Elise's cheeks turned pink at his words, he knew what words managed to make her heart fluttery, "It's thanks to the dress," she said, pulling the side of her skirt. Her heart was filled with many happiness from the dress he gave her. "And the shoes," added Elise, not forgetting one single thing Ian's have gifted her.

"Those are what complements you. Have you heard of how a dress only suits the person wearing it because of the person? That's how it goes. The dress looks beautiful to you because you are the one who is wearing them. I can give you my words that out of all ladies in this building, you are the one who honest the osten out of them all." Ian noted how Elise's heart pick a race at his words, and his charming smile only broadened. Reaching out his hand, he gently asked her, "Your hands, milady?" 

"It's my pleasure," replied Elise with a little shyness and giddiness as she placed her hand on his.

She was about to take one step forward when Ian wrapped his hand around her waist, his eyes curved as a smile grew on his lips, "Before we enter there's something I need to tell you." thinking it was serious, Elise nodded her head promptly. Was he going to warn about the person who hosted the Winter Ball tonight which was Lord Garfon who hated him? That she had to be careful?

But what she guessed was different when Ian said, "Once we enter, you can let yourself loose. If there is anyone who dares to slander, comment or even drops a single remark about you, you can slap them, and give them the same slander they told you. You can also call me."

Elise waited for more words from him, but nothing came and she only watched him with her eyes widening, "That would be rude." Compared to the guests of the Ball who belong to the high society, Elise was a maid, and she knew the consequences she has to face 

"It wouldn't," Ian said firmly to her and she saw the smile that was with a stroke of evil in the corner of his lips. "You are not a maid any longer, Elise. You are my bride, the bride of the Warine Lord. Those who slander you are the next in line for the death sentence."

Elise looked at him with surprise. She knew that if she marries Ian soon she wouldn't be a maid. Is that why she hadn't worked for the past few days? After a moment of pause, a smile then appeared on Elise's lips, "Is there a warning I should take before entering?"

Ian was satisfied with Elise not rejecting the idea of defending herself. He knew that although Elise might be gentle and a sweet soul if a time comes when someone tries to condescend her, she would have more than enough power to protect herself. 

"Stay away from germ and bugs," Ian answered after some thought. Elise looked beautiful today, gorgeous enough that he wanted to bring her instantly to his room, and do what he had promised not to do until the marriage bell rang. Earlier in Elise's bedroom, Ian was more than aware of how sly he was behaving. Using all opportunity around him, he had done what he wanted-- to touch her, and to see more of her skin which was covered by the gown he created for her now. 

His eyes trailed on her neck, even lower to the top of her chest. His finger felt a sudden urge to touch her neck, moving even slower and his mind drowned to the moment he had indulge to brush her soft skin. Ian licked his lower lips, "And if you find any problem without me, call my name. That's all."

Unaware of where Ian's gaze landed on, Elise took note of his warning cautiously. Entering the castle, she looked around to meet some curious eyes of people who questioned who she was. Without a sharp hearing like Ian's, she couldn't hear well what the people were talking of, but somewhere she could guess the talk which the people whispered to each other now. 

Ian looked at the people whose whispers caught his ears before his eyes falling to his lovely bride who was watching the people. Unlike one would expect from her first debut in high society, Elise was calm. Despite the rumors and the unwelcoming eyes of jealous women, the braveness she had didn't fade out which was very like her. 

"Milord," said a person who bowed at them. It was a man who Elise recalled to have seen before during the time Ian had invited people to White Mansion. The man looked at Elise once.

"Speak Chase, don't let your eyes wander where you would regret it," Ian reminded as he could tell where the man's eyes were going at while seizing Elise's figure. "What did you come for?" 

A flicker of panic came to Chase who quickly replies, "The other Lords are waiting in the other room."

Ian turned her eyes to Elise, "I will be going now, Cynthia should be here in a few minutes. You can count for her when she comes."

"I will wait here," Elise returned the smile that he gave her.

"I will come back soon," he replied, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. The action had surprised not only Elise who didn't expect he would kiss her in front of the many guests but also the bystander whose eyes couldn't leave from her or Ian. "Enjoy the party," Ian sent a wink before leaving, and her eyes could only glue themselves on his back while her finger trailed on the side of her cheeks where his kiss linger at. 

Now that she was alone, the gaze felt prickly and more noticeable than before. Elise didn't stand around in the middle of the ballroom and she went to a place with lesser people when she noticed a man whose hair was dark brown walking from the other side of the gallery dressed in all black. 

It was Father Redrick, thought Elise, and when she thought of this, by chance the priest's eyes shifted at her. However, the man didn't move as if he didn't notice her as he continued to make his path.

Curiosity piqued Elise who saw the priest. She wondered where he was going as the door he was leaving lead to the exit. Was he leaving even though the party had barely started? She thought of calling the priest as they were acquainted when she felt a light tap on her shoulder.

"Aren't you Lord Ian's maid?" asked someone from behind, surprising Elise and she broke her gaze to look behind and see that it was Lady Monica.