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[color=BBC7E1]Time:[/color]6pm
[color=BBC7E1]Location:[/color]  Guesthouse
[color=BBC7E1]Interaction:[/color][@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [@Helo] Leo  [@Potter] Layla [@13org] Mayet
 [@Rodiak] Nahir [@Inertia] Auguste [@JJ Doe] Riona [@Lava Alckon] Farim [@Tpartywithzombi] Lady Ariella
[color=BBC7E1]Attire:[/color][url=i.imgur.com/AbAdjzB.jpg]Dress[/url], [url=https://i.etsystatic.com/11992444/r/il/202edb/1547641752/il_570xN.1547641752_f5gx.jpg]Hair ribbon[/url] → [url=i.imgur.com/R0Bp8Cm.png]Bun[/url], [url=i.imgur.com/VLoLGta.png]Dress[/url], [url=https://i.etsystatic.com/12443370/r/il/453c4f/3928939420/il_1588xN.3928939420_tmsy.jpg]Gold haircomb[/url]
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Lady Ariella's presence at the dinner with Farim was unexpected, and it left her feeling uneasy. She knew all too well how much Duchess Victoria despised her and Lorenzo, and feared that any hint of scandal could spread like wildfire. However, Victoria's daughters had never been as vicious as their mother, and she hoped that tonight's dinner would be uneventful. She decided to let go of her concern and give the lovely couple across the table from her a warm smile in greeting. Perhaps, against all odds, they could enjoy a peaceful evening.

[i][color=d3c28b]"Having to deal with such a fool of a father... I truly pity Charlotte."[/color][/i]

Charlotte's attention was immediately drawn to Mayet, and though she managed to restrain any immediate retort, her displeasure was evident. Had it appeared that Lorenzo had also overheard the comment, she may have been less restrained in her response. Fortunately, the other sister, Nahir, interjected. Charlotte typically felt uneasy when it came to speaking up in a crowd, but after a trying day, she was left feeling exhausted and less inclined to remain quiet. 

The girl with the snake’s malicious looks in her direction was not missed either. When their eyes met, Layla grinned with what appeared to be sinister intent and continued to stare at her for an uncomfortably long period of time. Charlotte averted her gaze in an attempt to avoid that conflict, grateful the potentially deranged woman was seated far away from her.

Her hopes of peace were finally completely dashed as the Grand Vizier burst into the room and made a beeline for Lorenzo. A horrible feeling of dread settled in the pit of her stomach as his voice echoed in her head, calling for her stepfather's head. The gods seemed to be taunting her, reminding her that peace was never truly possible. 

Hafiz had then spoken lowly, but Charlotte had caught onto every word. If anyone had been paying any attention in her direction, she had slightly risen from her seat. The last thing Lorenzo needed with what he was going through was to be publicly disrespected further and simply because the overgrown child wanted to sit in a particular chair. As Lorenzo had spoken up in his own defense, she felt relief, to her own surprise. For a man who had been described to be a given-up alcoholic by Prince Wulfric, he still held respect for himself and had even voiced himself rather maturely.

Flashes of her father, Duke Walter, filled her head as he had drunk himself into a stupor after the pressure became too much. He had done everything right, submissively coming to the King every time he was beckoned like a dog and holding his tongue when he was degraded for imperfections. Even at her young age, she had understood the amount of pain her beloved father had been in. Now, watching another good man, whom she considered her father, being constantly belittled over the years was unbearable to watch.

The task of retaining any respect for high society was becoming increasingly difficult. As two of Hafiz's daughters spoke up in his favor, it became evident that the Alidasht nobles were equally, if not more, corrupt than King Edin.

Charlotte glanced in Leo’s direction, her emotions evident in her eyes. He was offering to give up his seat to Lorenzo. She was grateful for the gesture, but uncertain if that would truly fix the issue. Then again, she wasn’t sure herself the correct thing to say here. 

She knew speaking up on impulse immediately could worsen the situation. Instead, she took a deep breath and hung her head, considering her words carefully. If they left, the consequences were uncertain. They had made a bargain of mercy, agreeing to come here instead of facing punishment. If they walked out now, what would happen? Would they concoct a tale to tell King Edin?

Her gaze momentarily shifted to the sultan, whose expression remained inscrutable as others spoke. It was unclear whether he was waiting politely for his turn to speak or simply enjoying the spectacle. Regardless, she could not go forward without saying something. There was no way she would allow Lorenzo to feel alone against them. 

She raised her head finally and also raised a hand to garner attention.[color=BBC7E1] “Pardon me. I have something that I would like to say. ”[/color]  As she rose to her feet and the attention fell on her, she felt herself grow nervous. [color=BBC7E1] “With all due respect toward everyone here, I would like to clear something up that is important to me.”[/color] 

Charlotte's voice trembled slightly as she took a deep breath to steady herself, [color=BBC7E1] “I… I am proud of my stepfather, and I do not want nor require anyone's pity, ”[/color] Her eyes fell on Mayet then her gaze shifted to Layla with her next words, [color=BBC7E1] “And I do not wish to see him disrespected.”[/color] 

She then turned to face Hafiz directly, her eyes fixed on his with an underlying anger that gave her voice a touch of confidence. [color=BBC7E1] “Grand Vizier Hafiz, while I understand and respect your status that grants you the head seat, it is imperative that we speak to one another with decorum and civility... In Caesonian culture, showing respect towards others is considered a fundamental principle of social etiquette. By doing so, we can foster an environment of mutual understanding and dignity, which is essential for a pleasant evening for us all.”[/color]

[color=BBC7E1] “Now.”[/color] She raised her head slightly at Hafiz with a certain intensity in her eyes that was unusual for her. [color=BBC7E1] “Perhaps we can start anew, Grand Vizier. Is there anything you require of Duke Lorenzo at the current moment?”[/color]
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