20th December, XXXX
I arrived in Zehan after a week. My aunt gave me a warm welcome.
Then I began my days of shopping and sightseeing with Sally. True to her words, Sally really knew Zehan well.
“Of course! I have been living here for two years already!” Sally responded with her head held up. This would be a stunning sight with her shiny honey blond hair, straight nose and emerald green eyes if half of her was not drenched in mud.
I was standing next to her when the mud ball hit us, so I was also drenched in mud.
“I really admire your knowledge of Zehan, Sally. I really do. But a mud fighting festival. Really? Do you think I would enjoy this?”
“I do.” Sally nodded her head solemnly. “Come on, Liana, it’s fun! Are you sure you aren’t tempted to throw a mud ball back at those who hit you?”
“Very tempted,” I replied with clenched teeth. “I am also very tempted to throw a thousand mud balls at the girl who brought me here.”
“Why? I introduced you to such a fun festival!” She blinked her big green eyes innocently. “You are afraid it’s not ladylike? Don’t worry. See there? It’s the princess of Zehan. And that girl over there? The daughter of the grand duke. So don’t worry, Liana, your perfect lady merit is not tainted.”
“It’s because this dress is brand new!” I stared at Sally with venom. “You should have told me about the mud. It’s now ruined!” With anger I threw the mud ball I made while Sally was blabbing at her.
“What… ooof. Liana!!!!” She responded with a much larger mud ball.
I had fun, surprisingly. It’s quite a nice experience throwing things at others. It felt like I released a lot of anger and pressure I had no idea I was holding in.
At the end of the day, the two of us were drenched head to toe in mud.
“See, you had fun, Liana.”
“I might have more fun if I did not wear my new dress!”
“Hehehehe… anyway you’re going to the ball tomorrow right?”
“Maybe… not sure. You know I don’t really like balls. But I think my aunt and cousins are going.”
“Come on! Come with me! You have been here for a month and you still haven’t met my friends here.” Sally pouted. “Of course you’re my best friend. No one can replace you,” she quickly added and gave me a wink.
“This explanation made you look like you’re hiding something, Sally.” I raised my eyebrow.
“Liana! I swear you will always be my best friend.” She looked anxious and worried that I did not believe her.
Let’s not taunt her. “Just joking.” I replied with a wink.
“You have to come tomorrow! It’s the prince 20th birthday party. There will be food and firework and such! The food is on another totally different level! The desserts! Think of the desserts! They held a competition this year. The winner is in charge of the food and desserts! And it’s a Zehan ball. You can’t say you have been to Zehan without attending one of their balls! It’s totally different. Arerin’s ones are always so stiff and boring.”
“Fine.” I am slightly tempted myself after all of her persuasion.
“Yay! We’re going to have so much fun! I’ll help you prepare the mask! So you just have to dress up prettily!”
You said we’re gonna have so much fun today too, but look at our appearance now. Wait…
“Mask?”
“Yes! This is a masquerade ball!”
Now I am even more tempted. Who can say no to a masquerade ball?
