2.3

The assembled ladies and gentlemen were astonished at the news that the Countess Miller's son was betrothed. There wasn't an announcement or a rumor. It was totally sudden and right after returning from the war. It was surprising that he was committed to anyone, as he had been without a partner since his coming of age ceremony.

The ladies who came in the hope that they could join their dear daughters to their second child were shocked by the news enough to miss their hearts beat for a second. They didn't have a chance to pair them with the first, the heir, because they would need to be much more careful in the choice and usually the bride would be someone of equal or higher class, to form bonds.

Meanwhile, those who just went to enjoy tea and have fun chatting were excited by the new news. If the second son's fiancée was someone she met in the war, then she could only be a native citizen of the Torzik kingdom. Was she a noble? Or royalty? A woman with good financial power? They were curious.

Countess Miller seeing this could only fake a smile at them. You could tell who was really shocked, who was pitied by the news, and who was just there to enjoy the gossip.

"Yes it's true." Her answer was simple, but there were gasps from some places. Countess Lemaire continued.

"I understand. It's good news, your son has found someone he likes. This is something to celebrate."

Some young women were glowing over the confirmation. A young woman with curly hair and brown color dared to ask.

"Oh, and what is she like, Countess? I'm sure we're all curious about who the woman Lord Phillip took as his bride is, now that we know that."

The lady's voice was calm, but she saw curiosity. The one who had asked was the Viscount Astriel's eldest daughter, a lady who comes from a relatively weak family, but has connections in the social environment.

Neither of the other women agreed or supported her words, but her words couldn't be more right.

Claire looked at her, who cringed a little at the look and shifted in her seat. Her question was bold and, in some ways, could be considered rude. However, the countess did not scold her.

The silence lasted a few moments, before Countess Miller parted her lips.

"I think you should see for yourself."

She said and got up from her chair. The noble guests saw her rise and followed her steps to a woman in her early twenties with straight blond hair and white skin. She was pretty, but rather ordinary if you looked at it properly. However, it was obvious to assume who she was.

They looked even more closely at their interaction, so that if there was anything strange, they could tell in other social circles. Aristocratic society lives on rumours, gossip and stories that can be told.

Claire approached Johannes with a smile and then stood beside her, following her at a leisurely pace and soon they reached the table. She soon took a step and got all the ladies' attention on her.

"Ladies and ladies, let me introduce my future daughter-in-law. Her name is Johannes."

All eyes turned to the blonde who, instead of cringing, smiled as if she wasn't affected. She tugged at the ends of the yellow and white dress she'd bought from Phillip and leaned into them. It was a compliment that there were some flaws, but only a few noticed it.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Johannes Attwater. And thank you for inviting me, Countess."

She returned to her original posture and looked at the guests who were staring back at her. None said anything, focused on the newcomer figure and the subject of the conversation they were having.

"N-nice to meet you. My name is Vanessa Astriel, from the Astriel house."

One lady quickly realized what she had to do and stood up, stuttering a little during her performance. The other ladies and gentlemen quickly introduced themselves and they all sat down.

"Hello Miss. I am Adelaide Lemaire, Countess of House Lemaire." Countess Lemaire was the last to introduce herself, giving her a sympathetic smile. Johannes reciprocated and looked at each of the seated nobles as he sat down as well.

"Ms. Johannes, if I may ask, what is it like to be engaged to Lord Phillip?"

"Yea! What's he like? Is he a romantic or does he treat you like a princess?"

"It sure must be romantic. A man in love can move mountains."

The ladies were the first to ask and start a conversation with each other, throwing questions to the newcomer. Johannes widened his eyes at the questions and Claire just watched the development.

"Ladies, please calm down. Slowly. Let's not scare the lady who just arrived with several questions for her." Countess Lemaire appeared, coaxing the young women who asked. Then she looked at Johannes. "I'm sure Ms. Johannes understands our curiosity and will answer some questions."

The last line sounded like a friendly, gentle line, but the hint was that she should respond. The language of the nobles was indirect and with hidden intentions. It was a sharp line that depending on who used it, could leave the enemy bleeding.

Johannes should have known and remembered that now that she was entering aristocratic society, there would be countless people approaching her in a friendly manner, but few were sincere with their intentions.

"Of course, Countess Lemaire. You can ask questions ladies. If possible, I will answer sincerely." The voice was kind to everyone. Johannes directed a sympathetic smile again at Countess Lemaire.

The Countess Miller seeing that only reinforced her suspicions if that lady was a commoner. She was dealing quite well with the nobles she had invited or maybe it was talent. Johannes could have dealt with aristocrats in the Torzik kingdom, it was possible.

The ladies soon perked up and the ladies watched attentively. A blue haired lady clapped her hands and her expression was happy, she sat a little closer to Johannes and was the first to ask.

"Then could you answer my question, Ms. Johannes? How is he as a groom?"

"Phillip is a great groom. He cares about me and what I want. He asks if I'm uncomfortable or if I need anything. He also gives me some flowers and jewelry as a gift, even without me asking."

Johannes replied to the lady who had introduced herself as Esther. Laughter was heard from the ladies and a sound of surprise from a lady.

"They call each other by their first names."

"They must be very close."

Whispers here and there all over the table. A crooked smile crept across Johannes' face, but it soon faded. A lady this time was the one who spoke up. The question she asked soon caught the women's full attention.

"And how did you and Lord Phillip meet, Ms. Johannes? We know it was during the war, but if it's not too personal, could you tell us?"

"No problem, Viscountess Sarah." Johannes sipped his tea. "It was shortly after the conquest of the city of Zarmich by Yulard's army. I was injured in my leg and my house had fallen because of the war. He had nowhere to go and he was wandering aimlessly, with difficulty. So I ended up asking a man I met on the road for help. He helped me and we ended up getting closer. That man was Phillip."

"And how did you get engaged?" A green haired lady asks. A big smile appeared on Johannes' face. Some would say the expression she wore was that of a young woman in love.

"After a few months together, he promised me he wanted to make me his bride when the war was over. It didn't have as much romance as you might think, but it was an emotional scene when it took place."

Soon after his answer, others were made. The ladies asked vigorously about matters between the two, some of which Johannes just smiled and didn't answer. They were excited that someone their age was about to get married and that they could get a lot of information to share after the party.

"Now that Lord Phillip is compromised, the next in line must be Lord Ferion correct?"

"Oh yes, Countess Miller. Do you have someone you're thinking of marrying Lord Ferion to? If not, I can suggest my second daughter. She is beautiful and would definitely make a wonderful wife."

The ladies quickly focused their attention on Claire and began to suggest her daughters or relatives, on the subject of their first child's wedding. Ferion was twenty-four and still single. There was no sign of an engagement to anyone and neither Claire nor Ivan were considering performing an arranged marriage against her will.

In fact, for none of their children have they decided to do that, unless it's their choice.

"I'm sorry, ladies. But my son doesn't want to get married yet and I respect his decision."

She made a simple excuse with a slightly crooked face. Countess Miller was uncomfortable with that. If her son wanted to get married, she wouldn't stop him, but there was no need for them to offer their daughters and nieces to her. She wasn't the one to marry them, after all.

A few women quickly got a little grim on their faces from what the countess said. It wasn't pleasant to be refused, but there wasn't even a chance to argue and negotiate. They could only feel a little bitter.

"And where are Lord Ferion and Lord Phillip?"

"Phillip left today. He has knight training and would stay there." Johannes replied.

"Ferion too. He took Brandon out to check on some business. They must return soon."

Claire said and ate one of the cookies available on the table. One of the ladies turned red in the face at the mention of the redhead's name. She has a crush on Brandon.

"Brandon too? That's why I didn't see that young man here today. Definitely a pity."

"He always accompanies us in conversations. He is indeed a fine young man, Countess Miller."

The countess smiled at the mention of her thoughtful son and the praise she heard. The ladies and ladies gathered today were colleagues who frequented her house and who she had a certain level of friendship with. This was so that they would not belittle their son's bride and therefore the Miller house. They were also the ones who had been friendly with Brandon when they first met him and continued to meet when they came.

It was public knowledge that there were nobles who were prejudiced against the lower classes and Claire did not agree with such thoughts. So she wouldn't invite any of those people.

"He's a really good boy. I'm glad you share the same opinion as me, ladies." Countess Miller said.

Johannes was watching the quiet conversation. She could not participate or praise the individual as she was never introduced to him, only heard stories. How could she talk about someone if she's never met him? Even more so when the person in question has a good reputation.

A servant approached the countess at this point and said something close to her ear, at a height that not even the woman closest to her chair could understand what they were talking about.

"Ask them both to come."

The voice was loud and piqued the interest of the ladies. The Countess Miller tea party was making news for the ladies and ladies. Was it some new gossip or something worth commenting on? The latest surprising news was that Phillip was engaged and his fiancée came to the party to attend.

Shortly after the waiter left, two men approached the table filled with seated women. All eyes were focused on the pair that was approaching them.

The raven-haired man with a stubble that matched his face, leaving him with a wild, serious edge to his rigid face, was handsome enough to make some of the young women looking at him blush red from the eye contact. He looked like a knight and his aura was that of one. His black eyes made him cold and he seemed indifferent, but that only made him attractive to them.

The other man accompanying the black-haired one was a little shorter. Her red hair reminded them of fire and her green eyes looked like jewels when the sun's rays hit them. His face was attractive and his indifferent face, unlike Ferion's who only looked, was actually a charm in those who looked at him with a hint of desire.

The two were dressed a little more elegantly. Though Brandon was only wearing his uniform. However, being next to Ferion who wore quality clothes made him match and enhance him.

The guests who frequented the Miller house for tea and fun recognized Brandon who was coming a little behind the elegant man who came with a serious aura around him. So, they soon deduced that the man walking in front was Ferion, as he was the one who had gone out with Brandon.

He was different from what they remembered three years ago. He hadn't changed in height, but the beard on his face made him more mature. The ladies could not resist and heaved a sigh of breath and turned to look at him.

"Hi Mom. I came to see why he called me, but I think I know why."

Ferion said, approaching his mother and greeting her. He bowed to the ladies, also saying hello and then looking at Brandon who was standing a little behind him.

His voice was pleasant to hear, allowing the ladies to enjoy hearing it.

"I wanted to show them my dear son after so long."

Claire flashed him a smile, which he sighed at what she saw. He wasn't even surprised.

"Also, some of the ladies missed seeing Brandon. Is it not, ladies?"

"Y-yes, Countess. Brandon is a great conversation partner, too bad he didn't attend the tea party."

Countess Lemaire cringed and was surprised by the look of Countess Miller and Ferion on her that she even stuttered in her answer. She was what she'd said he was a great young man.

"I am flattered by the compliment, Countess Lemaire."

Brandon looked at her and her once indifferent expression brightened, causing a red-faced young woman to gasp for air. Her face was much lighter and more youthful with that smile on her face, though only he, the countess and Ferion knew she was a professional and not her real smile.

He looked at her for a moment, a little confused as to whether she was sick. However, as soon as she saw the person next to her, he froze.

Blond hair that went down to her shoulders and white skin that was lighter in the neck region. Big eyes, a rounded nose on his face, and a kind smile when looking at him. Delicate, feminine features he hadn't paid much attention to the first time he'd seen her, but he knew for sure who she was.

Phillip's fiancée was in front of him. This was totally unexpected, he didn't think she would even go to a tea party, as she stayed in her room every day and didn't go to other rooms.

It was foolish to think he could naturally avoid her if she didn't leave. The moment he let his guard down, he found her.

Perhaps it would be better to find her than Phillip? She may be Phillip's fiancée and lover now, but she doesn't know who he is, or for that matter, who he was to her lover.

However, even as she thought about it, she still felt a part of her ache and feel bad. He was feeling uncomfortable, that was something he knew. His nonchalant appearance and control of his face hid it under the surface of a face that was smiling and friendly with women.

"No need, Brandon. I'm just telling the truth." Said Countess Lemaire.

Hearing her say something, Brandon shifted the quick glance he was having on Johannes and directed it to the woman he was talking to just now.

"Even so, I still stay."

"Now, ladies, I must introduce you again to my son." Countess Miller said and indicated Ferion with her hand. "This is my son, Ferion Miller. The heir to the Miller house."

"Hello."

Unlike before, the pleasant voice had a serious tone aimed at the female guests. It wasn't smooth like it was when he talked to his mother. Even so, it was still good to hear.