The Princess is Going on Strike - Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Asterin looked forward to the last day of the festival. A banquet may be a banquet, but the masquerade ball which was held on the last day made everyone’s hearts flutter because of the Flowers of the Festival. There were beautiful dresses, colorful lights, and men and women dancing wearing masks. They would dance while holding hands without knowing each other’s names or faces, causing emotions that never existed before, to arise. And because one did not know the face and identity of others, they would pay more attention to the outfits worn. This was why men and women in the brightest dresses and tailcoats at the masquerades were always chosen as the Flowers of the Festival of that year. Verissa, Asterin’s older sister, was voted the most beautiful lover after wearing a Garrick Aldman dress and dancing with Marquis Jaspial’s eldest son. Of course that didn’t mean that the two started dating, but it was enough for her to feel that momentary thrill. What’s more, since she didn’t seem interested in the masquerade this year, Asterin was sure that she would become one of this year’s Flower. Although she was unable to acquire a Garrick Aldman dress, she was still able to prepare one that was extremely beautiful and extraordinary. As the maids were getting her ready ball since the morning, Verissa looked at her with a pitiful expression and spoke.
“Asterin, no matter how hard you try and attract attention at the ball, you can’t marry the Crown Prince.”
Asterine glanced at her sister while her hair was being dried.
“That remains to be seen, Sister. I’ll make sure to be the one to stand out the most at this masquerade and sit in the seat next to the Crown Prince.
Verissa sighed as she looked at her immature sister. No matter how hard she tried, it will be nearly impossible to tie with the Imperial Family. To tell the truth, when she thought of the insolent behavior her own father showed to the Crown Prince on the first day, she felt that they’d be lucky if the Crown Prince didn’t just kick them out. Verissa sighed as she felt that Asterine was starting to resemble Oledin recently.
I wonder what absurd behavior she’ll show this time.
She mumbled the same words her mother, Duchess Lorraine, would say repeatedly.
“Please, don’t do anything embarrassing.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
Verissa always worried about Asterin and Verictus who looked exactly like Oledin. She sighed and turned around, walked out of the building and looked at the end of the corridor. The family may be disgusted at Aerylle, the illegitimate child, but Verissa actually looked after her a bit. Because of Aerylle’s mask, Verissa would tremble in fear when they were young, which caused Aerylle to keep her distance from her. Despite that, Verissa actually held Aerylle in high regard, regardless of her appearance. There were times when she would try to stop her reckless father, but there was no way she could win against him. She was worried if something had happened to Aerylle after the banquet incident because she had been locked up in her room, but was unable to approach her easily. It was she feared that her existence would become a burden on Aerylle.
Should I try talking to her once we go back to the mansion after the masquerade is over?
Looking up at the still scorching sun, Verissa turned and started walking.
* * * * * * *
Unlike banquets which began in the morning, masquerades started in the evenings. When the sun had completely set and the lanterns were turned on, glowing their bright lights, the massive doors of the hall would open and the masquerade would begin. Nobles who were waiting for the ball to begin would enter and enjoy themselves while boasting their beautiful dresses and masks. Since it was a ball, many people would dance from the start. Young masked nobles would approach others of the opposite sex who they found interest in. In fact, there were quite a few men and women who have become lovers after meeting at masquerades. Therefore, it was natural that the ball was quite fervent. While the young men and women averted their eyes from being aware of one another, the eldest and second daughters of the Brixia family entered the ballroom. Even though there was no introduction, they drew enough attention from the nobles as Asterin’s dress was fancy and eye-catching which contrasted Verissa’s simple and noble design.
“Don’t do anything strange, alright?”
Verissa once again warned her as if she were worried, but Asterin only shrugged and disappeared into the crowd while hiding her lips behind a fan.
Why are they all so selfish?
Verissa sighed and went to sit in a corner. She personally didn’t want to attend the masquerade, but had no choice but to come because she had no idea who would cause another scene. She sighed lightly and took a sip of apple juice when a young nobleman approached her.
“If you don’t mind, would you like to dan-”
“I have no intention of dancing today.”
The young man shut his mouth with an embarrassed expression at her firm rejection. The way she handled it was against aristocratic etiquette, but Verissa paid no heed. Since her goal for attending the masquerade wasn’t to dance but to watch her family members. Verissa rose from her seat with a glass in her hand.
They won’t cause a scene right away, right?
Verissa decided to quietly rest at a terrace and turned around when she bumped shoulders with a passing lady. Fortunately, it wasn’t the shoulder of the hand where she held her glass, but Verissa ended up yanking back her juice in surprise.
“Are you alright?”
The woman in a silver mask exposed a bitter smile as she asked anxiously. Verissa tilted her head.
“By any chance…..”
Have we met before?
But before she could say anything, the woman bowed her head and walked away.
“…..I wonder who that was?”
A beautiful silver mask that perfectly harmonizes with silver hair, finished off with a pale gray shawl over the dress. Even if she was wearing a mask, it’s rare to find someone with that kind of appearance. Verissa tilted her head as she continued to stare at the woman‘s back.
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