Against the Gods

35. The Masquerade Ball

^^ Eve

After we all calm down we step outside my room to head into to the ball. Unfortunately, I end up colliding with someone right as I step out!

They fall to the ground, tripping over the back of their pink ball gown.

"I'm so sorry Princess Callisto!" exclaims none other than Helen Hale. Why does this girl have such a habit of falling?

"It's fine. What are you doing outside my room?" I ask.

"Well I actually live in the room next to you, and was heading to the ball just as you were leaving!" she explains.

Great, what perfect timing. Anyway, I should quickly get going before anyone sees her on the ground and gets the wrong idea that I pushed her over or something.

"Alright, then we better get there. We're already late," I say, holding out my hand. She takes it, and I help her get up.

She curtsies, "Thank you so much! I didn't think you'd treat a commoner so well!" she responds.

"Why would you think that?" I ask.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean you individually. It's just all my life nobles have always seen me as no better than dirt," she says. 

I can she why'd she be a real crowd pleaser. A sort of classic damsel in distress. I can't really complain though because it was my family that framed hers, causing her to lose everything. Still, there was nothing I could do about it though since it happened while Eve was a baby, before I was transmigrated here.

"Okay," I reply, because I don't really know how to respond to that. I start walking toward the ball, the rest following along.

"You know Nyx and I are commoners too!" supplies Finn.

"Hey, don't lump me in with you," says Nyx.

"What, you got an issue being associated with a commoner?" replies Finn.

"No, I just have an issue with your existence, pink bug," retorts Nyx.

I smile, at least they're back to just their normal bickering.

We continue walking, with Finn and Nyx still bickering with each other, as Helen pips in every so often. I do have to admit, she has a bright personality that seems to find something to connect about with anybody.

Finally we get to the ball, and I can't help the flutter of butterflies in my stomach. This is the place where the male leads fall for Helen, sort of the beginning of my death route.

The doors to the ballroom open, revealing a large ballroom with white marble floors and walls. From the ceilings hang multiple gold and diamond chandeliers. On two opposite sides of the room are two long tables with food. There are multiple doors along the walls that lead out to small balconies.

The many party goers are dressed in an assortment of colorful, extravagant gowns. Some have already discarded their masks while others keep them on. Servants dressed in black tuxedos flit between the partiers offering them drinks, although many already seem to be drunk. I guess we already are over an hour late so it makes sense.

Over to the right, I spot a huddle of people surrounding the crown prince. He's still wearing a white and gold mask but it only covers the area around his eyes so it's still quite obviously him. His suit matches the mask and the gold accents only make his blonde hair stand out more.

I move over to the left, trying my best to avoid him. I pick up a flute of champagne from a servant's tray as I make my way to the edge of the ball on the left side of the room.