Chapter Twenty-Three
_ Preparations for the Royal Banquet
* * *
"Is there any news?!"
"Our spy is still looking into the matter; there is nothing significant at the moment, Your Eminence the High Priest."
"Damn it, even that man is useless..."
The assistant lowered his head, fearing his master's fit of rage, and before he could utter another word:
"What is the news regarding Cardinal Jerome?!"
"It seems he is moving in the shadows. I heard he entered the temple archives, and strangely, he searched for only one record.."
Rukshan looked deeply and deliberately at his assistant.
"Someone's record?! Who could it be?!"
"The young lady of the Silas family. He has seemed strange since he went to visit her months ago; he searched her record kept in the temple...."
"You mean he is investigating her? Perhaps he discovered something... he is a clever lad."
"And what shall we do, sir?"
"I am the one with a plan."
* * *
The breakfast table was quiet as usual, and neither of them made a sound. The servant entered and bowed.
"My Lord Marquis... Young Master, the young lady requests permission to join you for the meal.."
Elliot looked at his father, then at the servant in astonishment, as if he could not believe what he had heard. For many long years, Ariana had not shared a meal with them. He sighed and looked to his father to respond, but the Marquis remained indifferent, replying in a detached tone:
"Allow her..."
"Prepare a place for her here."
Elliot's response was enthusiastic, unlike his father's. The servants complied quickly; it was only a few minutes before Ariana entered with elegance and bowed.
"Ariana Silas greets her Uncle and Older Brother."
"You may sit, sister."
The etiquette did not dictate such exaggerated formality between family members, but Ariana made a point with her simple gesture toward her uncle...
The plentiful food was placed before Ariana, taking into account her preferences, a meal prepared as usual by Maryane. Ariana took her fork and began to eat quietly. Elliot was puzzled by Ariana's calmness and his father's coldness; he sighed and spoke with a touch of cheerfulness to change the atmosphere:
"It is good to see you in good health, sister."
The Marquis looked at Ariana with a scrutinizing eye and a stern face. Before he could say anything, Ariana spoke:
"My health remains the same, but being preoccupied with things other than the date of my death has lessened the impact of mortality. Thank you, brother.."
"Ariana, what are you talking about? Perhaps we will find a cure for your condition one day..."
"She might be cursed."
"Father!!! Please..."
Elliot was incensed by his father's reply, but Ariana realized that her uncle seemed to repeat this talk constantly. She smiled faintly and said in a sad tone that might have seemed sincere, though she had feigned it:
"Perhaps, brother. I do not know when I will die, but I have decided to enjoy what remains of my life."
"Sister, what kind of response is that?!.. "
"His Eminence Cardinal Jerome confirmed my situation to me; that my body will not accept any divine power, and the treatment for this disease is unavailable. I will die regardless, so I must live happily."
"Did Cardinal Jerome say this?!"
The Marquis's confusion was evident, and his eagerness to hear more was clear, which made Ariana proceed with more steadiness..
"Yes, he said it. I am sorry, brother, I did not want to tell you so as not to discourage you.. Therefore, I wanted to enjoy what remains of my life..."
Elliot's gaze was lost and pained, but he smiled at Ariana with as much steadfastness as possible and said:
"I will do anything to make my little sister happy.."
Ariana felt a pang of guilt for breaking Elliot's heart, but it was necessary to complete the plan. She spoke with a hesitant smile:
"I have been thinking... that is.. and perhaps.. I mean, why don't I make my debut for the first time this year..."
Elliot was astonished, but he smiled cheerfully.
"Is this your wish, sister?! It's fine, I will hold the largest debutante ball for you, but I will have to take it slow; I cannot hold it within these two months because of the Spring Banquet, after which the Emperor's birthday is celebrated a month later. And you know, no banquet can be held at least a month before or after the Royal Ceremony.."
"Then why don't I debut at the Spring Banquet? It would be a new experience for me..."
Elliot seemed hesitant, but he tried to cheer her up, saying playfully:
"Why not, we will start preparing for that... It is your first appearance; it must be special for the Princess of Silas.."
Elliot looked at his father, who was staring at Ariana quietly as if thinking about something. Elliot did not care and continued with a smile:
"Perhaps we should call the best designers in the city and..."
"Do not rush, brother. Lady Madeline is sufficient, and I liked her dresses. Then we can take our time with the rest.."
"Very well, as you wish. Usually, the lady of the house handles these matters, and I fear I may not do everything necessary for my little sister..."
"Do not fear, I trust my brother's abilities.."
* * *
The meal ended with a different feeling for Elliot, who began thinking about the things he must prepare for the party. He contacted the servants to summon Madeline to begin working on Ariana's dress. News of Elliot's efforts reached Ariana's ears, making her feel happy for her brother's hard work for her sake; inwardly, she decided she would tell him everything when the time was right, for Elliot was a trustworthy person..
Ariana turned the papers before her with boredom. It was time for lunch, and she had received a message from Raphael stating that he would have lunch with her and also talk about the things they were planning to do. She sighed with boredom and heard the sound of knocking on the door. She looked toward the door.
"You may enter, Mary."
Maryane entered with the food and placed it before Ariana, setting Raphael's portion as well. She covered the food, hoping Ariana would say something. Ariana sighed and said:
"You may leave, Maryane. I will eat when Raphael arrives, do not worry.."
Maryane looked at Ariana, who for the first time uttered Raphael's full name in front of her without an affectionate title. Although she knew his name, it was the first time she saw her looking this frustrated..
Maryane departed, hoping her mistress was well..
'What is going through Raphael's head? I told him everything. Perhaps he felt disappointed in me—a woman from another world offering help... Did he feel discouraged?'
Splash!!!
Ariana looked at the spot where the light emanated and tilted her head. When she saw him, her face brightened; he bowed elegantly while carrying small white snowflowers...
"Greetings, my beautiful lady."
"Raph, you came."
Ariana stood up, looking at him with excitement. Raphael laughed, approached her, and placed the beautiful flowers in her hands, pulling one out to place it in her hair, saying:
"The flower has become more beautiful when placed in your hair.."
Ariana laughed softly and said playfully:
"You seem like a flirt like this.."
"I am trying to seem like a proper gentleman, my lady, to have a meal with you."
Ariana's expression brightened further. she placed the flowers in the vase, and before she sat down, Raphael acted as a gentleman, moving her chair for her and sitting opposite her. Ariana's face was ecstatic with happiness. How could this man swing her between earth and sky so easily..
"How is your health, Aya?!"
"Fine. And you?"
"Fine as usual. I have a lot of news.. are you excited?!"
"Certainly."
They began eating. Although the food had cooled slightly, the warmth of the conversation made them forget that. They spoke of everything related to their ideas, and he laughed when she told him she would go to the banquet, about her confusion regarding the dress, and her nervousness for her debut, fearing she wouldn't play her part well..
"You are good at everything you do."
"You are flattering me, but I am worried..."
"By the way, you know it is my birthday, right?!"
"Yes, I know."
"Will I get a gift from you?!"
Ariana laughed cheerfully and said:
"Raphael, are you a child to ask for a gift?"
Raphael had a cute pout on his face, which made her smile more. She said:
"Fine... what gift do you desire?"
"Anything that carries the color of your eyes."
Ariana's face flushed, and she felt the heat, saying:
"It seems the weather is starting to get warmer this year.."
Raphael looked at her with a warm smile and said:
"The party will be special this year..."
Ariana looked at Raphael and thought deeply.
'Does Raph have feelings for me?!'
She felt embarrassed by the thought and pushed it out of her head, thinking that Raphael was someone who didn't have much around him, so he was very kind to her and she was misunderstanding..
"Umm, let's think first... what do you think of a beautiful brooch that resembles my beautiful eyes..."
She tried to speak in the most cheerful and confident way to change the heated atmosphere. Raphael laughed because he realized the situation, then said with a smile:
"It will be beautiful if it is the color of your eyes, then let it be the jewel that adorns my robe on the day of the party.."
"Are you joking with me?!.. "
"...."
When there was no [reply], she realized he was serious...
"Will you wear what I give you at the Royal Banquet?!"
"Why not? Isn't it a gift from you? I will wear anything you give me, even if it is a piece of rusty iron..."
Ariana laughed cheerfully and said:
"Fine, I will bring you something beautiful, so you won't call me stingy."
Raphael looked at her and smiled with confidence and kindness...
* * *
Time began to pass in the Imperial Capital, and the nobles were preparing their gear for the Imperial party. This time, the Silas palace was pulsing with life after years of stagnation. After Ariana decided to move forward with her debut, her lessons decreased from two days to one day a week. Even the tasks assigned to her were reduced by Elliot so she could prepare for the party, despite her opposition to the matter, of course. Moreover, it wasn't only Sophia Madeline who visited the Marquis's palace; the best jewelry merchants and the finest shoemakers frequented the palace. After much deliberation, Ariana chose a collection of beautiful jewelry with the help of Maryane and Sophia, who selected a set that matched the dress and the pure white necklace she wore—which Sophia insisted was a unique piece...
"This piece would be suitable, but it is very large... what do you think, my lady?!"
"Sophia, you are the expert in these matters, so I will trust your decisions... on the condition of something small and light."
"There is a problem; we still haven't decided on the color..."
Ariana was discouraged, but Maryane thought for a moment and said excitedly:
"Light blue would be suitable."
"You are a genius, Miss Blair."
Sophia's response was enthusiastic while Sophia looked at Ariana intently..
"Good idea. A sky-blue dress will be very suitable with the color of my eyes and the lady's fair skin. The official color for the party is white and silver, and no noble is allowed to wear these colors because they are the Emperor's specific colors, and the decor is prepared in the same color. You will be a distinctive flower in that party. Usually, people look for colors that catch the eye and are contrasting, but this color will be unique... The lady's appearance will be magnificent.."
Ariana laughed with embarrassment. She had planned to choose a color Raphael chose, but for everyone's decision to be in agreement seemed beautiful and embarrassing.
'At this party, I must be the only person who catches his attention; I must steal this man's heart...'
It was an excited and mischievous desire, and Ariana's look encouraged Sophia and Maryane as they began planning and thinking about the dress. Maryane suggested it be somewhat light because Ariana had a sensitive and weak body, and the fire in Sophia's eyes intensified.
"Within weeks, I will prepare my masterpiece that will make the lady shine and capture the Emperor's heart..."
'Is she reading my thoughts?!'
Ariana thought in surprise as she looked at Sophia, while Maryane replied excitedly:
"My lady will surely shine."
* * *
After Sophia left, Ariana threw herself onto the bed in exhaustion. The presence of so many merchants and servants had drained her..
"I am tired. It has only been a week since I decided to go, and here they are exhausting me."
Maryane laughed at her mistress's grumbling and said:
"Do not worry, my lady. The number of people will decrease, for the lady has bought most of what she needs..."
"I hope so."
Ariana sighed tiredly. Maryane remembered and said:
"Will the gentleman come today?!"
"I don't think so, he is busy. Maryane, I want to go out to buy something. Will you help me?!"
"But the lady is tired today..."
"I must go out today, otherwise I won't find enough time for it... Mary, help me.."
"Very well, my lady. Shall I go with you?!"
"There is no need for you to come with me; it is a simple matter.."
"Fine, I trust the young lady's abilities..."
* * *
"I want something special. The shape is beautiful, but the color is unsuitable..."
"My lady, this is the last piece I have.."
"Fine, no problem, I will go to another shop.."
She adjusted her head covering and continued her walk through the rows of jewelry shops here. They were not large or luxurious shops, but their goods were good and excellent. It was better than visiting a famous shop where she might fall under suspicion if the purchased piece was found on the Emperor's robe.
'Is the color of my eyes that rare...?!'
She sighed tiredly and entered a shop that looked decent. She hesitated a bit, but the goods were good. The merchant showed his wares reluctantly because she was heavily covered, but her cloak looked somewhat luxurious, so he tried to console himself a little. Finally, after searching, she spotted a beautiful brooch and requested it from the shop owner. He placed it before her and said:
"Perhaps you won't be able to afford its cost, it is..."
"Is there a color more brilliant than this?!"
The seller sighed and brought out the last brooch, which had been carefully hidden.
"This brooch is more expensive; it was made from magical water emerald, and you won't find anything like it except for a very few jewels in all the lands of the Empire. The color is very rare."
"What is the price?!"
The man looked at her calmly and deliberately, saying coldly:
"Fifty thousand gold pieces."
Ariana placed the money down smoothly and said with embarrassment:
"You can count it, make sure the amount is sufficient."
The bag was large and seemed to be double the required amount. It was true that the jewel was expensive and he had barely obtained a few of them, but the amount was multiples of what he had asked. He was a man with a conscience and had named that price to drive her away if she were a thief. He said quietly:
"My lady, the amount is very large, but it seems the lady is very determined to get this jewel. I will not ask for any more money; take these as full payment for the amount you placed..."
He saw an opportunity to sell another piece. When he found her agreeing, he brought out a medium-sized box and placed it before her.
"This brooch is rare and its craftsmanship is very distinctive. It was made to be given to a special couple. I do not know if the lady has a partner, but it would be good for the lady to wear a piece that matches her partner's. The large Anchusa flower fits a large man's robe, and the small Anchusa will match a beautiful princess's hair... and this pair will stand out more."
The man's temptation of Ariana was great, and she felt the warmth in her heart. Giving him something that marked him as hers was something her possessiveness encouraged. Ariana sighed quietly, trying to compose herself.
"How much will these three pieces be?!"
"The amount the lady placed is quite sufficient.."
"Thank you..."
The merchant placed the pair of brooches in their box and the other, which was in the shape of a silver snowflake with a sky-blue jewel in the center, in a different box.
"The lady must be careful; thieves are everywhere.."
Ariana thought for a moment and said:
"Do you have a paper bag?!"
The man was puzzled, but he had several bags from today's groceries that the worker had bought and forgotten to take home. He took out the groceries and gave the bags to her. She placed the boxes inside, took three apples, put them in, and said:
"This will be enough, thank you."
She left the shop, leaving the man puzzled.
'How can a noble lady go out without an escort? If she hadn't acted with such elegance, I would have suspected her of being a common thief...'
...... To be continued ......