[center][color=seagreen][h1]Drake[/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/4vfplO8.png[/img]

[color=greenyellow][b]Attire:[/b][/color] [url=https://imgur.com/a/aLiBxYr]Coat/Shirt[/url], [url=https://imgur.com/a/8JUuw40]Pants[/url], and [url=https://imgur.com/a/898CsoK]Shoes[/url]
[color=greenyellow][b]Time:[/b][/color] 11pm -> Morning of 23rd
[color=greenyellow][b]Location:[/b][/color] Edwards Estate -> Castle Gardees
[color=greenyellow][b]Mentions:[/b][/color] Ariella [@Tpartywithzombi], Kazumin [@samreaper], Sadie, [@Potter] Alexander, and Lianna [@FunnyGuy]

[hr]

Drake had spent the rest of the 21st in his study before retiring to bed. He had alot to think about over the confrontation. How to protect his sister, not only from his family but from herself. She would likely do something else to upset mother in their never-ending battle for who is right and who is wrong. Drake of course saw his sister as the more reasonable as the pair, but that did not stop Victoria Edwards from exacting any kind of tyrrannical parenting she was capable of onto her poor daughter. With a shot of brandy to calm his nerves, Drake made for his chambers and lay to rest for his day to come.

[hider=Bonding-Skip Day Recap]
Drake, finding himself rather overwhelming with paperwork yet again only had time for a few key events throughout his day. Namely, the most exciting for him personally, was to see if the fruits of his letter would become anything worthwhile. To his delight, it would. Initially he had thought to meet her for brunch and tea, but on his walk towards his choice of cafe, he spotted Princess Camilia along the beach. It was there that he finally worked up the courage to speak to her, a move that Drake would likely never regret. The two shared a few wholesome and genuine moments between one another, talking about themselves and collecting seashells along the beach. Drake couldn't help but let his romantic lover boy side out around her, even if they had just met. There was simply something about her that captivated him on so many other levels, that some would label him an obsessed stalker or over-confident nitwit. But to her, he seemed to be a charming lord who she at the very least would give quite a bit of her attention. He made plans with her that very day to see her again at the tea party in the following day, and continued with his day with a significant amount of pep in his step.

This same energy would end up spilling over during a fateful meeting with a young farmhand by the name of Kazumin, who Drake knew very little of. Quite honestly, the entire debacle was rather unorthodox. Drake happened to walk by a nearby bakery where he spotted a blonde-haired young man staring longfully into the window. A display that showcased the finest treats and delicacies the store had to offer was there, with their special of the day being a pudding cup that is rumored to be "the sweetest in Sorian". Naturally, Drake felt the need to address the spectacle as onlookers began to stare at the cow-licked fellow. Through a brief conversation, Drake could tell this young man simply just wanted a taste of what could be the finest pudding he ever could have, and he was quite the pudding connisseur to boot. He told tales of many varieties, consistencies, flavors, and places where he could find such delectable treats. Drake, finding himself rather generous after his heartfelt time with Sadie, decided to spare the young man a tortuous fate of being unable to purchase such a divine treat and bought the man a few cups to share with himself and his dear friends.

Drake spent the rest of his day stuck in his study pouring over various documents, finding a few particularly odd ones that he singled out among the rest. For one, a trade ledger had made its way to the Edwards estate for some reason. After reviewing the document, it appeared someone from the guild had requested an audit to be looked over by someone of higher status than themself, and didn't want to bother King Edin or any of the young princes with the trouble. Drake looked over the various purchase and imports and saw little of note, but noticed that a rather large quantity of this particular ledger's deals were one of four major names. Drake found himself concerned with the rapidly growing monopolies these independant trading companies began to hold in this economy, and quickly transcribed a copy for later review before signing off on it. There was little he could do to voice his disapproval when all he currently was status-wise was a secretary.

After a long day's work, Drake retired to bed and could only wonder what his family had been up to...namely Ariella. He wagered she would be likely doing something a little reckless, and made sure the servants knew to wake him should any other frightening news arrive about her. He strictly told them to inform him first, then the Edwards. Whether that command would reach his parents or not, he had yet to know but he figured the worst that would happen is he'd be chewed out for it.
[/hider]

On the fine day fo the 23rd, Drake arose from bed with a long stretch and an ethusiastic yawn. He grabbed the paper neatly folded and placed onto his nightstand and reviewed the recent happenings. Nothing much caught his eye other than the strange drawing along the front. He found it distasteful, but with tabloids that was almost par for the course. He stood up, wandered to his wardrobe and began to pick out his outfit for the day. A brief look at the events and he already had it set in stone where he would be lurking. Firstly, the tea party in the gardens that Princess Sadie had invited him too would be a great start to his day. Secondly, the masquerade party was something he had been pining to attend. A night socializing and getting away from the usual hum-drum of the day's busy-work was something he could desperately use.

A quick carriage ride and Drake found himself standing at the entrance to the esteemed Castle Gardens. The day's weather simply was too good to pass up such an event. The blessed sound of strings plucked in the distance beckoned him inside the garden. He took a moment to close his eyes and simply take in the atmosphere, but before too long he began his paces into the seating area. He gazed up at the statues of the King and the various ancestors. For a moment he thought to himself [color=greenyellow][i]If King Edin is nothing else, he at least knows how to make a regal setting. Something to set our noble minds at ease I assume.[/i][/color] He hid a chuckle beneath a sligt smile and took note of who all had begun to enter. He noticed two particularly interesting individuals he barely recognized, Alexendar and Lianna Deacon he believed to be their names. They of course had quite the getups for such an occasion, and Drake would offer a courteous wave to the pair as he wandered to find his own area to sit in.

He took his seat at a table with a few chairs and decided to make himself at home, fetching himself a pot of tea beforehand with a few biscuits laid out near the chocolate fountain. The instruments continued to serenade Drake while he took small sips of his tea. It was a decadent lemon tea that held a refreshing taste to it. The tea was hot, just as he liked it, and he continued eyeing up those who would approach and offer a friendly greeting their way. He made no moves to turn anyone away but certainly didn't move from his graceful spot for the time being, soaking in the ambience and properly enjoying this organized and well-thought out gathering.

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