After being shown to their quarters, Scarlett and Evelyne spent a couple of hours getting ready for the ball. The handmaiden who accompanied them to Windgrove assisted with any tasks they couldn’t handle themselves, and while they had been given separate accommodations, the rooms were close enough that the servant woman could move easily between them. Numerous servants working for the Tyndall family were also present, ready to fulfill any request, although Scarlett didn’t personally ask for anything.

The dress that she had prepared for the occasion was made of a silk-like material in a deep burgundy shade, embroidered with intricate gold thread and adorned with small rubies at the feet. She found it a bit excessive—especially the rubies—but she had to admit it looked good. And compared to what she had seen during the Elysian Proclamation and even in her own wardrobe, this attire was far from the most extravagant clothing that some of the nobles wore around here.

Evelyne’s outfit was simpler, though. She wore fitted black velvet trousers paired with a flowing blouse, complete with billowing sleeves and a dark red jacket. Flashy in its own way, but not to the same extent as Scarlett’s dress.

She had noticed that the younger woman didn’t seem to like wearing dresses or skirts much, even for formal events like this. A trend that didn’t appear as uncommon in the empire as one might expect. Scarlett had seen plenty of high-born women dressing similarly. The first Imperial Princess was one example.

By the time they finished preparing, the sun had already set. As they stepped out into the courtyard, they were among other guests who boarded carriages and departed for the venue where the ball was being held. Their own carriage awaited them at the edge of the courtyard, illuminated by lanterns hanging from its sides. The coachman stood nearby, patiently waiting. He opened the carriage door as Scarlett approached with Evelyne, closing it once they had climbed inside. Soon, the carriage set off towards the large castle in the distance.

“I can’t shake this nervous feeling in my stomach,” Evelyne said from her seat on the opposite side of the cabin. “I thought it would be fine once we arrived and things got started. That’s usually how it is for me. But instead, it’s only gotten worse.”

Scarlett turned her gaze towards her. “This is far from the first time you've attended this ball. What is it that brings you to be more nervous tonight, of all times?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it just finally hit me exactly how many threats we’ve got hanging over our necks at the moment?” Evelyne shook her head lightly, then looked at Scarlett. “I wish I had even a tenth of that composure of yours. Not only are we already on shaky footing with most of the other nobles, but your presence here contradicts Duke Tyndall’s wishes. And despite what I might have said before—I must have been crazy at the time—it actually does scare me that you’re essentially defying the Delmons on your own in this whole betrothal matter. How is it possible that you’re still this calm?”

She brought a hand up to the bridge of her nose, exhaling a sigh. “I’m not trying to start a fight, but the nerves are starting to get to me. I thought I could handle it all, but now that we’re about to make a public appearance despite everything…” She gestured vaguely with her hand. “I’m not as certain anymore.”

Scarlett considered her for a long moment, eventually turning to look out the window. Outside, the lush gardens of Grovefort Castle were illuminated by hundreds of colorful lights spread out among various footpaths.

“…I see,” she said. “While your concern for both of us is warranted, it is unnecessary. Those matters are my responsibility, and I will handle them as is appropriate so that you do not have to worry. You need only focus on the affairs that you can influence and trust in my capabilities regarding the rest.”

In truth, Scarlett wasn’t entirely sure about these things either. She had, however, built up a pretty decent foundation for herself, both economically and politically. Though there were vulnerabilities, in general, if other nobles tried to cause her trouble, she could either confront them head-on or simply ignore whatever they were trying to do and compensate for any losses through other means. It wasn’t as if they could prevent her from looting dungeons and growing stronger with the system.

“That…” Evelyne’s voice grew softer. Scarlett heard the woman shift in her seat. “It really shouldn’t, but that actually does relieve me a little. Just marginally.”

Scarlett nodded. That was better than nothing.

The carriage fell into silence as it made its way towards the castle. Ahead of them, the impressive structure rose like a giant under the star-strewn sky that came alive with a mesmerizing display of light and colors. The walls were adorned with flickering torches, casting a gentle glow over the numerous standards hanging above. Shimmering strands of light, like tiny marbles, decorated the castle’s towers and turret, emanating from unseen sources.

Above the main entrance, consisting of a pair of tall open gates with a long set of stairs leading up to them, was a large banner that fluttered in the breeze, bearing the deep green stag with golden eyes that served as the Tyndall family’s crest. Bright carpets of the same color were rolled out through the doors and down the stairs, guiding the guests inside.

The castle’s main courtyard was abuzz with more people arriving by the minute. Carriages and their horses filled the space, their harnesses clattering softly in the night. From high above, distant sounds of conversation and music drifted into Scarlett’s ears, and she could see lights near the higher levels of the castle that suggested it was there the venue was.

Their carriage turned right and joined the line of other vehicles, many displaying the crests of various noble houses. Scarlett and Evelyne climbed out of the vehicle. The chilly nighttime air was a bit uncomfortable, especially with part of her arms and neck exposed, so she used her pyrokinesis and subtly warmed the air around them, careful not to let the magic out of her control. She was still having problems with that, but it had gotten a lot better after visiting Freymeadow and Arlene.

Evelyne looked surprised at first, but then nodded appreciatively as they began making their way towards the castle’s entrance. Guards dressed in the dark green armor of the Windgrove duchy stood at the foot of the stairs, but they allowed the guests to pass without interruption. They appeared more like watchful observers or for mere show than anything else.

Ascending the stairs and entering the castle through the large open doors, Scarlett and Evelyne found themselves in a grand reception hall that made the foyer they had back in Freybrook pale in comparison. She didn’t pay most of the extravagant decorations much mind, though, as they joined the flow of guests moving through the wide hallways that wound through the castle.

It took them several minutes for them to get close enough to their destination that the sounds of music and revelry grew strong enough that one could make them out more clearly. Scarlett didn’t quite understand why the castle was designed in such a way that it required guests to walk this far to reach the venue, but no one seemed to complain. Perhaps climbing a few stairs wasn’t such a big deal.

Eventually, they entered a circular chamber that opened up into a much larger space beyond. It resembled a ballroom, but far grander than any Scarlett had seen before. Comparable in size to Dawnlight Palace’s throne room, it featured dozens of painted glass corridors that ran along the sides, connecting to several smaller rooms that all seemed to have their own decorative themes.

A bustling crowd of people had already gathered in the space, engrossed in conversations and indulging in the various foods and appetisers placed on tables throughout the room. The polished floors gleamed, reflecting the vibrant colors of the ball gowns and clothing worn by the guests, while silver candelabras hung from the ceiling and cast a warm glow on their faces.

If Scarlett were to guess, there were probably around a few hundred or so attendees present. The ball didn’t start at a set time, and people were mostly free to arrive at their convenience, but clearly those who arrived now were some of the latecomers. As far as she was aware, though, they wouldn’t have missed anything important, so she didn’t think it mattered much. The ball would continue late into the night.

From what she could see, most people paid little attention to new arrivals. Those who did spare a glance in their direction merely offered fleeting looks. She did notice a couple of faces that showed hints of surprise at seeing her, but it was nothing noteworthy.

“What do you want to do now?” Evelyne asked as they positioned themselves in a less crowded section near the entrance, surveying the ballroom. “Should we stay together at first?”

“That will not be necessary.”

While staying with Evelyne might alleviate some of the awkwardness Scarlett felt at formal events like this one, it would also likely add to her overall stress, having to keep her emotions in check around the woman.

“Will you be fine on your own?”

She restrained herself from clicking her tongue.

Case in point.

“I believe I will survive.”

“That’s not really what I’m worried about…” Evelyne sent a few looks at the people around them and let out a small sigh. “We’ll check in on each other later then, alright? Try not to cause any major scenes, if possible.”

“I will endeavor not to.”

The woman gave her a long, doubtful look. There might have been a glimmer of worry in it as well, but it was hard to tell. Eventually, though, she relaxed her expression. “Don’t forget that you promised to introduce me to some of your connections as well.”

Scarlett crossed her arms. “I have not forgotten.”

“Thank you. Then I will try to find you later, or you can try to find me. For now, there are a few people that I would like to take the opportunity to meet.” With that, Evelyne excused herself, moving through the bustling crowd.

Left on her own, Scarlett took a moment to scan the faces of everyone in her vicinity, searching for anyone that was familiar. She didn’t actually have a concrete plan for what to do next. There were no strict guidelines for how one should act at these events—not committing any faux pas was more of a general rule of life in noble society—and she was far from the most experienced person at being social at large gatherings. While she possessed some of the original’s instincts, that only got her so far. And if she were to completely trust in what those told her, she was more likely to get herself into trouble than anything else.

Her eyes stopped as she spotted Beldon Tyndall amidst the throng of people. The man stood at the center of a small group of young nobles, engaged in conversation. His elaborate green jacket, contrasting with the white undercoat he wore beneath, stood out quite a bit since almost no one else wore green tonight out of respect for the host’s family. A dashing smile played across his face as he had his dark hair combed to the side.

As he spoke, his eyes seemed to meet Scarlett’s and his smile grew a fraction. However, he averted his gaze shortly afterward.

It might have been her imagination, but she felt like he had just been trying to tell her something with that look.

She continued to observe him for a while longer, then she started looking around for somewhere to move to. A passing servant carried a tray of wine glasses, so she took one and made her way to another row of tables holding refreshments. She’d had a light dinner, so it wouldn’t hurt to eat something while she waited.

If it had been anyone but Beldon, she wouldn’t have paid much mind to that look. But she had a decent enough grasp of his personality. She had the impression that he wanted to talk with her about something. The letters he had sent said as much as well, if not in such simple words. She didn’t have anything better to do for now anyway, so waiting it was.

Sipping the wine in her hand and occasionally sampling some of the sweets that tasted of almonds—molded to look like painted fruits—she silently watched the activities unfolding around her. It felt awkward, simply standing by herself like this, but it wasn’t too different from her experience at the Elysian Proclamation. It was probably preferable to the alternative in her situation, which would most likely include one party offending the other.

Those thoughts were interrupted after a while as a young man, maybe a few years younger than her, approached. He wore a black coat adorned with silver embroidery on the sleeves and a pair of crisp white trousers. With his blond hair neatly trimmed and a dapper smile on his face, he stopped before her.

“Fair night to you, my lady. I could not help but notice that you were standing here by your lonesome, and I thought it would be a sin to leave such a beautiful woman neglected. May I perhaps offer you my company for a while?”

A frown wormed its way onto Scarlett’s brow as she studied the man. She doubted he was a noble. While not all nobles knew her name or appearance, she imagined that most of the ones who had attended the Elysian Proclamation would at the very least have an idea of who she was. Judging by the glances exchanged among some of the people behind the man, they recognized her.

But it had also been a while since the Proclamation now. Perhaps some of the stigma surrounding her had diminished somewhat, and some members of the nobility had let it go? It was hard to know, considering how disconnected she was from noble society at large.

Not that it mattered much at the moment. Nobleman or not, she didn’t feel particularly inclined to interact with this man.

“My own company will suffice,” she responded firmly. “If I were seeking companionship, I would not be standing alone.”

The smile on his face faltered. “Ah, well, perhaps I could change your mind—”

“You cannot,” she interrupted, giving him a cold look. “I mean no offense, but I think it best that you seek someone else out to offer your company.”

The man let out an awkward cough. “Y-Yes, maybe I’ll do that. My apologies for disturbing you.”

He quickly turned on his heel and left.

Scarlett only kept her eyes on his retreating figure for a second before looking away. She disregarded the murmurs she overheard from those who had been close enough to have bothered eavesdropping. They were irritating, but she could handle such minor annoyances.

Her right hand brushed the fingers on her left, where she wore the [Charm of Expeditious Change] and one more ring. She couldn’t bring her [Pouch of Holding] to the ball, so instead she had opted to use the spatial ring originally procured for Gaven. It couldn’t hold much, but it was enough for tonight.

After a few more minutes passed, a familiar voice caught her attention. “Baroness Hartford. It has been some time.”

Several heads turned in her direction as Beldon Tyndall approached. Now that Duke Tyndall’s son was involved, more people than before seemed intrigued.

“Master Beldon,” she greeted him. “I see you have concluded your previous discussions.”

His lips curled up in a smile as he maintained his playboy persona. “When a lovely lady such as you arrives, a gentleman simply has no choice but to personally welcome her. Or am I wrong to think so? In any case, it delights me to see that you decided to accept my invitation after all, Baroness. I am sure your presence will only add to the fascination and entertainment of tonight’s festivities.”

A few hushed whispers arose from some of the people nearby, and Scarlett eyed the man closely.

Their deal had never specified that he had to publicly acknowledge inviting her, nor did he have to hide that she had requested the invitation. Was there a special reason he was doing this?

“…I appreciate the sentiment,” she answered after a moment. “However exaggerated it may be.”

“Exaggerated?” Beldon stepped over to the table beside her and picked up a grape from a platter of sliced fruits arranged in a circle. “You wound me. The solidity of my words means more than anything else, so naturally, I am being completely genuine.”

She raised a brow at him. She found that very unlikely. “You will have to excuse me. It seems I was mistaken in doubting your honesty.”

She could play along with his game.

The man waved his free hand in the air, picking up another grape and popping it into his mouth. “Now you are making me feel guilty for extracting an apology from a respectable lady.”

…Or maybe she didn’t.

She gave him a long look.

“My apologies,” she said, not bothering to sound sincere this time.

He chuckled. “It seems I had almost forgotten the type of person you were. I suppose I should be the one apologising.”

“That will not be necessary.”

“No? Well, if you say so.” Beldon glanced around them and across the ballroom, then shifted closer and spoke in a lower voice, though not quiet enough to prevent overhearing by those nearby. “The night is still young, and I will have to admit to some curiosity regarding what your plans are for it. Are you here simply to enjoy yourself, or should I perhaps anticipate a performance similar to the one in the capital?”

He was giving her a look that told her he doubted she was here just to fraternize.

So he was wondering why she had gone to great lengths to secure an invitation to the ball from him. It appeared he had certain expectations.

“I am afraid I will have to disappoint,” she said. “My sole purpose here is to partake in tonight’s celebrations along with my sister, as well as the gathering tomorrow morning.”

“Your sister? Lady Evelyne, I presume?” His head moved as his eyes swept the ballroom, as if searching for the woman.

“Yes. She is currently occupied with finding some acquaintances of hers.”

“I see.” Beldon nodded to himself. “Perhaps I’ll take the opportunity to seek her out later. I recall having met her once or twice before, though it was quite some time ago. I’m sure she must have changed a lot since then. It wouldn’t hurt to make some reintroductions.”

“I am sure she would appreciate that,” Scarlett said.

A faint cry reached them from further down the ballroom, where among a crowd of people, a girl with long dark hair called out Beldon’s name. She bore a resemblance to the man, so Scarlett suspected they were related.

Beldon looked in that direction, then back at Scarlett. “It would seem I must cut our greeting short. I apologise. There are some matters I wanted to discuss with you, but I think it would be best to save them for another occasion. Perhaps you could spare me some time before tomorrow’s gathering?”

What could he want to discuss that hadn’t been brought up in their previous communications?

If she were to guess, it had something to do with Mirage, but that still left dozens of possibilities. None stood out to her in particular.

“I will endeavor to make the time,” she replied after considering it briefly.

He flashed her a smooth smile in return. “Marvelous. I’ll have someone inform you of the time and place later. See you then.”

With that brief farewell, he left and made his way towards the dark-haired girl who had called out to him. As he reached her, they exchanged a few words, and the girl glanced in Scarlett's direction with a puzzled expression.

Scarlett looked away.

She seemed to have attracted even more attention now than before, with several people throwing looks at her. Still, in the grand scheme of things, the majority of attendees were preoccupied with their own conversations and paid little heed to whatever she was up to.

Left alone once more, she resumed surveying the ballroom, idly searching for any other familiar faces.

She still had to figure out what to do from here.