The grand hall of New Sun Bank was bathed in golden light as the ball reached its crescendo. The chandeliers overhead sparkled like stars, casting a warm glow on the elegantly dressed guests who moved gracefully across the polished marble floor. Arabella found herself in the midst of it all, her emerald green gown shimmering as she spun lightly on the arm of Elian Alexander.
The music swelled, and the pair glided effortlessly across the dance floor. Arabella was now dancing with Elian. Their dancing so beautiful and captivating. They both wore matching colors adding to the beauty.
As the final notes of the waltz faded, they came to a gentle stop. Elian smiled at her, his warm brown eyes reflecting the ambient light. "You dance wonderfully, Lady Arabella," he complimented.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she replied, slightly breathless. "You are quite the dancer yourself."
He offered his arm, and they moved towards a quieter corner of the hall where they could converse without the distraction of the crowd. They found a pair of comfortable chairs near a large window overlooking the city, and as they sat down, Arabella felt a sense of ease wash over her. Despite his noble title, Elian had a disarming presence that made her feel comfortable.
"So, tell me, Lady Arabella," Elian began, "what inspired you to start a bank? It's not a common venture for someone of your station, especially for a woman."
Arabella smiled, her eyes brightening with passion. "I wanted to prove to my father—and to myself—that I could achieve something significant on my own. I was determined to create something that would benefit the kingdom and show that I didn't need to rely on a marriage to secure my future."
Elian nodded, listening intently. "Your determination is admirable. It takes a lot of courage to go against societal expectations and carve your own path."
"Thank you," Arabella said, feeling a sense of pride. "I had a clear vision and the knowledge from my previous studies. I believed that a centralized banking system with the introduction of paper currency would revolutionize our economy. The challenge was gaining the trust of the people and the support of the king."
Elian's gaze softened. "And you've done remarkably well. The king's support speaks volumes about your capabilities."
Arabella felt a warm flush of pleasure at his words. "I couldn't have done it alone. I had the support of many wise advisors and dedicated workers."
They continued to talk, their conversation flowing naturally. Arabella found herself sharing stories about her struggles and triumphs, and Elian reciprocated with tales of his own journey from commoner to duke. His humility and genuine interest in her endeavors endeared him to her, and she felt her initial apprehension fading away.
As they chatted, Arabella couldn't help but notice a small window that had appeared in her peripheral vision. It was her status window.
Trust Spectrum
Elian Alexander
... 20%...
It was a small but significant step towards her larger goal. She allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction, knowing that tonight had been more productive than she had anticipated.
"You're smiling," Elian observed, breaking her thoughts.
"Oh, it's nothing," Arabella replied, a bit flustered. "I was just thinking about how far we've come. It feels good to see progress."
"Indeed it does," Elian agreed, raising his glass in a toast. "To progress and new beginnings."
Arabella clinked her glass against his, and they drank, enjoying the moment. The evening continued with more dancing, laughter, and conversation. Arabella found herself truly enjoying Elian's company. His wit, charm, and genuine kindness were refreshing, and she felt a growing sense of camaraderie between them.
As the night wore on, Arabella found herself becoming increasingly tipsy. She had indulged in more glasses of wine than she had intended, and the effects were starting to show. She giggled at Elian's jokes a bit too loudly and swayed slightly as she stood.
Elian noticed her state and gently took her arm. "I think it's time I escorted you home, Lady Arabella," he said with a smile. "We wouldn't want the illustrious banker of Arcadia to cause a scene now, would we?"
Arabella giggled, nodding in agreement. "You're right. It's probably best. Thank you, Elian."
He guided her through the crowd, making their way towards the exit. The cool night air hit her face as they stepped outside, and she took a deep breath, feeling slightly more clear-headed. A carriage awaited them, and Elian helped her inside before climbing in himself.
The ride to the Marquese estate was quiet, the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels lulling Arabella into a state of drowsiness. She leaned her head against the window, her thoughts a pleasant blur of the evening's events. Elian sat beside her, keeping a watchful eye to ensure she was comfortable.
When they arrived at the estate, Elian helped Arabella out of the carriage. She swayed slightly, and he steadied her with a firm but gentle grip. The grand doors of the Wycliffe estate opened, and Marquess Wycliffe himself stood at the entrance, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Sir," Arabella said, her words slightly slurred, as she referred to her father that was approaching them.
The Marquess's eyes softened as he looked at his daughter. "Thank you, Duke Elian, for bringing her home safely."
"It was my pleasure, Marquess Wycliffe," Elian replied, bowing slightly. "Lady Arabella was a delightful companion this evening."
The Marquess nodded, then turned to the maid who stood waiting. "Please take Arabella to her chambers and see that she is well cared for."
The maid curtsied and moved to support Arabella, who smiled gratefully at Elian. "Thank you, Elian. For everything."
Elian smiled back, a warmth in his eyes. "Anytime, Arabella. Rest well."
As the maid led Arabella away, the Marquess turned back to Elian. "You have my thanks, Duke Elian. I have heard my fair share about you and I hope that this is about to be the beginning of a fruitful relationship going foward."
Elian nodded. "I believe it is, Marquess. Goodnight."
With that, Elian left the estate.
Inside the estate, Arabella was gently guided to her chambers. As she lay down, her thoughts drifted back to the evening. Despite the wine and the fatigue, she felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She had made significant progress, not only in her mission but also in forging a genuine connection with Elian.
The status window in her mind still showed the 20% trust level, a reminder of her success. She smiled to herself as she drifted off to sleep.