Forum Thread

There has long been whispers of a plot. A plot to take over the throne, created by power hungry anarchists. Well, at least that was the most popular rumour spreading. The people behind the plot ranged from commoners to anarchists to the princesses/princes. You really can’t trust anyone, can you? No matter who it is, one thing is certain. Find the killer, otherwise the situation will end badly forever.

You have been invited to the royal ball, the one held to find a new fitting princess or prince to take over when the current queen and prince die (queen’s consort…monarchy….blah blah you must have royal blood yada yada yada) It has been hosted in the form of a masquerade- a ball whereby people have elaborate costumes and masks.






You are welcomed to the ball with a wide grin, after presenting the invite. Waltz music plays and a crystal chandelier illuminates the large ballroom with its bright glow. The queen and prince sit on the throne which is raised on a pedestal, smiling and welcoming the guests. They seem to be the only ones not wearing a mask. Everywhere else, food lines the table, servants moving around, balancing platters of food on their hands and a grand dance floor can be seen, with other members of nobility. Some were dancing, chatting or eating, but all were wearing masks.

---

Heiress Emika/Lady Darling Desire
The lovely heiress forced herself to not sneer as she entered the ballroom. She had been invited, yes, but under her original title. While her created title was on the invitation, she had been addressed and invited as a member of the House of Heart. It irked her harshly. She had worked hard to create the House of Desire, why was it only mentioned briefly by the invitors? Heiress Emika simply put on a fake expression of sincere appreciation, luckily an actual mask aided in the effort, as she entered the ballroom. "A ballroom that should belong to US." Emika easily pretended all was dandy as her second half spoke within her headspace.

---

Lady Eris Everlast
Entering the ballroom was imposing, but not impossible for the sweet heiress of the House of Frost. She had learned how to hide her true emotions long ago. Having a real mask aided Lady Eris in doing so. One thing that did bother her was the outfit she had to wear. Gone was her favorite kimono and zori, instead replaced by a ball gown and heels that pinched. Oh well, anything for the sake of the family...

---

As the Archduke himself stepped out of his coach,he motioned the few escorts he had riding beside him to return home. He quickly put on his mask before showing the porter his invitation,which he placed in his coat again afterwards. He entered the giant room spinning around himself,with his hands carefully placed near his body so as to not disturb any poor servant,almost mocking the whole idea of the event. A few spins,slides and fancy steps later,he stopped and started acting proper in sight of the others. It felt odd being in a room where everyone was someone.

It came as to no surprise that the room was adorned with precious items that had value beyond that of a human's counting. After he performed a desultory bow the moment his eyes met the Queen's and Prince's,he then started looking at the rest of the guests. He would be a liar if he said that he could actually look at a person's face,or what was visible of it,and not the eye-catching shiny embellishments. It was impossible to figure out who's who,but then again that's the charm of the event. Eltnam had no real interest in additional power. Of course,he won't deny it should he be the one chosen but something is bound to happen in a room where everyone has a high status and he wouldn't miss it no matter what.

---

The coach which arrived without much fanfare was a bit run down, dingy and certainly not anything as grand as what was benefiting the heir of House Malakos, but then again every thing that the Marquess owned was less than royal. Such was the House's nature, to live as lesser and give to their citizens, prospering the surrounding lands over one's own home. Still for all that altruism, it didn't make for any more comfortable of a ride. Thanking the driver, Mara stepped down from the front and used the railings wrapping around the carriage to reach the door where their brother was waiting. Truthfully, both twins hated this song and dance, the endless social niceties and performative acts grating on their nerves. Some days, running away seemed more and more appealing but as much as they loathed to admit it, they weren't cut out for any other life.

Opening the door, Mara bowed and offered a hand for their brother to take, leading him down towards the entrance. They presented the invitation, staying three paces behind their brother who wouldn't even deign him a glance. Which, rude since Mara couldn't even see what was going on like that but also, fair. Mara was just a servant to the general public, why would the Heir of one of the wealthiest kingdoms even look up them. Staying in their brother's shadow, Mara passed him his mask before making themself comfortable in Yahui's mind. It always took a while to get comfortable even though they had done this millions of times already, familiarizing themself with something that could be called their second home. Morbid if you think about it like that but hey. Don't judge if you haven't tried it.

'Stop being gross in my own head' Yahui grumbled, shuddering as he weaved though the guests with Mara close behind. 'If you want to monologue do it somewhere where I can't hear.' He received no reply other than a much too delighted laugh, but thankfully his sibling complied and stopped blathering about depressing things. Tonight, Yahui was supposed to make niceties and con people into supporting more of his political movements. Not that it would be hard considering that his policies were actually good unlike some other senators but hey. A Marquess had to do what a marquess had to do in order to keep the peace or something.

---

The atmosphere was noisy, thanks to the chatter of nobility and the sound of music. But as Kai descends the stairs, it seems to quieten down. Kai was the Princess, the next heir to the throne. She drew attention to herself without even needing to, with her elegance and charm, chin up and warm smile. Her clothes screamed wealth, with crystals probably worth thousands around her neck, on her ears and fingers and around her wrists. Her clothes were all handmade with the best materials money could buy. Everyone knew who she was, even with that ornate emerald green mask on her face. “Mama, Papa” She greets, before bending to press a kiss on her mother’s cheek. Despite her good looks, Kai was known to be pampered, thus resulting in her being prideful, greedy and selfish. She was known to be the perfect representation of almost all of the seven deadly sins, but still her charm could work wonders through the hearts of some men.

Marquess Apate alighted from her carriage, blood red mask covering her face as she passed her invitation to the guard. A crooked smile appeared on her lips as she surveyed the grand palace. The marquess had already paid several visits to the castle before this, and now? She was going to be the heir, no matter what.

---

in a dark corner of the masquerade, lady yuwaku and tsuki giggled as they conversed in the corner, eyes flitting over the men in the hall from the slits in their masks, a thick air hung over the two of them, warding off any approaching males, while making them glitter alluringly, tantalizingly out of their reach. Meanwhile, Hearth-fire twirled on the dance floor, swaying their body to the waltz, while ken nervously tried to make as little contact with hearth-fire as possible, well aware of what had happened the last time they had touched each other, involving chandeliers, assassins, floods and a very infectious plague. these four had arrived early for no apparent reason. (other than this writer being unsure how to introduce them.) Outside were three neatly parked carriages and one chariot. two carriages being green and orange, with serpent and fox designs engraved into the side while gems studded the front elegantly. the other carriage was black and quite demure, with a sad aura that reminded any who laid their eyes on it of a void. and Finally a golden chariot piled to the brim with gifts and riches, shockingly unprotected.

---

The room shone brighter than every single source of the kingdom's light combined with all the shiny pebbles and rocks attached to most,if not everyone's,outfits. It was quite fascinating how all the wealth of the land was amasses in one spacious hall. One could say this room became a treasury of some sorts. No one however,outshone the Princess,which was to be expected of course. Eltnam slowly made his way through the crowd,respectfully glancing at the ones already dancing as he carefully made his way besides the staircase she was descending.

He didn't have the honor of interacting with her often since his matters and affairs had nothing to do with her,though they did exchange a few words during such events. "Milady." He said as he gently bowed,at least more gracefully than what he showed to the Queen and Prince. He wasn't certain if she could hear him given the music's volume combined with the distance between them but the gesture alone should imply an invitation or a greeting. There can't be a Queen without a King,after all.

---

Kai looks down at the man who had just approached, eyes sweeping over his form. “Evening. Nice to see that you could make it to the ball.” She answers, dipping into a gentle curtsy. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Is there something you need, perhaps?” She asks, somewhat annoyed. She couldn’t even go halfway down the steps before she was accosted by a noble. Now what did he want?

---

"Ahh,forgive me,my lady. I only wished to greet you and express my gratitude for the invitation,I had no intention of disturbing you." Being the princess,it was obvious she was well-versed in etiquette and speaking manners,though Eltnam could tell she was irritated by his approach. "Now then,if you excuse me," he bowed ",I'll go help myself to some drinks." he said as he started walking away.

After approaching a servant and getting a glass,not knowing nor wanting to ask what the tray had to offer,he stood for a moment and started looking around,taking a sip every once in a while. Though everyone's face was quite well hidden,he could easily spot the Marquess twins as they were quite close to each other. He grabbed two additional glasses,carefully holding one between his second and third finger and the other between his third and fourth,walking towards them. "Good evening." he greeted as he offered the glasses. "Why,isn't this the most grandiose event. Never thought I'd see so many noble people from all around the kingdom in one room." he added.

---

Ye gods, this ball was about as entertaining as watching Mother attempt to cook a meal. Amusing for the first five minutes but frustrating for any stretch longer than that. Yahui was a patient person, he had to be. He was a politician after all. Still, he felt like his smile was going to be frozen on his face at this point and his twin's ramblings weren't helping no matter what they thought. (Aww, you love me.)(Shut Up) So really, when yet another person came up to him, Yahui was ready to crush the empty flute of... whatever it was that he'd been aimlessly holding for the last while. Turning around with a beaming smile, Yahui graciously took both flutes with a flourish, handing his empty one to Mara. "Ah why it is, all of our Kingdom's jewls gathered in one place. A dazzling sight is it not?" Yahui beamed, sipping delicately on his offered drink. (They all vie for their own ends, is that not why we all gather?)(Do you ever stop talking?)

With Mara off to the side, playing the part of Yahui's personal servant as always, already gently probing into Eltnam's mind. Nothing bad, just drawing out who he really was behind the mask and any surface thoughts. Still, Yahui would buy time for his twin to dig around a bit more if they could, not that he was expecting much. (Wow, love you too...) (....) "Though your face is shrouded in mystery, I assume you are perhaps a duke? I can't quite tell which area from your clothing but if you please, could you tell me more about your Dukedom?"

---

Heiress Emika/Lady Darling Desire
Heiress Emika gazed in boredom across the ballroom. There was always little to do at an event such as this. She'd rather be at her mansion or even taking some fool's life. She frowned, her other half cackling in her head.

---

Lady Eris Everlast
With a sigh, Lady Eris wandered the ballroom. She wanted to find a dark corner and hide, where no one would look at her. Being looked at was usually a bad thing...

---

Yahui's words were like music to Eltnam's ears,grinning from ear to ear as he guessed,or rather knew,Eltnam's rank. He was of course surprised,leaning backwards a bit before coming back to his senses. Even though he was completely and utterly unaware that another person was hijacking his mind,there wasn't any thought of particular interest. Some women he had taken shine to,the urge to strangle the one responsible for the uncomfortable attire,no matter how fancy it was, that he was wearing and a desire to have genuine fun during this event. There was no thought of wanting additional power or wishing to be the lucky one and get chosen and it wasn't because of the alcohol. Only relatively innocent ones.

"Ahhh,busted." he snickered. "Though that ruins half the fun of the event." Said Eltnam who also knew he was one of the two Marquesses due to their unique hair and facial structure. "I have to admit that His Majesty was generous enough to give me land that was manageable for a person of low understanding of politics and ruling such as myself. I have publicly praised my advisors and do not mind praising them here,in front of everyone, for without them,we wouldn't be having a conversation right now." He then began to briefly mention how his dukedom always has had its issues resolved relatively quick,the common folk's admiration for him because God forbid he stays in his office to do his paperwork and not wander the streets helping others and the like.

"...Excuse me,I must have got carried away." he placed his glass to the side. "Anyway,this is no place to discuss such matters! Someone as eloquent as you could easily have women swooning over you. What I'm trying to say is,have fun." he shrugged,trying to lift Yahui's spirit. "I also heard if you dance well enough,maybe the Prince's and Queen's attention will be yours and yours and yours alone." he lied. "And you know what that means..."

---

"Where would any of us be without our advisors? We have much to thank for those who support us in our endeavors. I myself have much to learn from you, I always find myself much too content wooing the ever present paperwork lined up by my office door." Hiding a laugh behind a carefully placed hand, Yahui couldn't bring himself to feel bad about spilling the beans early. After all, knowing your opponent and their weaknesses to exploit was one of his fundamental strategies in Senate and it hadn't failed him yet. To be honest, the man before him kind of pissed him off, Mara's broiling annoyance mirrored in his echoed emotions. This was exactly the type of person Father was and wanted to be reflected in his children. Ones who walked among the common folk and helped them to the best of their ability. It was a reminder of everything that the twins weren't and never wanted to be. His fingers twitched to wrap them around the other's neck but that sudden motion had Yahui crashing back to reality and pushing Mara's influence back into a less destructive form while keeping an iron grip on his serene mask. (Let me at him, I'll wear his skin as my own and give the last laugh)(One day. One day, but not today)

Waving away the other's apologies, his face visibly soured all at once loosing the poise he was oh so praised for. "Yes... I suppose that would make Father most delighted wouldn't it? If the Queen and Prince looked at me... I'm afraid I may be outcompeted by you though. If the tales you tell me are true, then you are undeniably a candidate who can not be overlooked. Your knowledge of the common folk and their desires along with the public's support would be invaluable. Don't sell yourself short, my friend." A grimace of a smile crossed his face as he finished off his drink. "Well, it all falls upon the Princess herself to choose of course, and you seem to have gotten a head start."

---

Apate walked over to Heiress Emika, and dipped a curtsy in greeting. “How is the ball?” She doesn’t give much time for the heiress to answer, instead replying to her own question. “Of course, it can be observed you don’t exactly want to be here. And I understand, of course I do! I hate balls, but this is an opportunity to become the next heir to the throne! Aren’t you excited?”

---

Heiress Emika/Lady Darling Desire
Heiress Emika dipped a curtsy as well to the fellow noble. "It is, indeed, a grand occasion. Sadly the chances of becoming the next heir are slim, what with all the possibilities and the possible responsibilities of being the heir. How do you feel about it?"

---

Lady Eris Everlast
Lady Eris was sticking to the outskirts of the crowd, hiding in plain sight occasionally.

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“Slim but not none. And as for the responsibilities? That’s what advisors are for, aren’t they? And think of the power you could hold if you were the heir! That would be just dandy in my opinion, wouldn’t it?” Apate replies, dipping into a slight bow.

---

Heiress Emika/Lady Darling Desire
Heiress Emika suppressed a snicker. Oh, she knew all right. Power, the thing that made her create the House of Desire to begin with, among other things~. "Indeed. But that is what everyone here is vying for. The power of being heir. Some things feel better earned rather than given. Wouldn't you say such?"

---

"Aren't you selling yourself short now?" she chuckled. Eltnam wasn't entire sure what Yahui meant by 'headstart' but the mention of the Princess made it slightly clearer. Of course,someone as quick-witted as the Marquess twins would have taken notice of the moment Eltnam approached the Princess. "Since when does a blunder qualify as a head start?" he quiped. "Only fools rush in." he added,pausing for a second to turn his hands inwards,pointing to himself.

He stood beside Yahui,staying of course a few steps away since not only did Eltnam initiate the conversation which could have annoyed Yahui but he also wanted to give him space to be comfortable,given how crowded this room was. He quietly observed the people dancing,knowing full well that he was but a few sips away from joining them and casting glances around to spot either familiar people,details that could give away who they are and from where or just attractive silhouettes. There were quite a few people that caught his attention,specifically a woman with beautiful white hair and a matching white mask almost isolating herself,talking to no one,being by her lonesome and the Princess who was conversing with another woman clad in red. He took a few more sips,though not many more were left, hoping they would help him make up his mind.

---

𝕬𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖗 𝕺𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖓 • 𝕳𝖔𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝕺𝖕𝖍𝖎𝖚𝖈𝖍𝖚𝖘

マフィア (Mafia) / wotaku【Luca Kaneshiro Cover】
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47
「 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗜 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼
𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 」



Alastair let out a small grumble as the carriage came to a halt. He can already see the small traces of bright lights leaking out from the crack of the curtains, illuminating the darkness in the vehicle. The rumble of footsteps, the chatter of people, the beat of the music, and the general bustle that awaited him outside the door was enough to further drag his mood into the mud. While he dreaded having to attend the event, his father persisted. That annoying old man going on about making allies, associates, expanding the power of the House of Ophiuchus.

Screw that, who cares what nonsense spurts out that man's mouth?

A knock on the door interrupted him and he can tell it was his advisor, loyally following him around to aid the duke when needed and to make sure the walking catastrophe doesn't cause too much damage or harm to the poor living beings around him that have to deal with the wrath the man can potentially unleash.

"Your Grace," he called out from outside, indicating that Alastair should get off. After a few minutes, he finally fixed his suit and opened the door, stepping out of the carriage. His mask was so reflective that, to go with the bright lighting, could blind anyone that dare land their eyes on him. It was a huge contrast to his other clothing which was dark except for the occasional glimmer of gold that lined his clothes and accessories. Upon leaving his vehicle, he was immediately escorted to the Grand Hall. It was admittedly rushed as the man had arrived quite late. His unpunctuality could be blamed on his childish attitude of having the usual heated argument with his father instead of getting ready early. Upon entering the spacious room, he immediately laid his eyes on a table serving the finest wines and beverages. He felt his advisor lay a hand on his shoulder.

"Your Grace, you must remember the warning about your drinking," he reminded. Alastair shook it off.

"You don't have to worry, I don't get drunk easily, it's fine," he said as he left the man and approached the table. With a glass in hand, he took occasional sips as he observed the people in the room. As the perfect balance of flavors of his drink soothed his earlier bubbling anger, he finally calmed down enough to act somewhat mature again. By stood there by the corner, trying to be unnoticed as he eyes those in the Grand Hall, watching those who seem to have more status and power, those from powerful houses, those who are well-known by the people, who are widely talked about. They all had something that he was missing.

Composure, that's what it was. The ability to act rationally, the talent to charm.

Sure, he was learning, but it will take him a while to master. In order to be a leader, though, he'll have to develop it.

He took another sip as he stayed there, still and silent, watching the activities around him.

---

It was evident that the joy and spirit-lifting aura of the people who managed to catch Eltnam's attention infected him as well. He took his last couple sips and placed the glass on the nearest table so that a servant could pick it up later.

Beaming as he took a step forwards,mostly to get Yahui to look at him,Eltnam turned to him. "I must admit,when I first entered this room I didn't expect to make any meaningful conversation. I'm glad you proved me wrong." he paused. "If you wish to talk to me again,you know what to look for." he added before leaning in and pointing at his mask,which,given this is a masquerade,was his most distinct characteristic. "Greet your twi-" he interrupted himself,faking a cough. He himself didn't exactly know the reason why he kept pretending to not know who he conversed with,seeing as Yahui clearly knew.

Walking away from Yahui,he gently approached the woman in white. Maybe it was because white stuck out more since most people went for gold and flashy designs. Maybe it was for the fact she was all alone. Maybe the glass made him feel slightly lighter and more comfortable with initiating a conversation with her. "One should know better than to be alone,especially with a crowd like this." he bowed. "No advisor...no company... Must be from a remote house." he paused for a second,taking a deep breath. "Shall we brighten up the mood,My Lady?" he offered as he stretched out his hand,spreading the other to show the spot people were dancing.

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