Even though when she's put on the spot she still isn't the greatest liar in the world Aerith's getting better at it, and maintaining this ruse Balthier's concocted to keep her identity safe has become easier right along with it. She's still not sure she's what could be considered a good pirate yet, but she's getting there, just like she's getting used to mingling with regular people and doing things away from the weighty protocols of being a member of the royal court.

That is to say, this party is a lot of fun! Once she realized there wasn't anyone to click their tongues disapprovingly when she helped herself to one too many canapes, Aerith let herself relax and enjoy things, even going so far as to let the grandfather of the groom take her out on the dancefloor for a song or two.

It's while she's recovering from the unexpectedly lively jaunt dancing with what she presumed was a creaky old man that Balthier finds her, and Aerith greets him with a smile, lifting a flute of champagne from a passing tray and having a sip while she nods earnestly. "A lot more fun! I'm doing okay, right?"