Chapter 4 - The Invitation
At the Grand Duke's Palace
West Tower
Amara Loriese
Lejla, I need you send out these invitations.
Amara Loriese
This particular one... don't send it yet. The rest will leave my quarters.
Lejla
As you wish, Your Highness.
Mario
A letter for Lady Vivienne.
Vivienne Lafaye
Thank you, Mario
Vivienne Lafaye
*opens it*
The House of Loriese
Elvaris, Caelithen
In the Season of Frost, Year 924
To the Esteemed Lady Vivienne La'Faye of Thirelle,
It is with the highest regard and the warmest sentiments that the Grand Duke Loriese and his daughter, Lady Amara Loriese, request the pleasure of your company at an evening Salon to be held at Velgrace Hall, Grand Duke Palace.
The gathering shall commence at half past seven on the evening of Lunsday, the Fourteenth of Frost, and will feature thoughtful discourse, poetry recitations, chamber music, and a selection of light confections and wine.
Your presence among Caelithen’s most discerning minds and elegant souls would be most welcome, as conversation blossoms best where grace and wit are in attendance.
Kindly send your reply by courier no later than the Tenth of Frost.
With all courtesy,
Lady Amara of House Loriese
On behalf of The Grand Duke Loriese
Vivienne Lafaye
My word! Not only did Lady Amara sent out this invitation, but also on the behalf of her father, the Grand Duke himself.
Vivienne Lafaye
I can't wait!
Vivienne Lafaye
Mario! Please send this letter to the House of Loriese.
Vivienne Lafaye
Thank you.
Vivienne Lafaye
This letter too. To the House of De Velliere.
At the House of De Velliere
I've been walking around with books on my head for hours. My legs are going to give up soon.
Mother
I will not tolerate such indolence.
Celine De Velliere
Mother... I do believe, I deserve a break.
Mother
Child, it is I, your mother, who deserves a break!
Mother
Yet, here I am, having to teach you the proper posture to walk about
Celine De Velliere
I need some water *sigh*
Isabella
I'll head to the kitchen, my lady.
Celine De Velliere
Thank you, Isabella
This past week has been exhausting
Mother has been pushing me off to my limits daily
At least I haven't woken her abusive side yet
Mother
You will continue to walk
Celine De Velliere
Yes, mother.
Celine De Velliere
Your debut is in less than two weeks.
Mother
Yet, you're unprepared.
Mother
What kind of Lady shows herself to High Society with crudeness?
Mother
Tomorrow, I have set an appointment at the Velour & Vine Boutique.
Mother
You will try on your debutante ball gown.
Wait, she chose my dress?!
Celine De Velliere
Mother-
Celine De Velliere
You chose my dress?
Mother
You have no time to think about such trivial matters.
Mother
I've taken the measurements of your body into consideration.
Celine De Velliere
But you could've at least warned me.
Celine De Velliere
I was planning to make my own choosing for a dress.
Mother
That's none of your concern anymore
I wonder what kind of dress she's making me wear.
Celine De Velliere
Yes, mother.
Julius
A letter for Lady Celine.
Celine De Velliere
*hesitates*
Mother
I won't take it off you.
Strange, she would've normally snatched it off Julius by now.
Celine De Velliere
Thank you, mother.
Celine De Velliere
Thank you, Julius.
Julius
My pleasure, my lady.
Celine De Velliere
*opens the letter*
Celine De Velliere
The House of Loriese
Elvaris, Caelithen
In the Season of Frost, Year 924
To the Esteemed Lady Celine De Velliere of Thirelle,
It is with the highest regard and the warmest sentiments that the House of Loriese cordially invites you to an evening Salon Gathering at Velgrace Hall, Grand Duke Palace.
The event shall commence at half past seven on the evening of Lunsday, the Fourteenth of Frost, and promises an evening filled with thoughtful discourse, enchanting poetry recitations, intimate chamber music, and a fine selection of delicacies and wine.
Your distinguished presence among Caelithen’s most discerning minds and graceful spirits will undoubtedly enrich our gathering. We trust that your wit and elegance will complement the reflective ambiance of the night.
Kindly send your reply by courier no later than the Tenth of Frost.
With sincere regards,
Lady Amara Loriese
Mother
A Salon? Hosted by the Grand Duke's daughter?
Mother
Since when were you two acquaintances?
Oh, no. I shouldn't have read out the letter
But then again, mother insisted that I read out any letter I receive.
Isn't that an invasion of my privacy?
Celine De Velliere
I guess Lady Amara has come across the news of my debut.
Celine De Velliere
Perhaps, she wishes to make my acquaintance rather sooner than later.
Mother
The tone she used in the letter rather sounds as if you two have already met.
Mother
Are you hiding something from me again?
Celine De Velliere
I assure you, mother. I have never met the Grand Duke's daughter before.
Celine De Velliere
I am honoured to be invited to her Salon.
Celine De Velliere
Should I write the acceptance letter now?
Mother
You need to have an escort
Mother
You cannot enter the Grand Duke's Palace by yourself yet, child.
She always wanted to see the Grand Duke's Palace
Celine De Velliere
As you wish, mother.
Celine De Velliere
I shall write to Her Highness that both you and I will attend her Salon.
Mother
I'll only escort you to Velgrace Hall. I won't interfere with Her Highness' gathering. After all, I'm not the one invited.
Normally, she'd beg me for her to come along as well. What's going on?
Mother
That's it for today, then.
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