Forgotten Blade

Chapter 8

The Ball

* * * * * *

"You did well, both of you," Victoria said as she stood up from her bed, erasing the makeup done by Abigail with the wet towel Li offered her.

"I'm glad it actually worked, My Lady," Abigail said, happy to see how deceiving her makeup was.

"Now then, it's time for us to catch up with them," Victoria said. Li fetched the dresses and placed them on the bed along with the jewelry sets, while Abigail brought out her bags full of makeup and fragrances.

"It may take a while, but please be patient with me," Abigail said as she picked up a brush.

* * * * * *

There was only one coachman left at the manor, the same man who had driven Victoria to the market. He sighed, wearing the best outfit prepared by the Duchess but feeling like an extra. The other two coachmen were in charge of escorting them to the castle.

"I guess I should rest for the night..." he said sadly when someone called out to him. "Coachman, take us to the castle," Li said. She was beautifully dressed, like a doll, in a dark green outfit paired with a small necklace featuring a square-shaped emerald and matching green earrings. Her hair was braided perfectly with flowers. Abigail wore a long-sleeved purple dress paired with an amethyst necklace and earrings, her hair styled in a bun with bangs and a flower inserted from the side of her ear.

"Y-You! It's you!" the coachman stuttered, pointing at the sight of these beautiful women, especially Li, whom he had first met as a dirty, stinky slave. But he was even more stunned when a lady behind them appeared so suddenly. She wore light makeup that enhanced her natural beauty, with perfectly red, kissable lips. Her dress paired well with the sapphire gems on her necklace, and her long, curly black hair rested beautifully on her body. The coachman averted his eyes when he saw just how prominent her chest was.

"But they took the two carriages-"

"Let's use my father's carriage," Victoria said. The coachman froze at the mention of her father. Although he had second thoughts, he couldn't possibly go against her command. Eventually, he agreed.

The carriage bore the family crest, but the Duke had forbidden Lady Remillia to use it without his permission, as he didn't want to be involved in her affairs. However, Victoria might be an exception.

The coachman opened the large doors and fetched two black horses, tying them to the carriage. He then helped the three of them inside before climbing up to his seat. He couldn't believe he was able to drive this elite carriage; it was his dream. He felt very happy for this chance given to him by the so-called idiot of the household. "Shall we go now, My Lady?" he asked politely.

"Yes." With that, he whipped the reins, and the horses started pulling the carriage toward the castle.

Victoria smiled at the thought of Lady Remillia being jealous of not being able to use this carriage, especially at the ball.

* * * * * *

Back at the castle, crowds of people filled the hall. Men wore their finest suits, while women showed off their best gowns and jewelry. This ball was a celebration for the birth of the youngest prince.