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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3EdPgr4.png[/img][/center]
[Color=salmon][b]Time:[/b][/color] Early Evening
[Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Duke Vikena's Estate
[Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] Charlotte [@princess][hr]

[Color=salmon]“No! No! No! Nooo! This simply can't be!”[/color] Lorenzo's panicked face was peering down at the invitation for the party that would welcome the Alidasht Kingdom to Caesonia this season. Gripping the paper marked with King Danrose's seal, Lorenzo faced the unfortunate fact that he was unbelievably late. He had been taking his sweet time getting ready and had silently wondered why on earth Charlotte had been locked away in her quarters so early. She was in fact on time! [Color=salmon]“Nathaniel!”[/color] He called knowing his servant was just a call away. [Color=salmon]“I'm in great need of your assistance.”[/color] Lorenzo had never enjoyed using servants for every trivial task, but this was a dire circumstance! 

A formal-dressed man old enough to be his father quickly entered the room, immediately recognizing Lorenzo's frantic state as he tried on a jacket and then immediately threw it across the room the moment he felt it didn't match his trousers.

[Color=limegreen]“Duke Vikena. I am here to assist.”[/color] The man was nothing but professional as he performed a customary bow. The Duke only glanced at Nathaniel before speaking.

[Color=salmon]“Inform Lady Vikena that I am running a bit late, please.”[/color]

[Color=limegreen]“ I shall do this right away. Anything more?”[/color]

[Color=salmon]“No, please hurry, please… Wait! Wait!”[/color] Lorenzo turned his body toward Nathaniel with his arms flared out. [Color=salmon]“Do you think this is welcoming? I'm trying to go for ‘Warm welcome to Caesonia, foreigners!’ I want to look approachable… even if I don't want to engage in much small talk.”[/color] It was something he wouldn't be able to simply avoid. He'd been out of the public eye for so long and his social circle had shrunk down to his precious Charlotte and the parasitic Count Damien. Lorenzo knew the moment he stepped foot in the ballroom, especially late, many eyes would be on him and… [color=salmon][I]Poor Lotty…[/I][/color] 

[Color=limegreen]“Hm… I believe if you would increase your approachability if you were to swap out your current sash for a black one and then perhaps wear the boots over there.”[/color] Nathaniel pointed across the room to a pair of boots that would match perfectly. [Color=limegreen]“And a pair of black gloves for a final touch?”[/color] Lorenzo nodded in silent agreement.

[Color=salmon]“Nathaniel, you're a lifesaver. Thank you, friend.”[/color] Lorenzo forced a smile before getting tossing the red sash he was wearing into the pile of failed attempts at piecing together an outfit. [Color=salmon]“Now, hurry to Charlotte. She must not be kept waiting without explanation.”[/color] 

With Nathaniel's departure, Lorenzo quickly implemented the servant's suggestions and eyes himself in his dressing mirror. He liked [url=https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/630457189265440807/953339696094802030/16473642841128001197437940015536.png]what was put together[/url]. He nodded at his reflection as if to assure himself he was ready. He took a single step away from the mirror and stopped mid-stride as he caught sight of his right hand where his wedding band was worn. [Color=salmon]“Emina… you're forever safe from my embarrassment.”[/color] He kissed the band with shut eyes as if it were the woman he once loved. The silence at the moment was fitting for how he felt as he stood in the center of the room. 

[Center][I][b]tick… tock… tick… tock[/b][/I][/center]
[Color=salmon]“AH! I must hurry! Charlotte! Charlotte I am coming! Don't you fret!”[/color] Lorenzo ran down the hall of the mansion, passing servants wearing worried expressions as they watched the duke set off to possibly tarnish his reputation yet again.
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