Chapter 25: Banquet[3]
On the other side of the mansion,
Ericka walked in gracefully, taking in the opulent surroundings of the hall, recognizing a few familiar faces, and making her way towards an acquaintance of hers.
Approaching the circle, she turned to the elegant lady adorned in a long white dress with minimal accessories, her long black hair cascading down her back and her piercing black eyes.
"Good evening, Duchess Gloria", Ericka spoke politely to a beautiful lady with long black hair, standing gracefully with her group. She looked at the elegant white dress. "You look absolutely stunning".
Duchess Gloria smiled graciously, "Oh my! Well, if it isn't Miss Ericka, good evening," thanking Ericka for the compliment before she introduced her to the rest of the group.
Gloria's eyes sparkled, glancing at Ericka's dress. "You look gorgeous, Ericka."
Ericka smiled back at her compliment, and before she could engage in conversation with the group, the duchess spoke again.
"Let's drop the formalities between us, isn't that right, Ericka?" Gloria's small smile with her eyes glaring a hole at her made her break out in sweat; laughing nervously, she nodded her head.
"Yeah, we are friends," Ericka spoke out each word slowly. The group of ladies continued to talk with each other about various cosmetics, fashion trends, and upcoming events or any rumors.
In the process of their chat, they overheard several whispers from the adjacent group discussing a rumor that has been circulating throughout the empire.
"Have you heard of Marquis Cedric?"