[center][color=#F6DDCC][i][h1] Erik von Rothschild of the Empire of Veredun [/h1][/i][/color][/center]

Erik continued to sip his champagne, silently watching more notable royals enter. Had any of his brothers or male relatives been here instead of Erik, they would have conducted thorough research on the other royal guests at the ball and would have probably used the opportunity to conduct diplomacy between Veredun and other kingdoms. But Erik wasn't as politically invested as they were. Arguably, he wasn't politically invested at all. The further away from politics, the happier he was. As a result of this, Erik really didn't know a good portion of the young royals that filled the Acirian ballroom. 

Once more, Erik interrupted his thoughts with a sip of champagne. He could feel rather sweet-tasting, bubbly alcohol flow down his throat. [i]So sweet[/i], Erik thought to himself silently. Really, the only time he ever drank champagne was at celebrations or official events, like the ball. Other times, Erik preferred literally anything else. Champagne was far too light and sweet for his tastes. But well, it would do for now. It would have to anyway.

And then he took another sip of the bubbly liquid, finishing the last remnants of the narrow flute. Upon seeing a passing member of the Acirian staff with a tray of champagne flutes, Erik switched out his empty one for a fresh flute. As he did, a wide grin stretched across his lips at the sight of a particularly familiar face: Prince Alejandro of Castilya. Now, the Castilyan prince and Erik had known each other for a few years now. Often running into each other at various locations and parties across the world, Alejandro was one of Erik's most reliable companions. No celebration was worth attending if Alejandro was not present. Flamboyant, lavish and proud, Alejandro quite literally personified the life of the party.

"Hello to yourself," Erik returned the greeting with a wide grin before a light chuckle escaped his lips upon hearing the Castilyan prince's next comment. Briefly, Erik's eyes flickered to the flute of champagne held between his fingers. Really, it was quite uncharacteristic for Erik to be seen holding something so delicate. After all, he was almost always seen with pints of Veredunian beer in his hands. And when beer wasn't available, bottles and shot glasses filled with hard liquor usually was used as a replacement. 

"Is it that obvious?" Erik asked flashing the fellow prince a wide grin. 

Once more, Erik brought the bubbly champagne to his lips. Another [i]sip.[/i] Already, a good portion of the flute was empty. But that really was not his fault. He blamed it on the narrow design of the flute. When Erik's gaze returned to Alejandro, he noticed the prince taking a few steps back to assess his outfit.

"Well, what's the verdict? Did I impress the mighty eyes of Prince Alejandro of Castilya?" Erik teased with another chuckle and a wide grin.

He knew he was under dressed compared to some of the other royal princes. But really, this was classic Erik: simple and sleek. Always making a statement wherever he went. He didn't feel the need to sport more elaborate attires, which possibly would be more fitting for the formality of the ball. And to Erik, comfort always came first in any situation. They were most likely to be heirs of the state and more politically active (and interested) than Erik was anyway. And Erik wanted that to be known to all: he was here to have [i]fun.[/i]

Composing himself once more, Erik took another sip of the champagne- the flute was almost empty.

"I did," Erik assured the Castilyan prince with a light shrug. "You really loose the conception of time when you spend a good majority of your year at sea like I do," he added with another chuckle.

[i]By choice,[/i] Erik thought to himself. The navy was possibly the easiest way to "responsibly" avoid his relatives. It worked out for everyone: Erik and his relatives limited their interactions to the occasional conversation each year, and the Veredunian navy had one more captain contributing to its efforts.

"And yourself?" Erik asked. "I trust it would have been quite long for you too," he remarked.

[hider=Erik's Outfit for the Ball]
[img]https://www.gosee.de/prev/900x/images/content3big/big69p9237-superstudio.jpg[/img]
[quote]Erik's Tuxedo[/quote]

[img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4b/44/11/4b4411ffe06be059c82ceef3e008f741.jpg[/img]
[quote]The Veredunian medals of honor that are pinned to Erik's tuxedo. The medals reflect his royal heritage, noble rank, title and rank in the Veredunian navy.[/quote]

[/hider]

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