C132 A New Future
C132 A New Future
“You want to be able to talk to them? In your dreams. People like that are only meant to be admired from afar. People will curse you if you try to separate one person from the group.”
“But won’t they eventually end up getting married?”
“Shhh! They’ll hear you.”
Loitering by the entrance of the mansion of Count Selene were a particularly noticeable group of people. Not only were they visually appealing, they also had very distinctive achievements in the continents. Despite the fact that there were a lot of eyes on them, they still behaved naturally.
“That dress looks nice on you, Alana. I told you, you can never go wrong with Borisque boutique.”
“Just relinquish control over my wardrobe, okay? I think I’m old enough to choose what to wear by myself.”
“If you show me you can wear what is befitting of a future Queen, then I shall relinquish all control over your wardrobe.”
“You never quit, do you?” Alana sighed in defeat. Natalia smiled and shook her head. From a skinny, rough princess, she had grown into a beautiful and elegant lady. She had impeccable manners and most of her, she had the sense for leadership. She was an expert at winning others to her side and knew how to use her resources. Most of these skills were taught to her by Sebastian and Natalia but her achievements were her own merit. Among the eligible ladies in high society, she was at the very top. She had official recognition from the King and Queen and was properly known as the Third Princess of Ducroft everywhere.
Her date was Fredrich Kristen, the future Grand Duke. He held the position of the most powerful magician in Ducroft and the Vice-leader of the Magicians society. He was constantly in a draw with two other people in several contests that took place in the Forest of Damnation but that never diminished his value in the eyes of several nobles. He always escorted the third princess to events and it seemed like a strategic decision.
In front of them was Sebastian Adamantine. One of the smartest men in the continent despite his stature. He became a financial advisor to the King and conducted trade around the continent for his mothers company named after her, Vivia Trade Company. He was also an eligible bachelor but was well known for his sister complex.
He was accompanying his second sister, Adelie Hazel, to the ball. She was arguably the most impressive. She became the saintess at the young age of 14 and was able to revive the glory of the church of Ducroft. She knew how to appeal to the heart of people and was able to establish a successful trade link between the trade company her mother owned and the royal family.
Richard Umel was only noticeable because he was attractive. He was the type to do things behind the scenes and handled all of the trade company’s behind the scene deals. He was accompanying a good partner of theirs, Countess Quartz.
The most notable coupling of all was Natalia Adamantine and the man who broke high society when he appeared a few years ago out of nowhere, Sir Marvis Jane. He was the first werecreature to become an ordained knight jointly by the royal family and the church of Ducroft. Although he had the title of Baron, there wasn’t anyone who didn’t know about his strength. He was one of the people who struggled with Fredrich at contests, tying with him and Sebastian.
Finally, Natalia Adamantine. She was the official Ambassador for the Merchant Association and the originator for several peace treaties around the continents. She expanded trade with the art of theater which originated from Polivia. She was single handedly responsible for uplifting business owners and did not judge them based on their background. She was known as the one with the goddess’s touch, meaning anyone she set her eyes to, she could make them great. Her magician prowess wasn’t well known so there was no one who could tell that she was the Leader of the Magician society as well as the heir of the Merchant Association.
“Marvis, are you nervous?” She asked, worriedly. He averted his eyes, mumbling something under his breath. He could never tell why such an amazing woman loved him so. She was always attentive to his needs and took care of him no matter what. Even when nobody could stand them when they were younger, she took great pains to teach him proper etiquette and a way to curb his strength when dealing with humans. She finally introduced him to the noble society of Ducroft and left him to work his way up the ladder regardless of discrimination and suppression. When he was recognized as a knight, he was so overjoyed that he could finally stand on the same stage with her that he kissed her in front of everyone else.
Needless to say, he became the enemy of several men around the continent, especially of a particular sister lover. But, with her by his side, he was no longer afraid to show the world how much he loved his woman…except when she was being so attentive.
“Must be uncomfortable to still be treated like a child by your lover. This lord shall extend his pity to you,” Fredrich mocked him.
“Are you sure you should be giving out pity when the woman you love doesn’t love you back?”
“What do you mean? I’m the most eligible bachelor in high society. That cannot possibly happen to me.”
“Use most eligible very lightly, Fredrich,” Alana snidely said, making everyone laugh.
“You of all people don’t get to mock me, your highness. The only reason why you still stay by my side is because you don’t have the courage to speak to Lord Orland privately and profess your undying love.”
“Speak quietly, you annoying lord or we will all be exposing each other today.”
They glared at each other, sparks of hatred flying between them. Natalia was surprised at how things turned out between them. Even though they grew up together, they didn’t fall in love with each other. Fredrich grew up to be a man whore who slept with as many noble women as he could while Alana strangely had affection for Lord Orland for a long time.
“Maybe you should take the chance to talk to Lord Orland today. I’m sure he will be more than willing to speak to you,” Natalia said to Alana. Alana pouted and didn’t say anything anymore. Behind the group, Richard and Countess Quartz were discussing business while Adelie and Sebastian were mumbling things to themselves.
“You look happy,” Marvis said after observing her face for a few minutes.
“Yes, I am happy. I am the happiest I’ve ever been. I never expected this to ever happen so I’m grateful for how it turned out. I’m also thankful to have you by my side. There is nothing I want more.”
“Perhaps marriage?”
“Ah…well, maybe we can discuss it in the foreseeable future.”
Marvis was quick to notice that whenever he brought up the topic of marriage, she was quick to deflect it. They had basically done everything together but when he wanted to make it official, she refused, saying they were too young. He couldn’t know why she said that so he could only add it to the long list of things she was hiding from him.
At the start of the ball, they had to greet the hosts so they walked to where Count and Countess Selene were, the crowd parting for them. Over the past few years, Natalia had maintained a good relationship with the Selene family. Since she knew exactly who to relate with, she had a smooth relationship with those in high society and the throne of the flower of society was hers once more. However, she couldn’t shake that feeling that something was wrong.
“You really blossomed like a beautiful flower, Natalia. I feel so thankful to see you grow up so splendidly. How is your grandmother and mother?”
“They are both doing well. Mother asked me to extend her apologies for not being able to make it here today. She had a vacation scheduled with step father. She says she will make it up to you.”
“She doesn’t have to. I think it’s beautiful that she has found someone to love and cherish her. I have to admit, Marquis Adamantine didn’t treat her well. I’m glad he has also changed.”
Many things changed in the past few years. Her mother eventually found someone that she cherished and married him. Since their mother wasn’t able to bear any more children due to permanent damage to her body, Natalia didn’t have any other siblings. Her stepfather didn’t seem concerned about not having any children, especially since he was an orphaned knight. The two were joined at the hip with a love that made many envy them.
Penelope was still her stepmother but she couldn’t overstep her boundaries, especially when Sebastian moved back into the Adamantine household as the heir. This time, Marquis Adamantine treated his wife well so she was mellow. It didn’t however, stop her from scheming things secretly.