((Private))
After a hard day at the office, or rather an afternoon of dishing out plenty of "donations" to floundering businesses for their support for Los Amarillos in the upcoming election, Fernando Armando Hernando Rolando Fernández made his way across town to pick up his "date" for the ball. No matter that his date would be paid to attend this ball and provide other various services afterwords. That was just another perk of being fabulously wealthy; you could afford the finer things in life, including fine women.
Fernando's carriage pulled up outside a tavern, one that was close enough to downtown Madrid to draw in patrons without being too noticeable. When you planned to buy something more scandalous than liquor you usually wanted to remain inconspicuous. That didn't stop Fernando from entering the building with full pomp, dressed splendidly in his suit and sporting a gilded cane. A few scantily clad ladies eyed him up as he entered, even as they were already busy entertaining gentlemen. Fernando paid them no mind and headed straight to the bar, where he slapped his cane down on its surface and said to the bartender, "I wish to speak to your proprietor. I have need of someone for a very special occasion."
The bartender motioned to a green curtain next to the bar leading to the backrooms. Fernando tipped his hat to the man and took up his cane, using it to push the curtain aside. He walked down a dimly lit corridor, sounds of pleasure murmuring from the rooms he passed by. At the end he came upon a heavy wooden door with an emerald emblazoned on it and knocked with his cane.
"Enter," an aged but sultry voice said from within the room. Fernando pushed the door aside, entering the proprietor's office. A wide array of candles lit the room, and the scent of incense filled the air. The walls were lined with tapestries and paintings, much too fancy for anything other than a palatial estate. A mahogany desk was placed right near the centre of the room, the elderly proprietor sitting behind it. She motioned for Fernando to take a seat in the cushioned armchair near the desk.
As Fernando took a seat, he said, "Esmeralda, I did not expect to see you here. I'm surprised the Emerald of Elche would leave her favourite city."
Esmeralda, now well into her sixties, smiled at that and reclined in her seat. Despite her age, her beauty had not diminished, but rather transformed. She was no longer the voluptuous beauty of her youth, but had the bearing of a refined woman who seemed to defy the greatest effects of age. Her hair remained just as luscious, although the deep black colour was almost assuredly from a bottle now. Her skin remained relatively smooth and blemish-free, although on closer inspection one might notice that the lack of wrinkles may be attributed to a generous application of makeup. There was still a charm about her, and no one could doubt that she could still entice men if she chose to. A tragedy that she had retired from her old profession to manage her growing empire of brothels.
"I felt it best to stay in Madrid for a time, seeing as His Majesty has decided to hold a ball," Esmeralda said. "While I am far too old to attend such events these days, there are always gentlemen such as yourself seeking a young escort to such events." Esmeralda tilted her head slight, a sly smirk on her face. "I assume that is why you're here, Fernando."
"Of course, my dear," Fernando said with a jovial laugh. "I have need of a special woman for this occasion, someone as comfortable in the ballroom as the bedroom, who can charm courtiers and keep up with court gossip. Perhaps an exotic beauty, to fit with the theme of the ball."
Esmeralda tapped her fingers on the desk for a moment before she smiled and rose from her seat. "I have just the girl in mind for you." She rang a little bell on her desk, and soon a young woman poked her head in the door. "Would you please fetch Mayumi for me."
The young woman was gone in an instant and Fernando's interest was piqued. "Mayumi?"
Esmeralda sat back down and crossed her legs. "Daughter of a Spanish merchant and a Filipino woman that caught his fancy. The mother travelled all the way to Spain seeking the father of her child, only for him to cast them out. Tragic story, but such is the case with most women here. I do my best to provide them with a place they can feel safe and comfortable."
Fernando wasn't interested in sob stories, wanting to get to the most important details. "Does this half-breed know anything about court etiquette? Does she even look somewhat decent."
Esmeralda turned her nose up at that comment and said, "I personally trained this 'half-breed' myself. She knows exactly how to behave at court and has attended many social events involving the upper class. I assure you she will not cause embarrassment, if that is your concern. As for her appearance, I believe you may be more than surprised."
The door opened then and a petite young woman walked in. She walked in with dignity and grace, her head held high but with a look of sincere respect on her face as she looked to her mentor. Her black hair was done up in a bun, fully revealing her slim face. Her features were soft, not too plump but not overly thin either, accentuated by her smooth light brown skin. Her dark brown eyes held a level of intelligence unexpected for a woman of her station. When she looked over at Fernando, she offered a smile of genuine kindness and gave a polite bow. Better yet, she had the right mix of exotic beauty and noble poise that would fit right in at the ball. Yes, this woman would do quite nicely.
"I believe she is exactly what I need."
Esmeralda let a thin smile spread across her face. "Excellent." Turning to Mayumi, she added, "Mr. Fernández here needs an escort to the royal ball. It seems you have been chosen for this job."
Mayumi immediately turned to Fernando and bowed her head. "I am most honoured you would allow me to escort you to such a prestigious event."
"I presume you will be supplying her with an outfit," Esmeralda said. "I do have some fine garments for my ladies, but I doubt I have anything befitting an Asian-themed royal ball."
"I shall provide her with a custom-tailored outfit, yes," Fernando said, his eyes never leaving Mayumi. She seemed unfazed by his stare, politely accepting it.
"Very well then," Esmeralda said, rising from her seat. "Let us make the final arrangements before you leave for the ball."
* * * * *
((Public))
Fernando and his escort Mayumi arrived at the ball after it had already begun, but being fashionably late was always in style. Fernando wore a traditional Chinese silk robe, and Mayumi a matching silk dress, although he had had the tailor make it slightly more tight-fitting and revealing than anything the Chinese would ever dare. The capitalist had also traded out his usual cane for one where the curved top resembled the head of a dragon, with ruby-studded eyes for added effect. What stood out most about the couple's garments were the colours, for while traditional Chinese garb was usually quite colourful, the robe and dress worn by the two were completely black and white. This was done to match their masks, shaped to resemble that of a panda bear, a popular Chinese animal. Fernando's mask was noticeably larger, while Mayumi's seemed to have a feminine touch to it. The couple joined the guests, arm in arm, enjoying the splendour of the palace.