[SRP] Bernese Ball

[Lavi]

The lack of response to the Etruscans was cruel, but not surprising. Cecily would not have chosen to acknowledge their origins either, considering that it would suggest Bernese acceptance of Etruscan refugees. That would encourage more Etruscans to flee and earn the Emperor's ire in an already precarious relationship between Bern and Lycia. She did not believe that their attempts to advertise their nobility is doing them any favors

Lord Faren's fawning left little room to give herself a breather: she only had a moment when Faren's gaze was turned aside to get her attention to some of the new decorations added to the estate to look at Satsume with an exasperated look.

'Kill me,' she wished she could say. When Faren turned back to her, Cecily already returned to a weary smile.

"Perhaps we can catch up with each other over tea?" Faren asked.

"Tea sounds refreshing, but I would very much like to rest. It has been a long journey," Cecily replied. Of course, she left out that the 'journey' that she was referring to was no longer than the garden to the mansion.

"Ah! I suppose that is true," Faren lamented (exactly as she planned). "May I escort you to your quarters?"

"That will not be necessary," Cecily waved him off. "Surely the ball's success is more pressing than myself. It is tomorrow, is it not?"

"That is true..." Faren's laments extend further. "I presume you are prepared as well?"

"I am in need of a dress, at the very least," Cecily obliged him.

"Then I will send a seamstress up later to take your measurements later today!" he smiled before kneeling to kiss her hand.

"Your hospitality is as generous as ever," Cecily replied.

Even so, Lord Faren only departed after he escorted them all to Cecily's guest room. Not only was it unsurprisingly roomier than the others, it also happened to be the only one fully prepared for its occupant. Cecily noticed this, but made no effort to bring it up to the Bernese lord on the spot. Instead, she humored his personality until Faren tore himself away to return to the last-hour preparations of the next day's ball.

If Satsume was quick enough, he might have caught a glint in her eye as Cecily thought of something mischievous. It has been too long some she properly teased someone beyond the verbal jab.

With her heavy smile still on her lips, and without another word to her companions, Cecily stepped into her room and closed the doors behind her. She waited a few seconds, predicting when the others would resign themselves to their half-ready guest rooms before she reopened the doors.

"I suppose I can host guests in the meantime," she smiled, her voice dripping in sarcasm.

Her room not only was large enough for herself, but it essentially had its own dining table and wait staff. She expected nothing less. Sadly.