Debutante Ball

Vico already informed the Count and the young masters of what happened and Kali's plan in refusing to attend the ball without them.

"I was being watched from the day I set foot to the capital and The Casino Owner told me about Kaleena's Code 'Bounty'. That's why I threw a bait to them. I went to the town with one maid and escort, Sir Vico. I gave them an opportunity to approach but in the end nobody did. That's when I guessed that nobles wanted Kaleena's code and it would be easier to get the code without your presence."

"What?" Theo asked with confusion.

"Kaleena Alexanders returned after 5 years of disappearance. Her whereabouts and past were not disclosed but nobody questioned her sudden appearance. Why? It is because the count himself acknowledged me as Kaleena Alexanders. With the existence of code it is almost impossible to lie with one's identity, nobody thought the Count would lie. According to Law, if one assumes false identity, it is equivalent to fraud and/ or treason depending on the false identity. In our case, If they were to find my true identity this family might lose the title, nobility and even lives itself."

"Why didn't they approach you when you were alone in town, wasn't that the perfect chance?"

"That is because, if I am in public space, there will be many witnesses. Even with the highest ranking noble, one cannot use 'code authority' on another noble because of whim. If it turns out that I am indeed the real Kaleena, that noble will be subjected to trial and demotion. A rule to establish respect among nobles. "

"They can use a commoner with partial authority to question or demand to read your code. Even if your code appears to be unreadable to them, it can still serve as the basis that you are the real one, since a noble woman with black Hair and blue eyes is a rare combination." Konrad gives situational circumstance with a confident look.

'What is that look? Are you testing if I considered that scenario? '

"Sir Vico carries the insignia as knight of Alexanders family. It is enough to prove my identity and commoners can't have more authority against noble insignia, can they?"

"Isn't it better not to attend the ball if the goal is to read your code?" Theo suggested.

"The closer they look, the greater the probability of missing the trick. The more relaxed and unguarded we appear the less suspicion they will have. Isn't that the reason why his grace didn't make a fuss about the closed portals?"

Konrad gives a satisfied look at Kali.

'I knew it. As the head of a family with Great Military Power, there is no way a mere excuse of bandits will hold him. He deliberately showed he is not anxious to be in the capital. What will you do if I didn't f--'

"You got it all figured out." Konrad interrupted her thoughts.

'Ah. He is really scary.' She resigned and laid her head to the window frame.

The sun is halfway set and the sky is painted with red and orange color.

She closed her eyes tightly and crumpled the dress' side inside her fist.

'Fuck, I am getting dizzy.'

****

Arriving in the Imperial Palace grounds, Kali is already out of her mind. She missed seeing the Palace up close since her insides are swimming around and her vision is spinning. She rested for a few minutes inside the carriage before going down. There was no one at the entrance except for a few guards since it was already late.

Kali went down the carriage and was escorted by Theo.

"How are you feeling?" Theo asked in a soft voice.

"Better." Kali lied through her teeth. She feels like walking on a spiral line but if she did say she is not okay, they will make her stay for a few more minutes inside the carriage and if she did that it may look suspicious.

They leisurely walk on empty corridors. The Imperial Palace is decorated with golds and expensive paintings and other art decors. Because of the debutante ball the palace is accessorized with more extravagance and tons of flower arrangements.

The guards of the banquet hall greeted the Count and since the ball had started long ago and the royal family had already entered. Their entrance was not announced.

The door opened, Theo and Gio first entered which caught everyone's attention with their incredible appearance and charisma.

In honesty, it was disrespectful to enter a ball after the royals but nobody criticized their actions even the guards opened the door without question.

"Oh my." Some lady gasped.

"Isn't that Count Alexander's son?"

"They are attending today's banquet?"

The chattering didn't stop as they admired the beauty of the brothers. They both wear indifferent expressions as they both walk to the side and make way for Konrad and Kali's entrance. Kali's gaze was lowered as she was escorted by Konrad.

The lady in the blue dress stole all the attention. Whispers begin to get louder.

'Ugh. my head.' She controlled her groan and swallowed her complaints.

The royal family from afar looked at Alexander's entrance. The king is solely interested in the black hair lady in the middle of the silver -haired family.

Kali slowly raised her eyes and her bright blue eyes mesmerized the crowd, her undeniably same cold blue eyes. She glides the center hall gracefully as her straight expression didn't change at the constant murmurs and chatters. The Alexander family went straight ahead to the royal family and pay their respect.

"The Alexander Family greets the Royal family. May the blessing of life shine bright upon you. We apologize for our late attendance."

The royal family symbol is Fleur de lis which signifies life, light and perfection. A kingdom that produces not only materials used to save life but also talents in medicines, the Fleur de lis became the symbol of the Royal family.

"Count Alexanders, I almost thought you couldn't make it."

The king smiles brightly as he takes no offense at Alexander's late appearance. He looked down at the bowing Count. Kali and her brothers also bow and lower their eyes.

"We were caught in an unexpected situation, your majesty."

"Oh ho. I see. It seems unavoidable. I heard your daughter had returned, Is that her?"

Konrad raised his head and looked at the old king. The king's hair no longer has color due to age with dull green eyes. Konrad made way as Kali walked towards the front and curtsy in perfect manner.

"I, Kaleena Alexanders, the youngest daughter of Count Alexanders of the South, greets your majesty. May the blessing of life shine bright upon you."

"The long lost daughter had returned. Count Alexanders had a hard time looking for you. I hope you have been well."

"I thank your majesty for your concern. I had been well and was overjoyed to finally return."

"Visit the palace again before returning, I am interested in your story."

"The story is nothing grand but if your majesty still wants to hear it I will be my greatest honor."

"Very good. I will send an invitation. Even if you are a little late, please enjoy the rest of the ball. hahaha" The king emphasizes the word 'little', which can be taken as a sign of slight displeasure but he laughs it off at the end to mix it with a joke.

She curtsy again and meets the King's eye. She looked straight at him then gave a good smile before leaving for the corner.

"You did well, child."

"That's expected. I am Kaleena Alexanders."

Konrad and Kali looked at each other and she smirked. The people in the party openly stare but keep distance from the family like they are some rare wild animals for public viewing.

"Good evening, Count Alexanders." A man maybe in his 40s with dry brown hair and fat belly, first approach them and politely bow.

"Baron." Konrad give a dry acknowledgement

"I wanted to thank you for resolving issues in my territory, I hope it didn't bother ---"

"It was a bother." He cut off the Baron's word.

"Eh-?"

Theo was minding his own business and just looking ahead but Kali and Gio who heard and saw the shocked face of the baron, almost let out a sneer.

"Ah- yes. I am sorry for the trouble. If you allow me to discuss how to repay the favor. " The baron courteously gestures for a private meeting away from the children.

"Give up your title if you can't protect your territory."

"Ah--" The bowing baron was speechless and seemed to hold his anger with his fat clenched fist.

"My. . . my. Earl, have some pity with Baron Rosetta, Nobody wants to have their land be plague bandits and mercenaries while they are away." A skinny man with a mustache appeared on the side and took side with the sweating baron.

" . . . "

"Baron, Marquis Faren seem to be looking for you."

"Ah y-yes. Well, please excuse me. " The baron is gone with a lightning speed and sweating palms.

"Long time no see, Earl Alexanders."

"Count Dela Corte." Konrad is faithful to his dry greeting.

Kali's eyes slightly perked up and glanced at the Count. He looks skinny compared to the Count but his build is normal for a man and he has light brown hair and almond colored eyes.

"Oh. Are these your children? They grew up so fast."

Theo and Gio give their greeting first and followed by Kali

"Greetings Count." Kali gives a curtsy bow.

Count Dela Corte watched Kali's right wrist which was covered by a fitted set of bracelets. Kali noticed it.

"Is that the Famous 'Steel diamond Bracelet'?" The Count points to Kali's Bracelet.

". . ."

"My wife wanted the same jewelry hahahaha. May I see it?"

The count's thumb brushes his ring with a light green stone embedded before he opens his palm towards Kali with a deceiving smile.

'Hah!' Kali almost snorted.