―― EP.0 「Opening (開幕)」

✿︱26.04.01(Sat)︱19:30︱Imperial Palace, Grand Ballroom Entrance

✉ The first ball of the social season, hosted by the Imperial Family—Invitation required for entry

As the first day of April drew to a close, the doors to the Imperial Palace's Grand Ballroom swung open.

The first day of the social season is always like this. For two hours now, the sound of carriage wheels has incessantly filled the palace driveway as nobles, who had been tucked away in their estates all winter, flocked to the capital at once. The sighs of coachmen and the hurried steps of servants hinted at the sheer scale of tonight's event.

Beyond the wide-open doors at the top of the stairs, the golden ballroom comes into view. Every crystal piece of the chandeliers caught the light, casting reflections that flowed down the gold-embossed wallpaper and marble floors. It was a calculated display, making everyone entering the ballroom appear as if they were covered in gold dust. Waves of light drifted over the heads of the crowd.

Whispers had already begun near the entrance. Talk of the Eastern Marquis Vasiliev family attending a capital ball for the first time since the integration process with the Empire. Rumors that the Tower Master had once again failed to even reply after receiving an invitation. Never-ending stories about who broke off an engagement with whom, and whose dress was out of fashion.

Hundreds of candles, hundreds of faces, hundreds of calculations. The air tonight is strangely sweet and heavy, a mixture of the scent of roses, champagne, and the perfumes worn by the guests.

The voice of a servant at the entrance echoes as they announce each guest's name one by one.

The social season has begun once again this year.

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