A Night of Secrets and Whispers

The grand ballroom of Baron Finstichel's mansion was bathed in golden candlelight, the chandeliers above flickering like fallen stars. The venue, nestled almost at the outskirts of the city, was the perfect place for such an event—discreet, exclusive, and carefully concealed from the uninvited. Though it held an air of secrecy, it still operated under the empire's regulations. Nobility or not, every gathering of this scale required the Emperor's watchful eye to ensure order.

I had arrived safely, slipping past the grand entrance with my mask secured and my invitation verified. Without one, no one could enter—no matter their status.

Inside, the atmosphere was thick with mystery and intrigue. Laughter and hushed conversations filled the room, each voice hidden behind porcelain masks adorned with intricate designs. Silken fabrics swayed as masked figures twirled on the dance floor, champagne glasses clinking in the dim glow.

I had just taken a sip of my own champagne when I caught a snippet of conversation behind me.

"The prince is coming, right?" a woman whispered to her companion.

My grip on my glass tightened ever so slightly. The Crown Prince?

I hadn't expected that. Only once I was inside did I learn that he would be attending—though not as a guest, but to simply 'look at things.'

My heart skipped a beat. Why?

I tried to reason with myself. It's nothing. Just a routine appearance, a passing visit. Yet, no matter how much I told myself to remain indifferent, my heart refused to listen.

Just weeks ago, I had found him insufferable—his constant teasing, the way he always seemed to toy with me. I was irritated by him. Annoyed.

So why did the mere thought of him being here send a rush of anticipation through me? Was it excitement? The thrill of the masquerade? Or was it simply this place—the intoxicating energy of anonymity—that was making my mind wander into dangerous territory?

I don't even understand myself sometimes. One moment, I swear by my convictions, and the next, I begin to waver.

I swallowed hard, forcing the thoughts down. Stay in control. But deep down, I knew the truth. I was expecting something. Hoping for something.

Should I stop resisting? Should I allow myself to feel—just this once—without worrying about the consequences? I came here to enjoy myself, didn't I? Then why hesitate?

But… wouldn't it be reckless for a noblewoman of my standing to act so freely?

Yes, I wanted to experience things—to live beyond the constraints of noble expectations. To cross things off my list. And losing my virginity… that was on it too.

But wasn't this too soon?

Then again… if it were the prince, would that really be so bad?

I had already shared my first kiss with him.

Would he even recognize me in this disguise?

I hesitated, my fingers tracing the rim of my champagne glass. What if I got married someday, and my husband found out I had given my first night away so carelessly?

I exhaled sharply. I'm being ridiculous—thinking too far ahead.

A voice in front of me pulled me from my spiraling thoughts.

"Yes, he will be here, but I heard he won't be staying long. Just making an appearance, then leaving."

Ah. Okay.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My heartbeat settled. If he was only passing through, then there was nothing to be anxious about.

Or disappointed about.

I took another sip of my champagne. Focus. I was here for my own reasons. This night was mine to enjoy.

I stood among a small group of noble ladies, their laughter light and unguarded, their words flowing effortlessly from topic to topic.

For the first time, I was truly part of the conversation.

It was strange. Refreshing. None of them flinched at my presence, none whispered behind their fans or avoided my gaze. They had no idea who I was.

And because of that, they spoke to me freely.

So this is what it feels like.

To be just another face in the crowd. To be included, not feared. To exist without the weight of my name, my reputation—my villainess brand—looming over me like a shadow.

I hadn't realized how much I wanted this until now. The freedom to talk, to be seen, to be heard.

What was even more surprising? I was actually good at this. A social butterfly. Me?

I played along with their casual banter, offering witty remarks and laughing in all the right places. I let my charm slip through—not the forced charm of a noblewoman maintaining appearances, but something natural. And it was easy. Effortless.

For once, I wasn't trapped behind the carefully crafted persona of the untouchable villainess.

Then, just as I was starting to truly enjoy myself, I felt a faint vibration in my pocket. It was the portable transponder I had purchased along with the earrings.

I discreetly reached for it, excusing myself with a polite smile before stepping away to a quieter corner. Taking out the circular device resembling a compass, I flipped the cover open. The moment it activated, a holographic display flickered to life, revealing the person on the other end—almost like a virtual call made tangible.

"Where the hell are you?" Marian's voice came through in an urgent whisper.

I grinned. "Inside. Have been for a while."

"We just got in! It took forever to sneak out. Where should we meet?"

I glanced back toward the entrance. "Let's regroup at the front hall. I want to see what kind of disguises you're all wearing."

As I approached the grand entrance, I spotted four masked figures standing in a semi-circle, whispering amongst themselves. Even without seeing their full faces, I knew it was them.

And judging by their laughter, something stupid had just happened.

"Took you long enough," I greeted, crossing my arms.

Cassandra turned, her grin visible even beneath her ornate red and gold mask. "Ugh, don't even start. You wouldn't believe what we had to go through just to get here."

Erol sighed dramatically. "We almost got caught sneaking out. Twice."

Cedric smirked. "Technically, we did get caught. By our own butler. But guess what?"

Marian huffed. "Cedric bribed him."

I raised an eyebrow. "Bribed him with what?"

"A very expensive bottle of wine."

Cassandra burst into laughter. "That was my father's prized wine, by the way. He's going to lose his mind when he realizes it's missing."

I shook my head. "Unbelievable."

Erol ran a hand through his hair, his navy-blue mask slipping slightly. "What about you? Had any trouble sneaking out?"

"None," I said smugly. "I planned everything perfectly."

"Of course, you did." Marian rolled her eyes. "Meanwhile, we were stumbling over hedges like complete fools."

"Oh, please. You were the first one to trip," Cedric shot back.

Marian gasped. "You pushed me!"

"I was saving you from getting caught!"

Cassandra clapped her hands together. "Enough of that! We made it. We're here. And now—" her eyes gleamed mischievously "—let's do what we do best."

I arched a brow. "Which is?"

"Cause a little chaos, of course."

"Eh?!" I exclaimed, but before I could say anything more, Cedric swiftly clamped a hand over my mouth, muffling my outburst, while Erol firmly gripped my shoulder. Chuckling mischievously, they exchanged knowing glances before smoothly guiding me back toward the hall—an unspoken warning to keep my disbelief in check.

Cassandra and Marian followed behind us, laughing in amusement at my predicament.

We stepped fully into the ballroom, blending seamlessly into the swirling mass of masked guests. The thrill of anonymity was exhilarating—no names, no titles, just faceless figures lost in the grandeur of the night.

"Alright," Cedric mused, scanning the room. "What's the plan?"

Marian grinned. "We could steal a dance partner from someone."

"Lame." Cassandra waved a hand. "Let's rig the masquerade game."

Erol smirked. "What if we started a ridiculous rumor and see how far it spreads?"

I tilted my head. "What kind of rumor?"

He rubbed his chin in thought. "Something dramatic… like… the host's son has been secretly engaged to the Viscount of Ormond's daughter."

Cassandra gasped. "Oh! And let's say he's trying to elope with someone here tonight."

Marian laughed. "Brilliant. That'll have all the ladies in a frenzy."

Cedric grinned. "Or… we could spike the punch."

I shot him a look. "With what?"

"Just a little… extra kick." He waggled his eyebrows.

I sighed, shaking my head. "You're all terrible."

"And yet, you love us," Cassandra teased.

"We'll have to split up," Erol suggested. "Each of us does something to stir the pot, and we reconvene later to see what happens."

I smirked. "Fine. But nothing that gets us thrown out."

Cassandra looped her arm through mine. "We'll be subtle. Maybe."

I had a feeling that tonight was about to get very, very interesting.