It's the first time I attend a ball at court.
Till now, I've only been to a few banquets, including the one for my own wedding, and some parties here and there.
But grand balls? It's the first time.
The last one I witnessed was back in Polis, and it wasn't this huge because we were at war. It didn't seem right to overdo it at the time.
Being the Duchess of Kyre, I have a place at the table with the Emperor and the Princess.
The Dowager Empress is attending as well, but her delegation is too vast to stay at a royal table, so she's at another one, not too far.
I'm not sure if his majesty is making her understand that he didn't like how she kept my treacherous letter hidden for months, or this is part of the protocol. Regardless, I like the disposition. There won't be any need to catfight while at work.
I'm here to assess the young ladies around and choose a few that won't make trouble if they're told they have a chance to become empresses.