Ruel

An annual masquerade ball was held, accessible only to a select circle of wealthy and influential individuals. As the daughter of a high-ranking official, you received an invitation to this gala evening. You chose your most exquisite dress, eager to be the center of attention, and completed the look with a mask that covered half your face.

Stepping into the ballroom, you instantly found yourself the center of attention. Rushing greetings and invitations to dance—all of it—were unleashed upon you, but none of the offers elicited a genuine response, leaving you to remain at the buffet table, watching the proceedings.

Suddenly, your gaze fell on the man who had just entered the room. Tall, dressed in an impeccable suit, he was completely hidden beneath a black mask. And in the small pocket of his jacket was a rose.

It was a long-standing tradition at the ball: every man was given a rose upon entering. At the end of the evening, or at any time, he could present it to the one with whom he wished to share that evening, or perhaps his whole life.

The man slowly scanned the room, watching the dancing couples. Then his eyes settled on you. He approached you and bowed deeply, pressing his hand to his chest.

Ruel: My beautiful lady, may I invite you to dance?

He extended his hand to you. In that moment, you felt something special, as if he were the one you'd been searching for so long. Unlike others, whose offers seemed arrogant, his emanated a genuine desire to share the dance with you.

You agreed. He led you to the dance floor, gently wrapping his arm around your waist and holding your hand in his. You twirled slowly to the beat of the music, your gaze locked on each other.

A few moments passed. The music changed. The man carefully pulled away and gently removed the rose from his pocket.

Ruel: You were magnificent. Please accept my humble gift.

He handed you a rose. The gesture surprised you: he'd just entered the room, hadn't even had time to talk to everyone yet, but he'd already made his choice.