Chapter 40: The Winter Ball at the Solatine Empire's Imperial Palace
The winter ball at the imperial palace of the Solatine Empire—one of the grandest events of the year—was prepared with dazzling perfection. Dishes made from winter specialties. A hall adorned with intricate ivory and gold. Nobles dressed up like preening dukes with their feathers on full display.
"Have you heard about the Crisis Ducal House taking in two adopted daughters, madam?"
"Oh, of course! It's the biggest scandal in the empire right now."
The one topic setting noble mouths ablaze amid all the splendor was, without a doubt, the story of the Crisis sisters.
"I hear both are commoner-born... I do worry if they've learned proper etiquette."
"Exactly! Adopting commoners as daughters—what on earth was Duke Crisis thinking?!"
With debutantes right around the corner, rumors swirled endlessly about the sisters who had thrown down their gauntlet so suddenly. Most nobles speculated wildly about the duke's intentions for taking in not one but two commoner girls, all while sneering at their origins.
"Duke Kaiser Crisis of the Crisis Ducal House, Young Master Kal Crisis, Lady Kashmir Crisis, and Lady Aria Crisis are entering the hall!"
Entrances typically followed rank, with higher titles appearing later. Fitting their power, the Crisis family made their entrance just before the imperial household, their announcement echoing through the hall.
Silence fell like time itself had frozen. The massive doors swung open, revealing this season's debutante stars.
"Gasp."
Sighs rippled everywhere.
The girl entering beside Kal Crisis—a spring fairy of a maiden—smiled softly. Her light pink hair adorned with fresh white rose blossoms. Porcelain skin, pale and translucent. Sky-blue eyes sparkling like dew-kissed heavens, framed by delicately drooping lashes. A sky-blue and white chemise dress that looked effortlessly comfortable without a corset. And fine silver chains meticulously covering her upper body.
"What... is that?"
Someone murmured.
Covering Aria Crisis's torso was a dense lattice of chains studded with diamonds. Plain chains at first glance, but they bound her body and wound down to her knees along the dress's lines, creating an oddly captivating aura just by wearing them.
Thud.
"...Heavens."
Then came the next star, entering with Kaiser Crisis. The entire hall erupted in murmurs.
"Is that lady... wearing a uniform?"
Someone's mutter rang out loud.
Cascading long black curls. Gentle, drooping eyes. Slightly flushed rims. Lazily half-lidded lids revealing flashes of fluorescent pink irises. An eerie pressure radiating outward. A black uniform hugging her form perfectly. And black straps binding her body over the white shirt.
"Whoa..."
Awe spread through the crowd. It was an outfit screaming ascetic restraint, yet those black straps twisting around her body filled the air with a strange allure.
In her world, they were called Body Chains and Harnesses.
"So noisy."
I'd expected it, but the stares prickling my skin were sharper than anticipated. Still, as Mir, I'd grown used to gazes and whispers, so I brushed it off and picked up a wine glass.
"If trouble starts, drop the Crisis name. Draw your sword if you have to. I'll clean up the mess."
Kaiser, grabbing his own glass, dropped the bombshell in his usual nonchalant tone.
I chuckled and glanced at the sheathed sword at my waist.
Nobles weren't normally allowed weapons at balls, but the Crisis power bent those rules enough for permission.
"Your Grace."
A servant approached Kaiser mere minutes after our entrance. Kaiser's face turned to cool stone, his brow twitching.
"His Imperial Majesty summons you."
"Damn it."
He sighed out the curse. I blinked, wondering if that was okay for an imperial summons, and he turned to me.
"...Looks like I can't stay for your debutante. Sorry."
Irritation and genuine regret shadowed his face, so I smiled quickly to reassure him.
"I'm fine. Go on."
Kal and Aria burst into laughter as they watched Kaiser's retreating back—eyes brimming with disdain for life and pure reluctance. Their laughs sounded triumphantly satisfied, leaving me a bit unsettled.
"Don't worry. I'll stick by your side the whole—"
"Young Master Crisis!"
Kal's smug grin cut off as a pack of young lords swarmed him. His face hardened instantly.
Their eyes gleamed with greed, like scavengers eyeing scraps from Kal. But outnumbered, even he looked wary.
"These must be Young Master Crisis's sisters?"
"An honor to meet you! Young Master, could you introduce us?"
"You don't need to know them."
"Kal."
I shot him a subtle look. He flinched.
Refusing to introduce family to peers was rude and could spark discord rumors.
"...This is my older sister, Kashmir Dorema de Kaiser Crisis. And my younger sister, Aria Postel de Kaiser Crisis."
Kal introduced us grudgingly. The lords, shrinking from his chill, beamed and chattered away.
I plastered on the social smile Helena had taught me and let their noise flow past one ear as—
"By the way, where did you get those black accessories you're both wearing, Young Master Crisis, Lady Crisis?"
One lord's question drew curious glances from the rest. Satisfaction curled my lips—I'd hooked them.
Kal.
I sent him a mana pulse transmission.
What is it?
He replied, brow furrowing slightly. Not as stable as mine or Kaiser's—Sword Masters—but as a skilled mage, he followed easily.
Can you take these lords and promote the merchandise a bit?
I smiled sweetly and tilted my wine glass his way.
Sorry, Kal, but their racket was giving me a headache. Chasing them off while plugging goods? Two birds, one stone.
Kal eyed them with contempt, then something dawned on him. He whipped around to me.
Fine. But in return, promise you'll let me watch you swing a sword soon.
...?
Sure, no problem.
I tilted my head at the odd condition but agreed. Kal grinned wickedly.
"I'll tell you where we got them. But let's move somewhere quieter."
"Ah! Of course!"
The lords scurried after him. Some glanced back at Aria and me regretfully, but I waved them off with my social smile.
"Finally, the trash is gone."
"Aria..."
"...The young lords are finally gone."
Aria, smirking vilely at Kal's back, switched words hastily at my call.
"I want to stay with you, sis, but... I should mingle too."
After a brief chat, she noticed young ladies approaching and stepped away. Before leaving, she gripped my hand tight.
"I'll make sure to tear this social world apart at your feet."
Her eyes blazed with strange fervor. I could only smile awkwardly and wave, too stunned to comment.
Just me now.
I waited for someone to approach first, but my uniform and harness drew stares without drawing people. No one came.
Guess I have to do something.
Tsking, I downed my wine. Failing as a debutante would be bad, but approaching first felt too submissive for a lady.
I was even considering grabbing anyone when the hyenas, scenting blood, closed in.
"Hello, Lady Crisis. Congratulations on your debutante."
...Right from the start, huh.
I sighed inwardly at the three smiling young ladies. Malice burned in their eyes.
I'd hoped for friendlies first. Oh well.
"A pleasure, ladies. May I have your introductions?"
I'd braced for noble intrigue. Plastering on my social smile, I welcomed them.
"I'm Lily Illium, second daughter of the Illium Earl family. This is Fleur from the Baronica Viscount family, and Melody from the Terrarina Barony."
"Hello, Lady Crisis. Congrats on your debutante."
"Nice to meet you, Lady Crisis. Best wishes for a smooth debut."
Beware Lily Illium of the Illium Earldom. She's second only to Lady Llewellyn Decardo in ruling high society. She'll definitely try to check you.
Helena's warning flashed as I eyed Lily steadily. Her wavy light brown hair and gentle sky-blue eyes hid venom toward me.
Annoyed but smiling, I replied.
"Thank you. I hope you ladies enjoy the ball as well."
I raised my glass gracefully. They'd scanned me top to bottom; now they revved up.
"That said... your outfit is quite unique, Lady Crisis."
"Yes, a black uniform—very striking."
"Wearing that to a ball... you must be so modest."
Just insult me outright.
They tittered, shredding my attire freely. Looked fun for them. I smiled slowly.
"I'm flattered by your praise. As someone who wields a sword, I prefer uniforms."
"Wields... a sword?"
They recoiled perfectly at the massive bait I'd tossed, feigning ignorance.
In the empire, ladies were to be protected by knights—so sword-wielding women screamed penniless commoner.
Shocked briefly, they dove in to tear me down.
"Oh my! You wield a sword?! Noble ladies in the empire don't do that!"
"Dear, it seems you grew up with commoners and missed out on ladylike virtues. As your seniors in society, shouldn't we help a little?"
"Look at your hands, Lady Crisis! So rough from hard labor. It breaks my heart. Shall I recommend a good moisturizing cream?"
Yes. Trash-talk away and spread the rumors.
Grinning at their glee, I sipped my wine leisurely. Nearby eavesdroppers murmured; I smirked inwardly.
Can't let Sword Master slip, but sword-user rumors? Perfect for my plans.
"A noble lady wielding a sword—surely the Crisis Ducal House's shame!"
Emboldened by my silence, they crossed the line.