Cerulean Waves | Duke Ergi

Chapter 10

"You're exceptionally beautiful tonight, Sister."

Aria smiled at her elder brother's compliment. "You look very dashing as well, Brother."

She wore a deep violet ball gown, an off shoulder type making her collarbones exposed. The bodice was woven with intricate designs and tiny jewels that made the woman stand out. Its long silky skirt flowed down until it reached the pristine floor.

Her hair was pulled into an elegant low bun, a few strands of hair hanging loosely to frame her face as always. Several purple flower ornaments that are made of pure crystal decorated it, making her more elegant than she already was.

However, unlike the previous royal balls she have attended, a mask covered half of her face. The additional accessory naturally matched with the rest of her attire.

With an arm looped around her older brother's, they confidently strode through the hallway till they reached the entrance doors where the event is currently taking place. The Royal Guards opened it at the sight of the approaching guests, revealing the wide grandiose ballroom.

The very moment they took a step inside the ballroom, all attention were directed towards the beautiful pair. They were all enamoured at the young nobles who seemed to shine brightly under the chandelier lights. Many commoners that are in attendance whispered among each other, gushing about how attractive the two can be.

Meanwhile, the nobles who immediately recognized the Valea siblings can't help but be in awe as well. Some of the ladies whispered between each other while glancing at the sibling pair. Countless of suitors and admirers of the two stared at the young nobles with astonishment.

Regardless of the enormous attention they have harboured all throughout the entire room, the Valea siblings continued to walk with confidence until they reached the refreshments area. Both of them took a wine glass offered by the butler as they began to converse with other nobles.

It carried on until another highly respectable noble made her grand entrance. Navier finally appeared along with Lady Laura and Countess Eliza on both of her sides. As expected, she wore a vibrant red ball gown that greatly complemented her figure.

However, there was a slight catch. The Empress' ball gown seemed to be awfully similar to the one that Rashta is wearing. Aria's eyes slightly widened at the sudden commotion as the two women in red stood in front of each other.

'The night is still fairly young, must we have another argument?' She thought, but remained silent as she observed the scene that is slowly infolding right in front of her. Aria didn't hear most of what the ivory haired girl was saying but the last part caught her attention

"Did you wear a similar one on purpose?" Rashta asked.

The girl's claim made Aria's blood boil. She have never heard an even more ridiculous statement than the one she heard at this very moment.

'The color red, especially a shade such as the one she is wearing right now, is a color that is reserved for only the Royal Family. It symbolizes regal majesty and power, a color that represents the Eastern Empire with dignity. Clearly, she upholds none of those characteristics.' She stared at the ivory haired girl with an unapproving expression.

She cannot fathom the several times this impudent girl had the nerve to disrespect the Empress, whether publicly or not, and had successfully got away with it. That irritable innocent act she cradles in her arms so preciously have been one of the key factors on why she escaped the countless punishments she should have received. Aria had a very strong disliking to the girl, and a ripped dress was not the only reason behind it.