MENACE

CHAPTER SIXTEEN : Invitation

"We've arrived. "

"Ha.."

Rita's eyes immediately sparkled as she saw the extravagant exterior designs of the area of event.

A towering poster with intricate flowers and creative design can be seen in the entrance and further in, a large gathering with multiple stands and stages with heart moving performances can make everyone easily at awe.

"Aw, I missed Elizabeth's singing. Well, there's Diana's popular dance now. Let's go!"

Ryuu opened up the car for her and she walked out and saw him rushing like a mad man. Is he too excited for those girls performing? She looked at the stage and indeed complimented their astonishing appearance. The female lead dancer, named Diana even winked at the crowd which made them run wild.

"UUUOOOGHH DIANNAAA!!"

Rita looked away in embarrassment and covered her face. She couldn't believe she even accompanied this young man named Ryuu who easily fall on their knees over pretty girls like the others.

"Alright, so where's the food?"

She distracted herself by pretending to look at her surroundings when she was only hungry for the mouthwatering foods displayed on the stands.

"Are you perhaps, Ms. Rita?"

Rita was about to get magnet by the delicious smell of pork barbeques when someone wearing all black stood infront of her way.

"Uh, yes? "

"Your destination is not there. I can see that you're properly dressed for the ballroom, so I kindly ask you to follow me. "

"What.."

Before she could say anything, she was already lead on the other way where a crowd of people that appeared more high fashioned and rich flowed through a large mansion, much bigger than Ghailles Mansion.

Rita exclaimed in amazement as she looked up at the tall infrastructure and its unique medieval theme design.

"Please wear your mask."

"Oh, sorry."

Rita proceeded to the pathway after wearing the mask, and carefully walked as her knees began to tremble.

'Why is the floor even too shiny? I can literally see my own reflection..'

Aside from that, she can see many individuals wearing different shades and kinds of mask. She was starting to compare herself from the others as she saw their grand attire and the lustrous appearance of the inside of the mansion.

"Wow... I feel lost."

A delectable smell wafted through the air and Rita's eyes quickly forgot her anxiety when she saw a platter of sweets being delivered on the corner lined up with tables filled with all sorts of cuisine to the brim.

'Now, that's what you call a celebration.'

Rita of course did not fail to show formalities instead of focusing too much on the food and extravagant designs.

'Won't it make me look like a cave woman, not a office slave at this point?' With a rhetorical question in her mind, she minded her own manners and mildy talked with those who approached her.

"You look stunning with that dress~"

"Thank you, not as beautiful as yours though."

She fumbled amidst the flatteries and Rita maintained that business like smile as usual.

"Oh my gosh, really? I really hope I look fascinating enough to capture Sir Carlyle's attention tonight!"

"No way, Sir Carlyle ? He's the next head of the family Ellenberg right? This must also be a preparation for his bride selection.."

Rita's smile eventually got worn out and she tried to make an excuse to separate herself as she couldn't completely catch up with their topic.

Carlyle Ellenberg? Is he some sort of big shot in this place? Well, at least they didn't seem to recognize me though, and I can't seem to find the people I only knew. Her eyes searched for Ms. Kikuo and Ryuu who wore a formal attire yet chose to watch the show.

Well, they seem to have their own businesses.

"Would you like some wine, Madam?"

"Um, no thank you."

Rita gracefully declined the bloody red wine being offered by the server and she chose to seek comfort over the delectable sweets on the table.

"Delicious.." Rita mumbled while chewing the chocolate muffins.

In the middle of eating and enjoying the sight of musical instrument being played, Rita suddenlyheard another hushed gossip. She really didn't mean to eavesdrop, as they were just talking right behind her.

"Hey, I heard that that 'outcast' is here too.."

"You mean, him?"

"Yeah, what a disgrace of the Ellenberg family...."

"Still, he was a promising lad before that happened..

"Shush!"

Before Rita could turn and look at the gossiping ladies, a loud voice suddenly announced and the music halted.

"A pleasant evening! Ladies and gentlemen! I hereby acknowledge the arrival of our next head of the family Ellenberg that manages our town, Celesta for over 67 years, Sir Carlyle Ghailles Ellenberg ! "

A man with silver hair which glistened like platinum under the lights, walked through the area, with his dark malted mask which deeply contrasted his looks as he wore deep toned suit too. He flashed a flamboyant smile which made the crowd squeal in delight.

" Oh my, he look so splendid! "

" I see, he grew taller this year huh?"

" Wait, doesn't he look more attractive?"

Rita squinted her eyes and tried to look at the person that they were talking about. The cons of being born with a below average height ... Rita lightly cursed and gave up on looking further to the guy the crowd was fussing about.

"Well then, I hope you all enjoy the night ! Feast to your hearts content and enjoy the show~!"

The crowd cheered and the music continued on playing enthusiastically. Wow, that was quite an entertainment.

"Rita?"

"Oh, good evening, Madaam!"

She heard a familiar voice and confirmed it was Kikuo, the one who invited her to the ball.

"Where is Sir Edmund?"

"I think he was currently full in helping out in the culinary. He was quite the helper you see?"

Kikuo laughed and she looked absolutely gorgeous with her emerald dress.

"Also, I can see that it really fits you so well ! Luckily, I have good taste! "

"Haha, thank you so much again for the gift."

"No worries, darling! Well then, you should try your best to seduce Sir Ellenberg too. All the girls are practically dying for his hand of marriage!"

"Uh, haha I think I'll pass ..."

Rita made an awkward laugh and saw a bunch of crowd gathering at someone. Goodness, the thought of that person properly breathing is such a concern.

"Some wine, Madams?" A server suddenly came offering drinks to the two ladies.

"Ah no thanks–." Rita automatically declined yet Kikuo persistently reconsidered her choice.

"Rita, you should enjoy the occasion more. Just one glass wouldn't hurt! "

"Oh.. I guess so."

She instantly regretted it as the burning taste of liquid permeated onto her throat and lasted throughout the night. Rita couldn't remember what happened next, but she was looking for an open space where she could breathe in fresh air. When suddenly she heard that low monotonous voice.

" So you're not a heavy drinker, huh."

"Hmm?"

Rita felt terribly dizzy. Her eyes are begging to close but she kept herself proper by leaning on the balcony which seems familiar as it also shows a nice view of a beautiful maze like garden.

"Who are.. you ?"

Rita slurred and tried to keep a straight face while fixing her mask that seemed to slip off anytime.

She heard a low chuckle that sent a shiver to her spine. Why does his voice sound seductive? Rita shook off her head and tried to look at the face of a stranger who suddenly approached her.

She gasped after the moonlight finally reflected his silver hair, and now got a clear look of his amber eyes. Like a melted pair of gold, his eyes shone like a predator in the wild as he emitted that dominant presence.

Those eyes, I think I've seen it somewhere.

Her mind became fuzzy and Rita struggled to move and step back. As if her body tried to support her and telling her to 'run away'.

"My name is Caryle Ellenberg. Nice to meet you.. Miss Rita."

" ??? "

'That's oddly suspicious for a big man like him to know my name..' Rita still managed to process what he said and fixed her posture yet as a result, her mask fell off.

"Oh, let me help you."

"No- uh sorry, I gotta go."

Rita tried to pick up the mask but as a result her foot twisted as she forgot that she'd been wearing high heels.

Before she made contact to the floor, a strong and firm arm snaked to her waist and caught her by surprise.

" You really got drunk. Please let me ensure that you will go back home safe. "

'What the heck is he saying ?'

Rita couldn't understand what he had said due to the sudden contact and also by her consciousness slipping in and out.

"Rita... I finally —"

Sfx: BOOM (fireworks exploding)

Rita only saw his perfectly shaped lips moving in the shadows when the night sky suddenly turned bright with colors. The loud noise of the fireworks definitely turned her ears deaf of what he was trying to say.

"Let me treasure you.."

The man muttered softy and took off his dark mask and leaned over the woman struggling to stay up on his arms.

'She looked too irresistible.'

With her dark brown hair messily cascading at her smooth back, and her lustrous dress sparkling in the dark which accentuated her short figure.

The man who introduced himself as Carlyle softly smiled at her drifting features begging to rest due to that one sip of alcohol he had made for her to drink.

"You.. silvery guy .. isn't more fun without me...?" He stared at her mumbling some words but still listened and responded properly.

"Those... pretty girls are begging for your hand..in marriage... go.."

"Aren't you interested too?"

"Ha! Ha .. if it were about a job opportunity.. I would come begging.. "

"So you needed a job?"

"Of course... "

"Then work for me. I'll pay you handsomely."

"Big words... I'll remember..that."

After putting Rita's last strength into words, she finally blacked out and eventually slept like a baby.

"Haha, big words for a woman sleeping at a stranger's arms too.. No, I know you more than anything else, Ms. Rita Norman."

The man smirked and took care of sending Rita to Ghailles Mansion, which he perfectly knew like the back of his hand.

It was the place of his childhood anyways. He eyed the familiar gate and structure which he never wanted to see again for 3 years.

"Mother... I'm finally back."

He whispered to the air as he entered the house while carrying Rita towards her bedroom.

"Having you sleep in this place... It's as if you're destined to be here."

Rita felt like she's inside a dream of being carried into the clouds and someone whispering her sweet words and caressed her cheek like a feather.

What a good dream... Rita mindlessly thought and slept peacefully throughout the night.

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