Chapter 94: Night Of The Masquerade Ball

Chapter 94: Night Of The Masquerade Ball

It was the morning of the banquets final day.

I had woken up earlier than usual and found myself debating whether to attend todays banquet.

The banquet was set to open at 6 pm.

I had heard that even uninvited nobles could participate in todays banquet.

Therefore, it was likely that almost all the nobles in the empire would be there to see Cassadin, the star of the banquet.

The claims I made in the hall on the second day of the banquet would spread throughout the entire empire. No, they probably already had since a day had gone by.

The woman who dared to love Cassadin despite being his sister.

Perhaps because I was prepared for such criticism, I was actually completely fine.

My only concern was about Father once he returned from patrolling his territory.

Pushing aside my thoughts, I tugged on the rope to call Sasha and ask for a bath.

But unusually, Sasha burst into my room, her face redder than a ripe tomato.

Miss! I-Is this newspaper article really true?

Her shocked cry prompted me to quickly unfold the newspaper she handed me.

Im probably facing some criticism.

As soon as I saw the headline, I found my name and Cassadins in bold letters.

Lady Serkia and Sir Cassadin Revealed to be Lovers.

At first, I thought I had read it wrong.

Instead of my public confession, theyve scandalized my relationship with Cassadin?

With narrowed eyes, I rapidly scanned the articles content.

The article made no mention of my public confession; it only reported that Cassadin and I were lovers.

Had Cassadin done this?

Is it true that you and Sir Cassadin are lovers, Miss?

Sashas large brown eyes sparkled with excitement.

I could only offer her a faint smile as I responded.

Yes.

At my answer, Sasha clasped her hands to her chest and squealed with excitement.

I thought she had acted out of shock, but after hearing Sashas words, delivered with a wide grin, I realized she was more open-minded than I had anticipated.

Goodness, how romantic! Congratulations, Miss!

I put down the newspaper on the bedside table and stared at Sasha, my expression one of confusion.

Isnt it strange to you? That we were once siblings but are now lovers?

Not at all. I already knew Sir Cassadin had feelings for you ever since he lived here.

!

She already knew?

How did you know that?

Curious, I asked Sasha, who responded with a beaming smile.

Ive seen Sir Cassadin burn all the invitations and letters that were delivered to you.

.He burned what?

The invitations and letters meant for you. He only burned the ones from men. Though I kept quiet about it because he caught me looking and put his index finger to his lips. That was several months ago.

Sasha swiped at her nose and looked down at me proudly.

Did I smile at Cassadins actions or not.?

Seeing me blink at her blankly, Sasha spoke up, still grinning.

Im alright with anything that makes you happy.

Sasha.

Dont worry, Miss. The master will also be happy for you.

Her smile remained bright for my sake.

After much contemplation, I decided to attend the banquet. My decision was affirmed when Cassadin personally visited the estate as the event drew near.

With the sunset as his backdrop, Cassadin emerged from the carriage in a black uniform.

Since it was a masquerade, he wore a white mask that concealed half of his face, but his remarkable presence wasnt something that could be masked.

For the occasion, I chose a bright red dress and draped a white cape over my shoulders.

Upon seeing me, my red mask matching my dress, Cassadin gently took my hand and bowed.

It seemed as though not only the nobles from the capital but also those from the outer regions had attended the ball.

In accordance with the rules of a masquerade ball, the attendees all wore masks to conceal their faces. The masks varied widely, ranging from those adorned with feathers to others shaped like foxes or cats.

This was only to be expected since entry was impossible without one.

Among them, there was a woman whose mask was particularly unique. It was embellished with a dazzling array of jewels that glittered in the light.

Sir Cassadin! Sir Cassadin! Please respond if youre here!

The woman shouted loudly, seemingly unconcerned about the impression she made on others. Noticing her long, ginger hair, I immediately recognized who she was.

Ively.

I had heard she was ill, but that clearly wasnt the case. An imperial knight, apparently exasperated by her shouting, grasped Ivelys arm.

You must enter now.

Sir Cassadin! Sir Cassadin!

If you continue to create a disturbance at the entrance like this, you will be barred from entering.

Ively stopped shouting and stormed into the palace, where the masquerade ball was taking place, only after the knight issued his warning.

After everyone ahead of us had entered, it was finally our turn.

The imperial knight seemed to recognize who Cassadin was the moment he laid eyes on him, as he visibly gulped when their gazes met.

May you have an enjoyable time.

We left the knights words behind and entered the banquet hall.

Perhaps because they had chosen to use one of the separate palaces within the imperial palace for the masquerade ballroom, the interior of the banquet hall was spacious enough to accommodate all the attendees with room to spare. A space far more expansive than the banquet hall I had visited the previous day unfolded before me.

Under the dimmed lighting, I saw masked nobles dancing in harmony to the orchestras melody, while others sipped wine with their arms draped over the large central staircase.

Atop the marble tables lining the hall were rows of food and wine. Some masked noblewomen sat in round chairs in front of the tables, chatting with one another.

Even amid the commotion, I could hear conversations about me.

Have you seen the article about Lady Serkia and Sir Cassadin in todays papers?

Of course, Ive read it, but it cant possibly be true. Theyre siblings, after all. Its likely a lie, isnt it? Articles these days always exaggerate.

I was actually there yesterday at the banquet, but it didnt look like the articles were completely false. Lady Serkia did publicly confess that she had feelings for Sir Cassadin

Publicly confessed? My goodness

As I eavesdropped on the ladies conversation, a familiar and charming voice tickled my ear.

It is alright.

Hearing Cassadins words with his arm wrapped around my waist, I smiled at him.

From what Ive seen at the banquet yesterday, Sir Cassadin genuinely loves Lady Serkia. He left the banquet hall soon after Lady Serkia departed, as if nothing else interested him there. So the content of the article likely isnt false.

So Sir Cassadin and Lady Serkia are lovers

Will they attend the banquet today?

Its hard to figure out whos who with these masks and dim lighting. I really did want to see Sir Cassadin in person too

Leaving the noblewomen to continue their conversation, I took Cassadins hand and walked up the central stairs to a terrace on the second floor, where few people were.

The black curtains fluttered in the winter breeze. Thankfully, nobody stood on the second floors terrace on such a cold night.

Are you not cold?

Cassadin peered down at the red dress and white cape draped over me, then moved to take off his jacket to give it to me. I shook my head and turned down his offer.

Cassadin.

Yes?

I have something to say to you.

Cassadin blinked slowly at my sudden announcement. Under the soft moonlight, his amethyst eyes sparkled like tinted glass beneath his white mask.

After taking a few moments to choose my words, I leaned against Cassadins chest and spoke.

Is what you said last time still valid?

What did I say?

To get married once everything is over

Cassadins large hands tightened around my body.

Of course.

I want to tell you my answer now.

I heard Cassadin hold his breath.

Then, slowly closing my eyes within his embrace, I answered him.

Yes.