Outside the palace, the entire avenue was adorned like a dream, illuminated by a dazzling array of lights. Each lantern seemed like a meticulously chosen star, embedded in the night sky, spreading out a galaxy leading to the palace. In the flowerbeds along the road, rare and precious flowers blossomed in competition, their fragrances spreading with the breeze, filling the air with aroma. Elegantly carved lanterns hung high, illuminating the red silk carpet in front of the palace gates. The surrounding stone sculptures and colonnades were inlaid with gold foil, even the palace walls were coated with a charming golden glow. Heavy velvet curtains, adorned with flowers, hung on both sides of the grand arches.
Maxwell the White Rabbit stood at the gate, trembling hands holding a thick guest list, anxiously scanning each name, almost twisting his ears into a circle. "Tarrant Hightopp, Tarrant, Mad Hatter!" he repeated, his voice filled with anxiety. At this moment, the ball had already begun, and guests were entering the hall one after another, except for him, who was still missing. The White Rabbit paced back and forth, his long ears twitching occasionally due to nervousness, his paws impatiently tapping the ground.
Suddenly, noises came from the depths of the forest. Tarrant Hightopp—the iconic Mad Hatter, finally appeared, clutching his bizarre and exaggerated top hat. The Cheshire Cat's faint smile flickered in the air, resembling a shadow cast by the moonlight. Tarrant's face was full of frustration; they had been arguing all the way, and the Cheshire Cat playfully tried to tie his bow tie, but each time it was tied crookedly, making him furious.
"C'mon! You always make trouble!" Tarrant tried to get rid of the Cheshire Cat's entanglement, urgently adjusting the angle of his bow tie.
The Cheshire Cat's glowing eyes slightly narrowed, the curve of his mouth widening, "Aha, you can tolerate some blonde champion coming to tie this bow tie for you, can only she satisfy you?" The cat's tail swung gracefully in the air, his tone filled with irony.
"I don't need you, nor do I need anyone!" Tarrant waved to disperse the Cheshire Cat's shadow, striding towards the palace. When he approached the White Rabbit, he was startled by the latter's stern gaze.
"Mad Hatter!" The White Rabbit waved the list angrily, "The party has already started. You'll be the last one to arrive. Leave your signature on the list and go in!" Tarrant reluctantly signed his name, feeling anxious but wearing a helpless smile.
Upon entering the hall, the grand scene made Tarrant slightly stunned. The Red Queen and the White Queen had already made their dazzling entrances at the center of the hall. The Red Queen's attire was flashy and dazzling, her intense red skirt seeming to flame and swirl, her dress layered like rubies shining under the light. A huge red gem crown adorned her high bun, symbolizing her unquestionable majesty, making her head appear much smaller. Each of her steps felt like a burning flame, carrying an intense aura that made people dare not look directly at her.
The White Queen, on the other hand, resembled a goddess emerging from ice and snow. Her dress was made of countless thin silver veils adorned with tiny diamonds and pearls, each veil light and graceful, moving with the wind. Her long hair was styled into an exquisite bun, topped with a crystalline silver crown, resembling an elf from a winter kingdom, her every move carrying a cold elegance.
Meanwhile, the Reindeer Maid was leading Alice from her room through the corridors, slowly making her way to the palace hall. Alice's dress was exquisite, crafted with every inch of Tarrant's thoughtfulness. The soft silk clung to her body, a golden ribbon elegantly wrapping around her waist, the skirt embroidered with delicate patterns flowing like water. With every step she took, the skirt rippled gently. Alice marveled at the dress, feeling no restraint while wearing it, allowing her to almost run freely in any adventure without worry.
When the Reindeer Maid pushed open the heavy palace doors, the entire hall fell silent. All eyes turned to the slowly opening door as Alice stepped out gently, walking up the stairs, her skirt dancing lightly with her steps, like a blooming flower, adding color to the otherwise monotonous red, white, and gold decorations with her "Alice Blue." The hall's lights illuminated her blonde hair, reflecting soft light, making her the center of the ball, attracting countless gazes.
At this moment, Tarrant was standing at the entrance, his gaze instantly captured by her figure. He froze, his breath suddenly stopping, as if the entire world had shrunk to just her. He pushed through the crowd, his eyes mesmerized and locked onto Alice, each step firm and urgent. His heart pounded like thunder, something burning in his chest, uncontrollable.
Alice slowly stepped onto the last stair, just meeting Tarrant's gaze. In that instant, the air around became soft and warm, time stood still, even the breathing of those around ceased. She smiled, a smile gentle and powerful, as if responding to the deep desires of Tarrant's heart.
"Good evening, Miss Alice Kingsley."
""Good evening, Lord Tarrant Hightopp."
"Would you like to dance a FetterWicken dance?"
"Willing to accompany."
Tarrant's pupils shifted from green to blue upon entering and seeing Alice, then slowly transformed into a deep purple under her gaze. Alice gently took the hand of the owner of these purple pupils, allowing him to instinctively kiss her fingertips. They immersed themselves in a moment of tranquility, sharing the same desire: to dance together. However, before they could take their first step, the inhabitants of Wonderland had already swarmed around them, enveloping them in a sea of people.
The faces of the inhabitants were filled with uncontrollable admiration and joy, as men, women, and children alike respectfully shouted her name: "Wonderland Champion: Alice Kingsley!" The sounds flowed like a tide, carrying excitement and admiration.
The White Queen coughed lightly, her voice not loud but carrying a clear authority. She reminded the inhabitants of Wonderland not to forget the agreement to not disturb Alice. She gestured for Alice to ascend the podium, where she would join the two queens and the inhabitants of Wonderland in raising a toast to celebrate this grand night.
Alice's hand was still gently held by Tarrant, the warmth from his grasp making her reluctant to leave. But she could only reluctantly withdraw her hand, heading towards the podium with a hint of regret. She hadn't even had a chance to properly take in Tarrant's attire for the evening.