In the big city of Oakhaven, the air always smelled the same. It was a mix of burning coal and sharp metal.
Inside a large and beautiful noble house, a seventeen-year-old noble daughter was looking at herself in the mirror while wearing her new dress.
Her name was Evelyn von Valerius. She stared at her reflection in the silver mirror, which was a little blurry from the morning fog. Her face was calm. Her skin was pale—the usual pale skin of nobles who rarely touched sunlight. She had long blonde hair and a pair of beautiful green eyes that looked like jade. But her eyes showed no emotion.
"The corset is too tight today, Martha," Evelyn said flatly. Her voice was gentle but not childish.
"This is the latest trend from the capital, Milady. A slim waist shows discipline," Martha answered while continuing to pull the strings on Evelyn's back with skilled, practiced hands.
Evelyn took a short, tight breath. The heavy layers of silk dress felt like the weight of her family's expectations. She walked to the window and looked at the morning view of the busy city. People were starting their day. On the streets of Oakhaven, horse-drawn carts moved across the neat stone roads. Ordinary people walked, while nobles in their carriages wore different styles of clothing. Everyone was busy with their own business. But for some reason, Evelyn felt that this world had become boring.
"What is my schedule today, Martha?"
"Ten o'clock: Modern History lesson. One o'clock: Afternoon tea with Baroness Moore. And four o'clock: Budget report in the Duchess's office."
Evelyn nodded slightly. Her life felt dull—no room for surprises.
Assshe walked down the stairs toward the dining room, Evelyn slowed down when she passed the storage room door under the stairs. It was locked tightly. That room stored old belongings of her great-grandfather, an explorer who believed too much in mystical legends.
Evelyn went inside. It was a room she had only visited when she was little.
Inside, there were many unique and strange items her great-grandfather had collected during his travels. In one glass box, there was a ring with a beautiful red stone, decorated with ancient carvings.
Without realizing it, Evelyn walked closer. She took the ring with her hand.
Suddenly, the ring shone brightly.
For the first time, Evelyn felt something strange. Then she heard—
Pritt
Prrriitttt
Pritttttttttt
Prittttttttttttttt
Prrriiiiiitttttttttttttt
A trumpet sound from inside the ring. Like a party trumpet.
Then, a voice laughed.
AHahahaha
Hahahhahhaha
Hahahahahahhahahaha
Hahahahahahhahahahahaha
Hahahahhahahahahhhahhhaha
Hahahaahhahahhahahahhahahhahhaaaha
Fool... Hahahahahaha
Fool... Hahahahahaha
Hahahaha. ... Fool... Hahahahaha
"You got tricked!
You got tricked!
You got tricked!
Ha… haha… haha 🤣🤣🤣🤣"
It turned out to be a prank ring. A ring made to fool people.
Evelyn stood still. She could not say a word. She was shocked by the joke.