"Cinderella? That's a lovely name." Marken complimented her, taking a long sip of his wine. He was pleased that she had finally opened up to him, atleast enough to tell him a name. She seemed to be trying to enjoy herself, however, drinking her glass of wine. Her next action, however, made Marken frown. She hadn't had enough wine to have reached that point of intoxication, and alcohol didn't hit someone that hard, that fast. Then, of course, the lack of slurring. Marken was a man who enjoyed his wine, and enjoying his wine meant knowing the side effects. They simply didn't match up.

Pulling a servant girl over by the sleeve, Marken would lean up next to her ear. "Is there a girl who fits this description in the ladies room?" He would give her the description of what Ellanor was wearing, and also pass along a small handful of silver coins. It was likely more than the girl made in a month, and her eyes lit up with the greed he knew they would. It ensured speed, and sure enough, she came back in less than a minute, telling him the bad news. "I see... Take the rest of the night off, I'm sure your new funds can cover whatever expenses you may lose from this ball." The girl nodded eagerly, running off to wherever she stayed. Marken didn't deal with the details of servant housing, nor did he necessarily care. There were more important things going on right now.

Taking his leave, he rounded the same corner Ellanor had, before realizing what had happened. She hadn't been here for the ball... Marken gritted his teeth at that thought, climbing the stairs. This Cinderella wouldn't find an easy punishment, if he found her. However... Other things called his attention, however, when he noticed his father, and his father caught notice of him. He didn't seem to care that he was away from his guests, assuming that he was simply taking a break from the swarm of adoration that came from the room. It wasn't hard to notice such boot kissing, not to a man who had experienced it for far longer. Glenn instead pulled Marken into the study, speaking as they went.

"So, tell me. Have you found a suitable bride among the nobles?" Of course he hadn't. That girl was to be the one he was going to ask... Wait... Marken smiled to himself, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.

His voice radiated calm decision, conviction in his tone. Glenn found it strange for his son to speak in such a way, but didn't question the tone when it brought good news to the man. "I have, actually. A girl by the name of Cinderella. She's the only one among the nobles who doesn't seem to be interested in my position, rather than myself." Marken knew the truth of it however, she wasn't interested by either. She was interested in something else within this house. However, now that he knew her game, there would be changes to it. Rules would be bent, and broken.

Glenn nodded, glad that his son had actually managed to do as he asked. "In that case, I'll let you return to your party then. Try to enjoy yourself." Glenn left the study then, his purpose for coming this far away from his quarters already accomplished. Marken, however, stayed put. He decided to think for a moment. Where would a spy go? There were few rooms of interest in the palace itself, most of it intended to house people on some level. Assassination was out of the question, the girl had many opportunities to kill him that she didn't take. Wait... A smile crossed his lips. "Cinderella, are you in here?" It was clear his father was gone now, Marken being the only one in the room. The study was one of the few places a spy would go, and considering his fathers approach, she would have been caught going out any further. It was logical enough, to say the least.