The Spring Ball

| Chapter 1

Count Kim was not a very popular figure in the Nobel Society. Mostly known for gambling, fraud, and acting like a lowlife despite being born as a Count and Head of a family.

He drowned in liquor and lost his money in the gambling house leaving his family and household penniless. Now that all the inherited wealth was gone, he turned to mobs for large sums.

Before he could make a deal, he died while drinking away his evening. Count had a wife and a son. They lived a dull life, and are constant prey to social eyes. The only man who was supposed to protect them never did his duties and died the most predicted death.

Kim Dokja was 11 years old when it happened. During the funeral as his body was buried with the household ancestor, Kim Dokja stared at his wrist. The skin was bruised blue-black shade, it was the last touch from his old father and the first-ever violent act towards him.

Kim Dokja glanced at his mother, who stood near the priest, her face was covered by a veil. One couldnt tell what her expression was. He shivered because he was well aware of all the other scares and long last abuse she went through.

If his father hadn't passed away he doesn't want to imagine his life.

Now that his mother had control of the household, he felt safe. They weren't close, his mother ignored his presence and didn't initiate any intimacy but when he wanted a hug she doesn't deny one.

It didn't last long, the mob that his father reached out to strikes an attack. They wanted the land and the mansions. First, it started with rumors, people began to perceive the incident differently, and suddenly there was a witness who was none other than their servant.

His mother was framed for the death of his father and had to flee when the evidence pointed at her. Questions were raised, and Dokja wasn't sure what to believe. His mother did not communicate with him, there were too many gossips.

On one such morning, he found a letter his mother left for him before leaving him all alone. It felt like another death because he never hears from her much later.

Wanted Posters with his mother's face were put up everywhere. Suddenly his abusive father became a victim rather than an abusive and worthless Nobel. Imperial guards searched his home, and land. He was thrown into the serious questioning of where his mother was. They couldn't get any answers from him.

Ms. Jo an old servant cook of the house declares," She didn't share anything with the young master. There are not close. I don't think he knows anything."

As the young Kim Dokja was declared innocent he went back to his big, and lonely mansion. He feared being attacked by the mobs again. He noticed strangers lurking in front of the gates, robbery attempts.

He didn't have the right to the property, it was with his mother. So until and unless his mother surrenders, he can live in this mansion.

After two months of constant distress, then all the terrorizing stopped mysteriously. He lived a monotonous life with the bare minimum contact outside of his house. Many believed he was healing in peace, however Dokja wasnt sure if he was. 

This was the same as his life with his father, only there were no more scares.

There are debuts in the Nobel Society which occur during the Spring Balls held every year. When a Nobel turns 14, they are officially introduced to society. Kim Dokja made no such attempt, but only when a distant relative suddenly became aware of his existence, he debuted at the age of 17 years.

It was hard for him to find a partner, so his relatives paid a small-time Nobel to pair his daughter with Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja's feelings hurt a lot, he rather went alone.

Kim Dokja was dressed in a smart three-piece suit. It was the best look in his whole life. Now his motto was, to meet his partner, a single dance with them. No dinner no talking and leaving. He will call it a night.

Simple right? How can it deviate so much?

He flinched when suddenly someone tapped on his shoulder.

"Kim Dokja?"

A very young and pretty girl in a pale pink floral gown and let-down hair smiled at him.

"Yoo Sangah?"

"Yes, sorry for the lateness. Mr. Han Myungoh over there couldn't stop talking with me."

Kim Dokja could understand it. Yoo Sangah appeared to be a soft and delicate thing.

"So, is it your first time?" Yoo Sangah asked in curiosity.

"Yes. In one way too, I am late too."

"Then why are you trying to hide? You should be in the heart of Ball and make social connections.  You know it took me a while to find you too..."

Kim Dokja cried mentally. He chose the most secure and dull place to stand rather than in the center where the first-timers socialized. He had practiced explaining to Yoo Sangah about his situation: he doesn't want to participate in everything and she can hang out with other people if she wants. All he needs is one dance.

Simple.

Five minutes of silence between them. Kim Dokja didn't know how to say those words without sounding like an ass. Yoo Sangha must have wanted to spend a good night and dance, so it must be disappointing to be paired with him.

"Are you the shy type, Dokja?" Yoo Sangah asked suddenly.

"No. I just don't like such things."

"Hmmm. Then let's only do three dances. My brother is up on the balcony keeping an eye on me. He expects me to..." Sangah looks into his eyes. " Do things I don't enjoy too."

When the next piece of music started they went to the center. Dokja was very awkward and Sangah was thankfully ignorant of it. The song was upbeat so they didn't have time to say anything. They focused on the steps. Sangah was an excellent dancer. Many were awed by her skills.

"Do you not enjoy spring ball?" Kim Dokja asked after the first dance.

Yoo Sangah seemed surprised by the question. " Did it come off like that? I like them, they are good.  Now, please follow my lead. "

Sangha somehow covered his clumsy stance in the second piece.  After the second dance.

"Dokja I don't enjoy them that much. The Ball. "

Kim Dokja only nods.

After the third one, Yoo Sangah had an irritated look on her face. Kim Dokja thought it was because of his lanky dancing. They went to the refreshment table for some juice.

"I despise them now. This is the 20th ball I have been to this year.  Can't I choose? Why does my brother get a say in everything I do?"

"You must be quite popular, Sangah."

Yoo Sangah gave him a serious look. Kim Dokja didn't know what he did wrong. All he did was compliment her. Yoo Sangha was born for the spotlight. People had eyes on her throughout the dancing, Some try to meet her gaze, her attention. She was lively the whole time.

"Sangah, did I say something wrong?"

"Yes. Keep your sarcasm to yourself."

"But it wasnt. Sorry if it was rude in any way..."

"I see, Sangah still doesn't have her temper in check. " A new voice emerged from behind Dokja. Yoo Sangah was even more irritated, but she quickly recovered herself.

" Ms. Han Sooyoung. "

Han Sooyoung invited herself into the conversation. She wore a dark purple and black gown, with beautiful handcrafted jewelry. She had a joyfulness on her clear face.

"I have my emotion in check, but you don't have manners for eavesdropping on others' conversation. "

"My apologies. I couldn't help but notice a new face. " Han Sooyoung turns to Kim Dokja. A small introduction was made, and Kim Dokja quickly sensed some type of rivalry between the ladies. It was no joke for they were taking jabs at each other.