"Milady looks beautiful as always!" Erin gushed as she stared at me with adoration in her eyes.

Jeez.

"Stop complimenting me," I commented.

They had been at it for hours now ever since they glammed me up. At times, I would be able to ignore it but there are also those times that their flowery words would make me feel embarrassed.

I'm used to it but come on...

It's finally the day of reckoning. You guessed it right, it's the Founding Ball! The ball where ladies and gentlemen would mingle with each other, whether they are from Noble blood or not. Everyone in the empire, as long as they're citizens, are invited.

But knowing these types of events, it would only be packed with the nobility instead.. Commoners would usually enjoy celebrating in the plaza which was always a case.

The ball in the palace are for the nobles while the lively plaza are for the rest. That has always been that way.

Anyways, we had finished dolling myself and is now ready to go. I was just waiting for a sign from my father to come and get me.

"Are all of you going to the plaza later?" I inquired as I fixed my left earring.

"Yes, milady. After our works are done," Erin answered in behalf of everyone.

"The plaza is probably packed with people right now..." Mari muttered.

"It's a given." Freesia pointed out.

Amy sighed dreamily, "Ahh, I can't wait to eat lots of street food later!"

"Me too!" Lily joined her.

Both of them looked so excited that I find it cute.

I glanced at the rowdy bunch of ladies who were all seemed so excited to go.

"Is it really fun there?"

"Yes, milady! But I think the ball is much more fun..." Amy replied, looking thoughtful.

"I had never been to a ball so I don't know," Erin commented.

"I mean, there's beautiful dresses everywhere right? And probably great food too and music," Lily chimed.

"So like a plaza but with ball gowns?" Amy says innocently.

"That seems fun, yes," Freesia murmured.

Fun?

I thought back to the past balls that I've been to, especially the first one. I remembered feeling tired from all the smiling I did throughout the whole night. It felt like my jaw were going to break off of their hinges.

That is why when I attended the second one, I stopped trying too hard and just throw my fakery out of the window.

Then I recalled being the center of attention even if I didn't want to. Someone would always try to talk to me and if it wasn't for my protective brother and the rest of my friends, it would probably go on for hours.

Ah... Right. The ball is fun if it's your first and second time, and then it gets old after that. The only things that I enjoyed were the silly times I spent with my friends and the desserts.

The first time seemed magical with all those different dresses that caught my eyes, and also because everyone looked so beautiful. I was practically brimming with excitement when I first stepped inside the great royal hall of the palace.

Then after a few more, I had enough of it. The ball seemed like a compulsory thing for me now.

So there it is. I don't think it's that fun.

'I would like to experience going to the plaza someday...'

I looked at the mirror and stared at my reflection. My hair was let loose this time as well, like a cascading waterfall of silver waves.

To complement the bluish-silver dress I am wearing, my maids donned blue hair ornaments on my head. The azurite choker with matching earrings contrasted with my skin, bringing it out.

It was the first time that I looked inconspicuous for a change. It made me smile in satisfaction.

'That's right. I don't need to stand out tonight.'

If there's a person that should be eye-catching, that would be Estelle.

Am I still looking forward for the novel plot to unfold? Of course! Though I doubt that it would follow through every single detail, but it's fine.

Just let me see the drama, thank you.

*Knock knock*

The chattering ladies at the side stopped talking upon hearing the knocks. Mari opened the door and saw my brother. She immediately stepped aside to let him in.

Nathan looked down at me, "Are you ready?"

"I am," I replied.

"Father and the two are waiting downstairs, we could depart any minute now."

"Then let's go," I remarked, feeling a little excited.

My maidservants all bowed as we left the room and had wished us a safe journey. Nathan took my hand and wrapped it around his left arm, like the gentleman that he is.

"You look handsome tonight as well, brother," I uttered.

Nathan scoffed, "Hmp. Certainly."

His answer made me let out an amused chuckle.

Nathan seemed to get accustomed from my incessant showering of compliments for him. Before, he would get embarrassed real fast. He would snobbily looked away, acting all cool, but his ears were both flushing red.

He was so cute when he's acting like that but now, he accepts it without being shy anymore.

Ah, how times had flown by...

My brother grew up, how saddening...

"You also look beautiful," Nathaniel complimented me back. I could tell that it was sincere, after all, my brother won't waste his breath just to lie.

I grinned at him, "Don't I always?"

Nathan smirked in response. We are truly siblings because we are both arrogant. It definitely runs in the Herman bloodline. Just look at my cousin Ezekiel. He knows that he's a ladies man so he flaunts his good looks and throws his smiles to everyone.

It's not being narcissistic, it's loving yourself guys. Please do not misunderstand.

We arrived at the hall and saw my father, conversing with George, and both Kai and Lost. For the first time in years, the two of them are attending with us.

Kai looked at our direction and grinned broadly. He was wearing a tux, looking dapper than usual. Even at the age of 14, he looked like he could pass as an 18, year old already just from his height only.

Standing next to him was Lost who is also wearing a tux. I had always seen him in white polos before so seeing him in a different colored clothes surprised me.

He looked good in it as well. Both of them could pass as brothers, seriously.

Dad said something to George for the last time before he finally looked at us. I greeted him with a kiss on his cheek which brought a smile to his face.

"We are ready to leave," Nathan says, informing him.

"Let us depart then."