She doesn’t look like herself at all, and yet she knows it’s her in the looking glass.
The maids have pulled out all the stops - from the intricate styling of her hair, to the makeup that looks both natural yet cleverly sculpts her features, to the soft, glowing skin of her face, décolletage, and arms.
And the dress...
It’s incredible.
Sparkling as she turns one way, shining as she turns the other, glittering subtly when she stands still, folds of sky blue fabric embroidered with pearls and crystals draping elegantly over her body in a way that highlights her eyes and face while providing drama and glamor.
I’ve never looked this good before.
“My lady.” It’s Deidre, speaking on behalf of the army of maids, face filled with pride. “You’re ready.”
I feel like I can take on the world, thanks to all of you.
She voices that thought, because it’s only fair they know how much this means to her after all their hard work, and professionalism goes out the window when they blush and stammer.
Even Eric is momentarily stunned when she meets him in the foyer, Mia carrying Lexi’s heavy cloak a few steps behind.
“You don't look terrible.”
Rolling her eyes, because this is becoming just the way they talk to each other, she retorts immediately. “Those three magical styling tools were worth the money.”
Instantly he scowls, one hand reaching for his hair when Vincent suddenly appears.
“Young master.” Eric’s hand stills an inch from his slicked back hair, and the butler smiles. “The carriage is waiting.”
It amuses Lexi that this 36 going on 37 year old man, the most feared Terran warrior in the empire (and one of its most famous philanderers), is still treated like a child in his own home, but then she remembers her father telling her that she’d always be his little girl and she understands.
The duke has only kind things to say to her when he joins them in the luxurious vehicle, and then they’re on the way to the palace. Lexi and Eric pass the time by insulting each other as subtly as possible, while the Dawn Duke pretends to be absorbed in the night scenery passing by.
WOW.
She’s been to many palaces in her world, both functioning ones and those that have been retouched and refurbished in a bid to showcase their original splendor to selfie-snapping tourists, but the Starlight Palace is nothing like what she’s seen in her extensive travels.
The only word Lexi can think of to describe it is ‘majestic’.
And this is just a minor palace used for special occasions.
They enter a lavish ballroom once they’re announced, Eric having been forced by his father to escort Lexi properly. She’s a little glad for the support as a thousand pairs of eyes hone in on her immediately, the warmth at her side chasing cold claws away and allowing her personality to come to fore.
Bring it.
She has several missions to complete tonight, and she's not going to let anyone get in her way. This event isn't meant to be a chance to dress up and giggle in gaggles while drinking expensive alcohol - it's a stage balancing precariously on a knife's edge. If Lexi isn't careful, she'll end up torn to pieces and bringing the people close to her down.
Secure support for Jordan, since he's helped me out so much. Protect and boost the reputations of Eric, Ray, Jordan, Elise, and the duchy. Gain support for myself if possible, while keeping my legendary rank a secret. And most importantly, prove I'm not a complete dumbass who can only depend on the kindness of strangers.
Still easier than dealing with mother.
Judging by the tensing of Eric’s forearm, he hears the whispers too, and a part of Lexi thinks it'd be sweet if he's actually upset on her behalf (though he's most likely just irritated by nobles being nobles). The familiar malicious tones carry mocking words about her size, manly shoulders, parts of tattoos reaching out from the back of her dress, multiple ear piercings, large arms with the unladylike signs of budding muscles, waist that’s bigger than other women’s, hint of an extra chin still remaining, and chest that has barely any curve - but Lexi just smiles and keeps walking calmly in revenge.
I had a moment of weakness before, but Eric set me straight. I know why I'm targeted, I know what all of you want, and I'm gonna make it part of my life's purpose to deny you. So go ahead, make my day.
Jordan almost ruins it when he nearly calls her by the wrong name, but luckily he catches himself in time and greets her perfectly.
Then he causes complete chaos by asking her for the opening dance.
Are you insane?!
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“You’re an excellent dancer, Lexi.” Jordan has taken extra care with his appearance today, and he quite literally resembles a small sun with the way he’s shining tonight.
“Only because I have such a skilled partner.” She smiles up at him, having learned to adjust quickly to his extraordinary looks long ago - even if right now Guide is blocked by the palace’s security measures, so she can see him clearly in all his glory for the first time in a while.
He smiles winsomely back, and Lexi hears gasps, hears another flurry of whispers. Jordan does too, if his next choice of words is any indication.
“Is Ric still glaring at me?” Lexi laughs at that, and the prince grins, mission accomplished.
Eric had looked ready to deck the heir to the throne earlier, eyes screaming bloody murder because the blond had deviated from the agreement and put even more of a spotlight on Lexi.
The opening dance at such a momentous imperial ball is a once in a lifetime way for nobles or players to receive special favor from the ruling family after distinguishing themselves in service to the empire - favor that indicates preferential treatment in anything from tax reduction to leniency for crimes. As such the position of opening dance partner is usually reserved only for political allies that have demonstrated their abilities, or famously strong players the palace wants to build closer ties with.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Yet the representative of the Solusols had chosen a new player of ambiguous rank, whom many claim owes all credit for successful quests to her illustrious party members.
Can’t deny that with the griffins, but I did contribute with the basilisk.
Eric hadn’t been able to intervene publicly and stop Jordan though, so the redhead had simply grit his teeth as Ray subtly pulled him back.
“You’re probably the only person in the world who can get away with annoying him like that.” As they spin in circles in the middle of the grandest ballroom she’s ever seen, they deliberately dance around core topics, teasing their audience.
“Not the only person.” Jordan looks at her meaningfully, and Lexi laughs again. “Ric lets you get away with more, honestly.”
“I’m not the one who tried to kill him with paperwork, Jordan.” He looks smug when he remembers how he’d quite literally dropped a mountain of documents on a napping Eric and run off.
“When we went on some adventures together, just the two of us, Ric always made me handle the cooking and cleaning.” At this new information, Lexi gapes, the only reason why she hasn’t stumbled in shock being the blond’s incredible skill.
That crazy commander forced the crown prince to do menial tasks for him?
Eric never ceases to amaze her.
“Well, I guess it’s because I don’t know how to do any of that...?” Jordan just gives her a look, and she changes tack. “He has his hands full just protecting me and teaching me to fight, I doubt he wants me ruining meal times while camping out.”
“I made him sick the first few times I cooked.” He looks far too proud, and Lexi laughs once more at this playful prince who clearly enjoys annoying his best friend. “At one point he even drew his sword and accused me of trying to kill him.”
She can’t help laughing more, shoulders shaking as Jordan guides her smoothly through the steps, all the while grinning like a mischievous little boy.
Lexi is honestly sad when the music fades because it’d been a nice little reprieve, but she knows they have a few things to accomplish tonight. When she thanks Jordan, she hopes he knows it’s because she appreciates him cheering her up before she has to engage in battle.
He smiles once more at her, hand lingering a little longer than it should, before handing her over to Eric and taking up his position on the commander’s right.
Showtime.
On cue, Elise wanders over, looking like a fairy in her lilac dress, and greets Lexi loudly and cheerfully.
“Lexi! Oh my goodness you look even more incredible than usual, and that dance was absolutely perfect!”
Elise showing support for Lexi publicly is part of the plan, though the raven haired sage’s choice of topic and sincerity make the younger woman blush slightly.
“You look divine as always, Elise.” The senior sage beams at the compliment, doing a little twirl when the crown prince agrees with Lexi’s statement.
“It’s been awhile, Elise.”
Here we go.
Summoner Selena is the kind of beauty who can make any other woman feel inferior and she knows it. It’s clear that her gown, jewels, and shoes can feed an entire town for at least a year, and even though Lexi’s tastes are similar to Elise’s - favoring simplicity over extravagance since a few years ago - she has to admit the summoner manages to pull her look together masterfully.
“Hello, Selena. It’s good to see you again.”
Elise is as friendly as ever, though her tone isn’t as warm as it’d been with Lexi.
To her credit, Summoner Selena hides the twitch of a blond eyebrow quickly.
“Your highness.” Do you have to be so obvious? “You look as majestic as ever.” Dulcet tones are honey sweet, as Summoner Selena deliberately ignores Lexi while curtsying in such a way as to draw more attention to full breasts.
“Good evening, Summoner Selena.” It’s clear Jordan isn’t a fan. “Doesn’t Lexi look wonderful?”
Oh God, PLEASE stick with the script, blondie. The plan was to indicate disapproval if she snubs me, not rile her up more.
Slender shoulders freeze slightly, before the blonde rises and turns a painted smile in Lexi’s direction. Sparkling eyes as beautiful and cold as emeralds flick up and down, as Summoner Selena deliberately takes her time answering in an attempt to embarrass Lexi.
Elise smiles. “Only Lexi is beautiful enough to make the songbird forget her words.”
DAMN you’re vicious. But did you really need to lie about my looks?
If Summoner Selena had been wearing less makeup, the flush would’ve been more obvious. The most experienced player in the world had called her nothing more than a foolish entertainer lacking in manners.
And it’s true the summoner had been rude - ignoring Lexi is one thing, but not greeting the empire’s greatest knight, who’s also a duke’s son, is a social transgression grave enough to bury most people. Add to that the fact that she hadn’t even acknowledged Ray - the empire’s shield and an influential count’s firstborn - and things aren’t looking good for the blonde.
“Indeed. Good evening, Lady Lexi, Vice-Commander Fortisutum. And how lovely to meet you again Commander Tridentia! You look more impressive than usual tonight.”
Lexi has to admit Eric does look amazing, better than he usually does (which is already head and shoulders above every other man save the crown prince).
But she’s annoyed with this woman for the way she treats Ray, while at the same time getting very amused with the summoner’s continued attempts to put her down.
You’re like one of those two dimensional minor villains. C’mon, you can do better than this. You moved from rare to legendary in only 12 years, you’re definitely a smart woman. For God’s sake at least prove yourself worthy of Ray’s affection so we don’t wonder if he’s taken too many whacks to the head.
At the smile on Lexi’s lips and challenge in bright sapphires, those green crystals narrow slightly.
“Summoner.”
Eric swoops in with the critical hit, as expected of the Hawk Commander. He follows up with another by turning to speak to Ray immediately, and Lexi starts to feel a little bad because she knows very well what it’s like to be publicly snubbed.
Being so blatantly dismissed by the two most eligible men in the empire would be hard on anyone, but it’s clearly worse for the gorgeous blonde who’s chased after the crown prince for years.
Your continued childishness is causing you to fall exponentially out of favor with the man you adore AND his best friend. Wise up already.
Instincts tell Lexi that the senior player isn’t actually a vicious person out for her head - instincts, and personal experience with such people.
You’re someone who stands at the top - as a player, and in high society as the Grand Duke’s lover - and you’re not a cruel person. Don’t be a blonde joke.
She doesn’t know how she knows the summoner isn't inherently evil, but she does. Maybe it’s because the aesthetically perfect woman in front of her reminds her a little of herself from long ago, when she’d first started trying to play games in society out of jealousy and insecurity.
I didn’t actually want to hurt anyone for no reason, I just wanted to try and feel better. And then I just made things worse.
Ray hasn't said a word, though Lexi knows full well how he must be feeling right now. It's gratitude, not sympathy, that decides her next move.
“Summoner Selena, you look like a Rembrough come to life.” Lexi feels the shock from Eric, Elise, and Jordan at her heartfelt compliment - Rembrough is one of the greatest painters in Terra’s history, famed for creating masterpieces that fetch tens of thousands of gold coins - but to their credit they let her roll with it and watch.
This is for Ray, who’s loved you for so long. Prove he isn’t making a mistake.
“Thank you.” We’re halfway there. “Your dress is very well made.” Thank you.
“I’m very grateful for the compliment, Summoner Selena.” It’s clear that the blonde is confused upon seeing her intended target responding so warmly, and Lexi tries to ignore an annoying singsong voice in her head going on about killing with kindness.
She’s not a nice person, and has always been quick to lash out in retaliation when her feelings are hurt. But Lexi owes Ray a lot - her life, her wellbeing, her EXP gains, and her sanity - so she’s determined to balance the books as much as possible.
Owing others too much is dangerous. Even though I know Ray isn't the kind to call these things in, it's still a liability that can be used against me.
Once the summoner takes her leave, pride relatively intact thanks to the exchange with the sage in hiding, Ray comes closer and leans down while handing Lexi a glass of sparkling wine.
“Thank you, my lady.” Ray had been the most uncomfortable with the parts of the plan involving Summoner Selena.
Around them, silk and feather fans try to form makeshift barriers for the whispers being exchanged among nobles and players, but Lexi hears everything.
Will I win the bet?
The five of them have a little wager going about the chronology of the first five key individuals who’d approach Lexi (both she and Elise had promised not to use their abilities to cheat before the event). So far, everyone has been on the mark about the summoner, but their opinions deviate on the order of the next four on the list.
Right on the money!
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CHAPTER 19 END