1695 Going All Out

Bang!

The thundering claps from the heavens echoed in the ears of many, as the many bright streaks of lightning flashed in the sky chaotically.

The weather was foul, with numerous dark clouds hovering in the sky, as though they were signs of ominous predictions.

Yet despite the heavy rains and dull atmosphere, the Royal Capital of Deiferus still had occasional parties hosted by the many nobles.

Oh, dear!

What a glorious day it was for many to be invited to the Annual Fall Ball, the last thrilling ball of the year.

Don't be ridiculous in thinking it was an ordinary ball.

Typically, most 'mating' balls were done at the end of Spring and the entire summer, allowing young people eligible bachelors and married youngsters to look for first, second and even third wives.

But the mating balls didn't just bend with summer's dying breath.

In Fall, they had 3 last balls, for those who hadn't caught up with prospective partners, or those who are still looking to add more partners to their harems.

Of course, some women were looking for second and third husbands to add to their harems too.

Just like a man, provided a woman could show she was equally strong like Penelope, people wouldn't bat an eyelid if she married 10 to 20 men of her choosing.

If she wanted to be the breadwinner, then she better be able to support them and their excessive needs.

Because just like how many noble women loved shopping and burning money in the vaults till they dropped dead, mist harem husbands loved buying expensive, limited supply and unique booze in barrels, sending hundreds and thousands for a single barrel.

Others loved spending money on uniquely bred horses, wagons, carriages and other forms of transportation so they could brag about them later.

Don't think that one could belong to a noble house and not spend.

They were obligated to do so, so as not to raise any negative rumors about their clans and households.

Do you want word to go about that they were suddenly poor and now undeserving of their current nobility rank?

Even in business, some might not want to invest or become partners with them seeing them as a sinking ship.

All nobles must spend money to keep the masses envious of their lives.

The more money they spend, the more scared people will be to cross them.

Today was the day for the last big ball of the season!

Many were secretly crying tears of joy, feeling this was their last true shot at love.

Even those who already found partners still had to attend in case they found someone better than their current partners.

After all, some eligible youngsters had just arrived from expeditions and would be attending this last ball too.

Goodness!

"Have you heard? Young master Damon will be returning for good from his 4-year study in Baymard."

"Heavens! Are we talking about the dame Damon Grey from the prestigious Grey Clan, a well-known High-ranked clan?"

"That's the one, the one and only. I heard he is still unmarried since the passing of his fiance. He is now 20 and must marry soon according to his mother's wishes. This means we all have a shot!"

"Blah, blah blah, blah."

(^-^)

In many clan estates and noble homes, many noble ladies began the great spa rituals that enhanced their beauties mixing traditional spa methods with the ones purchased from Baymard.

Face masks, toners, scented oils, and many other items were used during this period.

The many store owners were almost bombarded by the maids and servants of these wealthy noble girls who caused them to be out of stock on various products way faster than they predicted.

Whether they were products for the hair, face, skin and even toes, these noble women went all out with their purchases.

For balls like these, only, Traditional clothes of this period would work.

Baymard seems to understand this as they designed several ball pieces of their own too. But to make all cloth makers earn a sizable income too, the Sewers Association had meetings with associates from all UN empires, releasing new clothing styles never seen before.

All Landon did was make a few designs used in the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th-century ball gowns.

Whether one liked the clothes in Pride and Prejudice or Gone With the Wind and other classics, it was their choice to make.

Hear batches of different era attires, allowing the women to choose the designs they wanted, and leave the rest to the tailors to make for them.

Baymard had a lot of fabric sold out to various merchants in the various UN nations. So all tailors had to do was buy the fabrics they wanted to stitch their client's desires.

For such balls, many women invited famous tailors in the empire, allowing them to design unique outfits catering to them alone.

Who wants to dress up like another for the same ball?

The tailors came with a book of inspiration released by Baymard. It was then their chance to get inspiration from these pieces and design clothes of their own that brought out their client's unique features.

Just like that, a cloud of excitement and craze filled the noble society, with some still daydreaming of someone getting the monarch's attention since he still hasn't had any woman by his side.

No. That's not exactly true.

It's said their monarch, his majesty Henry, had eyes on his imprisoned brother's woman, Ezenia though no one knows how true the rumor is.

Many also said Ezenia seems to be throwing herself on his majesty Henry, seeing as he has never made a move on her, not even a shoulder touch.

His Majesty Henry always kept the right amount between them whether they were sitting or walking.

Hmph!

Many people didn't like Ezenia, knowing she was an overly arrogant and rude woman when men were not around.

She was also not in any relationship, making them feel she was waiting for his majesty Henry to ask her out.

All season, many have gambled, betting that before the end of the year, his majesty will make her his queen.

All through the many ball seasons, many have kept an eye on the duo but saw no progress.

However, some believed this ball was the one Henry would make a move in. Even if he didn't, Ezenia would surely do seductively to keep face.

Just like that, time flew in a flash. And one of the most talked-after women was now sitting before a grand mirror, allowing her maids to style her hair.

"Miss, you will knock his majesty off his feet with your looks. I don't think any man will be able to resist you after a single glance."

"You think so?" Ezenia asked, lowering her eyes shyly.

"Of course, Miss! I definitely think he will do it tonight!"

No one was praying for such a thing to happen more than them.

Who doesn't want to be a maid working for the future Queen?

As people who were no longer slaves, their pay would boost to an incredible number after Ezenia sits beside Henry on the throne.

Although his majesty has tried to deny the rumors, Ezenia, their employer, always blushed when thinking of him, giving the impression she never wanted the rumors refuted.

The maids chuckled seeing Ezenia's expectant gaze.

It seems she wanted Henry so badly it could no longer be hidden.

If Henry doesn't make a move, their Miss might be the one to do it instead. But what they didn't know was that the moment they left the room, Ezenia's shyness vanished.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she had the urge to take everything off and shove them down Henry's throat, as well as the throats of that bastard organization that was yet to meet her conditions.

Wait, wait, what, wait, wait.

That's all she hears from them these days.

It's been over 2 and a half years now with no news of Ulrich's successful prison break from that godforsaken Baymardian prison.

What are they doing? Don't they say they were the most powerful people in the world? So why were they delaying so much?

In the end, the organization simply told her they were dealing with other important matters that were causing the delays.

How dare they say they've attacked Baymard's prisons several times and lost?

If they did so, Ezenia might feel the organization wasn't as strong as they said.

Nonetheless, Ezenia felt she couldn't wait any longer.

Her mother-in-law, Ulrich's mother, had long been disappointed in her since she couldn't fulfill her promise of rescuing Ulrich.

At least, to compensate her, the organization gave her a rare chance of training her men in Morgany, despite her situation being on a standstill

Ezenia's face was gloomy.

"Out."