Chapter 8
“Hello, Count. Long time no see. This is my friend, Noxia Deccan—the one who kept me company during my long, boring recovery.”
“Good evening, Chairman. It’s been a while. How is the business you mentioned last time? By the way, this is my friend, Noxia Deccan. She just came up from the countryside.”
“Oh my, Madam, that dress looks wonderful on you. Isn’t it this month’s newest design? And this is my friend, Noxia Deccan. Yes, she’s a new face—you’re right. She recently arrived from the countryside.”
—
Staying close beside Karnen, smiling as she greeted one guest after another, Noxia quickly realized why her friend held so much influence in society at such a young age.
‘Ah… this isn’t something just anyone can do.’
Being born into a good family wasn’t enough—after all, most people here came from noble houses. In that sense, Karnen’s lineage was nothing special.
Her true power came from her skill.
She smiled warmly without seeming fake, gave compliments without sounding exaggerated, and carried elegance in every glance and gesture.
It was hard to believe she was only eighteen. She had only debuted in society the year before, yet her social grace rivaled that of seasoned noblewomen.
One might have joked that this was her second life. Her body was that of a fresh young lady, but her composure was that of a wise elder.
And tonight, she not only shone on her own but made sure everyone remembered her friend’s presence too. Noxia couldn’t help but feel proud.
“Thank you, Karnen.”
“For what?”
“For bringing me here.”
“What? Weren’t you begging to go home just a little while ago?”
“I take it back. You were right, Kali. After all that effort getting ready, I might as well enjoy myself.”
“Good thinking.”
They leaned their heads together, whispering, then burst out laughing. Raising her voice again, Karnen said cheerfully:
“Alright, let’s go over there. I’ll introduce you to my friends.”
—
Girls their age approached in groups. Some greeted Karnen warmly, while others glanced Noxia up and down like they were appraising her.
Sensing the tension, Karnen smiled and made the introductions quickly.
“Everyone, this is Noxia Deccan. We met when I was recovering in the countryside.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss Deccan. I’m Daisy Roben.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Roben. I’m Noxia.”
“And I’m Rachel Dallian.”
“Hello, Miss Dallian. Noxia Deccan.”
Noxia smiled politely, just as Karnen had taught her. To her surprise, Daisy blushed and brightened.
“Miss Deccan, your dress is so pretty. Did you have it tailored?”
“Oh, no—it’s ready-made. I bought it at Daywood Department Store.”
“Really? It fits so perfectly, though! It looks like it was made for you.”
“Haha, thank you.”
Noxia laughed awkwardly, but Daisy’s eyes sparkled with sincerity. She didn’t sense any malice.
‘Wealthy people usually have their clothes tailored. That’s the old noble tradition, after all.’
Though factories now mass-produced goods, the rich still loved exclusive, custom-made items. Even Karnen’s gown tonight had been tailored to her exact measurements.
Karnen had offered to do the same for Noxia, but she had chosen to buy from the department store instead.
If someone more cunning had said what Daisy did, Noxia might have taken it as a sneer. But Daisy, with her round face and bright, squirrel-like eyes, seemed too innocent. Noxia accepted the compliment as genuine.
Before anyone else could speak, the room suddenly quieted.
“Their Majesties the King and Queen, Her Highness the Princess, His Highness the First Prince, and His Highness the Second Prince are entering!”
Another set of doors opened. The royal family appeared—five figures, elegant and radiant.
The handsome middle-aged King and Queen led the way, followed by their children: the Crown Princess, the First Prince, and the Second Prince.
Noxia and Karnen happened to be standing quite close to them. Noxia could hardly believe she was observing royalty from such a short distance.
‘Wow… amazing.’
She had only ever seen them in newspapers. Now here they were, just a few steps away.
‘I really am experiencing things I never could back home.’
Of course, not everyone in the capital saw royalty up close. Noxia only had this privilege thanks to Karnen.
‘Right… not everyone gets to be friends with the Marquis’s daughter.’
The thought made her both proud and uneasy. Was she enjoying privileges too far beyond her station?
While she wrestled with that, the King and Queen gave short welcome speeches. The three royal siblings stood quietly, smiling softly.
The princess was five years older than Noxia, the First Prince three years older, and the Second Prince was her exact age—eighteen. All three had golden hair, though their eyes were different colors.
The Second Prince, with pale blue eyes, casually glanced around—and locked eyes with Noxia.
For a brief instant, their gazes met.
Startled, Noxia flinched. The prince also looked surprised, quickly turning away. Her heart pounded.
‘Oh my goodness…’
It was shocking enough just being here as a common orphan at the royal ball. To actually meet a prince’s gaze—it made her panic a little.
She quickly composed herself, sneaking another glance at him during the Queen’s speech. But he didn’t look back again.
When the speeches ended, applause filled the hall. Music resumed, and the atmosphere brightened.
Couples began pairing off to dance, while attendants served champagne and fruit.
Karnen soon joined a lively conversation with her friends. Noxia mostly listened quietly, answering politely when spoken to.
Then the gentlemen began arriving—young men asking the ladies to dance. Some eager, some hesitant.
Karnen was, of course, invited quickly. A shy but brave young man approached her. Karnen glanced at Noxia, worried.
“Nox, will you be alright on your own?”
Noxia smiled and replied firmly:
“Go on, Lady Holby. It’s a ball—you should enjoy it.”
She didn’t want her dear friend to miss the fun because of her. She gave Karnen a gentle push toward the dance floor.
Though reluctant, Karnen finally accepted the young man’s hand and left.
Noxia was left alone. A few ladies were still nearby, but they were exactly the ones who had given her cold looks earlier.
‘At least when Karnen was here, they pretended to smile.’
She sighed inwardly. Their quick switch from politeness to disdain was pathetic.
‘What’s their problem? That I’m a commoner? An orphan? From the countryside? All three?’
She almost wanted to ask out loud—but remembered her promise not to disgrace Karnen’s name.
“Excuse me a moment. I’ll step out to the ladies’ room.”
With a polite smile, she excused herself and turned away.
Crossing the ballroom, she felt countless eyes on her. She couldn’t tell which gazes were friendly and which were hostile.
‘This is suffocating…’
It felt like standing naked under the lights. More than anything, she wanted to escape.
And then she noticed a small door. Not the one guests had used earlier, nor the one the royals had entered. It looked more like a servants’ passage.
Without hesitation, she pushed it open and slipped through.
On the other side was a dark, quiet corridor. She stopped.
‘Where am I? Am I even allowed in here?’
For a moment, she considered turning back. But then—
‘If it were really off-limits, there would be guards… or at least a lock.’
A reckless confidence filled her. And so, Noxia began to walk forward.
