[center]
[url=https://fontmeme.com/fonts/great-vibes-font/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240329/84481ce1e9322bbbd2ee69adc32fdfb6.png[/img][/url]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/vz3gTHR.png[/img]
[center]
[sub][url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/83/5d/3a/835d3a3828e5e95e6b785f016b3202bb.jpg][i][sub][color=9e5e6f] dress  ♖[/color][/sub][/i][/url][/sub][sub][url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ca/f5/be/caf5be4167329c924a7b36a89421a058.jpg][i][sub][color=9e5e6f] hair ♖[/color][/sub][/i][/url][/sub]
[/center]
[sub][color=7F6B5D]D A M I E N   E S T A T E  |  E V E N I N G[/color][/sub]
[sub][color=gray]I n t e r a c t i o n s :
John, [@Conscripts]
M e n t i o n s :[/color][/sub]
[/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/CaVsNWr.png[/img][/center]

[indent][indent]
[color=gray]
“Mama, you are making a fuzz out of nothing.”

“Nonsense! I wish for you to look perfect today, who knows? You might find a husband this morning.”

“You think so? Oh, I really do hope so! It’d be wonderful to run my own estate. I would finally be able to host on own dinner parties and balls!”

“Oh honey, I am sure you will do great. Now, let me fix your hair. You’ve got some a cowlick.”

Zarai watched the two women laugh and smile at one another. The older woman gently smoothed out her daughter’s hair, ensuring no hair was out of place. The daughter smiled and laughed when her mother said something else only the two could hear—perhaps an inside joke or a playful tease about her hair. She rolled her eyes and turned her attention to her own mother. 

Duchess Francesca watched her with blue icy eyes that made her feel as if she were standing under a waterfall. [color=dd9562]“Don’t speak too loud, smile, and nod. Do not mention anything unseemly, and keep your opinions to yourself. No respectable man wishes to hear a woman speak of politics,”[/color] her mother said. She reached out to fix Zarai’s sleeve, but her daughter pulled back and fixed it herself. 

[color=93a477]“Yes, mother.”[/color] Zarai nodded politely, eyes down. [color=93a477]"Shall I not speak at all, then? Perhaps some Duke or Count fancies mute girls—”[/color] She winced when sharp nails dug into her underarms as her mother pretended to fix her sleeve. [color=93a477]“Fine!”[/color] she hissed. 

[color=dd9562]“This is exactly what I am referring to,”[/color] Francesca huffed, pulling her arm back and putting on that sweet smile again. [color=dd9562]“Don’t embarrass me; Gods know you’ve done that so many times already. And for your sake, do not stuff your face with food. Any more of it and your dress will burst at the seams.”[/color]


[center][color=93a477]『 °*• ❀ •*°』[/color][/center]


Zarai stared down at the number 5 scribbled on the small piece of paper. She shot Mingyu one last smile as she walked past and toward her designated table. Despite her initial reservations about the event, Zarai couldn't help but feel a sense of thrill at finally being at Blossom Caffe. It was her first time setting foot in the place, and for as long as she could remember, she had dreamed of visiting. The exterior of the building was a sight to behold, its beautiful facade promising an evening of elegance and sophistication. Every time Zarai had peeked inside, she had caught glimpses of graceful ladies sipping from dainty cups and indulging in culinary delights that could be described as art. She had often imagined herself among them, adorned in a fancy hat and delicate lace gloves, exuding an air of refinement and charm that she did not possess.

Now, she was finally here, not by choice but to fulfill her social obligations. Determined not to let that bring her spirits down, Zarai was to make the most of the morning, even if it meant entertaining a randomly selected date. It was another opportunity to meet potential suitors, something she had been considering more seriously lately, despite her very limited list of prospects.

As she sniffed the air, the aroma of the pastries and delicious food drew a growl from her empty stomach. She did not care if her Sir Barrios was outside watching her from the windows; he wouldn’t barge in if she dared to eat. It would be impolite not to indulge, considering the effort the cafe and the royal family had put into the event. With a playful smile, she decided to fully appreciate any of the culinary delights that would be presented before her.

Zarai only hoped not to see [i]him[/i] here. She had avoided talking to him for days, and by some stroke of luck, she had managed to keep her distance. She wished to continue this for a few more days, at least until she felt more prepared to face him.

Lost in her thoughts, she almost forgot her surroundings until an unfamiliar figure caught her eye. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him approach. Handsome and well-groomed, he seemed different from the typical snobby nobles she was accustomed to encountering. It was a welcome sight, and she felt a glimmer of hope that this evening might not be as tedious as she had anticipated.

Zarai put on a smile and waited to greet her date.












[/color][/indent][/indent]