Chapter 20: The Imperial Ball (1)

As promised, Cecilia revealed the list of nobles who were currently on the side of the church. Arisanna then sent an envoy to the imperial capital to deliver the news, as well as her update on her side of the situation.

As she was writing the letter, the voice that she thought left the room spoke.

"May I invite you to tea, Arisanna?"

She looked up from what she was writing, studying the girl. Her disguise was intact.

The earrings she wore had the ability to copy a certain appearance. For example, when she went to the salon to dye her hair temporarily, it copied the color and hair-do. It was the same story for the color of her eyes. Arisanna further studied it to make sure it also wasn't a communication device but was surprised to find how durable it was.

A bit curious about a few things, she continued to stare while Cecilia quietly stood and patiently waited for her answer.

"Well, it would depend on when I would be done," she finally spoke.

"How about I give you a call and we could chat over tea?" she proposed.

"Alright! I look forward to it," Cecilia cheerfully smiled.

The young girl left the room and it was once again quiet.

She was currently working from home, temporarily, to keep an eye on their guest.

Due to this arrangement, Cecilia persistently came to chat with her about random topics. Arisanna wouldn't say they were close but were vaguely familiar with each other. It was to the point where she could let her guard down a little bit and not threaten her every minute of the day.

'It's more empty than I thought.'

Although she appreciates the company her mother gives her as well as the occasional 'hellos' from Cecilia, it's felt too empty. This feeling lowered her morale to push through, but she needed to get this done.

She looked out of the window only to see the peaceful scenery of their garden. Staring for a few minutes, she slowly deepened herself to her work, finishing quickly so as to not make the guest wait.

***

It was after lunch, Arisanna decided it was enough and went to procrastinate.

'It's not procrastination if there was a point in doing this' she made an excuse.

The day was slightly cloudy, the wind lightly blew past the leaves, letting them drift through the air. It wasn't particularly too sunny, the sunlight never made its way to where she was sitting. Accompanied by a hot cup of tea, the breeze made this the perfect atmosphere to stare at the distance while doing some silent thinking.

However, it wasn't the day to relax and wonder about life or whatnot. The subject of today's tea time made her entrance. She wore a very cute dress, perfect for going outdoors. The dress itself was nothing fancy, it was simple yet fitted the simple outing today.

Arisanna took a sip as she saw Cecilia hold her hat as she walked, afraid of the wind blowing it away. Her dress fluttered as the wind grazed past her, creating a very naive and innocently looking scene.

She extended her arm, gesturing her to sit. One of the maids pushed the chair for her and they both met their gaze.

"Well? What do you need me for?"

***

Cecilia wasn't confident in her dressing ability and so she went for a more casual dress, that got the approval of the maids.

As she spends more time here, she was acquainted with a few people around the mansion. They were both very hesitant at first, but everyone eventually got used to a new presence in the mansion.

She walked out to meet the sight of Arisanna Blanchette.

She didn't wear a dress today nor had anything particularly styled. She was just casually sipping tea while crossing her leg, not afraid of any form of criticism.

She learned a few things about her as she would occasionally come to her office to chat. She found her less intimated by her as she started to view her as more of a friend than someone who just signed a contract with her. Secretly, she admired her. Her calm demeanor and ability to work for long hours strive her to plan more meticulously. Besides her work ethic, her ability to follow a conversation is remarkable, not allowing an awkward pause in between their chatter. Honestly speaking, she found herself opening up more.

"Well? What do you need me for?"

"I thought it would be a nice break for you," she began with a response.

"It certainly served as a pretty good excuse," she smiled and took a bit of the dessert in front of her.

Not afraid, she did the same with the dessert served in front of her.

"I should get straight to the point, no?"

"Beating around the bush won't help much. Although I can be patient, let's avoid doing so on such a nice day like today."

"Alright then. I would like to attend the upcoming imperial ball."

She raised an eyebrow, "The upcoming one? Why?"

"It's too irresistible for them to not be there."

"I take it as you would be going as 'Emberlynn Levin'?"

Cecilia looked at the maids.

"They are trustworthy, no worries," she chuckled while sipping on her cup of tea.

"Well, you definitely did your research. After the downfall of the Levin household, I would detach myself from 'Emberlynn Levin'."

"Detach?"

Cecilia only smiled.

Arisanna sighed, "You can never detach yourself from something you once were, at least in my opinion. A part of 'Emberlynn Levin' will always live in you as you become 'Cecilia Gardner'. Just like how I am 'Arisanna' but also the 'Aide'. You might start to miss the identity of who you once were, so don't completely clean yourself of it. Although I have no clue of your shift in identity, leave a remnant inside you."

She nodded at her advice.

To be frank, although she wanted to assimilate into 'Emberlynn', she was originally 'Cecilia'. But the person she became never would have become 'Cecilia'. The actual original ego had nothing to do with 'Cecilia'. Therefore, it was confusing who she was. She wasn't a mix, a thorough combination of the two, but more of a weirdly half-mix version of the two. However, she never inherited her memory, which made her 'Cecilia'. Although not completely sure how to present herself, at least within this mansion, she could be viewed as her original self.

"As to the ball-"

"I'll talk to the Grand Duke about it. We wouldn't want to interfere in what you want to accomplish."

Cecilia became relieved.

"Then please come back to me once he has an answer."

Arisanna hummed.

***

Tea time was enjoyable. They went back to back and forth chatting before Cecilia took her to leave.

Arisanna needed some time alone anyways and so she bid her goodbye.

She continued to stare at the now orange sky. The sun had quietly made its descent while still managing to shine brightly.

'It's already dusk,' she let out a heavy sigh.

She was originally thinking of how to introduce their information giver to the imperial family. As soon as she mentioned attending the ball, Arisanna was ready to agree with the idea. Cecilia would do her own thing while they would exchange everything that couldn't be said in letters.

Although she did need to take the idea to Theo, deep down, she knew it was only for formalities. Technically, anything she proposed would be approved, meaning she was the one who called most of the shots.

'Reynold would also get a break. Although, he complains way too much about his job.'

While silently thinking to herself, her tea had finally gone cold.

'I should head to the Rosenvelt mansion.'

She stood and started to walk.

'There are a few complications to sort out after all.'