Violant was very pleased with herself. In the past sixteen months since her return she had done whatever possible to ensure a good starting position for her opposition against Gervase, not to mention a good amount of luck on her side. She had managed to consolidate her and the margraviate’s position in the other march, going as far as turning the infamously dangerous wild hunt into her allies and recruiting a schrat healer. She had brought the royal family into her debt by saving Prince Wynkin and thus won the queen herself as her backer. She had learned to control her massively increased magic aptitude more effectively, nowadays enabling her to command three elements at the same time.

With the social debut drawing closer the young lady would soon meet with Prince Gervase the first time in this lifetime. The little inconsequential brief encounter when she had visited the royal palace back in May didn’t count since it was just a matter of seconds without even exchanging some words.

“Milady, you look simply gorgeous!” exclaimed Abigail.

“Indeed.” agreed Millicent.

The two maids had followed their mistress to the capital. Malford was no exception but he was absent at the moment. Men simply had no part in dressing up a young lady right before her debut. The human and the silky had given their everything to prepare the red-haired girl for her big moment.

Violant, now sixteen years old following her birthday in September, really had become a beauty to behold. Over the past sixteen month she had lost most of her baby fat, had experienced her likely last major growth spurt and had started to look rather feminine instead of girlish. Although the latter point normally didn’t stand out much because of her usual tomboyishness. Her fire-red hair also had continued to grow and was significantly longer compared to after her return.

Today, however, she radiated charm and beauty. The two maids had taken care of that. Violant’s normally open long hair had elaborately been pinned up, secured by an ornate silver hairpin her foster father Orderic had gifted her at her birthday. It was another of Hanarr’s masterpieces and made in the same style as the dragon stone necklace the young lady presently wore around her neck.

Violant’s face had for once been applied with make-up. The subtly applied make-up only managed to further highlight the young lady’s natural beauty. The girl was dressed in a beautifully embroidered long dark blue gown with threads of gold and silver. It was long-sleeved because it was already the second half of October. The dates every year for the debut balls in March and October were chosen so that the social season in the capital every spring and autumn didn’t come in conflict with seedtime and harvest during when the nobles usually tended to stay at their fiefs.

“Milady, I believe to have taught you to the best of my ability. It might have been a hard time for the both of us but I believe that you will have no reason to embarrass yourself. I nonetheless wish you the best of luck for tonight.” declared Lady Alse who was also present. Sending off her protégé to her social debut was the last task she had to do as Violant’s governess. It also had been her coordinating the girl’s debut preparations in every detail. Now, after her job was done, she had to seize the chance to find new employers. The social season was extremely appropriate for this because an adult member of every noble house had arrived at the capital to obligatorily take part in the debut ball.

“Thank you, Lady Alse.” Violant expressed her gratitude, knowing it was one of the last times she would speak with her governess. It was true that she had had a very hard time in Lady Alse’s lessons but that had been because she had disliked the subjects, not the teacher. Although admittedly she often had wished for the governess to be less strict.

“When I should perchance meet someone tonight who is looking for a capable and refined governess I will surely recommend you with warmest regards.” the girl continued.

To cover up for feeling touched, Lady Alse showed a strict expression and said: “Enough pleasant words, Milady. It is high time for you to board your carriage to the royal palace. Do not even dream of arriving on Mr. Huwcyn’s back!”

Violant smiled.

“I know, Lady Alse. Rest assured.” Then she waved at her delighted maids and went off.

The whole family was present on board the margravial carriage. For Orderic and Mortimer as the current margrave and designated heir respectively it was a common occurrence and obligation to attend every single time representing the house of Avallach. Mortimer accompanied his father only since his own debut two years prior though. The debut ball was only open for those who were recognized as adults, which was at age sixteen commonly and at age fifteen for the royal family.

This time around, however, Parcie was also present. Normally he steered clear of social events but since his dearest baby sister Vi was involved this time he couldn’t bear to not witness her big moment. Parcie had come to the capital because Prince Wynkin had temporarily returned and taken leave just for this evening alone. The prince, who was still too young to attend the ball, took care of his little niece Petronella instead. During the last month he had managed to grasp his newfound strength enough to be confident to not accidentally injure the two years old girl grievously.

The carriage stopping signaled that they had reached their destination: the royal palace itself. Countless servants in royal livery gathered to receive the nobles getting out of their carriages. Like it happened countless times on the palace forecourt, a servant approached asking for the identities of the newcomers.

“Margrave Orderic of Avallach and family.” the margrave answered.

Hearing this answer, the attendant beckoned another of his colleagues and advised him to guide the margravial family to the venue.

Then he turned to Volant and said: “Welcome, Your Serene Highness. Pardon my impudence but the debutantes are expected to gather elsewhere first before being guided to the venue. Please allow me to escort you.”

“Much obliged.” replied Violant, every bit the noble lady the governess Lady Alse had taught her to be. Then she followed the attendant into the palace to where the other debutantes would be waiting. A very important evening was just about to begin.