Chapter 203: The Artorian Ball Begins.

Chapter 203: The Artorian Ball Begins.

Multiple proficiency requirements fulfilled. [Long-Range Spell Enhancement Lv. 5] [Delayed Cast Lv. 2][Spear Mastery Lv. 5] [Piercing Enhancement Lv. 7] [Probability Correction Lv. 7] [Air Walk Lv. 5] [Mid-Air Maneuvering Lv. 5] [Lightning Resistance Lv. 6] [Holy Resistance Lv. 10] [Wind Resistance Lv. 9] [Water Resistance Lv. 3] [Dark Resistance Lv. 2] gained

Skill requirement fulfilled. [Holy Resistance Lv. 10] evolved into [Sacred Resistance Lv. 1]

Ability gained: [Gale Steps]

Wow, I really look pretty mature in this ball dress. Looking at what I was wearing with Tasiannas ice mirror, I had to suppress my urge to gawk at the beautiful dress I had on.

Although I was initially reluctant to accept King Drangleics invitation to his ball, at the end of the day, I accepted it as a personal request, which the King fortunately accepted. As such, I had to fit in with the aristocrats. Also, with how Papa and Mama always went to their concerts in the best suit and dress they had, respectively, I should do the same as their daughter.

The gown I was wearing was colored red and black, fitting perfectly with my hair and horns. The length of the dresss flared skirt, which flowed down to the ground, was enough to completely hide my tail, and I had also decided to attend without my wings out to steal the attention from my dress.

The dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, leaving my shoulders and collarbones exposed but hiding my solar core completely. I was showing off my scaled forearms with the dress, using them similarly to sleeves. Black mana threads were used for the top of the gown, slowly transitioning over to a rose red skirt. With my hair groomed and combed back, exposing some of my forehead, I felt that it made me look more like an adult than I had expected.

The most prominent design of the dress had to be the metal sequins Grimnir made for me. Saori stitched these black voldunna sequins onto my dress, forming them into flower petals that sparkled under light almost as if they were bits of flickering flame. Elegant and beautiful. Of course, since they were made from metal while my dress was sewn using mana threads, if I were to transform while wearing this dress, the sequins would break apart.

Twirling on the spot like a ballerina to see my dresss skirt whirl around, I couldnt help but smile. How do I look, Svena? Awesome, right?

Svena, my temporary maid, clapped in response, looking at me with glittering eyes. It is immaculate, Lady Hestia. You are enthralling and I am sure any nobleman would be enamored by your appearance.

I agree without a single doubt, Lady Hestia. Turning around, I saw Tasianna imitating Svenas clapping, now wearing a colorful blue and green dress with a laced butterfly-motive skirt instead of her usual maid outfit. I am really glad you like it, Lady Hestia. Miss Saori was quite worried you wouldnt like it as she was trying something new.

I mean, that is true. Im used to cute and casual clothing. Just asking, but couldnt I have worn the dress I used for that tea party two months ago? As I asked my innocent question, somebodys voice suddenly ringed in my ear.

You dress for the occasion, Hestia, come on! I thought I managed to make you appreciate fashion more, made you understand the value of clothing for social events. It was Saori, looking at me with a hint of disappointment. You have been invited to a formal ball by the King of Artorias which numerous nobles from all over his kingdom will attend. The dress I made for you was for a tea party, not a ball. If you wore that dress again, I bet you would feel awkward and underdressed, especially considering your personality.

I sighed but still agreed to Saoris opinion, Haaaaa, yeah, thats true. Plus, its not like I hate this gown. In fact, I love it! Svena and Tasianna made my hair, and Im wearing a pretty dress. Even if Im not intending to socialize a lot, I still think Ill make an amazing first impression!

Saori, just like Tasianna and I, was coming along to the ball in formal wear. Using [Humanization Lv. 8]s form so that she only had fur around her tail, ears, and forearms, Saori designed her dress to be strapless with a flared skirt that went to herankle like mine. Using a lighter tone of black, the dress contrasted well with her pink skin and the arm sleeves she used to slightly cover the white fur. Finishing the outfit off by tying her long hair into a ponytail, Saori exuded the beauty of a mature woman.

While I do understand Lady Hestia and Miss Saori appearing in dresses, why must I wear one too? I am only your maid, Lady Hestia, Tasianna wondered, looking a bit conflicted about being in such a stunning dress.

At first, King Drangleic had only invited me to the ball, since Ellaine was obviously already invited as she was an aristocrat of Artorias. However, going to the ball with only the Helvas family was kinda lonely, even if I had Ellaine with me, so I sent the King a message requesting permission to bring Saori, Tasianna, and Grimnir with me. They were my retainers, after all.

Why, obviously, you may, Lady Hestia. A lady should not appear without her attendants, was the message I got back. It helps that Im the kings official guest now, but Im also lucky he was willing to answer at all. Ellaine, later on, did mention I could have just asked her or anybody among her family and I would have received the same answer. I guess my noble common sense wasnt there just yet.

Now, the rest of Aurora, barring Ellaine, werent required to attend the ball like I was, but we each had a reason to be there. Saori wanted to attend the discussion between Count Helvas and Duke Greenveil about the spread of yeast and Maverina informed Tasianna her alchemist teacher would be attending the ball. Only Grimnir had no reason to accompany us, sadly, so he declined my invitation.

After assuring Tasianna she was coming with me as a friend rather than a maid, since there should be enough people serving at the ball, the four of us left my room and went over to Ellaines. After Svena rang the bell and somebody let us in, we were greeted by the sight of Ellaine cradling her new sword, protecting it from her mother.

Ellaine, leave your sword at home! I will not allow you to attend the ball with it! Marianne, dressed in a brilliant yellow and green noble gown made of mana threads, ordered her daughter with a stern voice. Her usual dresses were all quite beautiful, but the one she was wearing now really gave her that medieval noblewoman appearance, coupled with the authoritative tone she was speaking in.

Ellaine, also wearing a blue and white mana thread dress Saori designed for her, was clutching onto her whip sword as if it was her one-and-only treasure, looking reluctant to hand it over to her mother. Mother, please, you said this sword is heirloom-quality, right? Father even expressed his desire for it! Considering I missed my social debut at the Origdiviel Arashan ball, wouldnt appearing with this sword create awe? I mean, it isnt uncommon for noble ladies to bring decorative swords?

They are military women, Ellaine. Commanders, captains, Marianne rebuked. Youre not even a squire yet, let alone a knight, so I expect you to act like a lady for now. If you wish to bring something for self-defense, your spell rings will have to suffice.

Josine, Ellaines maid, looked anxiously between the two, finally noticed us entering the room and tipped off Marianne to our presence. Oh, everyone, my apologies. Lady Hestia, Madam Saori, Madam Tasianna, you all look enchanting. Now, if you may, please, tell your party member here to leave her sword behind.

Dont say no to a mothers wrath.

After a few more words, Ellaine gave me her sword to keep in my storage, which everyone thought was the best compromise. We then left Ellaines room with all us ladies dressed up and ready, heading to the living room to wait for Jonathan and the Count. After sipping some tea and tasting some of house Helvass bread - now made with yeast! - the men finally appeared.

Marianne! Marianne, how do I look? Count Helvas rushed into the room wearing a colored suit with numerous emblems and military awards decorating his chest, giving him a very distinctive military commander look with the sword around his waist. Draped across his chest was a purple sash made of the purple mana cloth Id given him during our first meeting.

Meticulously adjusting his clothes, the Count was showing an anxious expression as he asked his wife. Marianne, contrary to her husbands emotional state, chuckled at him and showed him a teasing smile. Oh, you look fantastic, dear. Lord Duke Greenveil will be very impressed, especially with that sash.

Marianne, I mustnt look fantastic, but respectable. We are meeting and discussing with our lord about a lucrative economic prospect. This will change our house! Father, mother, and brother will be singing the Goddesss praises once Im done with this deal, but I cannot do it if I appear shabby! He then turned around to Saori after his wife adjusted his sash for him, looking at my wolfkin friend with excitement. Madam Saori! You look marvelous in that dress. May I assume you have all the treats and taste samples ready in your [Storage Magic]?

Yes, I do. Please, you must calm down, Lord Helvas. Saori chuckled softly, before pointing the Counts attention behind himself. However, while the discussion with Lord Greenveil will be interesting, I believe you should worry more about your second half, Lord Helvas.

Letting out an Eh? the Count turned around, only to flinch when he saw his wife looked at him with a terrifying smile.

Andre, now, while I understand treating Madam Saori, our guest, with courtesy is not a sin, I believe you have forgotten something, no? I mean, your wife and daughter are both dressed beautifully right?

Showing a twitching smile, Count Andre desperately began to apologize to his wife and began praising everybodys dresses.

Considering how stern he acts whenever he trained Ellaine even when he helped me learn [Gale Steps] he sure can bend quickly when his wife is ordering him around.

Lady Hestia. Lady Tasianna. It is a privilege to see you two in such dresses. As enchanting as ever, Ellaines brother, Jonathan, came over while his mother scolded his father, bowing and flattering us. Unlike his father, Jonathan was only a squire and had no reason to wear a military mans suit, so he wasnt bringing a sword with him nor was his outfit filled with medals.

After Tasianna and I thanked him for his words, he turned around and simply mentioned Ellaine looked good and that their house was about to reach new heights on this day before turning silent. Ellaine too only gave a simple response.

What is going on between those two?! When I saw them together in Firwood, they were acting so close together! Ellaine looked as if she was a brocon!

I wanted to ask them, I really did, but I kept the question to myself. Neither Ellaine nor Jonathan really seemed to want to talk about it.

Everybody attending the ball left the mansion, where we saw Grimnir taking a break outside his RV, covered in sweat. I still asked the stubborn dwarf if he still wanted to come. I dont like repeating myself, lass. This whole ball thing aint for me. Im a craftsman, Id rather dedicate my time on making myself a new armor, draw the blueprints for a new weapon, and figure out how to turn your [Room] into a rune.

Early tests of the space-time spell [Room] went great, as the size of the resulting room was only limited by how much mana I was willing to spend. We were able to transport objects in and out, similar to [Storage Magic], making it possible for us to live inside it. Unlike my storage, however, living things could go into this room and the time wouldnt freeze, so we could expand the interior of the RV without needing to expand its exterior.

Having heard Grimnirs rejection once again, I wished him luck and everybody, aside from Count Helvas, boarded a flying carriage. Making our way to the royal palace, I noticed crowds of people celebrating on the streets in the afternoon. Considering everybody in Griffonpeak would be celebrating the kingdoms founding for an entire week, it was only to be expected.

Speaking of events, Ellaine had invited everybody to come to the royal academy tomorrow, since the students were preparing shows to show off to their parents. Ellaine herself would be participating in an event planned by the mages course of the academy. Apparently, her appearance with me during the Chezaic twins tea party really catapulted Ellaines reputation by a great deal among the Greenveil students.

Which reminded me of something Ellaine mentioned about her brother. Oh, Jonathan, I heard you will be doing something during the academy festivities, correct? Well, aside from the ball, of course.

Ah, yes, that is true, Lady Hestia, Jonathan said with a brilliant smile. As you know, Im a squire for my father, training under him at home and Im going to attend practice at the Order of the Lionhearts training field, where Ill spar with the other squires. As such, we will be holding a miniature tournament amongst us squires, demonstrating Artoriass future prospects.

The tournament is mostly held for the senior year students, as this will be their chance to show off the fruits of their training from their time at the academy, Marianne continued the explanation. It also serves as an appetizer for the coliseum fights in three days, where nobles and commoners, knights or mages, may participate to find glory. As it is bloodless and the rewards include both honor and Davi, adventurers and nobles from around Artorias come to join this coliseum tournament.

A tournament, huh? Too many shows have tournament arcs on Earth, but maybe Ill understand why people like tournaments so much by experiencing it myself.

As we flew up the mountain, numerous other flying carriages, griffons, and hippogryphs were flying up with us. Knights riding their mounts were coordinating the traffic, making sure none of the griffons and hippogryphs suddenly broke into aerial fights. Just the thought of a griffon dropping a carriage was pretty scary to me; thankfully, everything went by smoothly.

Once at the citadel, the aristocrats riding on their griffons and hippogryphs, like Count Helvas, began flying away from the carriages. Marianne explained that the griffons and hippogryphs were having their own ball '' inside the dungeon of Griffonpeak, where they will be meeting the Griffon king the beastial ancestor of the Artorian royalty.

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Monday, September 6, 2021 11:12:23 PM Germany [Member of Zard Skwad]

Bio: Hey there, AbyssRaven here. I'm just an avid Light Novel and Fantasy story reader who randomly thought of a story and began writing about it.

I eventually found out that I've been spending a bit too much time with building, planning, and researching for the story, that I've decided to just share it with others.

Writing is mostly a hobby for me, but I would still love any kind of criticism to improve on it.

I'm also german, so please excuse anything that sounds a bit weird...I wouldn't mind you pointing it out though.

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