Chapter 81

"Welcome, Duke Frostblade," A maid wearing glasses bowed her head respectfully as she welcomed Velc and his family.

"Hmmm..." Velc nodded in acknowledgement as he stepped out of the carriage, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.

However, Velc's expression soon soured as he noticed the lack of grand decorations or any elaborate arrangements for the engagement party. It was not what he had expected for such an important occasion.

Kai, too, frowned but for a different reason... He couldn't help feeling a sense of unease that the Empress herself hadn't come to welcome them.

'Shouldn't she at least welcome the guest?' Kai thought.

There was nothing wrong with his thoughts... except the other party was the Empress.

"Where is the Empress?" Velc's inquiry was direct, reflecting his disappointment.

Kai's annoyance mirrored his father's sentiments as he added, "Shouldn't the Empress at least welcome her future son-in-law?"

Silence fell over the group, their discomfort palpable as they awaited the maid's response. With a calm demeanour, the maid addressed Kai directly with a small and cool smile,

"It seems Mr. Kai Frostblade didn't appreciate our hospitality. I shall report this to Her Maj--"

"There's no need for that," Velc interjected hastily, his forehead beading with sweat. He chastised Kai with a knock on the head and excused his son's words, "He's just a child. Please, don't take his words too seriously."

The maid remained composed, her cool smile unwavering as she continued to watch Kai closely before leading the group inside.

Velc let out a heavy sigh, his frustration was evident in the furrowed lines on his forehead as he glared at his son, Kai. He leaned in close, his voice low but sharp with authority, as he whispered, "Kai, don't for a moment think you're special here.... In this place, she reigns supreme, and whatever she desires, she commands without hesitation. So, shut your damn mouth and heed my words!"

"B-But, Father, all I wanted was a warm greeting-- OUCH!" Before Kai could utter more words, Velc's fist connected with his head, eliciting a sharp yelp of pain. Velc, with a stern expression, reprimanded him, "The maid herself is welcoming with the utmost respect, you bastard," his voice tinged with disappointment and frustration.

"You know, whenever I visited for a diplomatic problem, at most I was allowed to enter the grand gates of the palace but never was anyone there to extend a genuine welcome inside unless it was a formal gathering called by the Nobles for meetings. I have never in my life received a welcome like this.

You should be grateful for experiencing it for the first time, you ungrateful brat!" Velc's eyes glistened with unshed tears, a mix of hurt and anger evident in his demeanour.

"W-Well...." Kai felt a wave of guilt wash over him, seeing the hurt expression on his father's face. He silently vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to rectify this situation and ensure fairness and equality for everyone in the near future, especially when he ascended to the throne as the King of the palace.

"What in the world happened?!" The carriage driver exclaimed in shock as he swung open the carriage door, revealing the chaotic scene inside where three bumbling idiots and Aether were stationed.

Inside the cramped carriage, the driver was met with a sight that made his stomach churn. The three individuals were entangled in a mess of limbs, blood, and broken bones, like discarded puppets after a rough play session. The driver recoiled, almost gagging at the gruesome scene before him.

He had wondered yesterday why none of them had exited the carriage, assuming they were merely enjoying themselves, but now he realized the gravity of the situation.

Upon confirming that the trio was still breathing, the driver let out a relieved sigh. He scanned the carriage for the intended target of their lesson, only to find an empty space where he should have been.

Meanwhile, Aether was diligently following Delphine, gracefully handling her numerous pieces of luggage as if they weighed no more than feathers. His newfound strength and stamina were a stark contrast to his previous struggles.

As they traversed the halls, the maid led them to guest rooms designated for each family member, carefully attending to every detail, except for Albert and his son, who were allocated to share a single room.

"Shoo," Aether deeply sighed as he luxuriated on the plush, king-size bed.

'Fluffy...' Aether muttered contentedly, sinking into the softness of the bed.

"You can leave now," Delphine said, her eyebrows twitching as she noticed Aether sprawled comfortably on the bed after placing the luggage.

"Hmm... I don't wanna," Aether replied childishly, reluctant to part ways with the heavenly comfort of the bed he had never experienced before.

Veins popped on Delphine's forehead as she thought, 'It seems someone's getting a little too comfortable,' about to reprimand him when...

"Come here, we have enough space for both of us. Don't worry, I won't do anything... I'm just a little boy, you know," Aether said with a seductive smile, attempting a wink that.... somehow ended up looking awkward.

Yes, he was trying to seduce her... no, more like trying to learn how to seduce her. He was determined to use Delphine as his testing subject.

Yet,

"Thud," Delphine slammed the door with annoyance, cutting off any further attempts at weirdness

"What did I do wrong?" Aether wondered aloud as he stood outside Delphine's room door. She had unceremoniously thrown him out, leaving him feeling dejected that his attempt at seduction had failed. But then...

"A failure is just another stepping stone to seduction!" Aether clenched his fist in determination, refusing to be discouraged by this setback.

"That's not quite the right word," a sudden voice from beside him remarked.

"HUH!" Aether jerked in surprise, turning to find the maid who had welcomed everyone, leaning against the wall with the same warm smile.

"Hello," she greeted him cheerfully.

"Y-yeah, hello, Miss," Aether stammered, slightly embarrassed by his earlier behavior.

"What were you doing inside?" she asked, maintaining her friendly demeanor.

Aether quickly composed himself and replied with a dutiful smile, "I was just arranging the luggage for Madam Delphine."

"Hmmm," the maid took a few moments to consider before nodding and gesturing for Aether to follow her.

"Come with me," she said with a professional smile.

Aether tilted his head curiously, his mind racing with questions about where she was leading him. "Where?" he responded, his curiosity piqued.

"I haven't shown you your room, yet," the maid explained as they walked down the corridor of the grand palace.

Aether nodded, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty building within him. He followed the maid without further questioning, assuming he would be led to a modest room shared among the palace servants. However, as they arrived at their destination, Aether was taken aback by the opulence before him.

"...." Aether blinked in surprise as he took in the spacious room, far larger and more lavish than what he had expected for a servant's quarters. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries, polished furniture, and a comfortable-looking bed that beckoned invitingly.

"This?" Aether pointed to the door, seeking confirmation from the maid.

"Yes," the maid affirmed with her usual warm smile, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

Aether's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Was this truly a shared room for all the servants, or had there been some misunderstanding? The unease he felt earlier swelled inside him, mixing with a growing sense of wonder and disbelief.

"Shared room for every servant, right?" Aether asked on last time.

The Maid just nodded and motioned her hand to enter.

"I-I think I forgot something outside, I need to..." Aether attempted to excuse himself, his nerves getting the better of him.

The maid, however, gently blocked his way, her expression serene yet determined. She motioned for Aether to enter, her smile unwavering.

Aether hesitated, his hand hovering over the ornate door handle that seemed disproportionately large in his grasp.

He glanced between the door and the smiling maid and looked at the door and then the maid.... as he did that for few times. After a brief internal struggle, Aether steeled his resolve and pushed the door open,

'Tuck'

Opening the door,

"Hello~" a gentle voice greeted him as he stepped into the room.

!~Ding~!

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'OH, COME ON!!!!'