"The intriguing aspect of the Lily garden is that my mom personally tends to it without relying on magic; she's a natural gardener."
"That's surprising. I had no idea the Duchess had a passion for gardening."
"Hmm, for her, it might be more of a pastime than a hobby."
"Is that so?"
I nodded, attempting to convey my agreement to Olivia.
Following her recent arrival, I took the initiative to give Olivia a tour of the Everglen family mansion.
This responsibility had been entrusted to me by Damian and Isabella, who believed it was essential for prospective Everglen family members to acquaint themselves with the mansion.
"Hmm, I'm curious about this painting. Is the person depicted the Duchess?"
Entering a room adorned with paintings of Everglen family members, Olivia's curiosity was piqued by one particular artwork that stood out for its luxurious quality compared to the rest.
"Oh, that's a painting crafted by one of the empire's finest artists. If I recall correctly, my mother posed for this masterpiece when she was 18. She saved the painter from an assassination attempt, and in gratitude, he presented her with this artwork."
"Learning about this only deepens my admiration for the Duchess's extraordinary character."
Olivia shared this with her gray eyes sparkling with enthusiasm—at least, that's how it appeared from an external perspective.
"Right. And is there anything specific that Lady Olivia herself is interested in?"
"Hmmm, I do find the Everglen family intriguing. Our families have, after all, supported each other as imperial powers for quite some time."
Olivia struck a thoughtful pose, responding with a natural reflex, as if her innocent nature prompted her answer.
However, being familiar with the original story, I'm aware of her hidden secret—every attitude she projects is merely a mask concealing her true self.
"Her every calculation, trait, and attitude seems scripted as if she's following a carefully crafted plan leading towards her ultimate goal."
Olivia isn't inherently malicious; her actions are driven by a desire to benefit her family. The constant mask she wears is her way of strengthening the Astralia family through strategic relationships.
'Well all her traits will disappear once she falls in love with Ivan'
Indeed, all those calculated traits will vanish once she falls in love with Ivan. It aligns with one of the key themes of the Dawnfall series – Ivan's ability to thaw the heart of the main heroine, transforming her from someone seemingly cold and indifferent to someone deeply enamored with the protagonist.
"How about we return to the main garden of the Everglen family? I've arranged a small tea party for the two of us."
I suggested this to Olivia, who appeared engrossed in the paintings of the Everglen family's predecessors. Despite her apparent enthusiasm, it wasn't entirely genuine.
"Oh really? Well then, please take me." Olivia turned her body to face me and gave an alluring smile.
Olivia who has a stunning appearance is also endowed with a stunning body, the dress she wore did not completely cover her clearly visible curves.
'Really, isn't she only 16 years old? What was the author thinking when creating her character?'
Grumbling to myself, I led Olivia to the spot where the waiter had swiftly set up. In the distance, two benches and a small table adorned the center of the garden, adorned with sweets and two cups of tea.
"Please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
Taking the initiative, I arranged a seat for Olivia first, adhering to basic etiquette.
I took my seat across from Olivia, and facing her, we engaged in casual conversation about various topics to pass the time.
The birthday ball itself was scheduled for the evening, providing us with plenty of free time.
"...So, in the end, I decided to adopt the cats. I had my fill of teasing Irina."
"Hahaha, well, at least the cats have a safe haven."
As our small talk continued, Olivia took a sip of the tea and shifted the conversation to a more serious tone.
"Ah, Mr. Fawwaz, I have a request. Would you mind listening?" Olivia maintained her cheerful demeanor as she spoke.
I had already anticipated the topic Olivia was likely to discuss. Understanding her nature, I had also speculated on why Fawwaz and Olivia's engagement relationship was conspicuously absent from the original story.
"Personally, I have certain thoughts about this engagement. While it was initiated three years ago due to the tense relations between the two duke factions, it seems their relationship has improved recently."
Pretending to listen attentively to Olivia's words, I speculated in my mind about what she might say next.
'Well, I'll play along; after all, this incident did happen in the original story.'
"So, I'm contemplating delaying the formalization of our engagement. Honestly, I need time to better understand the situation around me. I believe something as sacred as engagement and marriage should not be rushed, don't you think?"
"...Ah, yes, that makes sense. If that's what you feel is best."
"Mhhm, thank you. I appreciate your understanding."
Following the conclusion of our small tea party, I accompanied Olivia to meet my parents. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, I escorted her to the specially prepared room for Olivia.
"Well, Lady Olivia, considering the distance you've traveled, it would be wise to rest here for a bit."
"Of course, I appreciate your generosity, Mr. Fawwaz. Very well, I'll make my way in."
-closed
Observing the closed door of Olivia's room, I turned and retraced my steps back to my own room.
-Opened, Thud
Upon reaching my room, I leaped onto the bed, sinking into the comfort of the high-quality mattress.
'... Why did Olivia suggest postponing the announcement of our engagement?'
Logically, considering this incident happened in the original story, the relationship between Fawwaz and Olivia wouldn't be that of strangers.
'Looks like the future is a bit off, surely this didn't happen in the original story.'
Realizing this kind of annoying thing, I chose to rest a bit until the birthday ball time started.
***
In the evening, the Everglen Family's Royal Ballroom came alive with a multitude of joyful guests. Nobles, renowned merchants, and individuals of high standing gathered for the occasion.
Guests adorned in vibrant evening attire assembled in small clusters, engaging in animated conversations.
Their collective jubilation created an elegant and joyous atmosphere that permeated the entire room.
-whoosh
While the guests were absorbed in their revelry, a distorted space materialized among them—the hosts, the Everglen Family.
The Royal Ballroom, previously echoing with the murmurs and laughter of the guests, fell into silence.
Damian who saw that let out his dignified voice and it filled the room.
"O my followers, associates, and acquaintances, I thank you for attending Fawwaz's birthday celebration."
Damian said that, but in contrast to the content of his thankful speech, his demeanor did not show any humility at all. He remained standing straight without a gap as if he was looking down at the guests.
-Clap Clap Clap
In response to Damian's words, the guests clapped, and the sound of applause filled the room. However, there was something strange about the composition of the Everglen family – there was one additional person in the family's place.
"Wait, who is that girl? I've never seen her before."
A whisper of questions filled the room. Damian, who was leading the event, once again raised his voice.
"Esteemed guests, lend me your ears and engrave this in your memory. This girl is named Kadita. As of this moment, she is a cherished member of the Everglen family—Kadita Nor Everglen."
-silence
The silence began, and the guests were left speechless at Damian's words. However, one by one, they started to clap their hands in response to his statement.
These experienced nobles understood the immense power behind Damian's words as the head of the Everglen family, the highest-ranking noble in the empire. Questioning his decision was tantamount to insulting the Everglen family itself. Not a single one of them was unaware of how perilous it was to cause trouble with the Everglen family.
As if accepting her fate naturally, Kadita was officially recognized by the other nobles as a descendant of Everglen.
-Musical Instruments
As the party progressed, the room filled with the echoes of music, signaling the commencement of the dance.
The ball typically commenced with the main guest of the event taking the first dance, which, in this case, was Fawwaz.
Fawwaz, aware of the tradition, approached Kadita, who was engaged in conversation with her new acquaintances among the noble women.
"Shall we dance now?" Fawwaz inquired, offering an amiable smile to Kadita.
"Hm-hm, yeah, alright." Kadita, her face blushing at Fawwaz's invitation, extended her right hand, promptly taken by Fawwaz.
.
.
.
Amidst the dazzling lights illuminating the Royal Ballroom, Fawwaz and Kadita embarked on a captivating dance, a special treat in celebration of Fawwaz's birthday.
Fawwaz, with hair as white as soft falling snow, radiated elegance and wisdom, reminiscent of a protective elder brother.
His sky-blue eyes reflected warmth and love, embodying the natural sense of guardianship a big brother holds for his younger sister.
Kadita presented herself like an angel, her enchanting long hair and sea-blue eyes exuding joy.
Clad in a navy-blue evening gown that elegantly embraced her form, it was adorned with shimmering pearl embellishments, creating an impression of glittering luxury.
Every move Kadita made on the dance floor mirrored a soft and beautiful flow, akin to the ocean-blue waves gently caressing the beach.
With the gentle embrace of the music, the duo embarked on their dance. Their steps wove a harmonious tale, narrating the story of their affectionate and warm relationship.
The onlookers, guests enchanted by the scene, gazed with admiration. The flowing melody added a dramatic touch to the unity of their movements, weaving an enchanting atmosphere.
The spotlights crafted an epic tableau, accentuating the splendor of Fawwaz and Kadita.
Within the Royal Ballroom, an ambiance of love, honor, and awe enveloped the surroundings.
Kadita's navy blue dress twirled with their movements, casting sparkles in all directions.
The dance transcended being merely a performance for Fawwaz's birthday; it served as a symbolic acknowledgment to all present, symbolizing robust family bonds and a beauty that surpassed words.
~~~
A/N: I apologize for not uploading for 2 days, due to the weather I had a mild fever. once again I apologize :(