Having said that, Kole chuckled and waited for his words to sink in.
Although what he said sounds grim, the euphemistic meaning hidden behind needed time to unravel.
Did he say that to me?... Caroline frowned, feeling Kole's wish for her to live a life with no regrets through his words. Otherwise, only on your deathbed, you'd realize what you truly needed and how you wanted to live your life.
Unbeknown to all, Kole said what he truly felt. Only after experiencing death can one truly say whether they have lived a life full of regrets or not.
And Kole has gone through death while also having many regrets, as such, he knew the exact feeling of what he wanted to express.
Kole stepped down from the gallery with a light smile as the audience was still stunned.
Some were even wondering whether Akerses were truly Accursed or not. The first speech that the young Akerse gave ended on a dark note…
"Please, enjoy your time." Kole waved politely, "I will be undergoing Ascendancy tomorrow with the Goddess as a witness. Pray for my successful leap of faith!"
Recovering from their trance-like state, almost all the people in the hall, collectively tapped their left breast four times clockwise as they muttered softly, "Praise Tempest!"
As for Kole's Ascendancy, it was kept a secret. Only Alice, who has seen the changes up close in Kole's body, knew about it, apart from Kole's family members.
This move also avoided the suspicion of the Police. How can an ordinary person, who isn't even an Ascendant yet, kill Mark Moore?
Having said that, Kole descended among the audience as light music began in the background.
All the people hurriedly made way for Kole as he stepped on the platform surrounded by the nobility.
It was time for him to choose his dance partner.
Looking around, he glanced at all the ladies who had stars in their eyes. Some were even pushing their bust out and smiling suggestively.
Not only was Kole extremely handsome, but even his status as the son of a Duke was attractive to the young noble ladies who wanted to climb the ladders of power.
Snorting inwardly, Kole ignored them and moved toward Constance.
Constance was in shock; the relationship between Akerses and Houstons had never been cordial.
Nevertheless, imagining Kole had been so captivated by her beauty that he forgot her surname, a smug grin appeared on her face.
Constance shot Otto a quick look to check whether he was okay with her dancing with another man. Otto just smiled at her without saying anything.
Choosing someone's wife or fiancée as your first dance partner didn't mean coveting them. Instead, it was a show of appreciation for their beauty.
It wouldn't be awkward if it were just a harmless dance.
Not to mention, Constance didn't mind dancing forever… Cough! dancing with such a handsome man who outshone every man in the hall.
She stretched her hand forward for Kole to bow, kiss her glove and ask for a dance. A conceited expression appeared on her face as a vain light flashed in her sapphire blue eyes.
Kole locked eyes with her, and a zany smile hung on his lips as he proceeded toward her with slow, deliberate steps.
!!!
The next moment, Constance stood frozen on her spot.
Kole bypassed her.
Stiffly craning her head, she looked over and saw him approaching the Turners' daughter, who should've been originally her sister-in-law.
Kole bowed politely as he caught Alice's little hand, gave a gentle kiss, and asked with a small smile, "You look the prettiest tonight, Miss Turner. Would you give me the opportunity for a short dance?"
Alice was happy that Kole had finally made his move in public.
Now their relationship could progress without any uncouth rumors traveling from mouth to mouth.
While feigning surprise, Alice giggled as she answered sweetly, "Of course, Heir Akerse."
The stage was set, the music set, and the partner set.
Kole held her hand, led her to the center of attention, and smoothly held her waist with great familiarity as if he owned it—which he did.
They embraced each other and swayed with the rhythm. All the while, the entire audience remained entranced as they saw the handsome man in black twirling with the gorgeous woman in white.
Constance: "…"
Coming back to her senses, she stiffly straightened herself and retracted her hand. Her face felt hot with burning humiliation.
Her expression was lost, like a kid who got their candy stolen.
Blinking repeatedly to register the scene in front of her, Constance opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.
As she calmed herself, she glanced around.
Luckily nobody had seen her mishap and were all busy admiring the couple on stage.
A sigh of relief escaped her luscious lips.
If it was known, she could only think of a way to kill herself to escape this mortification.
Hesitantly, she shot a look to her fiancé, who had his gaze fixed on Kole, ignoring her turmoil.
Phew~
She felt so happy for the time being ignored by all the people, that she couldn't believe it herself. A lady like her, who always wanted all the eyes to remain on her, felt fortunate for not having any eyes on her tonight.
Suddenly, remembering Kole's smile and how he maintained eye contact with her, thoughts churned in Constance's mind.
That bastard! He actually dared to play me like a fiddle!!... She ground her pearly white teeth as she glared daggers at Kole; Her fists clenched tight as her expression turned unsavory.
I'll kill you, Kole Akerse! Just wait and watch!... Constance swore inwardly.
On the other hand, Caroline had a dark gaze. She was quiet, but the serenity was like the calm before the storm.
Her eyelids were twitching, and if words could describe her expression, it would be unknown.
Yes. Unknown. Because it was hard to tell what she was thinking behind those dark eyes.
Meanwhile, Alice was smiling, and despite Kole's less-experienced dance, she enjoyed it thoroughly as their bodies almost melted in each other's embrace.
At the same time, her father was leaning against the wall of the banquet hall, somewhere in a dark corner, away from the prying eyes.
He fished a coin out from his pocket and flicked it in the air.
Catching the coin in his hands, Morris glanced at it briefly and released a sigh.
The weary emerald eyes got lost in a trance-like state.
"Necessary… Sacrifices… Necessary… Sacrifices…" He muttered indefinitely like a broken record in a gravelly tone.[1]
Only after a while did clarity return in his eyes as he put the coin back in his pocket.
Pressing his temples, a look of reminiscence appeared on his face.
...
[1]: Re-read 'Chapter 2: BANES' and check out how the Banes reacted after getting corrupted. Another connection could be made in 'Chapter 6: THE COIN OF GRADOZ'. And finally, in 'Chapter 24: SACRIFICES ARE NECESSARY', Morris said something similar.
A/N: All three chapters connect in one way or another, and you will be able to gleam behind the veil of mysteries if your deductions are on point. Everything had been set up long ago. Muahaha~