Ariadne, Count Corvessa’s daughter. She was a noble young lady who had grown up shielded by her parents’ love. Despite being a Count, their family did not despise the poor, weak, or elderly. From a young age, Ariadne would follow her mother to do charity work in the low-income neighborhoods, and hand out food in the slums.

When she awakened her magic at nine years old, she discovered that she had a special attribute: healing. Since then, she made it her life goal to heal as many people as possible, a standard main character trope.

Her reputation as a healer grew over the years. She treated wounded soldiers and nursed the sick in overcrowded clinics. The muddy alleys of the lower districts became a familiar sight to her.

Perhaps that was why the Northern Duke—grim, unyielding, and feared throughout the kingdom—found himself inexplicably drawn to her when they first met. Unlike the calculating noblewomen who flocked around his title, Ariadne had a simple benevolent temper that was almost unbefitting a noble. Her presence was like sunlight cutting through a heavy fog.

As they spoke, he learned of her frequent charity work, gaining newfound respect for her. For the first time in years, he felt a lightness he could not name, and a strange flutter in his chest.

But that was not joy, and merely the spell to destruction. Elphie rehearsed the events in her mind. However, it doesn’t matter. I’ll be the one to throw a kink into fate’s cogs.

She clenched her fists silently.

─ ·✶· ─ ·

The next day quickly arrived. A steady stream of extravagant carriages poured through the towering front gates of the royal palace. Gilded wheels clattered over the cobblestone drive as footmen rushed to open doors and bowed low. A multitude of noblewomen waved feathered fans larger than their faces, laughing silently behind painted lips as they exchanged pleasantries.

Noblemen greeted one another with practiced formality, each according to rank, before offering a gloved arm to their companions. Jewels glinted like stars in the daylight, and each woman was like a mini universe of stars as they strode across the marble pavement.

As some time had passed and the crowd began to thin out, a noble blue and white carriage that was filled with fine elegance stopped before the palace doors. Unlike other nobles, a scholarly-looking gentleman opened the door and stepped out before the footman could dismount. He wore a pair of circular glasses on his face, turning back as he extended a white-gloved hand.

A moment later, a delicate hand emerged from the carriage and rested gently in his own. Though it was covered in a white glove, it could be surmised that the hands were slender and beautiful. The beauty who emerged from inside befitted those hands, flashing a pearly-white smile as she stepped outside in her gown.

Though she was no longer a young lady, she wore a stunning white chiffon ballgown with flowery lace around the edges. A hint of a mischievous temperament that hadn’t been worn down by the years could be seen in the way she carried herself. The crowd was momentarily stunned by this wave of freshness.

Marquis Elraba smiled warmly at her before turning his head back to the carriage once more, saying: “Come on now, our shining jewel.” He extended his hand back to the carriage.

This time, a yellow-gloved hand outlining slender fingers rested in the palm. As the first strands of pink hair appeared, a hush fell over the crowd. Long pink hair cascaded over a white and yellow lace dress. Unlike the lady before her, she had an elegant and reserved air about her, silently observing with her large golden eyes that seemed to penetrate through everything.

The Marquis and Marquess smiled at her as they ushered, “Let’s go, dear.”

Elphie smiled back and placed one hand on each parent’s elbow. The family of three calmly walked inside. As they entered through the palace doors, the crowd finally let go of the breath they didn’t realize they were holding.

“The stars in the night sky pale in comparison to their brilliance.” someone in the crowd muttered. Though it may seem like a hyperbole, no one disagreed.

─ ·✶· ─ ·

The inside of the royal ballroom could only be described as splendorous, a true testament to wealth and grandeur. Golden chandeliers extended down from the towering ceiling, crystal drops catching the light in a dazzling display. The ceiling itself was also covered in intricate murals of the kingdom’s founding history.

Royal red walls surrounded them, interspersed with real gold accents. This wasn’t a mere superficial layer of gold dust, but carved from an entire chunk of gold. From wall edges to golden panels directly embedded into the room, the display of royal power was clear.

As Elphie and her family stepped into the ballroom, the nearest guests turned to look in their direction. There was a greeter in place of the royal family since the banquet had started for some time. Seeing some people approaching, Elphie’s father said with a smile to Elphie: “I see some familiar faces here. Why don’t you go grab some food in the meantime and then find Ariadne to accompany you?”

“Sure, Father.” Elphie bowed and retreated from her parents gracefully. As she walked away, she could see her parents break into a practiced social smile, greeting others jovially. She shook her head and made her way over to the long food tables.

Two long tables were dedicated to providing an exquisite arrangement of platters to the attendees. Behind each table stood a skilled palace chef, ready to craft any custom orders. The scent of freshly-prepared delicacies wafted through the air, enticing over guests.

Each table offered an array of plates that ranged from rich main courses to delicate, indulgent desserts. At one end, perfectly seared steaks sat beside tender, caramelized duck breasts. For those with lighter palates, there was an assortment of salads and charcuterie.

On the other side, the dessert table was a vibrant tapestry of sweetness and elegance. Ranging from delicious cakes adorned with intricate designs and fresh berries, to jellies that shimmered like jewels under the light.

The silver platters where these courses were displayed gleamed like polished mirrors, with a two-tiered design that allowed for multiple layers of a visual feast. It was here that Elphie paused and began to select a few dishes.

“Elphie!”

Suddenly, a voice called out to her. Elphie paused mid-selection and turned to the sound. A wavy-haired brunette in a pastel-yellow dress excitedly ran up to her. Upon closer glance, she was an energetic-looking young lady, with long eyelashes and a dainty face. Purple eyes glittered as they looked up at her.

Elphie smiled politely and curved her eyes slightly, “Ariadne.”

As expected, ‘Ariadne’ stood up straight and pouted, “You didn’t even let me visit while you were sick!~ How are you feeling now? Are you okay?”

“Haha, slow down. I can’t keep up with all the questions.” Elphie laughed and took a plate of food, “Why don’t we grab some food in the meantime?”

“Sure!” Ariadne settled down beside her and grabbed two plates of food. The pair soon made their way to the dessert section, where Ariadne handed her a plate of macarons: “Here! I bet you haven’t had any recently. Don’t you like macarons the most?”

Elphie almost raised an eyebrow in surprise. But after she woke up, her mother had specially ordered a lemon chiffon cake, stating that it was her favorite dessert. Perhaps Elphie had multiple favorites?

Without showing any of her twisting thoughts, Elphie smiled and took the macarons, “Thank you.” Saying less is more in this scenario.

Ariadne simply turned back happily, selecting a bowl of shimmering grape jelly. Elphie couldn’t help but be reminded of grape-flavored medicine in the modern era…

With their food selected, the pair went to find a seat to eat in. Ariadne started the conversation back up, “So how are you feeling now? I was so worried. What happened?”

“I’m a lot better now, it was apparently mana deficiency.”

“Mana deficiency?! Elphie, you must be careful when you’re using magic!” Ariadne exclaimed in surprise, covering her mouth before lowering her voice, “I can’t heal that type of illness.”

Elphie smiled, “I know, thank you for offering if I do need it.” She took a slice of steak and swallowed before asking, “How have you been recently?”

“Good, good. Nothing out of the ordinary. The days are so boring without you around.” Ariadne made a mock pouting face before suddenly whispering, “Did you hear that the Duke will be here today?”

The Duke. Elphie’s eyelashes cast a slight shadow over her eyes as she smiled: “Yes, I heard that this is the first time he’s been back to the capital in years.”

“Then did you hear about why he came back this time?”

“Oh?” Elphie had a twinkle in her eye, “Why?”

Ariadne chuckled, twirling her fork in the air, “Most people don’t know, but I heard through the grapevine that the Duke came back to ask something of the royal family. The only thing the nobles care about though is which family’s daughter can catch the eye of that cold Duke.”

There was no way Ariadne would know the true reason the Duke returned to the capital. A magic crystal mine had been discovered within the Northern Duke’s territory, near the border of Praetor. At the same time, the spies planted within the army reported back and Praetor was putting pressure on them, “diplomatically” offering to purchase the mine. The Northern Duke had returned to bring these words to the royal family and receive further instructions.

Light and shadow mixed in Elphie’s golden eyes as she forked another piece of steak, “So… are you interested in the Duke?”

“Me?” Ariadne appeared momentarily shocked. The very notion seemed inconceivable to her as she flusteredly waved her hands.

Elphie teased, “Why not? You haven’t even seen him yet. Maybe he’s a handsome man. He’s young for sure.”

“Ohh, Elphie! Stop teasing me~” Ariadne laughed, “I wouldn’t mind admiring his looks though!”

The two girls laughed. Seeing that they were both almost done with food, Ariadne suggested: “Why don’t we go outside for a walk? The inside is too stuffy.” She gave an eyeroll at the posturing young ladies.

The Duke would encounter Ariadne in the imperial gardens for the first time, but inside, there was the Crown Prince… Since she would be accompanying Ariadne this time, perhaps it would be fine to head outside.

I need to stop Ariadne from getting involved in the royal’s politics.

“Let’s go then.” Elphie smiled and returned their plates to a waiter.

Once the doors closed behind them, the racket of the ballroom faded away. When they turned the corner and a large pine tree separated them from prying eyes, Ariadne immediately stretched: “Finally! The fakes inside were driving me crazy!”

Elphie smiled wryly. Ariadne cut her off before she could chastise her behavior, “Now, now, don’t start telling me I need to act with elegance. Did you see their so-called ‘elegance’ inside? I think it’s more like pomp and circumstance!”

She walked briskly ahead, as if breaking away. Elphie trailed slightly behind her, engaging in casual conversation while keeping an eye out for other people. Their surroundings were empty, save for the flowers and trees, and the moonlight above.

After strolling for some time, Ariadne suddenly slowed and said, “You seem a bit different today, Elphie.”

Elphie’s heart jumped as she stared at Ariadne’s back. She dawdled, “Really? How so?”

“You just seem a bit, hm, I don’t know.” Ariadne half-turned back and placed a finger on her chin, as if thinking about it: “Something about your attitude, I guess.”

“Maybe I’m a bit more open-minded after my near-death experience this time.” Elphie struggled to find a reply.

A bad premonition rose as her heart pounded faster and faster. Ariadne still wore a smile on her face as she looked at her with unreadable eyes.

“I’d say you’re more serious than before, actually.”