Chapter 137 - The Ceremony Begins

"Greeting to everyone present here, I am Aria Melody Maple the second daughter of the Maple family." She said politely as she bowed and put her flower a fully bloomed Lotus in it and went down the pedestal.

Claps surrounded the hall, as she hurriedly went out of the room to change into her hat and get ready for her performance.

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"Next." The Madam said while looking at the ladies.

"I will go." Princess Sofia said as she gracefully picked up her dress and walked towards the pedestal with a purple aster in her hands.

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"Greeting to all, I am Sofia Spencer, the youngest Princess of Gelid Kingdom." She said as she put her flower on the vase bowed towards them politely and walked down the pedestal.

She even though being a Princess being respectful to the elders made everyone's heart skip and her image in their eyes rise.

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After that, all the others followed behind, and even before they were released the once empty vase was now full of 8 different flowers including, 

A Lotus (Lady Maple), Sunflower( Lady Hilton), Purple Aster (Princess Sofia), Red Dahlia (Violet), Peony (Irene), Yellow Poppy (Lady Astor), Fressia (Lady Coral), Lavendar (Rose).

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"With this, the introduction ceremony ends and now please enjoy a beautiful performance by none other than the voice blessed by the goddess of music," Madam announced as she clapped her hands turning the attention towards the stage at the other pedestal where a piano in the colour of creamy white was kept and beside it Lady Maple sat there with a total vibe around her making her feel all mystical.

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"Lady Maple please begin," Madam said and slowly her fingers started to dance on the piano letting out a soft tune that was soon followed by her melodic voice. 

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The song was all about a gentle love between two young souls which broke through every wall that blocked their path.

It was a simple song but its words and gestures were so deep and strong that, Irene someone who never has ever fallen in love felt a little wetness under her eyes.

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Even after her song ended there was a long silence as everyone was too much mesmerized by it.

"Wow, as accepted of Lady Maple. Your Voice reminded me of my younger days even though I only heard the goodness of Music once and today because of you I got to hear her again." The Emperor complimented her as he stood up.

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"You flatter me, your majesty." She said humbly as she bowed and looked at the other ladies who looked impressed by her singing as well.

"Trust me, it's not just a simple flattering. I truly felt touched by your song and emotion therefore I would like to gift you this as a token of appreciation." He exclaimed as suddenly a pink diamond bracelet with the symbol of harmony note in it.

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"Your Majesty this-- is too precious I cannot take it." Lady Maple who was well aware of that bracelet which once belonged to the great singer of the royal Court Miss Musa who belonged to a commoner but because of her singing got a noble status.

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"Lady Maple, we know this bracelet is a very mighty gift for a singer especially when it belongs to someone like Miss Musa but believe us it was her wish that the day there is a better singer than her this bracelet showed be passed down to her. So, please do not hesitate and accept it." Prince Alfred said as he gently smiled at her who looked too much overwhelmed.

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"....Then Thank you, your Majesty and your highness. I will take good care of it." She said as she bowed and walked down the pedestal with her eyes fixed at the bracelet on her hands.

"(I really got this....I am not dreaming right! The Harmony bracelet of Miss Musa my Idol is now mine!!)" She thought as she giggled while going to meet the other ladies.

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"Lady Maple! Congratulations!" Lady Hilton said as she clapped her hands as soon as she entered the room.

"Lady Maple you sang great! I even got goosebumps." Lady Coral said as she rubbed both her shoulders.

"You proved your voice is not just talking. I am proud of you." Lady Astor said as she bowed forward her with respect.

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"Thank you thank you!! I appreciate all your kind words!" Lady Maple said as she giggled while her eyes met with Princess Sofia who was walking towards her.

"You really sing well, *Lady Maple looks at her with disbelief in her eyes* Seriously I am not joking. Hearing you sing even she broke into tears." She said while pointing at Irene who had red eyes which proved everything without even her need to open her mouth.

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"Lady Maple, your sing really was touching....see I even ended up weeping," Irene said as she laughed awkwardly whereas Aria looked at her with bright eyes.

"Lady Winter thank you for listening to my song so attentively. I am really pleased." She said with a smile which showed how relieved and happy she was.

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"Well, Lady Willson and Lady Carot won't you tell something to her too?" Lady Coral trying to break the ice between them said as she looked at their faces which were stuck in the other direction.

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"Sure, Lady Maple although I know nothing much about Music but I must say everyone moment was beautiful," Violet said as she looked at her even though her face showed no expression her words were warm.

"Thank you for listening." Lady Maple said while bowing to her and turning head towards Rose who was ready to say something to her.

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"As everyone said Lady Maple indeed has the voice of angels but I would like it better 9f the lady performs without the veil and let us see your true tips on stage." She said as she walked towards her while Aria stood there with a troubled face not knowing how to answer this question.

"Lady Maple no need to be at already and I am just giving you a suggestion so be at ease," Rose explained it to her as she looked at her face coming back to normal.

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"I will think about it." She said as soon the Madam ordered them to go and talk with the other guests.

"Irene! Rose! Violet!" Molly who has no idea about the awkwardness between the three of them waved happily towards them and they too with no other resort walked towards her maintaining a certain distance that wasn't left unnoticed by Molly. 

"( What happened to them again?)" Was the only thought she was getting with every step she took towards them.

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"Wow, I can't believe not 1 but 3 of my friends have become the candidate and Violet how come you didn't meet me even once. Do you know much I was waiting for your return?" Molly winced as she pouted while looking at Violet.

"Sorry, I too wanted to visit you but...as soon I came back I got busy with the preparation for leaving for the palace," Violet answered as she hugged Molly who looked satisfied with her answer.

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"I see bit still remember to treat me once you are out and it should be only 2 of us." She whispered in her ears making Violet to smile as she whispered back and asked, "But would out knight I'm trying be available?" 

"Violet you don't know but when it comes to eating out with friends I can always make time, so worry about yourself, not me." She said proudly which made Violet to giggle.

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"Hey! Are you only going to talk with her and not us?" Irene said as she looked at Molly with a cute puppy face.

"Who said that, I am here to talk with all of you. But..." 

"But what?" Three of them asked while looking at her troubled expression.

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"Did you guys have a fight or something because just now hide you were coming down there seemed to be quiet a tension in the air...." She said and their faces went to black making her slap her mouth.

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"So you guys really fought." Molly who was used to the disagreements between said as she sighed but got no response back.

"Hey, are you gonna ignore me when I came here after skipping my training?" 

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"We aren't fighting..." Irene said in a low voice that was loud enough to be heard by the three of them.

"Then what's with the sudden coldness?" Molly asked as she took a deep breath.

"That...I can't tell..." Irene said as she looked at Violet.

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"Huh? What why?" She asked as she looked at her of them who looked resultant to answer her.

"I see so this is how our friendship is now you can't even share your problems with me. Fine, then I too shall leave." Molly said as she turned around when a hand grabbed her and it was no other than Violet.

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" I will tell you the reason...." she said as she gulped while Rose and Irene looked at her with concerned eyes.