Grapevine (Zetheria Series #1)

Chapter 16: Girl from the Rumors

Fancy carriages landed on the wide open space and lined up at the entrance of the Crimson Palace.

Young girls in white dresses accompanied by their families were directed to a huge double door.

Selene stepped forward. Turning to the side, several women stared at her shamelessly. Their eyes checking every inch of her appearance as though in search of something they could pick on or laugh about.

However, this time, Selene appeared perfect. Her radiant skin glistened under the soft sunlight, her hair moved like falling cherry blossoms in spring and her posture screamed of dignity. Her white dress was simple and elegant. The fabric shone against the light. It flowed when she walked, as though teasing the marble steps to touch it.

Her complexion stood out. Selene had taken advantage of the Rosseficent's characteristic alabaster skin. Instead of covering it with powder like all the other ladies did, she judged that it was wiser to keep it as is, opting for a lighter makeup. Only accentuating her eyes, leaving the rest of her features looking natural.

Several pairs of curious gazes followed her every move.

Gone was the lady they often mocked at tea parties and banquets. The object of ridicule among the Royalty in the Crimson Empire. Instead, what stood in her place was Selene Antonette Rosseficent. A mage whose terrifying powers became well-known in the frontlines, a lady of high status and the sole princess of the Crimson Empire. Because the current Emperor does not have female children, the title naturally went to the female children of a ducal family.

In the Crimson Empire, there were only two ducal families; House Rosseficent and House Azerhan. House Azerhan was unfortunately not blessed with any female children, comprising only of seven young lords, all fighting for the inheritance.

In any case, Selene's reputation had somehow recovered.

She relished the feeling caused by seeing the Royalty stare in a mixture of shock and envy. Many of them didn't pay her any mind. Still, it's good to see some of them stare at her in utter disbelief. They could all lie to themselves, but it was undeniable that Selene looked elegant and beautiful in her white dress. All the young lords present could at least attest to that, judging how their eyes were fixed on her as she walked by.

That's right, this is what Selene deserved. After everything she went through, this is what she was meant to be. This status, this reknown. It might not be very impressive for now, but this is just the start.

She was accompanied by the Viscountess Fissolo. A middle-aged woman who was a relative of the Rosseficent Family. She was supposed to come with her mother, however, it wasn't possible now that she was dead. In fact, a majority of the debutantes came with relatives.

"Good heavens, who did your makeup? How terrible. And where did you bought this horrendous dress, my dear? " The viscountess asked with a hint of fake concern.

'I believed it looked good on me. What is this woman spewing?'

She lacked the desire to explain herself, so Selene didn't say anything.

"Your cousin, Jehona debuted last season, her dress was made from the finest silk imported from the eastern continent."

"It must be a well-crafted dress."

Selene's mind momentarily travelled to the continent she had mentioned. She knew very little about it, that's why she made a mental note to check it out some time.

"I know right? You should have sent me a letter sooner, I might have lent it to you."

"Oh, really? Then, it's a shame..."