As the sun set and the sky was dyed a reddish orange glow, the castle in the capital of Troyas was seeing an influx of visitors. They were nobles and their servants who had come to attend the ball that would be held at night. There were those who had arrived from their mansions in the city and those who traveled from their territory, outside of the Capital. Tired from their travels or not, all of them were guests at the castle and received the best treatment. As such, the servants were running about, preparing the guestrooms and anything else that the nobles demanded.

“Oh my, you are absolutely adorable.” [Landstral]

That also included acting as guides, which was what a young maid was going through.

“It is so nice to see a lovely flower like you after an exhausting trip.” [Landstral]

“T-thank you…” [Maid]

The blonde-haired maid, though initially taken aback, did her best to maintain her respectful countenance and politely answered as best as she could. She was in charge of Lord Landstral, a powerful family whose influence came second only to the royal family. If she messed up and earned their ire, her head would roll.

“I will guide you to your room, Lord Landstral.” [Maid]

“My father is called Duke Landstral. Lord Landstral, Duke Landstral, they’re too similar. Just Lennan is fine.” [Lennan]

“U-um, yes…” [Maid]

Sadly, she was reaching her limit. Faced with such a handsome man’s dazzling smile, her cheeks had turned bright red. She couldn’t help but fidget and stare at his beautiful face, which was an unbecoming attitude for a maid. Still, it was to be expected. She was guiding the young heir of a renowned house of dukes and that heir was incredibly dashing. His platinum blonde hair seemed to shine in her eyes. His whole body was sparkling.

Lennan acted like he didn’t notice her heated glances. He was secretly satisfied that he had found a flower so soon after reaching the castle. The journey was long and he needed to let loose. The old man that acted as his servant kept his expression tight, but sighed inwardly at his master’s usual philandering personality.

When they arrived before the room reserved for them, the maid somewhat regretfully excused herself. The son of the Landstral family watched her depart while grinning as he planned how he would make her his.

“It shouldn’t take more than a day. No, half. Half a day will be enough to make her in constant need of me.” [Lennan]

He declared confidently to his servant.

“What do you think, Stuart?” [Lennan]

“Sir, your parents said that you may do as you want so long as no shame befalls the Landstral family.” [Stuart]

“Boring. Boring, boring, you’re always so boring.” [Lennan]

Lennan said exasperatedly as he opened the door while imagining all of the women that he could pick up during his stay in the Capital. It certainly wasn’t his first time and, having a good head on his shoulders, he always made sure that he wouldn’t trouble his family.

“How can picking up flowers bring shame to the second most powerful house in Troy-?” [Lennan]

Just as the young man with platinum blonde hair took a step inside the room, he froze in place and his words died in his throat. Present in the room was a black-haired maid completely different from the cute one that guided him a minute ago. She was a charming girl that was about his age, perhaps a few years younger. Her smooth skin could be likened to virgin snow, which was a sharp contrast to her long hair that was jet black like the night. Her half-closed eyes were, strikingly, white and dark brown. However, most noticeable of all was her long pointy ears, which showed that she was of elven descent.

“Half-elf…” [Lennan]

Lennan muttered absentmindedly.

When the beautiful maid noticed him, she put her hands together in front of her skirt and bowed. In the silence that ensued, the young lord was engrossed in just staring at her until he realized that, as a servant, she was probably waiting for him to talk first.

“Oh, oh my. I didn’t think I’d find such a rare flower here.” [Lennan]

Clearing his throat and putting on his best smile, he said as gently as possible.

“I am in charge of preparing this room and only just finished. I am sorry for my tardiness.” [Ava]

The half-elf explained in a lovely voice.

“No, it’s fine, it’s fine. In fact, I’m thankful that we got to meet like this. You can stay as long as you like.” [Lennan]

“Thank you very much, but everything is done. I will be leaving right away.” [Ava]

Although she tried to get out of the room, Lennan was blocking the way and behind him was Stuart, whose expression became stiff. There was no way he was going to let her escape so easily. His earlier plans on seducing the maid who had guided him had been completely forgotten.

“Then let me at least thank you for your work. I am Lennan Landstral, the next head of the House of Landstral. We are a long line of dukes that have been entrusted with leading Troyas’ military affairs. What is your name, my lady?” [Lennan]

Putting a hand to his chest and bowing slightly, Lennan introduced himself to let his target know of his riches, power and worth. At his words, women, interested or not, would usually have an appraising gaze, especially those who wish to marry into fortune.

“… Ava.” [Ava]

“Ava. What a beautiful name. Fitting for a flower as magnificent as you.” [Lennan]

He complimented her in a charming voice and with his dazzling smile. Normally, that should have been enough, but the black-haired maid, Ava, wasn’t enraptured at all. She wasn’t even blushing. In fact, not once did she appear enchanted since laying eyes on him. So, he decided to take it up a notch.

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Grabbing her left hand, the beautiful nobleman gently kissed the back while firmly keeping his eyes on her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ava.” [Lennan]

“I’m honored, Lord Landstral.” [Ava]

“No need for stiff titles. Call me Lennan.” [Lennan]

He then brought his lips close to her right ear and whispered amorously.

“I’d love to hear you say my name, Ava. Maybe whisper it… Shout it…” [Lennan]

To his knowledge, no woman had remained unaffected after he kissed their hand or whispered in their ear. His lips sent delightful shivers upon skin contact and his voice, sweet like honey, melted their brains and left them spellbound.

And sure enough, Lennan could tell that the black-haired maid was trembling.

Unable to see her face and believing it was out of delight, he thought that he could push on the attack.

“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to enjoy your company for a bit longer. Could you join me in a private tea party? Just the two of us.” [Lennan]

So, the young philanderer looked back at his servant to signal him to close the door and let no one in. However, what appeared in his eyes wasn’t Stuart, but a handsome man with a smiling, yet scary expression. It was someone he knew and because of that, Lennan inwardly clicked his tongue.

“… Dreck, I didn’t notice you there.” [Lennan]

“What are you doing to one of our maids, Lennan?” [Dreck]

His harmless greeting was utterly ignored as Dreck stalked closer, increasing his intimidating air.

“Just enjoying some compa-.” [Lennan]

“Ava, wait outside for me.” [Dreck]

Cutting Lennan short, Dreck ordered Ava while keeping his sharp gaze firmly on his guest. The maid, reading the volatile mood, bowed and left quietly. When the two men were alone, Lennan was the first to speak as he looked at the closed door from which Ava left disappointedly.

“So the rumors were true.” [Lennan]

“Rumors?” [Dreck]

“Rumors among servants. Gossips among nobles. Point is, people were saying that a half-elf is working in the castle.” [Lennan]

“Her kind isn’t too well-respected, so we kept her employment under wraps.” [Dreck]

“Ah, right. Half-elves are cursed. They’re sterile so that their kind never prospers. Having one around brings bad luck. With all these rumors, I can see why you’d want to keep her a secret. What I wonder is where she came from.” [Lennan]

“Does it matter?” [Dreck]

“Hmm, no, but if Faywood has a problem, then it might matter. The Capital is foolishly close to their borders.” [Lennan]

“Careful with what you say. My ancestor chose this city’s location.” [Dreck]

“It’s fine. It’s our ancestor, cousin.” [Lennan]

“But it’s your king, so choose your words wisely.” [Dreck]

“Is that an order, Prince Dreck?” [Lennan]

“Yes, it is, son of Duke Landstral.” [Dreck]

The two stared at each other and displayed a not so friendly smile. Silence and tension reigned between them. Eventually, Lennan capitulated.

“By your will.” [Lennan]

Putting a hand to his chest, he bowed in respect to the prince.

“Stop hitting on our maids, Lennan.” [Dreck]

Giving him one final warning, Dreck left and exchanged places with Stuart who was waiting outside. The old man bowed deeply before entering the room. Once the door was closed, Dreck looked at Ava who had also been waiting in the hallway.

“It was hard work staying professional around that guy. Tell your mom I want a raise, even if I’m not getting paid.” [Ava]

She said as she rubbed her ear.

“Did he do anything to you?” [Dreck]

“You mean besides kissing my hand? He whispered in my ear. It was damn itchy.” [Ava]

When he heard her grumble, Dreck’s smile twitched and he was seriously considering teaching Lennan a lesson in the knights’ training grounds.

“Do you have any other tasks after this?” [Dreck]

“This was the last job. After, I was supposed to go back to being your personal attendant, not like I did much anyway.” [Ava]

“Then you can take a break for the rest of the day. If anyone asks, tell them you got my permission.” [Dreck]

He said before leaning in close and blowing in her ear. Ava quickly backpedaled and put a hand on her itchy ear.

“Would you STOP doing that?” [Ava]

“Hmm, elves’ ears really are weak. Maybe we should aim for them in battle.” [Dreck]

Watching him ponder the possibility with a hand to his chin and a serious expression on his face, an annoyed Ava wished that he wouldn’t use her as a test subject to find new ways to fight elves.

“I’m leaving.” [Ava]

Turning her back on him, she walked off to her room, not noticing that the smiling prince merely enjoyed teasing her. However, his expression soon became grim and he looked at the closed door next to him. Behind it was where Lennan temporarily resided.

“Stay away from her.” [Dreck]

Dreck whispered threateningly as he unconsciously clenched his fist.

Having reached her allocated room, Ava sat on her bed and sighed tiredly.

“That was gross.” [Ava]

She muttered while looking at her left hand that was kissed by Lennan. From his pushy attitude, she could guess that he was aiming to get in her pants. However, no matter how handsome, beautiful or sexy he was, there was no way she would accept his advances. First off, she was not into men. Second, she had talked with him for a bit while acting polite, quiet and professional, like a real maid. Thanks to that, she could more or less guess his personality. As such, the half-elf knew that getting involved with him would spell trouble.

As she thought about how to avoid Lennan, her gaze was fixated on her left hand that he kissed. Then, suddenly realizing something, Ava clenched her fist and focused her will. Black smoke sprung forth and hung there like a fog. Next, shifting her gaze, particles of light materialized and rapidly swirled around her right hand.

“Might as well try. Not like anyone will be coming over anytime soon.” [Ava]

She said out loud, mostly to convince herself.

Sadly, the excuse she used to up her motivation was soon proven untrue as a knock resounded on the door ten minutes later.

“There you are.” [Louise]

Entering the room after an attendant opened the door was Louise, queen of Troyas. Thanks to the rinses Ava made, her long blonde hair was softer and silkier than ever. Seeing her enhanced beauty, many, mostly women, gossiped about it which made it easier for her to spread word about rinses and sell them.

“I’ve been looking for you, Ava.” [Louise]

Louise said to the half-elf whom she found sitting on her bed.

“Is there something I can do for you?” [Ava]

Ava got up and asked which made the queen smile slightly in approval. She had half-giving up, but perhaps her lessons were starting to stick for the black-haired maid wasn’t using crude language to greet her.

“Yes, in fact. It is something very important…” [Louise]

Louise’s smile deepened, but the half-elf didn’t understand the meaning behind it, which proved to be her undoing.

----------------------------------------

“Yes, yes, tie her hair up like that. Mmm, no, not that. That one. Instead of red, we’ll go for a gentle blue. As for the hair ornament…” [Louise]

Having moved to another room, Louise was busy giving instructions to her six attendants. The women presented her various dresses and accessories and she picked the ones she believed were the best. However, she wasn’t going to wear them.

“… Do I have to do this?” [Ava]

The one that was going to wear them was sitting on a chair and getting her hair brushed, looking depressed.

“Yes, Ava, you do. It’s very important.” [Louise]

Ava had been taken away against her will to another bigger and more expensive-looking room, most likely used by nobles. There, she was stripped naked by the swift and experienced attendants, thrown into a bathtub filled with hot water and had every nook and cranny thoroughly washed cleaned. Then, after getting dried, she was dressed in a simple gown and was sitting in front of a mirror as a woman brushed her hair.

“I guess I really did end up torturing you. Still, your hair has gotten even glossier. It looks like silk. That product works wonders.” [Louise]

Louise remarked while looking a bit envious. A rinse had been used to wash Ava’s hair, making it even more beautiful and shinier than before. The attending maid in charge of brushing her hair couldn’t help but admire how soft and pleasant it felt to the touch.

“How is dressing me up important?” [Ava]

“It is important for every woman attendant the ball.” [Louise]

“… Ball?” [Ava]

“Now then, I need to check up on my daughter, Lisa, and make my own preparations. Stay here and let my maids do their work. You three, make sure that she is perfect for tonight.” [Louise]

“… Attending?” [Ava]

Ignoring the confused half-elf, Louise gave one last order to three of her attendants while the rest followed her out of the room.