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The brief twenty days flew by, and as the ball approached, the atmosphere in the kingdom became increasingly lively. Streets were adorned with lights and decorations, and various shops gathered to sell commemorative items. Street performers added to the festive mood.
"Miss Mengdie, please get into the carriage."
A luxurious carriage drawn by two horses stopped steadily in front of the small house. Mengdie, dressed in an elegant gown and veil, looking stunningly beautiful, gracefully extended her hand and boarded the carriage with the help of an attendant. At her request, Nia also hopped in. The coachman whipped the horses, and they slowly headed towards the white castle, leaving a trail of dust behind.
As the carriage departed, the onlookers dispersed, their shallow sadness dissipated by the festive atmosphere. Unbeknownst to them, after their departure, a figure in peasant attire and a worn hat, not taller than 160 cm, quietly appeared at the doorstep of the house. Smiling slightly, the person adjusted their hat, carrying an invitation letter, and walked towards the castle with ease.
"Expecting me to dress as a woman? In your dreams!"
The pretty face under the hat smiled triumphantly. Her eyes sparkled as she admired the lively shops along the streets, feeling utterly content. If lucky, today she might regain her rightful power and even find a way to revert to her original male form from the necklace.
The sky was clear, and ribbons and fireworks twinkled, enhancing the ball’s festive spirit. As she walked the winding mountain road, luxurious carriages passed by, adorned with various crests, including some familiar noble insignia. Through the occasionally opened carriage windows, many young girls could be seen, eager to become royalty.
Mengdie adjusted her hat and stepped aside to let the carriages pass. Besides those transporting noble girls, many belonged to influential figures and diplomats from neighboring countries, seizing this opportunity to network for their future.
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Finally, Mengdie reached the royal city gates and gasped in awe.
"The castle looked big from afar, but it's even more immense up close!"
The towering white walls were flawless, and spires pierced the sky, flying the black and silver moon flag. The grand road leading to the castle felt "profound," and the fragrant flowers lining it added to the beauty. A gigantic fountain in the square sprayed dazzling water droplets that sparkled under the sunlight.
Mengdie admired the architectural marvel. Such grandeur atop a mountain deserved deep respect. She patted her clothes to ensure proper appearance before walking towards the castle gates.
"You, stop!"
A soldier, seeing a civilian in peasant clothes approaching, stepped forward to halt Mengdie. After saluting a luxurious carriage, two soldiers blocked Mengdie’s path.
"What are you doing here?! This is no place for commoners!"
Mengdie paused, then chuckled wryly. It made sense; her peasant appearance wouldn’t be granted access to a noble gathering without identification. She folded her hands in respect and explained to the soldiers.
"I'm one of the mercenaries from the recent bandit extermination. I received an invitation for today's award ceremony."
The soldiers seemed stunned by Mengdie's soft, pleasant voice. Although her face was obscured by the hat, her voice alone piqued their interest.
"Oh, it's a young lady...”
One soldier drooled a bit, promptly nudged back to reality by his companion.
"Sorry, miss. We haven't heard about any mercenaries being invited. If you're from that group, they've already collected their money and left. They might not even be in the city now."
Hmm?
Mengdie’s mind filled with questions.
"But... this is my invitation letter, inviting me to the ball, isn't it?"
Mengdie produced the invitation from her robe. Not literate and uninterested in what Edward wrote, she had kept the letter intact.
The soldiers ignored the contents of the ornate envelope. Instead, one engaged Mengdie in conversation while the other, catching her off guard, grabbed for her hat.
Caught in conversation, Mengdie didn’t notice until her hat was abruptly removed, revealing her long, waterfall-like black hair.
The soldiers were stunned. Their playful intent turned to awe at the sight of such a beautiful girl. They were speechless until Mengdie snatched back her hat and dashed into the castle. Only then did they slightly regain composure.
"Miss! What’s your name?"
"Hey, I'm off duty soon, can I invite you for a meal?!"
By the time they entered the gate, the long-haired girl had vanished. For a long time afterward, the two guards were in a daze, oblivious even to their superior’s reprimands.
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