8 Banquet (2)

Observing the bald duo, Charlotte felt nauseated. To have been betrothed to such good for nothing, such as Leto was the biggest shame of her life.

'It's good if that idiot kills him.' She thought though she realized it wasn't realistic.

As the young heir of the baron did some gruesome things to Demna's little sister before disposing of her, Demna had soft spot for girls, who were being forced. Though his trauma was huge, it would be unrealistic to think he would slaughter the bald duo for just flirting with some girls.

Still, Demna led the young masters of noble families, so he must have felt responsible to hear his brothers' sisters were taken advantage of while they were out. Though he was a commoner, he had huge pride, so he wouldn't do others' bidding, but his relationship with important figures wasn't shallow, so he had some responsibilities too.

Charlotte looked down upon the so-called young masters, who were outraged and followed Demna's lead, wanting to catch the two rascals.

'Sigh, I thought that illness would get better of him, so I wouldn't need to assassinate him, but as soon as he recovered this happened. I can only be direct in my approach then.' Charlotte felt a headache coming, imagining her father's wrath when hearing the news of her today's actions.

''Long time no see, Miss Charlotte.'' An elegant young man, dressed in navy blue robes beamed at her from the side.

Charlotte was startled as she cursed the sneaky man. Identifying him, she felt even more gloomy. It was the third prince, Montariel.

''This lady's honored to meet his highness.'' Charlotte slightly bowed according to etiquette and showed a fake smile.

The newcomer handsome man who was fanning himself with a white fan made of geese feathers laughed and magnanimously kissed the back of her soft hand, his sly eyes lingering on her angelic face.

'So many people to get rid of.' Charlotte fumed inwardly.

The third prince had the least chance of succeeding the throne, so he gave up early. He had a good relationship with the second prince, as he thought the throne would ultimately be his, but secretly he was afraid of him. In order to avoid the royal genocide, that the second prince might cause after getting the throne to get rid of future threats, the third prince was desperate to find allies.

He had a great relationship with the majority of the nobility, but evidently, this wasn't enough. Lately, he took an interest in Charlotte, as, if he married her, his royal brother wouldn't dare touch him so easily, as Charlotte was the daughter of Charles, one of the four great generals, whose military power was unrivaled.

Charlotte knew that Third prince also considered Leto an eyesore, but unfortunately, everybody thought he'd die due to illness, so Montariel wouldn't bother dealing with him.

Unfortunately, Leto recovered, while the third prince didn't have time to deal with him before the banquet.

Charlotte glimpsed at Montariel's eyes with her charming, deep eyes. She hated that look of his, which was full of possessiveness. She hated that she couldn't control her fate, that one day she would be married off for the family's sake. She hated her grandfather for giving her to Leto before she was even born. She hated her lady mother, who was scheming behind her back to sell her off to the third prince. She hated her dull father, who only knew how to war and kill.

''The honor is all mine. Any man would feel lucky to be in your company. I hope miss won't decline my dancing invitation later.'' Montariel laughed mildly.

The atmosphere between the two was broken due to the noise. Montariel glimpsed at Leto with eyes full of killing intent, which he quickly concealed, but he didn't bother to hide his disdain.

''Some people just don't grow up. Funny, isn't it? Some people in our generation are just miles apart, even if their status is high. It's indeed lamentable and detrimental to the future of our country.'' He sighed in regret.

Charlotte sneered in her heart, but outwardly followed his lead and smiled. ''Indeed.''

She partially agreed that some people will be degenerates their whole lives, but she just couldn't buy Montariel's care about his country. He only loved himself.

''Bro, why is there a fight? I'm scared.'' Young kid's melodious voice full of distress rang. Upon hearing her, the people's faces stiffened as they looked at the entrance. Their faces grimaced, afraid to even let out a fart.

Even Demna, who was acting unruly stopped chasing the duo and grabbed the nearby fruit, almost choking on it as he ate it hurriedly, trying to appear to have nothing to do with the commotion.

His face turned blue as he looked at the two newcomers.

'Indeed, he's here with her too.' He was afraid to get noticed.

The newcomers were a strange duo, one of them being 6 or 7 years old pretty, innocent girl with big watery eyes and silky golden hair.

She was Kratos' only daughter, princess of the country - Lucia, however, people weren't scared of her. They were scared of a man, who was always by her side.

By her side was a middle-aged man with a poker face, dressed as a mascot. He wore a green costume, which resembled broccoli. His deadpan gaze radiated indifference, but a glance of his was enough to frighten even the most courageous man. Nobody dared to laugh at his outfit.

His identity was only lower than the king.

Markin' Bro' Koli, also called brother Koli, one of two guardians of Ateadel kingdom. In the previous war between Ateadel and the nearby kingdom Rovenia, he was the enemy's worst nightmare. He took down the enemy generals from hundreds of meters away. His archery was dreadfully powerful and precise. He was also princess Lucia's personal bodyguard.

''Sir Koli, this honor...please welcome to our humble feast.'' Gile stuttered as he greeted the man like a grandchild.

Koli eyed Gile, who immediately understood him, knowing his personality.

''Little miss, there's no fight, you see, they were dancing. Do you want to join?'' Gile stretched a wide smile as he crouched down and patted the little princess, reassuring her.

''Really, uncle Gile? I want to dance too. Wait, you just called me little miss, didn't you? Call me Lucia, or do you consider me a stranger?'' Lucia's face brightened at first but then pouted.

Gile sweated as he had to deal with the little devil. Fortunately, he had experience raising children, as he had many, so he knew how to win her little heart over with sweets and small nothings.

''Phew.'' He sighed while wiping his sweat after a while. Looking at the abnormally cheerful hall though, he felt reassured and grateful to the guardian.

The time passed. Out of the royal family, only the third prince and little princess came. The royalty was already giving Gile enough face with their presence. There were many people from minor nobilities and some unexpected guests and influential hotshots. The grumpy old physician appeared the last and so, the feast officially started.

''We have to thank the uncle. What a disaster it would have been if that damn guy caught us...'' Chris shivered.

''Bro, let's befriend that little girl. If we are friends with her, nobody would dare to touch us, so if something happened to us, that would make her sad, which would trigger uncle Koli's wrath.'' Leto's eyes gleamed as he came up with an idea.

''Genius...but do you dare try?'' Chris liked the idea but felt insecure.

''Why not?'' Leto laughed cheerfully.

''Alright, I'll follow you, bro.'' Chris, who didn't have that great backing was swayed.