Chapter 143 - Connections
From where she stood, Scarlett observed the interactions of the other guests with an impassive expression, ignoring the veiled looks occasionally sent her way. She had overheard a few whispers speculating about her relationship with Beldon Tyndall and some curious questions about why she was here, but nothing too bothersome yet.
Tapping the side of the glass in her hand, she took a sip of wine as she pondered her next course of action. Suddenly, the music in the ballroom swelled and people began to shuffle away from the center of the room. A glossy checkered floor, black-and-white in a circular pattern, was revealed as pairs of guests stepped onto it and started dancing slowly to the music, while more people streamed in from the connecting chambers. Soon, the room was swarming with activity.
She suppressed a scowl as people crowded closer to the empty space that had been created around her. She placed her wineglass down on a nearby table as she started making her way towards the edge of the room, not waiting to get trapped amidst a mob of newcomers. From there, she started walking in the direction of the nearest side chamber, hoping it would be less packed.
It took her a couple of minutes to maneuver through the crowds, but she eventually reached the chamber, stepping through a short glass corridor leading inside. To her surprise, the noise from behind her immediately became a lot more subdued, as if there were several thick doors between this room and the ballroom. The atmosphere here was much calmer, with people engaged in relaxed conversations and a small band playing quiet music in the corner.
The space could probably hold around a hundred people, but it was only half full. The walls were painted a soft shade of lavender, with plush armchairs and sofas arranged near the walls, but most people stood in smaller groups spread out around the place.
Scarlett paused when she spotted a familiar face. Not far from her, Livvi conversed with a man and woman she didn’t recognize. The petite noblewoman had her hair tied back in a neat bun and was dressed in a light teal-blue dress that fell just below her knees. The light glinted off the woman’s gold-rimmed glasses as her eyes seemed to land on Scarlett, and a look of surprise crossed her face.
A moment later, the woman turned back to her companions, saying something and receiving generous smiles in return. Then she seemed to excuse herself as she started making her way towards Scarlett.
“Scarlett? You’re here?” Livvi stopped before her, giving her a searching look. “You look great in that dress, by the way.”
“You as well,” Scarlett replied, glancing over the woman’s shoulder at the people Livvi had been talking to. Their attire wasn’t quite as fancy as that of some others present, suggesting they might not be nobles. Perhaps members of the Shields Guild? The Tyndall Ball was open to all classes, provided one had an invitation.
Livvi studied her for a moment longer. “You never mentioned that you were attending tonight. I didn’t think you would, considering… You know…” The woman trailed off into a slightly awkward expression before quickly shaking her head. “Never mind that. I’m glad you’re here.”
The genuine smile on her face made Scarlett uneasy. She always found it challenging to decipher the lingering feelings the original had left behind related to Livvi.
“…I am acquainted with Beldon Tyndall. Procuring an invitation presented little challenge.”