Chapter Title: The Debut
*Where is she? If she arrived early, she should have at least greeted me.*
There are different tiers even among the nobility. Landowners without significant assets or titles aren't highly regarded. To be well-respected among the discerning nobles, one needed to own ships, preferably a trading company, or hold a significant position in the council or bureaucracy.
The best status was, of course, to be like Cesare, holding a high position in the council while owning a large trading company and land in Fornatie.
The Della Valle family was not of low status either, being a current Priori family. Geneviève was used to mingling with such people because she was Lucrezia's closest friend.
*Hurry up and save me from these riffraff...!*
Just then, the announcer standing at the door inside the ballroom moved. It was the entrance for the host.
"He's coming!"
Someone whispered. Soon, the announcer shouted.
"Cesare Bonaparte has arrived!"
Everyone in the ballroom, as if on cue, stopped their conversations and turned their bodies. The atmosphere naturally grew silent. Cesare, dressed in a dark blue suit, entered the ballroom with heavy, rhythmic footsteps.
Unlike his usual demeanor, he wore a cold smile. The slightly sharp atmosphere made the onlookers' hair stand on end.
However, despite the chilly air, Cesare still looked incredibly striking.
His ocean-like shoulders shone more than usual in his perfectly fitted suit.
When he stood still, the clean lines remained intact, but when he moved, the fabric revealed the meticulously filled muscles beneath.
It was almost a pity that such a young and strong body was wrapped in fine wool, but the ladies all wore satisfied smiles.
"He looks so handsome as always. Lord Cesare."
"Yes, look at those... thighs."
"I wonder if he plans to have another night out."
The bold ladies of Fornatie whispered behind their fans, their eyes scanning Cesare from head to toe.
The gentlemen, who had chosen overly decorated clothes to appear larger, adjusted their sleeves with reddened faces.
Cesare walked to the center of the high table where the string quartet was playing and received a magical stone to amplify his voice from his aide, bringing it to his lips.
His predatory golden eyes swept over the crowd with weight. He soon revealed his dimples and smiled softly.
"Dear nobles, council members, officials, gentlemen, ladies, and even those elderly folks who just enjoy coming to these events."
Laughter broke out here and there. Cesare also chuckled, lowering his gaze.
"Thank you for gracing us with your presence. I am Cesare Bonaparte."
Applause followed. The people listened attentively to the smooth, low voice delivering the opening speech.
Cesare wasn't one to drone on about authority. His opening remarks were brief, and the people were eagerly waiting to see the reality behind the rumors.
Cesare did not disappoint. He paused for a moment at the end of his speech and added,
"As many of you may already know, I have a sister."
"...!"
Everyone pricked up their ears.
Cesare waited until the murmuring subsided, then spoke in a low, strong voice.
"Tonight, I will introduce my sister, who has already made waves in society by name alone. Please welcome her kindly."
Soon, the door at the back opened, and a woman walked in.
---
In Fornatie's most beautiful and spacious ballroom, the Bonaparte's Hall of Aria, people's eyes could not leave the two blue chaise lounges placed at the head of the room.
On one side sat Lucrezia Della Valle, demure and composed.
She wore a dress lavishly adorned with white chiffon and a headpiece made of carved pearls and coral.
Lucrezia, who exuded a serene, moonlit elegance, was skillfully engaging with four gentlemen while simultaneously observing Cesare as he conversed with others in the ballroom.
Unlike Lucrezia, Adelaide's posture was relaxed. Leaning against the armrest of the chaise longue, she lazily tapped her lips with a fan adorned with black metallic lace.
Unable to secure a spot beside her, the gentlemen hovered around her, eager to catch her eye.
Everyone was desperate to gain Adelaide's attention.
"You're from Capolo, you say?"
One gentleman asked, to which Adelaide responded with a noble yet moderately indifferent smile.
"Yes. Are you familiar with it?"
"It's a place with beautiful scenery. A distant relative of mine has a villa in Capolo. Had I known you were there, I would have sought a meeting."
"As you know, until three months ago, I was just a country girl. Hardly someone a gentleman would take the time to meet."
"Do you really think so?"
The gentleman reached out his hand. Adelaide, with a bored smile, offered her hand.
The gentleman kissed the back of Adelaide's hand.
"With such refinement, how could you ever be a country girl? Some things, like a needle in a pocket, simply cannot be hidden."
"You flatter me, sir. Are you mocking a debutante?"
"If I have spoken any falsehoods, may I be cast into the flames of hell right now. Every word I have spoken to you carries my sincere heart."
"Such a noble gentleman would surely be missed by the ladies of Fornatie if he were to be thrown into the flames. I appreciate your kind words."
"If you would allow me to..."
Before the gentleman could continue, Adelaide withdrew her hand. She resumed fanning herself, now looking disinterested.
It wasn't the appropriate attitude during a conversation, but the gentlemen, like observers of a stretching cat, didn't interrupt her.
Geneviève Malatesta watched this scene from afar. Her crimson eyes had been fixed on Adelaide since her entrance.
The emotion Geneviève felt wasn't jealousy but frustration.
*Why am I not there!*
She couldn't even dream of being as beautiful. Adelaide Bonaparte's beauty was unmatched.
Adelaide had beautiful dark green hair, which shone like newly discovered black pearls when it caught the light.
She wore an evening dress of black with a green sheen, perfectly showcasing her figure.
She had a large bust, a slim waist, and wide hips. On top of that, she was tall and slender! It was maddening.
Her beauty, in contrast to Lucrezia's grace, appeared even more abundant and sensual.
Since Adelaide's arrival, every man in the ballroom was busy craning their necks to catch a glimpse of her, like roosters at dawn. Her immediate retreat to the chaise longue after the grand march with Cesare, without dancing, had certainly contributed.
Who wouldn't be tempted by a beautiful lady no one had yet conquered?
*That Lucrezia! If she knew such a woman, she should have introduced me earlier!*
Making connections with famous socialites to elevate her own value was Geneviève's survival strategy.
In that sense, Adelaide was someone Geneviève absolutely had to befriend.
Others seemed to think similarly, or perhaps they were simply entranced by her beauty, as more gentlemen gathered around Adelaide and Lucrezia.
*...This won't do!*
After pacing in place, Geneviève finally stood up.
"Larks of Fornatie! Geneviève must leave you briefly to converse with a friend!"
The ladies who had courteously seated Geneviève weren't surprised by her announcement.
Instead, they nodded knowingly, their eyes slightly expectant.
"Lady Geneviève, are you going to Lady Lucrezia?"
"Yes! That's the plan!"
"Could you pass on our greetings?"
"Of course?"
"We hope to chat again before the ball ends."
Geneviève nearly scoffed. They must have been just as curious about Adelaide.
Their reliance on each other, unable to attach themselves properly, was pathetic.
"Of course, it would be my pleasure!"
Geneviève smiled and turned away.