Chapter 60: Chapter 60: The ball(4)
The estate had been a hive of activity all week, with Min-jae working tirelessly alongside the staff.
Just two days before the ball, the artisan had finally arrived with the glass bottles.
They were sleek, clear, and elegant - perfect for adorning a noblewoman’s vanity. Just like Min-jae had drawn.
He was even surprised that he had managed to get the bulb right.
Min-jae had personally checked the quality, testing the fragrance absorption and ensuring the liquid inside wouldn’t discolor the glass.
Next up was finding the right face for the perfume. To succeed in Aldoria’s high society, it needed someone admired and visible. Min-jae had considered several names, weighed the options, and settled on Duchess Felicity Yuelia.
She had the right mix of elegance and social clout, and Meical had spoken highly of her.
That was enough for Min-jae. One bottle had been sent to her estate as a gift, for her to use for the upcoming ball, lucky for Min-jae she was also a bride candidate.
The second was headed to Syris. If his plan was successful, he wouldn’t have to deal with Radomir again.
Serin and Maria stepped back once they were finished, letting Min-jae stand before the mirror. The gown was fitted sharply at the waist, the fabric flowing down with a subtle shimmer when he turned.
Pearls traced along the bodice and continued to the collar, soft highlights against the deep shade of red.
His hair had been pinned into a neat chignon, though to them, it was simply "an elegant updo" with loose strands framing his face.
"Madame, you look absolutely divine. The pearls really bring out your features.." Serin said with genuine admiration.
Min-jae tried to breathe, only to realize he could not expand his ribs properly.
Again.
It seemed looking beautiful in this world came at the cost of ventilation.
He looked in the mirror and saw someone unfamiliar.
Someone striking.
Someone that did not look ordinary or forgettable.
He understood now why the maids always insisted on calling him "Madame." No matter how he glared, the effect didn’t lessen.
When they stepped back to let him admire himself properly, the door opened and Meical entered.
His attire was white, clean, structured and regal without being ostentatious. Gold embroidery traced his cuffs and collar in careful, precise patterns.
His hair had been brushed back neatly, and the soft lighting of the room emphasized the sharp lines of his face.
But the moment he saw Min-jae, he stopped.
His breath caught, not dramatically, but as if something struck him unexpectedly.
His gaze swept from the pinned hair to the curve of the collarbone to the numerous pearls, and finally settled on Min-jae’s eyes. There was no avoiding the truth of how he looked.
Stunning.
Min-jae shifted, suddenly aware of every inch of fabric clinging to him. "...I can’t breathe.." he muttered under his breath.
Meical almost smiled. Almost.
He stepped forward and held out two masks, one white, one red. He placed the white mask in Min-jae’s hand and kept the red for himself.
Their colors matched, opposite but complementary, just like their clothing.
"Thank you. You may leave us.." Meical said to the maids.
They bowed and slipped out, closing the door gently behind them.
Silence settled in their place.
Meical reached out and, without a word, adjusted a strand of hair that had fallen near Min-jae’s cheek. His fingers were warm, steady and careful.
"You look..." Meical paused, choosing the words honestly and without exaggeration. "Beautiful."
Min-jae’s heart, traitorous as ever skipped a beat.
He turned his face away, though the flush could not hide. "It’s just the clothes."
"No." Meical’s voice was soft, firm, certain. "It’s you. You gave these clothes life..."
Min-jae’s face reddened as he placed his hands on Meical’s face, drawing him closer.
"It’d be stupid not to kiss at this moment.."
Meical chuckled, wrapping his hand around Min-jae’s waist as he sealed their lips.
It was short but Min-jae loved every second of it.
"We can continue when we come back, I’ll give you the real deal..."
Min-jae didn’t say anything, as he placed the the mask on.
The ball awaited and he was determined not to fall in either Radomir or Seraphine’s trap.
"Shall we go?" Meical asked.
Min-jae nodded, though his pulse had not yet settled.
The doors to the private dressing quarters swung open, and the world seemed to hold its breath. Meical extended his arm, and Min-jae rested his gloved hand on it.
The hallway beyond was lined with servants, maids standing in neat rows, footmen at attention, and chandeliers sparkling with crystal and candlelight.
As they stepped forward, the servants seemed to freeze, their breathing suspended. Meical moved with regal confidence, exuding elegance and quiet authority.
Min-jae walked beside him, unasked but undeniable as the queen to Meical’s king, his red silk gown flowing like flames in his wake.
At the bottom of the stairs. They saw Vanadis.
He wore a dark fitted uniform with silver embroidery, a sword at his side, and the role of bodyguard had never looked so dignified.
Odysseus stood tall, his chestnut hair tied back neatly, his expression a mix of pride and awe. Servants whispered behind their hands, murmuring,
"The master and his wife..."
"They look like a work of art..."
Meical slowed, adjusting his hand to guide Min-jae through the gown’s train. He leaned in, his voice barely audible.
"If you stumble, fall into me. I won’t let anyone see."
Min-jae’s heart skipped a beat as he nodded. Together, they descended the stairs, step by step, as hushed gasps rippled through the hall like a gentle rain.
Min-jae felt the weight of every gaze, the admiration, the anticipation. The soft strains of music drifted from the ballroom, gentle strings tuning up.
He had been dressed like a bride..not officially, but the implication was clear.
Meical walked with a pride that bordered on defiance, presenting something precious, daring the world to challenge him for it.
At the bottom, Odysseus bowed low. "The carriage is ready, my lord."
He raised his gaze to Min-jae, his eyes warm with sincerity. "And you look beautiful, Madame. It’s... truly an honor to witness."