Chapter 163 - Social Party!
We were meticulously preened by the specialized female staff, transforming us one by one. Starting with the careful tending of our travel-worn hair, followed by assistance in donning dresses and the application of delicate and skillful makeup, we were gradually turned into versions of ourselves that felt almost unrecognizable. As members of the Kikyo Society, we usually pay attention to our appearance, but the expertise of these professional staff, employed by influential nobles, truly made a difference.
Seeing my companions in such drastically different appearances was quite amusing. I couldn't help but laugh; I had to be careful not to burst out laughing. I took a deep breath, calming myself down.
For example, the woman who is feared in the underground world by the nickname 'Bloody Mary' was now dressed like a lady of high society. Adding to the shock, she looked timid and withdrawn, a stark contrast to her usual self. This transformation would undoubtedly be a shock to her subordinates. Mary usually prefers simple clothing, but even in her simplicity, there's a hidden sharpness and stoicism that exudes a unique coolness. The elaborate makeup, different from her usual natural look, made her appear almost like a different person. It's no wonder the young men were surprised.
These young men were also struggling to suppress their laughter at the sight of each other's transformed appearances. It felt almost like a costume party. If there were more of us, it would look like we were at a costume party. I wouldn't say it out loud, but I'm sure Gradena and Bonnie would be rolling with laughter.
As for Graylease, the former leader of the girl gang and current Deputy Director of the Intelligence Bureau, her transformation was even more drastic. She was dressed in a frilly pink dress, her hair styled to look demure, and even her makeup was more girlish than usual. The contrast with her usual tough and rebellious appearance was so stark that it was hard not to laugh. She would never choose to wear pink, and her deadpan expression only added to the humor.
Her expression, a mix of shock and disbelief, made it difficult to look at her without laughing. It was a rare and unlikely sight that I might never see again.
On the other hand, Margaret looked amazing. Her transformation was so impressive that it was almost shocking. The professional makeup artist's skills turned her usual down-to-earth appearance into something truly remarkable. She looked so regal and reliable that it was hard to believe it was the same Margaret. It was almost magical.
To compare, she looked like a successful career woman from a major trading company or a sharp and confident female news anchor. It was surreal, but definitely impressive.
Even she seemed taken aback, staring at her reflection in the mirror with a mix of surprise and wonder. The shock was palpable, not just for her but for all of us who were watching.
Seeing such a dramatic transformation reinforced the value of hiring professional makeup artists. I might consider it more seriously in the future.
As for our esteemed Vice-Commander, Siegrune, she looked regal and poised. While I had hoped for a more androgynous look, the staff at the Brillonvest boutique dressed her in a dress that suited her perfectly. The deep blue dress with platinum accessories brought out her elegance and sophistication. The professional makeup completed the transformation.
The makeup artist herself was a sight to behold, and the contrast with Siegrune's usual appearance was striking but in a good way. The makeup brought out a level of allure that was almost mesmerizing. The half-up hairstyle revealed her graceful neck and delicate strands of hair, adding to the allure. The dress and makeup highlighted her natural beauty and sophistication, a combination that was both elegant and captivating.
The last to be transformed was Valeria, who was now a breathtakingly cute and angelic beauty. The staff, clearly going all out, had turned her into a vision of purity and grace. Her soft pink lips, innocent eyes, long lashes, perfectly arched eyebrows, and delicate chin were all accentuated. Despite her usual self, she looked different and almost angelic. I needed to capture this moment, so I made sure Rosmerta had a magic recording device ready.
While her unparalleled cuteness was evident, what truly touched my heart was her outfit. Her hair was styled in a rare twist, and she wore a purple dress that matched my own. Even though we looked different, it felt like we were sisters. The transformation was truly moving, and I couldn't help but feel a deep connection.
"Onee-sama..."
My transformed sister turned to me, her smile radiating happiness. The urge to hug her was overwhelming.
After spending a considerable amount of time transforming the Kikyo Society members, it was finally time to head to the party. Despite the initial amusement at our transformed appearances, objectively, we looked quite good. If someone didn't know us, they would just see a group of elegantly dressed women.
Even Graylease, who usually dresses in a rebellious style, looked good in her frilly pink dress. Her usual tough appearance would make the dress look out of place, but to someone who didn't know her, it would just look like a stylish choice.
We entered the party venue with our usual confidence, not letting our nerves get the best of us. Many Kikyo Society members have been trained for such social events, and while we may not be the most polished, we can hold our own.
The party, while private, was not overly formal. Rosmerta's friends and acquaintances were gathered, and a little informality was expected. We didn't need to be overly stiff.
The main purpose of the evening was to celebrate the Kingdom of Brenark's revival, but there was another significant reason. The Count Oversta had recently been promoted to Duke, a rare and unprecedented advancement. This made him the sole Duke in the kingdom, a position of immense authority and power.
The previous Duke's lineage had been severed during the war, and the title had been demoted by the Arrogant King. Thus, the Oversta family became the only Duke in the kingdom, and Rosmerta became the sole Duchess.
"I feel a bit... restless," Mary muttered, reflecting the sentiments of many of us. Most of us hadn't planned to attend the party, and we had no interest in making small talk with unfamiliar nobles. The subtle, probing glances from the guests made us feel uneasy.
Despite the unfamiliar environment, we didn't let it get to us. However, the urge to leave was strong.
But one of us was in high spirits. Margaret, transformed into a sophisticated career woman, seemed more motivated than ever. The makeup had a positive psychological effect, enhancing her confidence.
"I'll be right back!"
Siegrune suggested that Graylease accompany Margaret, and it was a good opportunity for her to gather intelligence. Despite her initial reluctance, Graylease took the task seriously. She had been trained by Josephine and Ortlinde to handle such situations.
The rest of us stuck together, observing the scene. The guests, dressed in elaborate and expensive attire, adorned with family crests and medals, exuded an unmistakable air of the upper class. The crowd included a mix of noble families and wealthy merchants, spanning all ages and races.
The atmosphere was friendly, but there were subtle power plays happening beneath the surface. However, given that the party was organized by Rosmerta, we didn't expect any major conflicts.
The real highlight of the evening, however, was the recent promotion of the Count Oversta to Duke. This was a significant event, making him the sole Duke in the kingdom and the most powerful noble. Rosmerta, now the Duchess, was the center of attention.
"I feel a bit... restless," Mary muttered, capturing the sentiment of many of us. Most of us hadn't planned to attend the party, and we had no interest in making small talk with unfamiliar nobles. The subtle, probing glances from the guests made us feel uneasy.
Despite the unfamiliar environment, we didn't let it get to us. However, the urge to leave was strong.
But one of us was in high spirits. Margaret, transformed into a sophisticated career woman, seemed more motivated than ever. The makeup had a positive psychological effect, enhancing her confidence.
"I'll be right back!"
Siegrune suggested that Graylease accompany Margaret, and it was a good opportunity for her to gather intelligence. Despite her initial reluctance, Graylease took the task seriously. She had been trained by Josephine and Ortlinde to handle such situations.
The rest of us stuck together, observing the scene. The guests, dressed in elaborate and expensive attire, adorned with family crests and medals, exuded an unmistakable air of the upper class. The crowd included a mix of noble families and wealthy merchants, spanning all ages and races.
The atmosphere was friendly, but there were subtle power plays happening beneath the surface. However, given that the party was organized by Rosmerta, we didn't expect any major conflicts.
The real highlight of the evening, however, was the recent promotion of the Count Oversta to Duke. This was a significant event, making him the sole Duke in the kingdom and the most powerful noble. Rosmerta, now the Duchess, was the center of attention.
Just as we were settling in, the hostess made her grand entrance. Dressed in a dazzling gown, she exuded both beauty and authority. She smiled and greeted the guests without a lengthy speech, and the party began in a lively and elegant atmosphere.
I had no intention of getting involved in unnecessary connections. This was a social event, and I was here as a guest of a friend. I had no interest in the friends of my friends.
"Yukari-dono, what should we do here?"
My poised and elegant Vice-Commander, Siegrune, raised her glass. Her beauty, enhanced by the cold glass and the sparkling droplets, was almost mesmerizing.
"We'll let Margaret and Graylease handle the socializing. For now, let's just observe. We don't need to be in the spotlight. If anyone approaches, you can handle it, Vice-Commander."
Siegrune, with her knightly training, was well-versed in social etiquette. She was the best person to handle any unwanted attention. In fact, many people were likely to be drawn to her charm.
"I'll take care of it."
Her confident smile was almost enchanting, and it made me a bit uneasy.
We tried to ignore the gazes of the guests, and the younger members, usually energetic, were subdued in this unfamiliar setting. The borrowed outfits were likely uncomfortable and restrictive.
Rosmerta, our only acquaintance, was busy greeting and engaging with the guests. She had no time to spare for us.
It was understandable. Without much interest in the surroundings, we focused on enjoying the fine food and drinks. There wasn't much else to do.
As the party atmosphere relaxed, a few guests began to approach us. It was natural for men to be drawn to unaccompanied women, especially those who looked as striking as we did.
Siegrune's mature and flawless beauty was a magnet, and Valeria's angelic appearance added to the allure. Even our transformed members exuded a unique charm that was hard to resist.
The Kikyo Society members were not just pretty faces; they were women of substance, and their inner charm added a mysterious and captivating aura. This transformation made them even more appealing, and it was no surprise that men were drawn to us, even if we had no intention of encouraging their attention.
Handling unwanted attention from Rosmerta's guests was a delicate matter. While we couldn't be rude, it was also a nuisance.
Thankfully, Siegrune, with her diplomatic skills, managed to fend off unwanted advances without causing any trouble. She was so efficient that I probably would have ended up hurting a few people by now.
Siegrune's impenetrable guard was nearly flawless. Her polite but firm demeanor and confident attitude kept the guests at bay without making them feel uncomfortable. She had a natural talent for this, and the guests knew when to back off.
However, even the best defenses have their limits. Just as we were getting comfortable, a young man with an unmistakably noble air approached. He was the epitome of a prince, and his confident demeanor was striking.
While Valeria, who was nearby, discreetly emitted a killing aura, she was too disciplined to act on it.
He was a handsome man, and I couldn't help but appreciate his looks, even if the term 'handsome man' felt a bit redundant. I sighed, trying to stay focused.
He approached with a casual greeting, which seemed incongruous with his noble appearance. His familiar and overly confident attitude was off-putting.
"Hello, beautiful lady."
His flattery continued, praising my appearance in excessive detail. He described my skin, lips, hair, and even imagined aspects of my personality that he couldn't possibly know.
I found it annoying. I knew I was attractive, but such clichéd compliments did nothing to move me. I was starting to lose my patience.
"You've been captivating my attention since you entered. Your fair skin, lustrous lips, and sapphire hair are truly mesmerizing. I was taken aback by your beauty. Even closer, you look even more stunning. Your eyes are beautiful."
I felt a shiver of discomfort. Who did he think he was, staring at me like that?
His endless compliments were grating. I knew I was attractive, but this level of flattery was over the top. I was starting to lose my patience.
"I've been captivated by you since you entered. Every gesture you make is enchanting. Pardon me, I am Maximilian. May I know your name? I'd love to hear your voice."
His casual and presumptuous attitude was frustrating. I had no interest in him, and his approach was unwelcome.
Rosmerta intervened, cutting through the tension. She addressed him with a polite but firm tone.
"Excuse me, Your Highness. While it's perfectly fine for a young man to enjoy the company of beautiful ladies, I must warn you. Touching her will result in a fate worse than a burn."
"Burn?"
"Yukarinowe, we have urgent business. I'm sorry, Your Highness, but we need to leave."
She smoothly took charge, and we moved away, leaving him stunned. I couldn't help but wonder if he would be okay, but I had no time to dwell on it.
As we moved, I couldn't help but feel a bit concerned. Rosmerta's guest, and a prince at that, had been treated quite harshly. Still, I had no intention of getting into unnecessary trouble.