A Social Gathering at a Party?

Chapter Eighteen: A Social Gathering at a Party?

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Under a star-filled night sky, the grand party venue shone brilliantly in a golden hue.

Flowers lined up along the walls emitted rare and exquisite fragrances, while glowing crystal chandeliers softly scattered their light onto the marble floor, enhancing the ambiance.

Nobles gathered here and there, adorned with jewel-like luxury items, laughing lightly as they engaged in conversation.

However, this was not a place meant purely for enjoying a party.

This ballroom was not just a venue for social gatherings but a political stage where people evaluated each other's status and honor, and where secretive, veiled conversations filled the air.

This was the Imperial family's regularly held social gathering.

An event where young noble heirs and those employed by the Imperial family were compelled to participate—a platform for interaction and exchange.

"There certainly are a lot of people here," Yohan said, sipping his wine. He took just a small sip, knowing he shouldn't drink too much.

"Ah, Yohan, this is your first time attending a Imperial social gathering, isn't it?"

"Yes. I've never had the chance to be invited to something like this…"

The party was exclusive to high-ranking nobles.

The lowest rank present here was that of a count.

Of course, a noble title didn't define everything about a person's status.

"Don't worry. You're my partner, Yohan, so no one will dare to bother you."

Ever since the reconnaissance mission at the Demon Lair, everyone knew that Yohan and Lady Francia of the Fervache family were romantically involved.

With one of the Four Great Houses, the Fervache Ducal House, backing Yohan, no one would dare to meddle with him.

Unless it's a group indifferent to titles, like Imperial officials, at the very least, no one here could ignore Francia's influence.

Even if someone held an overwhelmingly higher status, such as the crown prince.

"… It feels strange to think of myself as being protected by you, Francia."

"Partners are meant to protect each other," Francia replied with a laugh.

Yohan tilted his head slightly and asked, "By the way, shouldn't you be greeting the other members of the Four Great Houses? Given the occasion, you should probably make your rounds."

The reason the royal family regularly hosted this silent battlefield of power was simple: to give future leaders of the empire experience and to weed out the incompetent.

This wasn't a time for Francia to sit idly.

"You're right. I should at least greet the other members of the Four Great Houses and exchange some meaningless conversations. Sigh."

She sighed, slumping her shoulders in frustration.

"Go ahead. I'll stay here and wait," Yohan reassured her.

"Alright. Oh, and don't drink too much, okay? And no drinking in front of other women, either."

"I'll keep that in mind."

When Yohan smiled faintly, Francia nodded a few times, finally seeming at ease, and started walking away.

"I'll be back."

With that, Francia left to engage in insignificant conversations with other members of the Four Great Houses.

Yohan narrowed his eyes slightly as he scanned the party venue. He was searching for Cassis and Fedelian.

"…"

As expected, the two had attended with their partners. Cassis was with Rudella Bismarck, and Violet Rathalen…

Yohan's eyebrows twitched subtly.

'Violet, what's her deal?'

She had acted like she wanted him, but now that the party had arrived, she partnered up with Cassis as if nothing had happened.

'Was she trying to use me?'

Was this some kind of jealousy tactic? Yohan couldn't grasp her intentions, but he didn't give it much thought. Violet wasn't a significant threat at the moment, anyway.

'Fedelian, on the other hand…'

He had partnered with Rudella Bismarck. Though he wore a friendly smile, Yohan wasn't fooled.

His mouth smiled, but his eyes did not. He looked bored, as if the entire event was a nuisance.

'That cunning bastard. He's probably scheming something again.'

A man who always wore a mask, whose words and actions never matched. As unpleasant as Cassis was, he couldn't compare to Fedelian's sinister vibe.

'Well, at least he doesn't seem to be targeting Francia right now.'

Feeling somewhat at ease, Yohan took another sip of his wine.

"Oh my, Lord Harsen! It's been a while!"

A cheerful and familiar voice suddenly called out.

"Lady Barodo. It has indeed been some time," Yohan responded.

The speaker was none other than Jesia Barodo, the daughter of the Marquis Barodo, who had personally invited Yohan to a previous party.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Lord Harsen."

"Nor did I," Yohan replied with a light smile.

Jesia tilted her head slightly and asked inquisitively…

"Do you not have a partner?"

"They're away at the moment."

"Oh my, so you do have a partner. What a shame."

Jesia pouted, her pink lips sticking out slightly.

"I don't have a partner, so I came with my escort knight. If I'd known, I might have asked Lord Harsen to accompany me instead."

"Haha, that would have been an honor, but since I'm here with my lover, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to accept your request, Lady Barodo."

At the mention of a word "lover," Jesia's eyes widened in surprise.

"L-lover? Lord Harsen, you have a lover?"

"It turned out that way."

"I can't believe it. You, who never once dated during the Academy…"

Jesia shook her head as if to dismiss that thought—it wasn't the important part.

"Who is it? When did this happen?"

"Lady Francia of the Fervache family."

"No way…?"

"It's exactly as you're thinking."

When Yohan smiled awkwardly, Jesia clutched her head, staggering dramatically.

"Oh my goodness, I ended up playing Cupid! I had my eyes on you too, Lord Harsen…"

Though she blurted out something outrageous, Yohan didn't mind much since he already knew about it.

The reason Yohan didn't keep his distance from Jesia Barodo, even though she was clearly interested in him, was simple.

'Because she's so easygoing.'

She wasn't manipulative, dealt with things honestly, and didn't hold grudges. This made her easy to interact with, so interacting with her wasn't exhausting.

"How did you two end up together?"

"Well…"

Yohan briefly explained the events that had unfolded, carefully leaving out anything too provocative.

"Is that true?"

"It is."

"My goodness…"

Jesia clutched her head again. For a moment, she thought, 'If I'd known, maybe I could have tried that too,' but…

"Well, I wish you two a wonderful relationship…"

She decided to give up. It was already too late.

"Thank you."

Seeing Yohan smile warmly, Jesia felt her heart race, but she has no choice but to retreat. After all, he already has a lover.

With that, Jesia Barodo left to greet someone else, and Yohan turned his focus back to Francia.

Francia seemed to have finished all the necessary conversations and was slowly making her way back toward him.

"Fran─"

Just as Yohan was about to call out to her, a servant who wasn't paying attention spilled wine on Francia's dress.

"Oh…! I'm terribly sorry! Please forgive me!"

"Oh dear…"

Francia blinked in surprise at the wine soaking her dress. Yohan quickly rushed over and handed her a handkerchief.

"Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you for the handkerchief."

Francia used Yohan's handkerchief to wipe the wine away and smiled kindly at the apologizing servant.

"It's alright. You can go. I have a change of clothes ready."

"I'm so sorry…! Please forgive me…!"

The servant repeatedly bowed and apologized before finally leaving after much reassurance from Fransia.

"I'll go change quickly. Don't drink too much while I'm gone, alright?"

"I understand."

Yohan waved as Francia walked toward the lounge with the servant.

Then, suddenly—

"Yohan?"

A familiar voice called out to him. Yohan naturally turned his head in that direction. As expected, it was Violet.

"What is it?"

"Am I not even allowed to talk to you now?"

"Where has the young Duke of Lenokhonen gone?"

"He said he had some business to attend to and left me here alone. Leaving his partner behind—how rude, don't you think?"

Violet chuckled softly and placed her hand on Yohan's shoulder.

"How about it? Since both of our partners are away, why don't we have a drink together?"

"I'm not drinking much today."

"Oh, come on, just one drink. Please?"

Violet raised her glass with a playful wink.

"…"

Looking at her, Yohan thought carefully. Dragging out the conversation wouldn't do him any good. It might be better to agree to her request and send her on her way quickly.

"Just one drink. But you must promise to leave afterward."

"Pfft, do you dislike me that much? Or is it because you don't want to betray your lover?"

"Both."

"Alright, fair enough."

Hearing that, Yohan immediately downed the glass in his hand in one gulp. His face felt hot, but he didn't let it show in front of Violet.

"Are we done now?"

"You didn't even give me a toast. That's so mean."

Violet puffed out her cheeks and downed the glass in her hand.

"Alright, now please leave. A promise is a promise."

"Alright."

Just as she took a step forward—snap. The heel of her shoe broke.

"…!"

Instinctively, Yohan reached out and pulled Violet by the waist, catching her in his arms.

"Oh my…"

Violet could distinctly feel the firm, muscular arm wrapped around her waist. Despite his refined appearance, the strength in his grip was undeniable.

Her gaze met his deep blue eyes, as calm and serene as a lake, drawing her in.

Violet's heart raced.

"…What on earth are you doing now?"

"…I didn't expect this either,"

Violet replied with an awkward laugh, resting her hands on Yohan's shoulders, leaning into his embrace naturally.

"What should I do? My shoe broke, and there's no one to help me to a seat. I can't exactly walk around the party barefoot, can I?"

She glanced around exaggeratedly before turning her gaze to Yohan with wide, pleading eyes.

"Hm? Yohan? What a lucky coincidence! Could you help me?"

"…."

Yohan shuddered at her shamelessness, but he noticed a few curious gazes turning their way.

Leaving a distressed woman unattended could harm his reputation in high society.

He was already the target of many due to his relationship with Fransia, It would be better to play along than to give them more reasons to gossip.

'Social gatherings are very exhausting.'

Yohan thought with a sigh.

"Fine. Just this once."

With that, Yohan lifted Violet into his arms in a princess carry and walked her over to a seat.

"Now, call a servant and sort this out yourself. I'm leaving."

"Wait."

Violet tugged on Yohan's collar.

"You're just going to leave me here alone? I'm lonely."

"Please stop with the nonsense."

"Hmph, you're so cold."

Violet hand slid down from his shoulder to his chest, brushing over it lightly.

"You seem to dislike me quite a bit, Yohan. Why is that?"

"Do you really need to ask?"

"Of course. I've always been loved by everyone, so I can't understand."

Violet tilted her head playfully, her red lips curving into a mischievous smile.

"I have a lover. Naturally, I have to be cautious around someone as forward as you."

"Is that really all?"

"What do you mean?"

When Yohan narrowed his eyes, Violet smirked slyly.

"No, I just wondered if there might be another reason."

"There isn't. What I said earlier is all there is to it."

"Hmph, liar."

Violet let out a soft laugh and added,

"You know, I actually like you a lot, Yohan. Your looks, your personality, and your dedication to your lover—all of it."

She traced her lips with her finger as she spoke.

"You're exactly my type. A man who works tirelessly for his partner and protects them at all costs."

Suddenly, Violet leaned in close. Her red lips moved toward Yohan's ear.

"How about it? Spending one forbidden night with me behind your lover's back?"

"What are you—"

"I'll keep it a secret. No one will ever know. Have an affair with me."

Violet whispered in a sultry voice into Yohan's ear.

"I'll even give you my virginity."