They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 150 - 150 Who's Doing The First Dance

Chapter 150: Who’s Doing The First Dance?

Chapter 150: Who’s Doing The First Dance?

Polite applause rippled through the crowd as Princess Ebere stepped forward, her chin lifted high, a practiced smile on her lips.

The king’s expression softened as he turned slightly.

“Tonight, however, marks not just one, but two celebrations.

It is also the sixteenth birthday of another cherished member of our royal family, Second Princess Nnenna.” Gasps echoed through the hall, and murmurs spread like wildfire.

“Second Princess?

So it’s true?!” some whispered in confusion.

“Being introduced only at sixteen, is she truly his daughter?” others speculated, eyes darting between the unfamiliar girl and the royal family.

But the king continued, undeterred.

“For reasons known only to our family, my daughter Princess Nnenna has remained outside of the public eye until now.

However, tonight, that changes.

It is with great pride that I introduce her to the world for the first time.” Nnenna took a step forward, standing tall despite the whispers and scrutinizing gazes.

The grand chandeliers illuminated her striking features, her poise unwavering.

“She is my daughter, a true princess of Lionara,” the king affirmed, his voice firm.

“And she will stand alongside her sister, upholding the legacy of our great kingdom.” The crowd erupted into discussions, eyes filled with intrigue and curiosity.

“She carries herself like a royal,” one noblewoman observed.

“Strange… she has a mysterious air about her,” a duke muttered, intrigued.

“And she’s… beautiful,” another prince admitted, his gaze lingering on her.

King Ikechukwu raised a hand, silencing the crowd once more.

“Tonight, we begin a week long celebration, the Grand Royal Ball, a time of festivities, alliances, and honor.

To all our esteemed guests, may you enjoy the splendor of our kingdom and the hospitality of our court.” He lifted a wine glass in a toast.

“To the princesses of Lionara, to new beginnings, and to a grand celebration!” The crowd erupted into cheers, though some eyes still lingered on Nnenna, filled with speculation, admiration, and, for a select few, hidden intentions.

As soon as King Ikechukwu Achebe finished his announcement, the grand ballroom doors swung open, revealing the night sky beyond the palace terrace.

A brief moment of silence followed, then, with a thunderous boom, the first firework exploded in the sky, showering golden sparks over the palace grounds.

More followed in rapid succession, bursts of crimson, sapphire, emerald, and silver, illuminating the night in a dazzling display of light and color.

The crowd gasped in awe, their faces reflecting the brilliance above.

“Magnificent!” a noblewoman exclaimed, clutching her fan to her chest.

“Truly befitting of a royal celebration!” another murmured, watching as a particularly elaborate firework bloomed into the shape of a lion, the symbol of Lionara.

Some guests rushed toward the balcony, eager to get a better view.

Even those who had seen many royal festivities before couldn’t hide their admiration.

“To think the second princess is being introduced with such splendor…,” a visiting prince mused, his gaze flickering toward Nnenna, whose figure was framed elegantly by the glow of the fireworks.

As the finale neared, a final series of golden streaks shot into the sky before exploding all at once, creating a breathtaking cascade of shimmering light that seemed to rain down like falling stars.

The crowd erupted into applause, their excitement palpable as the grand ball officially commenced.

The opening dance followed immediately.

Everyone made way in the center of the ballroom, waiting for the first princess to step forward with her dance partner, followed by the second princess.

But no one moved.

All eyes turned to Princess Ebere, who stood frozen in place at the edge of the ballroom, disbelief written all over her face.

Murmurs spread through the crowd as confusion set in.

King Ikechukwu’s expression darkened, his sharp gaze locking onto his eldest daughter.

With a subtle motion, he signaled to Queen Chioma to handle the situation.

The queen, keeping her composure, walked gracefully to Ebere’s side.

She leaned in, speaking in hushed tones.

However, whatever response she received made her face darken instantly.

Without another word, she turned and walked back to the king.

The moment she whispered in his ear, his expression mirrored hers, anger laced with something unreadable.

His gaze swept across the ballroom until it landed on Nnenna.

She stood not far from the center, surrounded by Somto and the four princes from the major kingdoms.

She was unaware of the silent chaos unfolding, engaged in quiet conversation with one of the princes.

King Ikechukwu leaned in and spoke something to Queen Chioma, his voice low.

Whatever it was, she hesitated.

Her fingers clenched for a moment, resisting.

But then, with visible reluctance, she moved.

Keeping her expression neutral to avoid alarming the guests, she walked toward Nnenna.

Though her face was composed, the stiffness in her posture betrayed her true emotions.

The murmurs in the ballroom intensified.

“Why is the queen going to the second princess?” “Shouldn’t the first princess be leading the dance?” Something was off, and everyone knew it.

Queen Chioma reached Nnenna, her voice low but firm.

“Nnenna,” Queen Chioma began, lowering her voice so that only Nnenna could hear.

“Your sister can’t do the opening dance right now.

Your father wants you to start it.” Nnenna blinked in surprise.

“…What?” She hadn’t been expecting this at all.

Why would they suddenly want her to do the opening dance when they had already decided that Ebere would dance first, most likely with one of the high ranking princes?

What had happened?

She hesitated for a moment, but then quickly gathered herself.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

“Okay, Mom,” she answered simply.

Queen Chioma’s jaw tightened slightly as she turned and walked back toward the king.

Though she maintained a neutral expression in front of the guests, the frustration in her eyes was unmistakable.

She reached King Ikechukwu and immediately whispered to him, but before she could even finish, he rebuked her sharply.

“How could you prepare everything so well for Nnenna, making sure she was perfectly dressed, but not for Ebere?” CREATORS’ THOUGHTS JedidiahBeaufoy Your gift is the motivation for my creation.

Give me more motivation!