Chapter 22: Finally, Last Day

Last Day of the Festival

Palace Hall

"Stunning as ever, Lady Fiona", ladies crowded over her. She wore a blue flowy dress and gems coming from the North.

"There's no mistake. You might be wedded to the Prince anytime soon".

"You also did well in commanding the guards".

"Lady Fiona, we invite you to my daughter's coming of age. You will be a good epitome for her".

Claudia entered with his brother as her escort. She wore a long green dress with golden linings. It is said to be created by the newly established dress shop in town by the merchants.

"Welcome to the real high society", Fiona said and Claudia was able to lip-read it.

Some ladies appreciate her gowns. "Can we also go and have our dress made in that shop?".

"Why not? The shop owner will be willing enough to accommodate you", Claudia tried to fit in. The family represented by the merchant faction also gave their praises for being able to manage the streets of the Capital.

Hallway

Aileen looked around to see if Keanne is present but he was missing in action. "Lady Aileen, I heard that the Prince was supposed to escort you. It seems that he is having another meeting with the neighboring Kingdom. The Crown Prince wishes to escort you in his brother's place", Liam informed. Aileen looked at the lad. "If that would be so, it will create some misunderstandings", Aileen bowed her head.

"Gil. We're going to be the last person who shows up", they heard a familiar voice. Eleanor met eyes with Aileen. "It's been a while, Lady Eleanor. Congratulations on being a member of the council", Aileen greeted.

"Lady Aileen, let us go", Xylan offered his hand. Aileen gave Eleanor before taking it. "I am looking forward to having a conversation with you, Lady Aileen", Eleanor smiled.

Palace Hallway

"Here she is. It's funny that she entered after the Prince. Did she try to ask him to be his escort?"

"She's not hand-picked to be a candidate".

"What is she even doing here? She didn't do anything for the Festival".

"I bet she used his father's influence to be a Council Member".

"Isn't that the only son of Francisca? What is he doing with such a child?".

"Did he start licking Duke Charles' shoe?".

"Lady Eleanor, you look outstanding", Claudia went near Eleanor. She noticed Eleanor's pissed-off face. "Are you feeling ill?", Claudia whispered. "I understand their claims of me but they should leave Gilbert out of this", Eleanor's face is still showing irritation.

The banquet continued. "Shall we have a dance from the Prince and Lady Aileen? The Emperor announces Lady Aileen's triumph for the competition His Majesty had initiated", Dan announced.

Charles entered and had a poker face. "That dude had that mug on his face that I want to erase", Charles' eyes twitched. Beside him is the Marquess. "Easy now Charles, let him enjoy the show. Once my daughter shows her skill, I'll be the one who's smiling from ear to ear", Zeno chuckled.

Everyone applauds the Crown Prince dancing with Aileen. Eleanor watched Xylan's gentle touches for Aileen. He is proper and he has a strong grip. "It's nothing compared to how graceful you danced with the Prince, Milady", Gilbert patted Eleanor's shoulder. "I wasn't thinking of that", Eleanor flushed. She must be staring too much.

"Here I am thinking that you'd be killing each and every one of them", the silver head lad went close to Eleanor. "Jenos", Eleanor was surprised to see him. "I was just making sure that you're not tainting the name of the Council", Jenos wore his cloak. "Jenos, I heard you held a party at the Council building. I wasn't able to come because I have to finish the reports", Eleanor whined. "That's what you get for being such a show off", Jenos flicked his forehead. "Oh, Gil and Claudia. This is Jenos. He's my friend in the training mountain", Eleanor introduced. "Yes, Lady Eleanor. Council Jenos is well-known. After he graduated, he came back to the Capital and started to propose laws", Gilbert informed. Eleanor pouted. "I could have also done that if I also graduated early", Eleanor chuckled afterward. Gilbert and Claudia were at ease to see that Eleanor is laughing.

"Shall we dance as well?", Jenos invited. "Ahk",Eleanor looked at Gilbert. "You will do just fine. You've practiced, am I right?", Gilbert smiled to cheer her. Jenos led Eleanor to the dance floor where the rest are also enjoying their time.

Liam noticed Jenos. "Your highness, Council Jenos has arrived as well", Liam informed. He saw that Xylan is already looking at them. "What is he doing with Lady Eleanor?", Liam hummed. They were laughing together, probably talking about how Ren got drunk and nearly kisses Fineil during the party for the council members.

I love you.

I won't chase you anymore.

Xylan turn around and walked away.

A few days later,

Council Room

Fineil and Rufus are seated in front of Eleanor. "What do you mean you want to work here?", Fineil crossed his arms. "I don't think I can work alongside the Prince. He kept avoiding me these past days", Eleanor explained.

"Did you do something to him?", Rufus asked.

"I...", Eleanor flushed. "I tried to make him choose me as the Empress before", Eleanor covered her face. "Who knew a woman like you have such guts to have such a request", Rufus laughed. Eleanor flushed even more. Fineil studied the lady. "And do you still want that position?", "Fineil released a dark aura." How could I? I am not even someone who could be compared to the candidates", Eleanor shook her head violently. "I thought you were so ambitious of a Council member. I haven't thought that you're just a crazy lunatic", Fineil looked into his scrolls. "So, Can I work here now?", Eleanor closed her eyes.

"No", Fineil answered.

Council Building

Hallway

"You've got such a long face", she heard a cheerful voice.

"Your highness, I haven't seen you since the festival", Eleanor smiled to see him again. "Yeah, I did so many things. Because of that, I got some days off. Want to roam around with me for quite some time?", Keanne showed his horse. "Are we riding that?", Eleanor asked. Keane nodded.

He watched Eleanor circle around the horse. She was figuring out how to ride it. "Come here", Keanne called for her. He placed his hands around her waist. "Your highness, wait", she felt tickled. Keanne raised her so easily and she was able to ride it. Keanne jumped on it as well with Eleanor in front.

This feels uncomfortable.

"You smell good, Ellie", Keanne informed. Eleanor flushed and tried to move a little further. Keanne gently grabbed her shoulder. "Lean on me more", Keanne whispered.

Chapter end.