Chapter 49

On the day of the engagement, the maids were busy dressing up their Lady Shannen to make her the most beautiful lady in the party. That morning, Shannen received a huge box from a well-known dressmaker in the kingdom. It was a gift from Gian to Shannen. The box contained a dress, shoes, gloves, and accessories.

When the maids saw it, they became excited to see their Lady Shannen wearing it. After that, they quickly made the preparations their Lady Shannen will need to make her a stunning beauty tonight such as taking a rose milk bath, facial massage, nail manicure and pedicure. Although Shannen was not used to it, she endured all of it. As Gian's fiancee, Shannen does not want to embarrass him in front of those nobles. And also, Shannen was secretly aiming to get Gian's compliments later.

After eight hours of preparation, Shannen was wearing a round neckline gown that matched the color of her eyes. It has a simple yet elegant lacy design that suited Shannen's taste. The gown was also accompanied by silk gloves of similar color that reached up to her upper arm. Shannen also wore the clear crystal jewelry set that was included in the package for her accessories.

Shannen does not need to apply make-up on her face. She has a pretty and delicate face which she got from her mother. She only applied a light powder and pink lipstick on her lips for her make-up tonight. Shannen's personal maid also styled her hair into a bun with loose wavy strands to frame her delicate and clean face.

It only took Shannen a whole hour to dress up for the party. After her preparation, Shannen asked the maids to leave her for a while. After making sure that she was alone, Shannen tried to calm herself down. She was actually getting nervous right now.

Anytime soon, Gian will arrive in their mansion to pick her up. Yesterday, Butler Del visited their mansion and informed them that his young master Gian will pick her up so they can enter the party hall together. Shannen was having a mixed emotion after that. She was feeling excited and at the same time nervous about their engagement party.

Although Shannen was aware that Gian's feelings for her were not the same as hers, still she cannot help but feel happy and giddy because of his actions and thoughtfulness. Shannen had a few classmates who were already engaged. Based on their personal experiences, they were engaged for political purposes only. The worst part of it, their fiances were not even attentive and caring towards them.

But compared to her classmates, Shannen's situation today was a complete contrast to their experiences. Gian took care of everything regarding their engagements. He was also attentive and caring towards her. Everything she needs was already prepared and provided by Gian so she had nothing more to worry about.

While staring at her figure in front of a full mirror, a sudden knock came from the door. Thinking that it was their head butler, Shannen opened the door. When she saw who was standing in front of her room, Shannen uttered a small exclamation.

"Wha—!"

It was Gian.

He was wearing a white suit decorated with citrine crystals just like the color of his eyes. His cerulean hair was neatly arranged into a clean parted hairstyle that invokes an air of mystery around, with his eyes slightly covered. He looks cool yet mysterious in this strong combination of hair and eye manipulation style. Shannen's eyes were glued on Gian and appreciating his attractive figure tonight.

"...You arrived early, Gian."

Shannen saw Gian grinned at her unseemingly late greetings.

"Of course. I can't let my fiancee wait for so long."

Before Shannen can make an excuse, Gian continued.

"You look really beautiful tonight, Shannen."

"....Thank you." Shannen managed to open her mouth and said it. "You too. You look great today."

Instead of answering her, Gian gently opens the velvet box he was holding. Because of Shannen's focus was diverted on his appearance, she did not notice that Gian was holding a velvet box on his left hand. The box contained a small tiara decorated with small precious gems similar to the color of her dress.

"This..."

"This is my engagement gift for you, Lady Shannen." Gian said. He removed the tiara from the velvet box and gently put it on Shannen's hair. After putting it, Gian smiled to himself.

"You look more beautiful now, Shannen."

"I also prepared a gift for your birthday! I—"

"You do not have to rush, Lady Shannen."

"But I—"

"I simply gave you my gift because it would be a pity if no one can see my lady's beautiful appearance without your tiara."

"....You mean it?"

"Of course." Gian said. "You, my fiancee, will be the most beautiful blooming flower for tonight's party."

Shannen's cheeks were both red. She did not expect Gian to shower her with compliments the moment he saw her. Though she tried to act normal, her blushing cheeks still sold her out. Gian escorted Shannen until they arrived downstairs where the carriage he prepared for her earlier was already waiting for them.

They got inside the carriage and the coachman started to drive it. While they were inside the carriage, Gian and Shannen were sitting inside while facing each other. On the other hand, Russel was laughing inside his pocket.

"Hehehehe... Dude, you are really learning well from me."

"..."

In fact, the flowery words Gian used earlier were taught by the pen inside his pocket. Russel forced Gian to do it. He said that if Gian showers her a lot of compliments, Shannen will be happy. It can also serve as his gift for the lady.

Russel thought Gian will be embarrassed first before he can give his compliments to the lady. But of course, Gian proved him wrong again. Russel forgot that Gian has a smooth tongue that can easily speak lies or persuading someone. In the end, Gian delivered those lines without being too cheesy or sweet in front of Shannen.

"Dude, are you telling me a lie about your lack of experience in pursuing a woman?"

"..."

"Oh, nevermind. It was obvious that you are lacking experience in different aspects of life."

Fortunately for Russel, Gian was not in the mood to fight with him. Gian wanted to make this party a success so he was trying to stop himself to be in a bad mood. Maintaining the smile on his face, Gian tried to converse about trivial things with Shannen for the whole ride.

Sensing that Gian does not want to be bothered by him, Russel stopped from talking. In truth, his gut feeling was telling him that something bad will happen. But Russel does not want to tell Gian about this. Today should be a happy day for that ancient guy. Russel was just hoping that he was wrong this time.

In the Cres Val mansion, when the clock struck at seven o'clock in the evening, the guest arrived by the dozen. Each one of the ladies attending the party is wearing expensive-looking dresses decorated in colorful silks. Everyone wore new dresses or suits which would be discarded after the night was past. In the sky, the moon provided natural glowing light into the Cres Val mansion together with the crystal chandeliers hanged on the ceilings.

A sweet melody was playing through the busy atmosphere. A collection of violinists, harp players, and pianists were placed at the far end of the hall and playing a soft and sweet melody to add liveliness for the party tonight. Every guest can notice the sweet smell of lavender which had been placed at various intervals around the room earlier that day. The numerous gifts those nobles prepared are placed on a huge table at the corner of the room.

Countless greetings were also offered by the nobles to Viscount Cladeu and Marquis Cres Val. The guests gave their congratulatory greetings to the viscount for his daughter's engagement tonight. Viscount Cladeu has a business smile plastered on his face all the time. After exchanging some small greetings with them, the viscount retreated with the marquis for a while.

While they were leaving the party hall, there was a man staring at them from afar. He was currently socializing with other nobles so no one noticed the malicious stares he was giving to those two. He took a sip on the glass of wine he was holding to hide the sinister smile on his face. He was going to let them have fun first before he executes his plan later towards the birthday boy who stole his little bride.

Viscount Cladeu had two glasses of champagne on him. He gave the other one to the marquis who was also waiting for the arrival of his son.

"You must be feeling tired, Marquis Frederick." Viscount Cladeu said.

"Not at all. I am already used to it." The marquis said and accepted the glass of champagne.

"Marquis Frederick, I want to take this opportunity to give my gratitude for taking good care of my daughter. It has been a while since I last saw a sincere and happy smile on Shannen's face."

"You are thanking the wrong person, Viscount Nolan. You should thank my son and not me. He was the one who did all the preparation for tonight. I only helped him to organize this party." The marquis said with a hint of pride in his voice.

"I see. Then I will surely send my thanks towards Gian later."

After a few minutes of conversing with each other, Butler Del suddenly arrived. He informed the two gentlemen that Lady Shannen and his young master Gian has finally arrived.