Chapter 142 - Lights, camera, action
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.