As The Ball Ends

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Inspiration from "Helix Waltz".

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When I step into the ball, the fragrance that is a mixture of various florals and fruits went up my nostrils. Another ball it is, gowns and lights all around the place, men and women gather in small groups while chatting and gossiping. Chuckles and laughters from a group somewhere could be heard, and I pick up the hem of my gown, starting to wander around the place.

"Good day, Lady Ellenstein." Ivan, the waiter at the desserts bar greeted me. "Good day, Ivan." I smiled at him, eyes scanning around the desserts bar. "Today's apple pie is hot and fresh, you could try some, my lady." Ivan recommended, and I nodded before picking up a piece of it onto my plate and started eating. Speaking of not having lunch and have to attend the ball before too late, it's been multiple times that I arrive at the ball and started digging into food before talking to anyone. My mom would have given me a scolding for such inelegant behaviour, but who would have the patience to socialize when hungry?

The apple pie is indeed hot and fresh. After a piece of that, I put down my plate and wipe my mouth, looking around to see who have come to the ball. Miss Vicky from the Olineaux family, Mr Barris from the Sakan family, and a lot of familiar faces. I hummed and walked to the closest person, Miss Vicky who is currently at the drinks bar.

"Greetings, Miss Vicky." I smiled at her. "Hello there, Magda." She responded a smile and picked up a glass of green liquid. "The base for this is tequila, do you want to try it?" She hummed quietly and looked into my eyes. I stared at the green color of it and gulped silently, although surprised by its color, I took the glass over and had a sip. Surprisingly, not as bad as I thought.

"You are the first one who ever dare to try this out. I appreciate your courage." She smiled, and took the glass from me, before placing it on the drinks bar. "I heard Viscount Sakan was looking for you earlier." I blinked, quite surprise at the sudden information. "Ah really? Then I shall look for him myself. If you allow me, Miss Vicky." She nodded with a gesture, and I walked around the ball again, but no signs of Viscount Sakan, the man with his pink clothes.

As I wander, a familiar voice called out from behind. "Lady...from the Ellenstein family?" I turned around, and saw Mr Barris standing behind me. "Mr Barris." I bowed my head, and looked up at him. "I never thought you would appear at this ball. Whatever. Greetings to you, my lady." His calm voice brought a smile to my face. We then spent some time talking about business and politics of Finsel. It's the part of knowledge that Mr Barris knows best.

When we parted, the bell rang and it's almost night. But still no signs of Viscount Sakan who was looking for me, according to Miss Vicky. Has he probably gone home? But I just saw Barbara, his sister talking to Miss Nyx from the Bavlenka family. It would make no sense if he had gone home without her.

Then I headed to the garden for a short break. That's when I saw the pink gentleman standing in front of a lotus pond, seem to be thinking of something. I approach quietly, and called out. "Viscount Sakan." He looked over at me, and for a moment his sad expression transformed into a warm smile. That's a sight I have never seen on him.

"Eyas." His voice was soft and slightly cracked. His eyes met mine and I handed him an envelope. "This is the information you had requested me to find out." He paused for a bit, hands that were supposed to reach for my hand stopped and took the envelope. He didn't open it immediately and sighed quietly.

"Indeed. My beautiful eyas will never let me down." He smiled at me, but the smile looked bitter. "I will send the gift to your house in a few days." He said softly. "Anything else?" He asked in the end.

"I-" I looked down at my hands, grabbing at the hem of my gown as if I was going to run. "Miss Vicky said you were looking for me earlier."

"The bartender from Olineaux family?" He joked a bit and hummed. "She was right. I was looking for you. I wondered if you would ever come to this ball." His hand reached for mine, and squeezed it gently. The warmth was comfortable in the chilly night.

"May I ask, why did you look for me?" I asked in a soft voice, eyes looking up at his. "Duchess Sakan, my mom......is going to find me a partner." When he said out the words, it's as if he had put down a big rock in his heart. It seems to me, the reason of his weird behaviour earlier.

"And...?" My heart started to beat faster, although I didn't know what for.

"And...I told her I already have someone in mind." He looked down at our hands.

"Lady Ellenstein, will you be my partner for life?" For a moment, my eyes went wide and I looked at him, not able to believe what I heard from him.

"I know, how we started wasn't the best. You're my informer, and our relationship was just intels and money and gifts. But I didn't realize how much I wanted to see your beautiful eyes ever since some time, and the smiles you have always given to other people...I wanted to have them for my own."

"If you allow me, I will send someone to send you the bride's letter as soon as I can. Your family will restore its place in Finsel, and with the help of my family, the Sakan family within the big four, your mother will never have to dream of that day to let the family's name shine again. As long as...you become my wife."

"So will you, accept my proposal?" My heart definitely skipped a beat at his words, and before he could say anything else, I nod.

"Eyas, you..." He seemed surprised, and in the next second hugged me with all might. I laid in his warm and strong embrace, for a while my heart melted in all feelings.

#BTC1