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Ever since taking on the identity of a prim and proper lady, Celestia Ludenberg has always seeked the finer things in life. Milk tea served on fine china, gyoza arranged to perfection... All presented by handsome gentlemen who waited on her hand and foot. But alas, that seemed like a pipe dream at the moment. That was why she turned to gambling these past four years in hopes of making that dream a reality. It was this dedication that made her the Ultimate Gambler and was soon scouted for Hope's Peak Academy.
But even after finding other Ultimates she could tolerate, Celestia still felt somewhat lonely. Her treasured companion was Grand Bois Chéri Ludenberg, a fat dark gray cat whom she spoiled and loved dearly. Of course, this was also true for her birthday, which was fast approaching. She had purposely distanced herself from her peasant family as she forged her life of luxury, so she would often celebrate her birthdays with only Grand Bois by her side. But alas, since her talent wasn't associated with animals, she had no choice but to leave her baby behind when she started attending Hope's Peak. Worse, she wasn't even sure if her classmates would be bothered by her ideas of celebration, since she wasn't exactly close with them.
Yet little did she know, a plan was brewing behind her back...
Classes had concluded, so it was time for Celestia to retreat to her dorm. She had hoped to spend her birthday alone, perhaps enjoying some milk tea and reading one of her favorite novels. But upon setting foot in the room, she instantly noticed something was afoot. There was a third mannequin present among her usual two, revealing a simple black dress with three roses on the waist and a single gray line across the chest. There was also a scroll on her bed. She picked it up and read it.
When the sun has disappeared and the night sky covers the earth, meet with the creatures of darkness for a grand banquet fit for a dark maiden.
Celestia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. This message sounded like an invitation to a grand ball she always envisioned. But alas, it didn't seem like it was close to nighttime at the moment. Whatever was she to do?
knock knock knock
But wait! Who was that knocking? Celestia opened the door, only to be greeted by fellow princess Sonia Nevermind. She speaks of wanting to help her prepare for tonight's ball. Is that what this gorgeous dress is for? Something special to wear for this special occasion? Granted this is far less fancy than her usual attire, but it wouldn't hurt to wear something special.
After spending the afternoon at the communal bath house for some much-needed pampering, the dual princesses were all dressed up as they headed to the school's gymnasium. Celestia was wearing the gorgeous gown provided to her, along with maroon strappy heels, black elbow-length gloves, a black choker with a blood red pendant, maroon diamond-shaped earrings, and a light gray headband decorated with red roses. She had chosen light gray eyeshadow and lipstick for her makeup, while her usual pigtails were decorated as well, adorned in roses that were the same shade as the ones on her dress and headband. Sonia looked just as lovely as well, but why was she wearing a mask?
Of course, her question was soon answered when they arrived at the gymnasium. But wait! Was it really the gymnasium? It looked more like a grand ballroom Celestia has always dreamed of. The area was dark with the only light source coming from candlelit lanterns and moonlight peeking in from the windows. But it seemed there were others present in the room, all dressed in similar masquerade attire as Sonia. Despite this, she could tell who was whom by body structure alone. Why, it was easy to identify Hifumi's round posture alone!
Soon the others noticed Celestia's arrival, so they parted to reveal an ebony throne with maroon lining. Sonia joined the partygoers as they all gestured to the throne, indicating she was meant to sit upon it. Celestia walked over to it in a calm and careful manner, but with every step, she realized there was more to the throne than she initially thought. Aside from a small table, there was also a matching cat bed where her dear Grand Bois was waiting for her. She couldn't help but gasp in awe. Whoever arranged this ball was kind enough to bring her darling baby to the school. Perhaps it was the headmaster's doing, allowing this one exception just for tonight.
Once Celestia was seated, the festivities began with an elegant waltz as classical music played from afar. She soon realized why Sonia was present among her classmates. Eight boys and eight girls... The Ultimate Princess was meant to take her spot while she watched in attendance. What a kind and noble thing to consider! This was a party in her honor, after all. Why should she be the one to work up a sweat on her special day?
Once the waltz had come to an end, Celestia couldn't help but politely clap. The gentlemen bowed while the ladies curtsied as they concluded the grand show. What soon followed was a line to the throne, each person holding a gift wrapped in her colors. But every time a gift was offered, Celestia would insist they set it behind her, not wanting to obscure her vision with a mountain of gifts. And sure enough, this repeated until every gift was received. She would open them all once she retreats to her dorm, but that would have to wait.
For now, it was time for a grand meal to be delivered. Celestia recognized the masked chef as one of Sonia's classmates. That was no surprise, for his meals were worthy of royal status. But alas, he was far too round and pudgy to be one of her ideal servants, much like Hifumi, yet she would have to make do for now. While the other partygoers ate their meals at provided tables, the Ultimate Cook wheeled out a cart over to the ebony throne. Upon lifting a silver cover, Celestia saw her meal was her favorite gyoza arrangement drizzled in black vinegar and sesame oil. There was even a cup of milk tea to go with the meal. The chef bowed as he retreated to the kitchen, but not before wishing her a happy birthday.
However, the meal wasn't quite what Celestia had imagined. While it tasted delicious as always, she couldn't help but watch the other Ultimates eat from afar. They all seemed so happy as they chattered about who knows what. And yet here she was, sitting off to the side with Grand Bois by her side.
Why did this make her feel worse than before?
"I'm so good at deceiving everyone else, deceiving myself is child's play."
Those were the exact words Celestia once told her classmates. The same words that fueled her dream. After all, it was her belief in being reincarnated from grand royalty that made her the skilled gambler she is today. Yet she couldn't help but wonder if her dream caused these feelings of loneliness, not that she wanted to outright admit it. She had a reputation to maintain, after all. Her stoic demeanor had allowed her to win numerous blackjack tournaments. She refused to show even a shred of weakness to others.
So then why were there tears dampening her eyes?
Oh no, that will not do at all! She had to make those feelings go away!
To everyone's surprise, Celestia had stood up from her grand throne and walked over to the other Ultimates. Out of all her male classmates, there were a few she tolerated the most. Yet Hifumi was too round, Kiyotaka was too stiff, and Yasuhiro was most likely a klutz when it came to graceful movements. Makoto, on the other hand, was someone she could trust due to their clashing amounts of luck. Therefore, he was the most ideal choice for her seemingly rash idea.
So with a simple tap of his shoulder, he turned to look at the birthday girl. She took a deep breath as she extended her hand.
"Shall we take part in a waltz?"
Although seemingly unsure, Makoto accepted the offer. And thus, the two were on the dance floor as classical music played once more. Despite Celestia being the one to offer, her body language indicated she wanted him to take the lead. What soon followed was a dance befitting of their challenging nature, a clash between luck from a lottery and luck from keen intellect. Their gazes were similar to when they fought against one another in quite a memorable game of Mahjong.
But it was during this dance that allowed Celestia to realize how much things have changed. Despite her initial beliefs, her classmates had put together a ball tailored to her dream. Kyoko most likely asked her headmaster father to allow Grand Bois to enter school property, while Toko could have been the one to write that scroll invitation. She wasn't quite sure who sewed all these lovely outfits, but perhaps one of her classmates was friends with someone with a semester-based talent. Overall, there was no doubt they had all pitched in to give her the perfect birthday celebration.
Alas, that would be something to consider another day. The music had come to an end, so Celestia decided to pull a little prank on her rival. She caught him off-guard by dipping him down to conclude the dance. His surprised yelp amused her as they parted. She couldn't help but smirk as she curtsied and headed back to her throne. Even with the mask covering his face, she could hear Makoto's nervous chuckle as he rejoined the other Ultimates. After all, there was nothing wrong with a proper lady having a bit of fun.
And who knows? Perhaps there might be even more surprises this evening. But in this exact moment, Celestia knew that while she has yet to complete her dream, she was truly lucky to know such wonderful people.
