TAKS CH 07

Chapter 7

Noxia had kept her promise by coming to the capital to meet her friend. Now it was Karnen’s turn to keep her promise: she would bring Noxia into society.

As luck would have it, the royal family was about to host a spring ball. Karnen already had an invitation and was allowed to bring one guest.

When Noxia heard that her very first step into high society would be at the royal ball, she nearly fainted.

She protested that it was far too overwhelming, but Karnen only laughed it off.

“It’s fine, Nox. They don’t strictly restrict attendance like they used to. And don’t forget—I’m considered an important guest. If you’re with me, your identity is automatically guaranteed.”

The Holby family had both the prestige of old noble blood and the wealth of the new age. Combined with Karnen’s own graceful manners, her standing in society was firmly secured.

Would anyone at such a ball mock her friend just for being a commoner? Karnen didn’t believe so—those who attended had more intelligence and class than that.

“Besides, you’re charming in your own right, Nox. Cheerful, kind, honest—people will see your true worth. If they don’t, then they’re the fools.”

“I feel like you just gave me a very biased compliment… but still, thank you. At the very least, I’ll make sure not to tarnish your name.”

Blushing at Karnen’s confidence, Noxia promised sincerely. She wanted to live up to her friend’s trust.

In the days before the ball, Karnen dragged her all over the city—buying shoes, trying on dresses, comparing jewelry. They spent several days in the department stores.

“You seem more excited than I am.”

“Oh dear, did I make it that obvious?”

“Very obvious. I feel like your doll. Admit it—you just wanted to play dress-up with me.”

“My, you caught me again.”

Karnen grinned shamelessly, and Noxia couldn’t help but laugh.

Though she teased, Noxia secretly enjoyed it too. Karnen’s excitement was contagious.

For a girl used to quiet country life, the grand streets and glittering department stores of the capital felt like a whole new world—less like daily life and more like an adventure.

Even though she knew she couldn’t afford these things, she let Karnen coax her into trying on expensive gowns, hats, gloves, pearl bracelets, and silk stockings.

For Karnen, these luxuries were ordinary. For Noxia, they were extraordinary. Sometimes, the gap between them made her heart ache, but she reminded herself to enjoy the moment. She had always known how to live without greed—savoring only what was in her hands, even if it wouldn’t last.

“Nox, try this one too. I think it’ll look perfect on you.”

“Kali, do you know how many times you’ve said that today?”

Karnen cheerfully handed her yet another dress, and Noxia sighed in mock defeat. How could the once-sickly girl now have so much energy?

The dress was made of soft peach-colored silk. Noxia ran her fingers over the flowing fabric—it felt like feathers.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Isn’t it? Hurry, try it on.”

Pushing her into the fitting room, Karnen shut the door.

Left alone, Noxia shook her head at her friend’s endless enthusiasm, then carefully slipped into the dress. Modern gowns were designed to be put on without a maid’s help, and though tight at the waist, the peach silk fit her slender frame.

She looked at herself in the mirror. The ribbons at the collarbone, the sheer sleeves like fairy wings—

‘Beautiful…’

She felt shy even admitting it to herself, but the girl in the mirror was undeniably pretty. Almost like a noble lady… though to Noxia, it felt like wearing a mask, a game of pretending.

Still, she stepped out. Karnen gasped and clapped her hands.

“Wow, Noxia! You look stunning. It suits you perfectly.”

“Really? Doesn’t it look strange on me?”

“Strange? It was made for you! You and this dress were destined for each other.”

“…You exaggerate.”

Yet Noxia found herself touching the fabric again and again, remembering the reflection in the mirror. Out of all the dresses they had tried that day, this one had stolen her heart.

“Alright… I’ll take this one.”

“Excellent choice, Noxia.”

Both girls beamed.

A few days later, Noxia wore the peach-colored dress to the royal ball with Karnen.

The ball began late in the evening and lasted until dawn. For Noxia, who grew up in the countryside where people slept soon after dark to save candles, this was a strange culture.

As their carriage approached the palace, her excitement turned to dread. By the time they arrived, her face was pale as if she might faint.

“Nox, breathe. Look at me. I’m right here with you—there’s nothing to fear.”

Karnen squeezed her arm gently. Noxia swallowed hard and looked at her friend. Karnen smiled reassuringly.

“Noxia, royalty, nobles, commoners—we’re all just people. Especially in times like these. So don’t be afraid. Let’s go in proudly and enjoy ourselves.”

Noxia forced a reply, her voice tight.

“Alright… I’ll enjoy it.”

Her determined expression looked so serious it made Karnen laugh.

“Honestly, I should be worried. What if everyone tries to steal you away from me tonight? You’ll have too many admirers.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m serious, Nox. Did you see yourself in the mirror before we left? You’re beautiful tonight. People will be lining up to speak with you.”

Blushing, Noxia stammered, “T-that’s not true. Stop teasing me, Kali.”

“Who’s teasing? I’m completely serious.”

“You don’t look serious.”

The two bickered lightly all the way up the grand staircase, which helped calm Noxia’s nerves.

But when they entered the vast ballroom, her fear surged back. The glittering lights, the music, the countless elegantly dressed nobles—it was overwhelming.

She gripped Karnen’s arm so tightly that her friend winced.

“Ow, Noxia, you’re hurting my arm.”

“Ah—sorry.”

“It’s fine. But really, relax. Just enjoy it.”

Still, Noxia couldn’t loosen her expression. Karnen sighed.

“Alright then. I’ll introduce you to some of my friends. If you know more people here, you’ll feel less nervous.”

“…Karnen, can’t I just go home now?”

“Absolutely not. You spent nearly an hour getting ready. At least get your effort’s worth before running away.”

With that, Karnen grabbed her arm firmly and led her across the ballroom. Everywhere they passed, nobles greeted the daughter of Marquis Holby with polite bows. Karnen smiled gracefully at each one, answering in kind.