“Do you really have to be so hardcore all the time? Loosen up a bit, won't you? Live a little!"

She shot a subtle wink at Melon. He, in response, embarked on his own fervent plea. Clasping Ariana in a tight embrace, he held her arm and cast upon her his puppy-dog eyes, brimming with moisture.

“But dear Mommy, it's an affair of costumes aboard a lavish cruise ship! Just imagine the fun that awaits!"

Sonia, drawn to the scene, sidled over and ensnared Ariana's other arm, the two of them beseeching her.

"There shall be raffle prizes aplenty," Melon interjected with palpable eagerness.

“I'm yearning to claim that grand prize — an anime figure in life-size proportions, so uniquely exclusive, it stands as the sole specimen in existence!"

Adding to the entreaty, Sonia appended, “Furthermore, the guest List brims with titans of industry and elites of high stature. A plethora of opportunities for forging connections across diverse sectors, especially given your aspirations of professional elevation."

Under the siege of their collective cajoling and the fortress of logical persuasion, Ariana's resistance capitulated at last. With a conceding nod, she yielded, her surrender spoken softly.

"Very well. I shall accompany you both."

Sonia and Melon erupted in harmonious elation, sealing their triumph with a fleeting, congratulatory high-five.

Sonia, assuming a mischievous air, produced two slips of paper, carefully folded, exuding an aura of intrigue.

“Okay, now time for costumes! Draw a slip from this collection, and whatever role lies inscribed within shall determine your guise for the evening's revelry.”

Ariana drew a slip at random, unfurling it to reveal its contents. Her eyes widened in startled astonishment as the identity of the designated character swept over her in an unexpected revelation.

Ariana, dressed up as Medusa, stood on the cruise ship's deck, feeling utterly hopeless as she endured the curious glances of onlookers who came and went. The embarrassment was so intense that she wished she could just dive into the water.

Sonia had tricked her!

She'd turned the event into a full-blown masquerade!

Everyone on the ship was wearing intricate masks and Lavish costumes exuding charm and elegance. And there she was, feeling completely out of place. Even Sonia's witch costume seemed normal compared to Ariana's predicament.

Running away crossed Ariana's mind, but Melon and Sonia intercepted her exit.

“You'll miss out if you bail now."

“Mommy, I want the Garage Kit," Melon pleaded, casting a pitiful Look her way.