The Duchesses

Chapter 13 : Calm Before The Storm (1)

"My Lady," Lord Apollo extends his hand as the Duchess of Light gets off the carriage.

This is the first time the Crassore Empire will appear in Angelos' public. Thus, the banquet is more lavish than usual. With the roses along the path to the Imperial Palace, the knights dress up more extravagant than before. Aurora takes a deep breath, calming herself before facing the storm.

"It will be fine, Aurora. You will be fine," she closes her ruby eyes for a while to summon every one of her ancestors' confidence for this night.

Indeed, the Duchess of Light never ceases to stun. She's wearing a red-lined black dress to dinner. Her long silky hair is twisted into a bun next. Her servants had also dolled her up with extra makeup. A touch of makeup would bring out her natural beauty even more. The fact that Lord Apollo is her devoted escort is also a plus. His all-black tuxedo goes well with Natalie's gown.

"Greetings, Duchess Smith and Lord Apollo," the workers greet each individually before escorting them to the banquet hall.

Natalie offers a polite smile of appreciation. However, both sets of associates feel apprehensive as they approach. Lord Apollo seems to be racking his brain for ideas to ease the Duchess's distress. The Duchess, meanwhile, has her mind on that. So she puts on an intimidating front, promising herself that she will do whatever it takes to stay alive.

"Okay, Aurora. Now, it is not the time to back off anymore," she is still building up her self-esteem before stepping inside the Banquet Hall.

Unlike Natalie, Duchess Medea is running a little late. Unsurprisingly, Marquess Hector will be her usual escort. It's only natural for the two sets to dress similarly, given that their purple eyes complement each other so well. The young nobles' female companions drool over the Marquess because he always looks dashing in his long grey suit and white long sleeves shirt. He flips his hair over to the other side and gives it a wavy finish.

Medea looks like a Goddess, like usual for the Duchess of Light. In other words, she appears to be ethereal. Despite her cold aura, her mere presence could draw the attention of anyone. She wears long white gloves, with fine amethyst and silver pieces of jewellery that complement her grey dress. She finishes her hairstyle by pulling on air bangs, which reveal her small forehead and leave her silky hair on her left side loose, exposing her neck on the right.

"She is indeed a beauty with brain," Aurora thought, her ruby eyes on the Duchess but shaking off her feelings, bewildered by the sudden thought coming out of nowhere.

The Duchess Valimos and Marquess Alwyn enter the ballroom. Despite popular belief, the hall is not a place for entertainment. Instead, it's a place where nobles can network and elevate their status. Medea has never been fond of social events, but she knew she had to be there for this one because of its significance. The demands of duty force her hand. At times, the Duchess would leave the hyena's lair and stand in the corner or go out into the garden to relieve herself.

Duchess Valimos looks at her surrounding. Her habit is always closely looking at everything. Primarily due to her instinct. She notices more chandeliers on the ceilings tonight, causing the lighting around the banquet to be brighter. The wine also tastes different, more in-depth flavours. The Imperial Palace must be going all out to impress the Crassore. Flowers bloom everywhere at the corner of the banquet, releasing their unique scent toward the bustling crowds.

The hyenas swarm the Duchesses, attempting to gain their favour. Some have proposed doing business with them. Sometimes there would be a reasonable offer, but it was usually too ridiculous to accept. Not to mention that some unscrupulous people would try to introduce their children to the Duchesses and their escorts.