The huge room used for tonight's party was circular in shape. The floor was made of white marble and crystal chandeliers adorned the ceiling. While the nobles are chattering with each other, Butler Del gathered their attention by announcing that Gian and Shannen had finally arrived. The nobles were really eager to see the mysterious son of Marquis Cres Val. Whether he was really sick or a handsome youth, they will all now see the truth with their own eyes.
When the huge door opened, they saw two figures standing side by side. The lady was wearing a pretty dress which enhanced her beauty more. There was also an eye-catching tiara on her head. Beside her, a handsome man was escorting her as they walked together inside the room.
The people invited for tonight's party were more focused on the young man wearing an elegant suit. His stature was tall and straight. He also had fair skin, high bridge of the nose, a pair of deep honey-colored eyes that if they were looking at it from afar, it would look romantic. He was walking in the room together with Lady Shannen with full of confidence.
Marquis Cres Val together with Viscount Cladeu welcomed their children. Afterward, they all walked towards the center stage where everyone can see them. Gian assisted Shannen and helped her to walk since she was wearing high heels shoes. Butler Del gave them a new glass of champagne and faced their guests.
"Good evening, everyone. First of all, I would like to thank all of you for joining us in this special event. As you all know, today is the seventeenth birthday of my second son, Gian Cres Val. But we are not only celebrating his birthday tonight. We are also celebrating the engagement party of my son, Gian Cres Val, and Viscount Nolan Cladeu's daughter, Lady Shannen Cladeu."
After announcing their name, Gian escorted Shannen and faced their guests. Gian can feel Shannen's trembling fingers, but Gian holds gently her hand and. And then Gian rubs his thumb at the back of her hand. When Shannen looked at Gian, she saw that he was giving her a reassuring smile.
"Everyone, I would like to take this opportunity to join me and Lady Shannen in one of our special events in our lives." Gian said in a gentle yet firm voice. "I hope that everyone enjoys the party tonight."
Gian bowed his body a little and Shannen lifted her skirts a little to do a curtsey. The guests clapped their hands simultaneously. Gian and Shannen were about to go down the center stage when Marquis Cres Val stopped them. The marquis stepped forward again and faced the guests once again.
"Before we proceed to our party, I would also like to make this announcement." Marquis Cres Val said. When the marquis was sure that he had already gathered their attention, he continued. "Everyone, I would also like to introduce to you all the one who created and invented the ideas of our products that you all enjoyed for the past months. He is none other than my second son, Gian Cres Val."
The guests were all shocked. The marquis's second son was the one who created the ideas of hibiscus tea, honey jar, and lavender tea? But they all thought it was Young General Viel who invented those? It was a wide known information in the whole kingdom.
"Excuse me, Marquis Cres Val." A noble who was wearing a purple coat said. "But it was the young general who created those things, right? You even announced it last time at the tea party in the Royal Palace."
"I announced it?" The marquis questioned back. "But I cannot remember doing that?"
"Huh? But—"
"I never said those things. You all just assumed it."
They just assumed it? Recalling what happened in the tea party in the Royal Palace before, it seemed like the marquis really did not announce that it was his eldest son who created and invented those things. They just all assumed that it was Viel Cres Val who created it because of his well-known outstanding achievements. In the end, they all became silent including the noble who questioned the marquis.
"Not only that. The themed tea shops that were popular in our kingdom these days are also created by Gian. The new menu in our themed tea shops too were also invented by my son."
The famous tea shops together with their unique foods and drinks were also invented by this young man? The guests were all surprised once again. They all thought that Viel Cres Val is the only outstanding son that Marquis Cres Val has. But alas! Who would have thought that even his second son is also a genius? Not only that, his appearance together with his temperament, Gian Cres Val can easily compete with those outstanding young men in this kingdom.
Gian was the most surprised among them. He really did not expect the marquis to tell them the truth. For Gian, he already forgot it and moved on. But who would have thought that his father corrected them and rightfully gave him all the credits for his hard work? When their eyes met, the marquis gave him a gentle smile before looking at the guests again.
"Everyone, I hope that all of you will enjoy our double celebration tonight. Congratulations to my son's seventeenth birthday and also to his engagement with Lady Shannen."
When the marquis raised his champagne glass, their guests also did the same and toast for the young man and the young lady on the stage. Gian maintained his business smile on his face while assisting the lady on his side. After that, they get down the stage to greet their guests.
Gian became an instant celebrity that night. After greeting one guest, another guest will come to greet and have a chance to converse with him. Even though it was actually a hassle for them, the young couple remained calm and composed. They were giving them all a short yet polite words before they move on to the next guest.
After a straight forty-five minutes of greeting the guests, Gian and Shannen finally got a chance to take a break before they perform their first dance together. Gian brought Shannen to a vacant chair so she can have a rest. He also asked a waiter to bring her a glass of water. Gian sat beside her and look at her complexion.
"Are you already tired?" Gian asked in concern.
"No, I am alright."I only need to rest a bit before we start our first dance."
"I apologize for the sudden hassle, Shannen. I was not aware that my father will make that announcement."
"You do not need to apologize to me, Gian. In fact, I was actually feeling excited because of your father's announcement earlier."
"Huh? But why?"
"Because you are the one who invented the lavender tea! Did you know that lavender tea is now my favorite tea? It is too delicious and always helps me to relax." Shannen happily said. "To think that my fiance is the genius behind my favorite tea... I am really the luckiest lady in this kingdom!"
"Shannen..."
"Oh! Gian, can I ask you a favor?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Can you give me a set of lavender teabags on my birthday? My birthday will be three months from now."
"You...want to receive a set of lavender tea on your birthday?"
"Yes!" Shannen explained. When she saw the confused look on Gian's face, she calmed down a little try to speak formally again. "Is it not okay for you to do it?"
"No. I can do it. I promise to gift you a set of freshly made lavender tea on your birthday."
"Really? Thank you, Gian!"
When Gian saw the silly smile on Shannen's face, he can only shake his head thinking that his fiancee is a lady that is too easy to please. Some ladies with be happy to received expensive things as a gift. But Lady Shannen is an exemption. She is the type of lady who prefers teabags over jewelry.
After taking a fifteen-minute break, it was time for Gian and Shannen to perform their first dance together as an engaged couple. Gian holds Shannen's hand again and brought her to the dance floor. His movements were swift and very precise. When Shannen scanned her eyes in the party room, she finally noticed that most of the young ladies invited for tonight's party were all looking at Gian. She can recognize the admiring look in their eyes. Pursing her lips, Shannen chose to focus first on her first dance with Gian.
"Shannen, are you ready?" Gian softly asked.
"Of course! You did not know, but I practiced really hard to perfect this dance. I actually forced our dance instructor in the Academy to teach me how to dance, you know?"
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"You are a hardworking lady." Gian complimented before facing his fiance and asked for her hand. "Well then, can I ask for a dance with my fiancee?"
"Certainly!" Shannen replied before holding Gian's hand.