too much for her; all she wanted to do was leave now.
"I'll excuse myself now, Your Majesty." She walked away from him and didn't turn back.
Phew, thank goodness that's over; everyone's eyes made me uncomfortable. Most of all, it took a lot out of me not to punch that guy in the face. A vein throbbed angrily with the thought of Ashton.
"Haa…I need something to drink. I'll quickly look for an attendant and request a peach juice." Emris sighed. "Hmm, where did they go?"
Emris gave up on her search for them, assuming they were busy, and resorted to a short walk in the nearby garden. The night sky was filled with stars, and the breeze blew her hair ever so gently, but the atmosphere was broken when a crash hit her ears.
Crash, Crash!' the sounds filled the upcoming path of the garden; she grew curious and crouched down in a bush, peaking her head out.
What's all the fuss? Did someone drop something?
Her eyes widened as she let out a gasp. She covered her mouth as a great shudder froze her body ice cold, and her spine shivered. She felt her heart pound in her throat as she gazed onto the path.