Chapter 10 – The First Gala
In Flexus City, four-year-old Julia Crescent was finally moving into the mansion of the main Crescent family.
Her father had begged his older brother for this opportunity, saying it would "shape her into a proper lady.
" But everyone knew the truth — he just wanted his daughter close to the heir.
Julia knew it too.
If she wanted to stand out in this world, she couldn't afford to be ordinary again.
Not like before.
Unlike her previous life, where she was both foolish and powerless, this time she planned to become indispensable — someone no one could ignore.
And thanks to the music lessons she remembered from her past life, she quickly earned the title of musical genius from the tutors she shared with young Victoria Crescent, the family's official heir.
But the main branch of the Crescent family wasn't stupid.
They knew what the second branch wanted — and what Julia's father was really after.
Everyone could see it: the goal was to make Julia shine brighter than Victoria.
So, before Julia could even unpack her bags, her wings had already been quietly clipped.
She was only permitted to study music, nothing else.
Victoria would receive the full heir education — politics, business, and etiquette — while Julia was told to "focus on her talents."
Julia hated it.
Music wasn't enough.
She didn't want to be known as a musician; she wanted to be known as better.
Better than Victoria, better than Violet De'ora — her twin and her rival in another life.
Her frustration must have fed into her system, because one evening, the old 10,000-year-old entity that accompanied her whispered temptingly:
"Why not… persuade them to change their minds?"
And so, through the system's power, subtle hypnosis rippled through the Crescent mansion.
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By the next morning, everyone agreed that Julia should "learn alongside Victoria."
It worked.
Julia had no idea her family had been enchanted — she was too busy celebrating her "luck."
But the tutors were not so easily fooled.
They noticed something unnatural, but with no proof, they could only retaliate quietly.
While Victoria was taught everything an heir should know, Julia received watered-down lessons — 80% of the real information was kept from her.
The system, of course, knew this.
But it didn't warn her.
It had grown tired of Julia's arrogance and constant complaints, so it simply let her walk proudly in ignorance.
Ironically, on the musical side, Julia was still gifted beyond belief.
The system had given her the Heart of Music, a divine skill that made her one with every instrument she touched.
By age four, she could play the violin, piano, and harp with grace far beyond her years.
She didn't know it yet, but musically, she was already ahead of her sister — though Violet's interests lay elsewhere.
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Meanwhile, in Aeros City, little Violet De'ora—now four and a half—was being carefully introduced to her family's lab.
Her parents had noticed how fascinated she was by science, never realizing it was the God of Alchemy inside her guiding her hands.
At just four years and seven months old, Violet successfully created her first ibuprofen tablet.
Under strict supervision, of course.
Her parents were stunned.
The pill she made wasn't just decent — it was better.
Sixty percent more effective, smoother, and longer-lasting than the factory's own version.
Kingsley and Lily could hardly believe it. They watched her recreate the process several times, step by step, but every single time, her results surpassed theirs.
Her tiny hands, her precise touch, even her instinctive adjustments — it was as though she carried a blessing from the gods themselves.
From that moment, they began cultivating her in the field of medicine.
Then, noticing how she could recognize ingredients simply by scent, they introduced her to the art of perfume-making — a legacy De'ora specialty.
While Julia dreamed of meeting Violet again through music, imagining a stage where they'd compete with violins, Violet's world was entirely different.
Her life now revolved around formulas, vials, and fragrances — the true path of a De'ora heir.
And soon, destiny began to pull the two sisters closer.
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When Violet turned four years and eight months old, her family received an invitation to the Spears Family Gala in Flexus City — an annual charity and auction event attended by the top ten families of Migan.
For most, it was a place to flaunt wealth under the pretense of generosity.
For the elite five, it was something else entirely — a tradition that quietly kept their bonds and power intertwined.
The De'ora family boarded their private jet that morning, excitement buzzing in the air.
Upon arrival, they were escorted to Spears Tower Hotel, a gleaming building reserved for the upper elite.
Each level of the hotel was a symbol of rank:
10th Floor – The Mist Family
9th Floor – The Giant Family
8th Floor – The Spears Family
7th Floor – The De'ora Family
6th Floor – The Hind Family
Below them were the lesser families, all scrambling for attention.
As Violet stepped into their suite, her little heart thudded in her chest.
This would be her first real appearance among the great families of Migan.
"It's okay," she whispered to herself.
"You're a De'ora… and a 22-year-old adult, technically.
You can handle a few rich brats."
Still, her palms were sweaty, her mind racing.
The gala hadn't even started yet, and Violet could already feel that this night would be far from ordinary.
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After a long nap, the De'oras got up around five to prepare for the big Spears Gala.
And when the De'oras said "prepare," they didn't mean brushing hair and buttoning shirts — they meant runway showtime.
Lily's gown shimmered gold under the chandelier light, hugging her curves just right, her hair styled like she walked out of a luxury magazine.
Kingsley wore a deep navy tux with gold detailing — classy, bold, and absolutely screaming, "Yes, I know I'm handsome, thank you."
And Violet… oh, little Violet looked like she'd stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
Her dress was pale pink and white, sprinkled with tiny pearls that sparkled whenever she moved.
Her hair was tied up with a tiny bow, and her soft shoes made a "puff" sound every time she walked.
"Ready, sweetheart?" Lily asked with a proud smile.
Violet sighed dramatically.
"As I'll ever be, mother."
Kingsley chuckled. "She sounds like she's going to war, not a party."
"You have no idea," Violet muttered, side-eyeing her reflection.
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The Spears Gala was already alive with noise when they arrived — a sea of glittering gowns, flashing cameras, and elegant music playing from a live orchestra.
The air smelled like champagne and too much money.
The hall itself was massive — golden chandeliers hanging from crystal ceilings, waiters gliding around with trays, and children from top families already playing (or fighting) in a snack room.
The De'oras arrived together, instantly drawing attention — that perfect power family aura shining bright.
And just ahead were the three families already gathered: the Spears, the Giants, and the Hinds — all chatting together like their bank accounts were flirting.
The De'oras walked over, smiles bright and fake — because no one in the top five could afford to show what they really felt.
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The Spears family, being the hosts, greeted them first.
"Kingsley! Lily! You're finally here!" Mr. Cole Spears exclaimed, flashing the kind of grin that usually came before backstabbing in business.
Lily smiled just as sweetly.
"Cole, you're still so bright has ever, I see, hope your heart could keep up."
He chuckled awkwardly.
"Ha… yes, well.
We all try."
They all laughed.
Rita Spears, his wife, leaned forward and kissed the air beside Lily's cheek.
"And this must be the little princess herself," she said, looking Violet up and down.
"Such a… serious little face, hope she knows how to smile."
Lily's smile sharpened.
"Oh, don't worry,she does know how to smile.
A real one.
that's her thinking face.
She gets that from me."
"Right," Rita said, clearly biting her tongue.
Behind them stood their son and Rita's niece— Dannon, a seven-year-old boy with bright red hair, mischief in his eyes, and a grin that said I will absolutely get in trouble tonight; and Melissa Spears, his older cousin, dressed in pink lace and fake smiles, like a villain-in-training at a fairy princess academy.
Violet bowed slightly.
"Hello."
Melissa leaned down, grinning like she practiced in the mirror.
"Aww, aren't you adorable! You look just like a doll.
I used to have one like you — until I pulled her hair out."
Violet blinked.
"You should see someone about that."
Kingsley nearly choked. Lily had to turn away to hide her laughter.
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Next up were the Giants — tall, elegant, and calm like they didn't know how to gossip.
Mr. Luke Giant shook Kingsley's hand warmly, while Mrs. Rose Giant crouched slightly to greet Violet.
"What a polite little girl," Rose said.
"Lucas, say hello."
Lucas Giant, a quiet boy with a scholarly look, around Dannon's age, bowed his head slightly. "Hi."
"Hi," Violet said back.
They both just stared at each other silently until Kingsley whispered, "...Well, they seem to understand each other already."
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And finally, the Hinds, who were practically the De'ora family's best friends.
The moment Kingsley spotted Daniel Hind, they both burst into dramatic laughter.
"Still not using my skincare routine, huh?" Kingsley teased.
Daniel smirked. "Still pretending you're younger than me, huh?"
Lily and Jenna Hind rolled their eyes in unison.
"They've been like this since forever," Jenna whispered to Violet, who nodded seriously.
Daniel's children — Angelo and April Hind — stood beside their mother.
Angelo was six, outgoing, and already had chocolate on his face.
April, four, shy and soft-spoken, hid behind her brother's shoulder.
The adults soon drifted off to talk business and gossip about stocks disguised as charity, leaving the children with one butler watching over them.
"Come, young masters and misses," the butler said politely.
"The children's section is this way."
And so, the top kids headed toward the snack room — also known as heaven with sugar.
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The room deserves it's name,The long table there,was covered with cupcakes, cookies, candies, and golden fruit juice fountains.
The "lower families'" kids were already there, chatting among themselves — but when the top family children entered, they immediately went quiet.
In one corner sat a boy with soft silver hair and big blue eyes, staring quietly at his cupcake like it was the last hope on Earth.
Emery Avril.
Sweet, shy, and way too cute for his own safety.
Dannon Spears' eyes practically sparkled when he saw him.
He ran straight to him and shouted, "You're mine!" before hugging the poor boy so tightly he squeaked.
"L-leave me" Emery stammered, red-faced.
Violet froze.
Oh no.
Not the redhead.
Not the crush-hug.
She marched straight over, peeled Dannon off like unwrapping bad gum, and pulled Emery gently behind her.
"Personal space, please," she said firmly.
"He's clearly uncomfortable."
Dannon pouted.
"But he's so cute!"
"He's also a person," Violet replied, crossing her tiny arms.
Emery peeked from behind her shoulder, whispering, "T-thank you…"
Violet smiled softly.
"You're safe now."
From that day onward — officially — Emery Avril became Violet's little brother.
Dannon sulked in the corner, glaring at Violet like she'd just stolen his puppy.
His tiny heart hurt so bad he stuffed his face with cookies to cope.
Melissa sighed dramatically.
"Boys.
If I liked someone, I'd never let anyone take him from me."
Then she smirked to herself.
"Andrea Mist could never escape me anyway."
And just like that, she walked away to "find" her future victim— I mean, crush.
While Dannon pouted, Lucas Giant dragged him — plus Angelo Hind — over to Brian Michello, Clay Lands, and Christopher Delavin, who were all geeking out about cars and shiny things that go "vroom."
In five minutes flat, they were all best friends, talking loudly about who would own a car company first.
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Meanwhile, Violet sat at a smaller table with Emery and April, sharing snacks.
April shyly offered Violet a cupcake.
"You're really nice… are you always this brave?"
Violet smiled.
"No.
Sometimes I just fake it."
April giggled softly.
That's when the butler returned, announcing, "Miss Victoria Crescent has arrived."
Victoria came running in like a little ball of sunshine — loud, talkative, and too energetic for her shoes to keep up.
"Emery!" she shouted, hugging him immediately.
"I missed you!"
Then she turned to Violet. "Hi! I'm Victoria Crescent! , Who are you guys, I hope you're super nice — you are , right? Because I talk a lot, and some people don't like that, but I like people who like me!"
Violet blinked. "...I'm Violet, she's April , and yes we're umm ,super nice?"
"Great!" Victoria said, grabbing her hand instantly like they were already best friends.
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Within five minutes, she'd told them everything about her life — her pets, her shoes, and then, in a more serious tone, about how weird her parents had been lately.
"They keep saying one thing and then doing the opposite!" she said, pouting.
"They said Julia was bad news, but now they make me play with her every day! And sometimes they talk weird, like robots!"
Violet's inner adult alarm bells went off immediately.
Vira: "Host, that's a system hypnosis."
Violet: "Of course it is. Only one idiot I know would hypnotize her own family with a system— Clara."
Violet smiled sweetly at Victoria.
"Would you like a gift?"
Victoria gasped.
"A gift?!"
Violet handed her a tiny bottle of perfume, glowing faintly pink.
"It's special.
When your parents start acting weird, spray this nearby.
A little .
It'll help."
"Really?!"
"Really."
Victoria squealed and hugged her.keeping the gift in her small bag"You're my favorite person now!"
The other kids — Emery, April, and even Dannon from the cookie corner — wanted one too.
Violet sighed,"kid's ".
She gave them each a magical candy instead.
"Only eat it when you really need luck, okay?"
They nodded solemnly, like she'd just made them members of a secret club.
Just when peace finally settled, chaos returned — in the form of a loud, happy shout:
"PRETTY BABY!"
Before Violet could turn, someone hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground.
It was Andrea Mist, the seven-year-old heir of the Mist family — bright blue eyes, golden hair, and the energy of a sugar-rushed tornado.
Violet groaned.
"Oh no. Who's this banchee now."
Vira: "Host, brace yourself.
This one looks like pure chaos."
Violet: "And here I thought Dannon was the problem."