Today was the day of the imperial ball. My wives and even Diablo all went out of their way to make this happen. Diablo had rushed back as soon as he heard about the ball. Sadly for the ones he was powerleveling, they were left to fend for themselves. The same went for Iena's group as well. But they were all high enough level now and understood the dungeon well, so they could at least continue going up to the boss and then reset.
I changed my armor into a black dress that wrapped around my body well. I have to say that this arm was quite good. I could shrink it down to a bracelet to wrap around my wrist when I bathe and then turn it back into regular clothing afterward. I could make it look like any kind of wearable clothing or accessory, so I never had to really buy anything new. And as long as I never cancel it, I will never have to suffer from the penalty.
My dress was an open back for my wings and tail and hugged just below my shoulders, wrapping around the front to reveal a tiny bit of my cleavage. The dress went down to my ankles and fluttered lightly as I walked. You could say it was more of something a movie star would wear to an awards show. On my head was a silver crown with blue gems that sparkled with white spots making them look like stars in the night sky. I had a matching set of earrings and a necklace to go along with the crown. Thurul was kind enough to craft these for me.
Adel wore a white gown that puffed out a bit more and had many frills. To be honest, she looked so cute I wanted to eat her up. But then I remembered I did that already…. On her head, she also wore a crown with a blue gem. It was slightly different from mine, but it had three exact copies which rested on Sophie and Iena's heads. Sophie had a black dress on as well which was puffier than mine and had silver linings throughout the design. It was very pretty on her.
Iena wore a purple dress that contrasted well with her tanned skin and alluring body. It hugged her body quite well, emphasizing her womanly charms. As for Diablo, he had a crown on his head as well, but it was made just for him. It was something a king would wear. On his right ear was a silver earring with a blue gem on it to match the gems on our crowns since his crown did not have such decorations. He wore a black suit and looked very handsome, especially with the few buttons that were undone, exposing part of his chest.
Like this, we all walked out into the ballroom. I had Adel holding one of my arms while Diablo held the other. We walked out onto the second-floor balcony that looked out over the ballroom floor as one of the servants announced us. I walked forward and looked down at everyone, and smiled. This event was being broadcasted for all to see. "Thank you all for coming here today. I know it was sudden, but I did wish to allow those who have worked so hard for me since I took the throne to have a few days of relaxation and entertainment for the citizens who are watching this. I wish you could all be there, but sadly our empire does not have a big enough ballroom for so many. But this is why I had the lords of each area set up a festival for you all to enjoy. I know it is not much, but I do hope it will at least allow you all to have a fun time on this night after so many trials and tribulations.
"I will not bore you all with boring words. I hope you all will have fun tonight. Let the festivities begin!" With these words, I could hear the fireworks going off all over the empire. They rang through the air and brought along a colorful spectacle for all to see. I really do not know if I am a good leader. I am trying my best and hope that I can at least make the lives of the people who count on me to at least be a little easier with the things that will be coming.
As I watch my officials and the noble families chatting away with some of the commoners who had no rank whatsoever happily without looking down on them, I feel maybe things are working out. I slowly made my way down the stairs to see Gesel surrounded by a few official's wives chatting happily and touching her stomach and muscles in great interest."I never knew women could grow muscles so big! If I had such muscles, my husband would be at my beck and call."
"I know, right? I could toss my husband around and make him cough up money for the new purse I want." Hearing them laughing and giggling brought smiles to my face. Gesel tummy had grown so big. I can't wait for her baby to be born. "Gesel."
"Faith!" Gesel called out with a smile. The official's wives all bowed their heads to me which I waved at them not to stand in ceremony. I was getting used to this, but it still felt strange. "Act normal. Tonight we are all just citizens of the empire, myself included."
"Your Majesty, where did you get this dress?" One of the braver official's wives asked.
"This is just my armor," I said as I held my hand out and made one of my sleeves disappear and then reappear.
"I wish I had such armor! I would wear it every day!" The official's wife cried out in surprise.
"It is quite handy. I hope you all are having fun tonight. If you find anything amiss, let me know. I will have someone deal with it. After all, as my guests tonight, I can not inconvenience any of you." I quickly switched the topic because talking about the things that I use is never good.
"Of course not! Everything is fantastic. Thank you for putting together this lovely ball." The official's wife was able to take a hint and even pulled her friends away so I could speak with Gesel alone.
"So when are you due?" I asked as I walked over and knelt down, and put my ear to her belly.
"Soon. in the next few weeks. You have to be there, or else my baby won't have a name…." Gesel replied.
"I will not go anywhere for the next few weeks. I have much to finish up here. After your baby is born, I plan to continue my dungeon dive to level up more. I am far from being strong enough." I really was not strong enough. I do hope I can be strong enough one day to finally understand why things are the way they are.
"Even though you are much stronger than me now. I would love to have a battle, but sadly the little one in my stomach would not allow it. Maybe when I grow stronger myself. After watching you fight those powerful people, I realized I have really lagged behind." Gesel let out a long sigh.
"I am sure you will become just as strong in the future."
