IF ELISE had always been astounded by Aya's ability in make-up, her current look was enough to render her speechless this time. They were using different tools and products from what she was used to but it achieved similar results or maybe even more.

The dark brown shadows gradient to a lighter shade with the corners casting a soft glitter. Aya lined her eyes with black pigment, lifting the downturned shape. It was followed by false eyelashes which she was quite surprised to see. The contours on her face made her skinnier and jaw lines prominent but it appeared so natural. It was far from what she expected.

Especially the hair. They had something akin to a curling rod and Dell was using it to make big lush waves. Her maid draped it to the side and a bedazzled hair decoration was put on the other to keep her hair in place.

The whole look was completed by a set of jewelry, which according to Faylinn, was a morganite. Its pink hues totally matched the peach dress she was wearing.

After everything was done, she stood up and departed the room only to see Aricson waiting for her.

"You're..." He gave her a full scan and did not even bother hiding the admiration. "...Beautiful."

"Thanks. You're not so bad yourself," she returned.

His attire did not change from his every day long coats and vest but it was indeed true he was more dashing than usual. The black pants and vests and the white inner shirt were the same but he was wearing a cravat today. It was more of a maroon that matched the coat which was outlined by silver embroideries.

His hair had been pulled back smoothly, allowing his ears to be exposed but this time his hairstyle emphasized the earring on his right side. It was a carved black feather that was decorated with red jewels.

"Where's the necklace I gave you?" he inquired, his eyelids peering to her neck.

"Faylinn said it didn't match so she let me borrow hers for tonight."

"I see. Don't forget to put it on again after," he said and offered his arm which she gladly took.  "I'll escort you downstairs."

THE CENTRAL Wing which was normally empty was now flocked with people from both ends. It was then that Elise who had gotten so used to going through these corridors perceived that she forgot that this was the way leading to the grand staircase descending to the hall. One that served parties such as this one.

"Aricson..." she called.

She glimpsed at the colorful mass below and back to him. It was indeed a party with numerous guests but she did not imagine it was such a large scale. 

"What?"

"I think we should use the other stairs and enter through the lobby?"

Elise already surrendered to the idea of getting attention with him on her side but she was not ready to be a spectacle if they both trod the stairs together. Just thinking about it was enough to make her uncomfortable.

"Alright."

She breathed a sigh of relief. She was set to confront him if he persisted just like he did in the morning but thankfully, he was in his right mind this time.

They walked past the stairs and took a turn on the corner, going to the farther route to the lobby. By the time they reached the venue, she had already prepared herself for the unwanted gazes.

Both of them entered but regardless of the number of people scattered in the room, heads still turned towards them. Her grasp drew taut, making small creases on Aricson's sleeve.

Several bowed and showed politeness. They said their greetings to him but every single one who approached them glanced over her, inquisitiveness flickering their eyes. She could swear someone could mistake her as a trophy wife of a politician on some reality show when she did nothing but smile.

"Excuse ourselves for a moment," Aricson said after the dozens of people she met.

They were all different kinds of individuals and she had no intention of remembering any of them but she could not forget the royalties introduced to her. To meet such high-ranking nobles in one event was clearly a profound experience.

Aricson led her to the far end of the hall, taking her hand from his arm, and intertwined their fingers together.

"Are you alright? You've been quiet all this time," he commented in a lowered tone but she could still hear him from all the music and chatters.

"Sorry. I'm just getting used to it."

Socializing was not the main issue for Elise, it was the feeling of being the center of attention that always agitated her. The only moment she could tolerate such gazes was when she was discussing her findings and this was absolutely not it. The obvious prying eyefuls prickled her skin and made her shut her mouth.

"I should be the one blamed. I was too late to notice your distress." A finger caressed her cheek as his look became downcast.

"No, really, it's fine. I can handle it. Just give me more minutes."

Aricson was about to reply but Gerald had come.

"Good evening, Rei, Miss Elise. It's about time for the opening remarks," he informed.

"I see. I'll send Elise to Faylinn and I'll proceed after," Aricson replied.

He did what he said and they found a group of distinctly colored-haired women.

"Faylinn."

The woman wearing a deep green gown twirled on her feet. "Oh, greetings, Eldest Brother, Elise."

"Greetings to you, ladies. I will begin the banquet and I'll leave Elise in your care, for the time being. If you'll excuse me," he muttered straightforwardly and turned toward her after he spoke. His neck bent as she felt the warm tickle of his breath. "Reserve a dance for me later."

Her heart skipped from the sudden intimacy and she mentally sighed as she followed his back. 'Wait, what dance? I don't dance!'

"My goodness! I thought Eldest Brother will never let you go," Faylinn commented. "Here, have some wine."

A server passed by right in time and Faylinn handed her one.

"Thank you."

"By the way, this is my closest friend, Princess Yasmin Aerlock, and her sister, Princess Stella. I heard you already met Sapphire?"

"Hello, I'm Elise and yes we already met," she answered as her eyes traveled to the other two.

The unfamiliar women were siblings without a doubt having both silver tresses and blue irises that complemented their pale complexion. The taller one named Yasmin was scrutinizing her from head to toe.

"You're a Half-Breed Fairy?"

Elise inclined her head as she took a sip of wine. The burst of sweet flavor pervaded her taste buds that she gulped everything in one go. It appeared like red wine and had similar tartness but the fruitiness was refreshing.

"I think it's best if you drink slowly, Elise. The Vermeil wine does have a splendid taste but it also has a high alcohol content. I'm afraid Eldest Brother will scold me if I ended getting you drunk."

"How did you and Rei Aricson meet, Miss Elise?" Yasmin pressed on the other hand.

"I'm curious as well. It is circling around that there's something going on between the Rei and Lady Isabella," Stella interceded.

"I thought it was Rei Aricson and the Dark Magus Exel?"

She almost spilled her drink from the sudden remark. All heads turned to the purple-haired woman who dropped those words with nonchalance. Elise also spoke her mind without thinking but Sapphire had taken it to another level.

"Oh my! I heard about it too. It's been spreading for years and I thought the rumor died down. Where did you hear about it, Sapphire?"

"The academy, Lady Faylinn. They were talking about the eligible bachelors in Humana. The—"

"Greetings, everyone!" Aricson's voice reverberated.

Elise could only conclude it was due to magic that his voice reached them when they were meters apart and he was standing on the middle landing of the staircase. All noise had ceased as everyone's focus was on Aricson.

"Welcome to Ember Isle. I am delighted to see all of you present with our family on this special occasion. Year by year, you are with us to join our tradition and we are honored by your acknowledgment. Tonight, enjoy the banquet. Raise your wine and let us offer our toast. Happy birthday, Dryann. May the God of Life send you his blessings."

"May the God of Life send you his blessings!"

The crowd seconded and glasses clinked together. That was when she noticed a woman climbing up the stairs.

She had not seen Dryann the whole evening and Elise was mesmerized even from afar. She was aware Dryann was gorgeous but she was absolutely breathtaking tonight with her bright red gown that hugged her upper body and blooming skirt. Her hair was in an updo and decorated with red ornaments that glittered even from her view.

"Thank you, Eldest Brother," Dryann said before facing the audience. "Thank you to everyone who has come as well. I raise another wine for my gratefulness for your presence. Please enjoy the banquet to the fullest. Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Aricson and Dryann walked down the stairs while the people dispersed, making their way for the pair of siblings. The music resumed as Aricson sent Dryann to another man. He was a head taller than Dryann with his brown strands tied in a high ponytail yet it still reached the end of his back.

The couple had an ambiguous air enveloping them. A rare smile was plastered on Dryann's face that was mirrored by the equally handsome man. They glided on the floor, their moves fluid, and were followed by more pairs.

"Stella, am I perhaps going blind?" She heard Yasmin talk.

"No, Sister. If you are, then I'm having problems with my vision too."

"Geez, you two. Why are you acting like that? It's not weird for my sister to have a lover."

Yasmin snapped towards Faylinn with a gaping expression.

"Don't tell me, you knew but you never once mentioned anything to me?! Is that what friends are for?" The disbelief in her tone was apparent but Faylinn only chuckled.

"It's just a silly infatuation, Yasmin, and besides there are many men besides Lord Denver. I'm sure there are better options aside from him."

"Are you out of your mind, Faylinn? Lord Denver does not only have an outstanding countenance and prestige of an Emperor's Lineage but also has a boundless talent in magic! He's hailed as a U-class mage and the Guildmaster of Grail yet you think there are better options than him?"

A server came by while the three bantered. Elise replaced her glass and offered one to Sapphire but that latter was already lost in her own world.

Elise savored the taste as she searched for Aricson. With his tall stature and ability to make people step back away from him, she found him immediately. He was heading in her direction but was stopped by Lord Gustavious. The two men talked but his eyes drifted on hers. Their gazes locked and he gave a slight nod before the two disappeared.

'Must be important.' She thought and another glass was emptied.

The moment the last drop was swallowed, her surroundings began to spin. She clutched her head but dizziness intensified and not a minute after, everything was cloaked in darkness.