4 The Banquet (2)

"Its hard! I can't do it." I yelled.

"Hey, I know its hard for you but please bear with it." He said.

I groaned. "Its hard to maintain a poker face, Max. I think its rude to look at them with a dry look." I complained.

He crossed his arms again and looked outside. "Well, you need to be like her for a while. When the banquet is done, you don't have to be like her anymore." Max explained

"Poker face just for today, yes?" I asked.

He nodded. I silently said yes in delight.

"We're almost there, young masters." I heard the coachman said.

"Remember those people that I've said earlier and remember their face. Just ignore or avoid them. Clear?" He spoke.

"Can I just bring the file that you brought? I have a difficulty remembering people." He shook his head and mouthed 'no'.

I pouted "Fine."

After a few minutes, we arrived to our destination.

The coachman opened the carriage door for us and Max went out first. He asked for my hand again and assisted me until we got inside. Woah, the castle is massive!

We walked towards to a door and stopped, waiting for something. Is Max waiting for someone to grab the handle?

I was about to reach the door handle but Max pulled me back. "Not yet." I nodded. I should behave myself. Geez.

"Maximillan Agreste and Maxlilian Agreste has arrived." I heard a man's voice from the other side.

As soon as the door opened, I widened my eyes. The view from the outside is beautiful but here on the inside its more than beautiful. Its immaculate! The musicians are doing a great job. The music is soothing. The big crystal chandelier is gleaming. Woah, so beautiful.

"You're drooling." I immediately wiped my mouth but I felt nothing. No drool at all.

I glared at him. He just smirked and straightened his gaze again, still holding my other hand. He just ruined my sightseeing. "Don't be too marvel." He chuckled.

Everyone is looking at us and whispering from below. Wow! There are too many people right now. Maybe if they're gone the room is more spacious.

"Let's go." Max whispered. "Remember, okay?" I nodded in response.

Alright! Game face.

When we stepped our foot on the last stair, a guy with all-black suit and a black cape. I looked at his face its-

"Can I borrow your sister, Maximillan?"

Oh fuck, that Claude guy again! Someone save me. Why is he here though? I think he's not the guy who likes to attend in this kind of party.

I looked at Max and stared at him. Maintaining my poker face. 'Say no, please.' I thought. I placed my other hand behind me and I crossed my fingers.

"Wouldn't be a good choice if you two separate for a day? No trouble for a day." Max said, looking at him straight face.

"She is my wife-"

"Not yet married." He interrupted Claude's words. Claude's expression became dark.

This scene sounds vaguely familiar.

The two exchanged deadly looks. "Brother!" A girl wearing a black and red dress interfered.

"Oh! Hi Maximillan and... sissy-in-law." She greeted. I saw the way she changed her expression when she looked at me. A terrified and intimidated look.

Max and I bowed to her as a sign of greetings. "Hi to you too, Princess Claudette." Max spoke.

"Hand her over to me this instant, Agreste." Claude commanded.

I'm getting a little embarrassed because people are starting to look at us. I covered my face with my other hand. Max is still holding the other one, squeezing it.

"You can't use your authority yet to my sister. She is not yours yet. Keep that in mind." Max coldly said.

"Hand her over or else-"

"Or else what?"

The room suddenly went silent. Literally silent. I can only hear now is Max's breathing and mine. "Greetings, father. Sorry we're late." Max bowed at him and I stared at him, scared.

"Greetings, Duke Maximus Agreste." Claude and Claudette greeted him.

People start to mind their business. I think they're expecting a trouble.

Father looked at me before turning his attention to Claude. "You have no rights yet to do that to my daughter." Father said with full authority.

"I understood, Your Grace." Claude said as he gritted his teeth in anger.

Claudette grab her brother's arm and excuse themselves.

Father faced us again after seeing the De Ville siblings leave. "Don't provoke him Max next time. We are here to fix Maxlilian's reputation, not to ruin another one." Father said looking at Max.

"Yes, father." Max just agreed not explaining his side.

"Better behave yourself this time, Maxlilian." Father commanded.

I nodded as a response.

"Maximus! Alas, I found you." A guy who is tall as father nudge him. Does he have a death wish?

"I'll leave you two here. Marquess Romanus and I will have a discussion." Father said.

Max and I again bowed at him and they left. I let out a sigh. I want to sit.

I poked Max's shoulder with my other hand. He looked at me and move his ear near me. "I want to sit down. I think my ankle is sore because of the heels." I whispered.

"Oh, stay here." He patted my head. "W-wait! Don't-" Before I could finish my sentence, he already left.

I'm in the middle of the crowd alone while the others have their companion. This is suffocating. I can't stand a minute alone in a crowded area. I noticed everyone is looking at me. I lowered my head to avoid their gaze. I'm starting to fidget my fingers.

"Maxlilian?"

I looked at the man who called me and I was stunned.

"Are you okay, my lady?"