The week following Arthur's order for his suit and pocket watch passed uneventfully. During this ti, the production of his tailored suit, accessories, and gold pocket watch was completed. anwhile, nobles and influential elites from across the country, having received their invitations, began arriving in the capital for the grand ball.
As the long-anticipated day of the ball finally arrived, Arthur followed his usual morning routine, waking up early and completing his exercise regin before returning to his room. On his way back, he noticed the palace staff working tirelessly to finalize the preparations for the evening's event. Unlike his usual days, he decided to spend the remainder of his ti in his chambers until the ball.
Once inside, he took a shower and changed into comfortable clothing before instructing a servant to bring his breakfast. As he ate, he picked up a copy of the Pendragon Daily and saw that the ball was the headline story on the front page. The article praised Arthur's economic and political reforms, as well as the industries he had established, highlighting their positive impact on the nation's economy and the lives of its people. It also ntioned that nobles, businessn, and influential figures from various sectors of society would be attending the event in his honor.
After finishing the newspaper, there was a knock at the door.
"Co in," Arthur said.
A servant entered and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, your personal barber has arrived for your haircut."
"Send him in," Arthur instructed.
The barber stepped inside and offered a formal greeting before Arthur took a seat. Unlike the standard hairstyles of the ti, Arthur decided on a different look. He explained to the barber that he wanted a pompadour cut, where the front of the hair is swept upward and away from the face. After ensuring that the barber understood his request, the haircut began.
Half an hour later, the barber handed Arthur a mirror, allowing him to inspect the final result. Satisfied with the outco, he nodded in approval, and the barber excused himself. With his hair freshly styled, Arthur began preparing for the evening.
After taking another quick shower, he had an early dinner in his room, knowing that he wouldn't have the opportunity to eat properly during the ball. He then dressed in his newly tailored suit, adorned himself with the accessories, and secured his gold pocket watch in place. Just as he finished getting ready, there was another knock at the door.
"Co in," he called out.
A servant entered and bowed. "Your Highness, the King and Queen are expecting you in His Majesty's chambers."
Arthur left his room and made his way to his father's quarters. Upon arrival, he instructed the guard outside the door to announce his presence. The guard stepped inside, returned a mont later, and opened the door.
"The King and Queen are waiting for you, Your Highness," he said.
Arthur entered the room to find his parents elegantly dressed in the finest attire of the era, their outfits rich in detail and luxury. As he examined their formal wear, his parents, in turn, took note of his unusually modern ensemble.
Queen Eleanor smiled warmly. "Your outfit is quite different, Arthur—but I must say, you look very handso."
King Cedric's attention, however, was drawn to the object in Arthur's pocket. "What is that you're carrying?" he asked.
Arthur pulled out his pocket watch and handed it to his father. "It's a pocket watch," he explained.
King Cedric studied the golden tipiece, noting the engraving of Arthur's na and the Pendragon family crest. However, what surprised him most was its size—unlike the large clocks of the era, this watch was compact enough to fit in one's pocket.
Intrigued, he asked Arthur about its origins. Arthur explained that it was a luxury version of the H4 chronoter, designed for the civilian market, and that it would soon be available for purchase. King Cedric, recognizing its practicality, decided that he, too, would acquire one once they beca available.
Before they could discuss further, Queen Eleanor spoke. "It's ti. We should head to the ballroom."
Arthur and King Cedric ceased their conversation, and the three of them left together.
By now, most of the guests had already arrived, eagerly awaiting the royal family's entrance. As they reached the grand ballroom, the guards at the doors stepped forward and pushed them open.
A herald's voice rang out across the hall.
"His Majesty, King Cedric Pendragon! Her Majesty, Queen Eleanor Pendragon! His Highness, Prince Arthur Pendragon!"
At the sound of the announcent, the room fell silent. The noblen and won who had been engaged in conversation turned their attention toward the entrance. King Cedric and Queen Eleanor walked in arm-in-arm, with Arthur following closely behind. As they proceeded through the room, the assembled aristocrats and elite guests bowed in respect.
Arthur imdiately felt the weight of countless gazes upon him. His suit and hairstyle, vastly different from the traditional fashion of the ti, drew a great deal of attention. Though unconventional, his attire only served to make him stand out even more.
While the King and Queen engaged in discussions with high-ranking nobles and influential figures, Arthur accompanied them, participating in their conversations. He quickly realized that many of the nobles present had significantly benefited from his recent economic reforms and industrialization efforts—so had profited from mining operations on their lands, extracting resources like iron, coal, and tin, while others had made lucrative investnts in manufacturing. The sa was true for commoners who had beco wealthy industrialists, establishing factories and engaging in international trade.
As he moved through the room, Arthur found himself engaged in countless discussions. Many of those he t expressed admiration for the transformation he had spearheaded, discussing political affairs and recent developnts with great enthusiasm. However, more than anything, they were captivated by his pocket watch. Nurous guests inquired about where they could purchase one, making a ntal note to visit the appropriate shops before leaving the capital.
Although Arthur found political discussions dull, he enjoyed talking about scientific advancents with scholars and discussing trade with businessn. Throughout the evening, he was also introduced to the daughters of powerful and influential families. Unlike the noblewon portrayed in books and films—often depicted as both stunningly beautiful and highly educated—Arthur found them to be, at best, average in appearance and, given the era's limited educational opportunities for won, lacking in intellectual depth.
He recalled the romanticized depictions of noblewon in literature and inwardly cursed the authors for creating such misleading expectations.
After a few hours, having already t the few interesting people in attendance, Arthur began to grow bored. Finding an excuse to leave, he quietly slipped away from the ball and returned to his quarters.
Once inside, he removed his suit and changed into sothing more comfortable. Exhausted from the long evening, he climbed into bed. The effects of fatigue and alcohol quickly took hold, and he drifted off into a deep sleep.
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