The day of the gala had arrived and all the students invited were buzzing with excitement during class. All except for one, Clementine was in a deep debate with herself whether or not she would attend the event.
On the one hand, she didn't want to disappoint her teacher by not showing up and the award would help raise her prestige quite a bit. On the other hand, she would have to deal with all the bootlickers, jealous students, and worst of all, she would have to face the female lead.
Everything Clementine had done up to this point was to avoid her sad fate in the original novel, but by attending the gala she was unsure if it would try to correct itself. She didn't want to be mocked and ridiculed just to highlight the female lead.
Lifting her face off the coffee table with a groan Clementine made her decision. She would attend the gala but she would do her best to be an unnoticed wallflower.
Clementine walked into her room and took a large white box out from under her bed. The box had a beautiful embellished card taped on the front of the box that read: Many thanks from the Belle Époque Boutique, we hope you find this dress fitting.
She opened the box revealing the beautiful final dress that was slightly fancier than the original mockup, she chalked it up to the designer's enthusiasm. Clementine put on her outfit and matched her makeup to the general colors and style of the dress. She finished the whole look off by styling her hair in a modest half updo with long ringlet curls. Looking pleased with her appearance, Clementine left her dormitory and hailed a carriage service to take her into the city to the event center that the school had rented for the occasion.
The look she received from the carriage driver told her everything that she needed to know. She was looking fabulous but was slightly scandalous in a way that made most people want to look away and only give her small glances.
Clementine arrived at the venue just before the opening ceremony began. A hushed murmur went throughout the crowd as Clementine walked into the venue, found and sat in her seat which was close the the stage, the professor and a few other important individuals sitting there. Clementine introduced herself politely to the people at the table then she transitioned her focus to the food and drink in front of her. She gracefully picked up the wine glass in front of her and took a small sip.
"My dear Clementine, you look wonderful though I worry that it may be a little too provocative for an event such as this." Dr. Thornevale whispered to Clementine as he was worried for her.
"It's a fine professor. If I cared for the opinion of the masses I wouldn't have decided to become your student." Clementine replied.
This comment received a small chuckle behind her. Clementine turned around and nearly dropped her wine as she saw the female lead staring back at her.
"What impressive confidence you have dear. I've never seen you quite like this before. You've always come off a little aggressive to me." Adelaide chuckled sarcastically.
Clementine tried to ease her growing headache. It wasn't her fault that the original host was so antagonistic to the female lead but now she is receiving the backlash. Something had to be done Clementine didn't want to keep the antagonistic relationship with the female lead so she stood up and motioned to Adelaide to follow her to a more private location.
Adelaide followed behind Clementine a small smirk of interest and amusement flashing across her perfectly immaculate face. Clementine turned around to face Adelaide, Clementine would have to use all of her crafty witticism to craft this apology.
"Lady Adelaide I would like to give you a formal apology for my aggressive behavior towards you. You know how hard women have to fight to be allowed to remain in the science community, when I saw you I thought you were trying to take my spot. It was a foolish thought, we are sisters in arms fighting for the same cause, there is no need to be against one another." Clementine mused putting her hand in front of Adelaide.
"I accept your apology, lady Clementine," Adelaide replied shaking Clementine's hand.
What Clementine didn't know was that her half-baked apology to Adelaide would create an interest and friendship with Adelaide that would bring Clementine right into the middle of the novel's plot. But that is a story for the future.
A loud echo of clapping rippled throughout the ballroom, the opening ceremony had just begun. Adelaide and Clementine quickly rushed back to their seats to listen to the master of ceremonies.
....
The award ceremony was going great, Clementine watched patiently for about three hours. Her award would given out last, the female lead would receive her award before her. The master of ceremonies called the next person to speak about the next award up to the stage.
"Esteemed guests, gentlemen, and distinguished alumni, we have seen the highest accomplishment of the academy. Our next segment promises to be nothing short of inspirational as we are honored to have a remarkable individual grace our stage today.
This individual, our esteemed guest, is not only a shining example of our commitment to education but also a testament to the endless possibilities that lie ahead for every student who walks through these doors.
As we gather here tonight, it is with great pride and excitement that I introduce you to an illustrious member of our alumni community. This distinguished individual has not only excelled in their chosen field but has also embodied the spirit of a true Renaissance scholar. A polymath, if your will, whose intellectual pursuits have left an indelible mark on various disciplines.
In just a few moments, this extraordinary alumnus will take the stage to announce the coveted Renaissance Scholar Distinction, an award that embodies the very essence of academic versatility and excellence.
So, without further ado, let us welcome with thunderous applause, Lord Alexander Sterling!" The master of ceremonies announced.
Clementine nearly spat out her drink. F*ck she had forgotten that this gala in the novel was used to set the stage for the female lead but as the location where the two lead's love would start to bloom. It was already bad enough that Clementine was seated next to the female lead and had no way of escaping but now she was close to the male lead.
Clementine looked up at the stage as Alexander walked up adjusting the mic. He looked out into the crowds before speaking, his gaze stopping at Clementine's table. She saw a smirk flash across his face and a hint of recognition. Clementine blanched she couldn't tell if the male lead had recognized her or the female lead, either way, she didn't want to stay there any longer.
Clementine quickly rose from her seat attempting to shuffle her way out of the hall. Dr. Thornevale caught her hand before she could leave the table.
"My dear is something wrong?" He asked quietly.
"It's nothing professor I just need to use the powder room quickly. Don't worry I'll be back." Clementine responded as she slipped away and out of the hall.
What Clementine didn't know because her back was turned, was that the male lead's gaze followed her out the hall. His eyes filled with passion and delight.
....
Clementine returned to her seat as Adelaide walked up to the stage to receive her award. Clementine looked up expectantly as the two leads met face to face, she had expected there to be a small flame of passion present but the atmosphere between the two was cold.
This worried Clementine, she had hoped that her accidental theft of the female lead's first encounter with the male lead wouldn't have altered their romance too much. Clementine prayed for the story to fix itself, hoping that as long as she didn't appear before the male lead again he would forget a small cannon fodder like her and fall madly in love with the female lead.
Clementine's head swirled with panicked thoughts, she tried desperately to remember the plot but she hadn't finished the book before her death so all she could do was guess the tropes that might be used. Her mind was so stormy that she missed the female lead's speech and master of ceremonies inviting up Dr. Thornevale to reveal the final award for the night.
"My esteemed colleagues and the brilliant minds gathered here tonight, I stand here before you with a profound sense of gratitude and excitement. It is an honor to stand here before you the like of those who, like myself, have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of innovation and the marvels of ingenuity.
We gather here today not just to celebrate the achievements of the past but to recognize the bright future that lies ahead. It is my pleasure to introduce an award that embodies the spirit of inventive brilliance — the Innovator's Luminary Award. This accolade is not merely a token of recognition; it is a symbol of a visionary mindset, a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and, most importantly, a celebration of the individuals who illuminate our world with the brilliance of their ideas.
Tonight I have the distinct honor of presenting this award to an individual who not only embodies the essence of ingenuity but also stands as a beacon for the next generation of inventors. This individual was one that I watched as their knowledge and potential grew, the most impressive protegee I've ever had. Her first innovation revolutionized the medical industry, the Apollo automaton, is the most impressive work of machinery that I've seen in quite some time.
So, without further ado, I invite you to join me in welcoming to the stage the recipient of the prestigious Innovator's Luminary Award, a luminary in their own right, Clementine Ives! May their journey inspire us all to reach new heights, unlocking the endless possibilities that lie within the gears of our collective imagination." Dr. Thornevale announced.
The thunderous applause slowly quieted down into a hushed mummer as Clementine walked up to the stage. She heard small whispers questioning her modesty for wearing such a provocative dress.
Clementine took the award from the professor placing it down on the podium as she adjusted the mic.
"I am profoundly honored to accept the Innovator's Luminary Award, a symbol of brilliance. This accolade is not just a recognition of my efforts but a testament to the shared spirit of innovation that binds us all. Gratitude fills my heart for the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Thornevale, without him believing in my potential I would've never managed to create my Apollo automaton.
To all my fellow inventors and pioneers present, let us continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, for in our collective brilliance we shape a future where gears of progress run tirelessly. Thank you!" Clementine said.
....
Clementine didn't remember the rest of the gala. It was a haze of drinking and speaking with alumni and potential investors. Even as she got drunker throughout the night Clementine made sure to watch for the female and male lead, she would then avoid them as they got closer to her. The male lead was much more persistent than the female lead was in trying to find Clementine, but Clementine was quicker than both being able to evade them at each turn.
Eventually, the gala came to an end, and Clementine managed to escape from there without running into either of the main leads.