Chapter 7: The Debutante Ball (1)

Butterflies aren't the symbol of the Blanchette household, but the symbol of Arisanna's mother's household. Her maternal family comes from a long line of magic wielders and she inherited their signature glowing butterfly. Each butterfly's color would depend on the user. Arisanna's butterflies had a faint red glow that matched her eyes, a trait she got from her father.

Although the Blanchettes are a sword-wielding family, since her father married a strong magic bloodline, Arisanna and her brother possessed magic. However, as they grew up, each decided to hone separate skills from each household. This wasn't due to genetics nor the amount of mana one had but purely of interest.

Arisanna liked magic and was endlessly curious about it. She developed a passion for magic and chose to hone that skill over swordsmanship. Reynold, on the other hand, like the sword and enjoys the amount of work and effort put into it. The sense of accomplishment is very rewarding, according to her brother, and so he chose the sword over magic. The two never harbored hate for each other due to their choices, if anything, they don't need to compete with each other over something they both love.

At the end of the day, both are able to devote themselves to their craft while taking a bit of knowledge of the other. For example, Reynold would utilize mana with the sword to fight. This not only strengthens him but allows him to learn and more flexibly retort to attacks. Arisanna still practices swordsmanship to strengthen her physical and mental strength, which is important when dealing with large amounts of magic.

But despite all their hard work and genuine liking for the craft, to outsiders, it is all but a means to achieve or maintain a higher status. The amount of people that gawked their eyes out when their names were announced, one could practically hear the whispers from a mile away.

It was to be expected with the status of the Duke and Duchess, but Arisanna couldn't help but shudder at the gazes. She still hates the feeling of being looked upon. But she would never let it show on her face, keeping appearance was the number one rule in socializing. A face that can never be broken, putting on the most massive ego you can muster.

With the training engraved to her bones from childhood, she graciously walked into the room, not even a glance at the people.

The basic etiquette of entering is to greet those who are hosting the event. In this case, it was the Royal Family, which they had already met. Under the watchful eyes of others, Arisanna felt a weird calmness surging through her once she met the eyes of the Royal Family as if she was comforted by the fact that they were somewhat familiar with each other. She wasn't sure if this was pure adrenaline but she embraced the feeling.

"The Blanchettes greet the Royal Family," they curtsied and kneeled.

"Rise," the Emperor spoke in a stern manner.

Immediately the adults exchanged their pleasantries.

"We are delighted you all could make it to our daughter's debutante ball, despite coming from the North."

"We would not miss the princess' important event as it is something that should be celebrated properly."

"Yes, and we look forward to her making her grand entrance."

"Yes, we are also quite delighted to see how tonight will play out…"

Arisanna turned to look at the two princes next to the Emperor and Empress.

'They dressed up quite a bit for this event no?' she told her brother telepathically.

'It's their sister's debutante ball, how could they not dress up?'

'Which means you will make an effort to look nice for mine right?'

'I might not even show up.'

Arisanna made eye contact with both the princes and they both waved at the siblings.

Arisanna returned their waves with another small one.

The first prince walked up to Reynold and they began chatting. Reynold separated himself from Arisanna's grip. She was a bit surprised by her brother seeing how calmly he seemed to be handling it.

'It looks like that fight made them a bit friendlier.'

The second prince naturally walked up to her instead.

"I heard you helped my sister earlier today, yet you still manage to look like you just came."

"Well, we all have our ways no?"

He smiled, "It seems so."

He then looked at the creatures on her head, "And those seemed to be one of them."

"We always make an entrance like this," Arisanna replied while holding up her pointer finger. One of the butterflies landed on the finger.

"Are they sentient?"

"I don't think so. I made them from magic so it questions whether or not magic is sentient."

"It's fascinating is it not? I heard quite a bit of theory on it."

"Ah- me as well. I particularly like the one from…"

They got along pretty well as they got a bit more comfortable interacting with each other. They found a very good common ground and felt like they could talk for hours on end.

Arisanna suddenly remembered something and asked, "You plan to surprise Bridgette with something right?"

He widened his eyes, "You know about it?"

"What do you think?" she smirked.

"Does… she know?"

"No, she avoids you guys on purpose to not know."

"Well then it's safe to assume she also knows Elder Brother is in on it as well," he sighs. "It's difficult to hide these things."

"And I assume you are going to be putting on a show?"

"You can really guess Arisanna."

"What can I say? It wasn't hard to connect the dots that you were going to be putting on some sort of magic show."

Given the time period, shows involving magic is a common form of entertainment among the nobles. Through the use of magic, one could wield it into a spectacle, displaying its beauty and might. They are usually eye-catching and well-coordinated, leaving the audience in awe. Thus, the troops performing these acts get paid a lot to put on a private show.

Since the brothers were meeting in order to give Bridgette a gift, it must not be an object that could be bought. It could be an item conjured up by the two, but it seems unlikely since the princes could have just given individual man-made items.

Besides, with the trend of performances and talent of the two brothers, it would seem more personal to put up a show.

At least, these were Arisanna's deductions.

"At least she hasn't seen it. We put quite a bit of work into it."

"Then I will look forward to it as well," she smiled.

As if on cue, the trumpets also started to sound, "Introducing the Grand Duke Rosenvelt and Grand Duchess Rosenvelt, accompanied by the young master Theodore Rosenvelt."

"It looks like they came."

"Indeed they did. Excuse me will you Arisanna? I need to go and greet them."

She nodded in response and off he went.