Eliza Raquiez, she was the main character today. Looking like a little doll, the girl was adorned with precious jewellery and a frilly dress. Her long wavy hair was neatly brushed and decorated with a thin veil. The child had a bright smile as she stood in front of all the guests. She did a well-practiced curtsy and greeted them clumsily.
"My name is Eliza Raquiez. It is a pleasure to have met you all." She recited, just like she had rehearsed. "Thank you everyone for attending my social debut today."
She curtsied once more and a warm applause followed. Murmurs over how cute, eloquent and well-manner she was spread amongst the guest who wished to get on the marquis' good side. The girl was unaware of their ulterior motives but could see the distracted looks on their faces, as they glanced over at her father from time to time. However, Eliza ignored such behaviour and just relished in their compliments.
The party officially began and the guests started to roam, taking to others and building or consolidating their relationships. Many swarmed around Marquis Raquiez, much to the displeasure of Eliza. Fortunately, the other noblemen's children were instructed by their parents to get along with Eliza, so she was never left alone.
"Good evening, Raquiez." Alex greeted. Following after him were his sons, Dylan and the twins. They obediently and silently stood still, waiting for the adults to do their things.
"Good evening to you too, Kaiser. I'm glad you could make it today." Joseph said with a smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Dylan, a child he didn't recognise but noticed was a splitting image of his friend. "Oh, who might this be?"
Alex let out a small smile and nudged Dylan forward with his hand. "This is my eldest son, Dylan. He had been living apart for a while, but will be staying in the Kaiser mansion from now on."
On his cue, Dylan smiled. It was a refreshing and angelic smile, of someone who knew no harm. "It's a pleasure to have finally met you, Marquis Raquiez. I have heard many good things about you and had long since admired you."
"Hmm? What have you heard about me?" Joseph asked, intrigued.
"I was told that you are a very loyal and hardworking man. Always putting the interest of the country first and that you are a very loving man. From what I can see, this is indeed true." He said without a pause.
"You sure have a glib tongue." Joseph laughed.
Dylan shook his head. "No, not at all, this is all very true. The people like you very much, sir. They speak of you with a smile and pride."
"I'm flattered, I don't deserve such praise." Joseph humbly claimed. "Neil, Neah, your brother is praising me a bit too much. I think I'm going to blush."
"But Uncle is a charming man, of course everyone loves you." Neil was annoyed by Dylan's endless flattering but played along anyways. He was educated enough to know that there was a time and place for everything.
"That's right. Uncle is very handsome." Neah chimed.
"Oh dear. If you keep praising me like this, your father is going to get jealous."
Alex shook his head. "It's fine. Children only speak what they think. In the past you were known as the flower of the capital anyways. You can handle the flattery."
"You-Why'd you make me remember. Oh gosh, this is so embarrassing." Joseph covered his face with his hands and jokingly said.
"We shouldn't keep taking up your time like this. The other guests are getting impatient." Alex coolly said.
Joseph nodded. "Well then, until next time."
When the children were left alone by themselves, Neah let out a cold sneer. "What were you trying to do, flattering him so much?"
"Just so you know, there is no way Uncle would get close to a mutt like you."
"That's awful of you to say such a thing, my little brothers. Are you telling me to cause a ruckus and drag our family name through the dirt?" Dylan smilingly commented.
"That's right! A bumkin like you wouldn't know how to behave."
"Be grateful that we're even willing to stand beside you."
"You don't have to if you don't want to."
The twins harrumphed and worked away, socialising with the other kids their age. Dylan was left alone to navigate the area by himself. Without much to do, he very naturally made him way over to the food table. There were many top-class dishes all over the place and also various desserts, making it very difficult to choose.
With much difficulty, he finally decided on the mash potatoes, remembering that his mum used to like them a lot. He remembered watching her make it, as she fumbled around in the little kitchen and cooked up a simple and cheap masterpiece. It was without a doubt not high-class food, but Dylan loved it more than anything else.
He very carefully brought a spoon to his mouth, mindful of his surroundings and manners. Though Dylan was very nervous, from an outside view, he looked very relaxed and stood with grace and nobility. He looked both handsome and gentle, very charming.
This Dylan managed to attract Eliza's attention. With a red face, she walked over to him and curtsied. "How do you do? I'm Eliza, may I know your name?"
Dylan swallowed the potatoes in his mouth and smiled, putting his plate down. He very gentlemanly took a hold of the little girl's hand and kissed the back of it. "Happy birthday, Miss Eliza. My name is Dylan von Kaiser, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Eliza felt her cheeks flush with red and she found herself staring into the young boy's odd eyes. They seemed to capture her soul and it was impossible to look away. He was just too dazzling.