TBATE - Knowledge is power (being rewritten)

Part 20

Arthur Leywin POV:

The ballroom inside the Helstea Manor had been lavishly decorated with colorful string tapestries hung along with other fine embellishments on the tables and stage to match. I was dressed very formally for the special birthday party the Helsteas and my family decided to throw for Ellie. While this world did have formal wear that were very similar to tuxedos from my old world, this world did not have ties. Instead of ties, handkerchiefs were wrapped underneath the collar and tied fashionably. Sporting a black suit with a white-collared shirt underneath, the only bit of color in my ensemble was the light blue scarf I had tied underneath the shirt collar.

Since the ballroom was located in the opposite wing from our rooms, Ellie had no idea that we were throwing her this party. She was under the assumption that the both of our families were going out to a fancy restaurant so she was excitedly getting ready with our mother and Lilia, who came back for the occasion.

Sylvie was sleeping inside my room, her body still getting used to the big change she underwent recently. She resisted going to sleep until she had my verbal guarantee that I would save her some leftover food.

"Welcome. Please come in." Putting on a gentlemanly smile, I welcomed my little sister's lady friends she met at school, a duty I was assigned by my mother and one I wasn't too fond of.

Met with shy giggles and red faces, I kept a gentle smile on as more and more guests started trickling out of their carriages, accompanied by a driver and a chaperone.

The attendees of my sister's party consisted of her female friends, the female friends' chaperones, which were an older group of people, and either my parents' friends or Vincent and Tabitha's friends. By eight in the evening, most of the people on the list had arrived and my mother notified the maid that she and my sister would be coming down shortly.

"Well aren't you dressed all neat and spiffy?" I turned around back toward the door to see Gideon

"This is quite a pleasant surprise, Mr. Gideon." My smile must've tipped him off because he grumbled under his breath before replying, "You darn well knew that I would try and see you again, didn't you?"

My smile never wavered as I use my hand to guide him towards the refreshment booth. "I'll admit it was unexpected of you to utilize my sister's birthday to meet with me though."

Bah! You and I have a lot to talk about and don't you forget, I'm not leaving you until I'm satisfied!" He, once again, began grumbling

Not long after the guests had all arrived a loud voice boomed across the room.

"Everyone, please get ready! Lady Alice and Eleanor are both on their way here!" the maid announced before she signaled to turn off all of the lights.

"...Mama, I thought we were going to go out for dinner? Where are we..."

"SURPRISE!" a synchronized chorus of voices exclaimed.

With the chandelier sparkling on and an array of artifacts popping off in colorful lights, my little sister's confused face turned from initial surprise to pure joy. Her eyes widened and cheeks blushed red as her hands instinctively went to cover her gaping mouth.

She didn't have too long to indulge in her moment of astonishment as her school lady friends all ran up to her and gave her hugs, almost carrying her away along with Lilia, giving me a meaningful gaze before disappearing.

"Good job welcoming all of the guests, Art." My mother came up to me, gently patting my head.

My father, wine glass in hand, was onstage, his cheeks slightly rosy and his eyes relaxed.