boyutpedia Chapter 678 [Bonus chapter]Just about time
Chapter 678 [Bonus chapter]Just about time
Chapter 678 [Bonus chapter]Just about time
Stefan had taught Lilou how to read and write, but also made her read books for her to learn about etiquette and the sort. Still, never once since she came with Stefan, did she ever dress up luxuriously — at least, not this luxurious as to wear a grand dress adorned with sequence and pieces of jewelry that illuminated the sparkle of the chandeliers hanging up in the banquet hall.
It was more of a little upgrade as she didn't have to wear ragged clothes and she could bathe because Stefan was a "little" concerned about her hygiene. But after he received that letter — an invitation — three days ago, things had spiraled to a 'concerning' turn, as the two of them had been busy preparing.
Well, mostly, she was busy staring at the dress that arrived Stefan procured without her knowing, while the latter was preoccupied with something else. Stefan often stayed in the study and barely made time for her until the last day before tonight.
Lilou looked around, staring at the lavished dresses and suits, through the mask concealing half of her upper face. It was a masquerade party hosted by the royal Von Stein family. Thus, they got in easily just by showing the invitation by the knights outside the vestibule.
"Nervous?" she flinched when Stefan leaned to her side, making her shift her eyes at the twinkling luxury filling the banquet hall to the man walking beside her. "Seems so."
"I feel a little... out of place," she admitted under her breath, laughing awkwardly as a failed attempt to shrug off her nervousness. "If not for this mask, I would've fainted."
Stefan chuckled and put her hand around his arm. "You'll be fine."
"I wish!" she raised her brows. "But I'm certain things like this are something I will never like."
He laughed because even ten years later, Lilou disliked banquets and tea parties as well. She was a woman who grew up in the street and even if her life would change significantly, she was more inclined to other things but banquets.
"I'm here." He tapped the back of her hand that was clinging to his arm. "You don't have to mingle with everyone since we came here for another reason." Fôllôw new stories at novelhall.com
"Right..." she sighed, glancing at the hand that was patting her hand. Somehow, his gentle hand calmed her slightly, before she noticed they were walking through the crowd on the side. "So, where are we going?"
Just before he could answer, someone in his formal suit approached them. He walked beside Stefan, keeping his voice low only for Stefan to hear.
"It seems she's a little uncomfortable with the compliment, but it is well appreciated." He sported a smile at Heliot.
"Apologies if my honest thoughts brought her discomfort."
"It's alright." Stefan waved. "So, where are they?"
"By 'they', you mean..."
"My brother and his entourage." Stefan didn't beat around the bush, knowing it was better to delve into the matter instead of idle talk about Lilou's appearance. "You said in your letter that they've entered the Karo Kingdom."
There was a moment of silence that fell into the room. The longer Heliot remained silent while tapping his fingers against the armrest, the more Stefan furrowed his brows. Lilou, on the other hand, kept her head hung low, staring at her fist on her lap.
"I did say they entered — intruded the Karo Kingdom." Heliot broke the silence but his tone was laced with danger. "Although we kept a neutral relationship with the La Crox, His Grace had led a horde of enemies in our land, Your Majesty."
His eyes glinted dangerously, not concealing his slight displeasure at the trouble Samael had brought with him. "I respect you as the king of your own nation. However, I don't think I can have a friendly relation with His Grace and his explosive and devious logic." He paused, keeping his pair of solemn eyes at Stefan.
"We'll arrest him and if you opposed it, then our deal together will be null. I hope you understand, Your Majesty."
Lilou slowly raised her head, keeping her mouth shut. She darted her eyes between Stefan and Heliot, assuming this was a situation that Stefan wouldn't like to be in. Much to her dismay, Stefan nodded.
"It's alright. Seize them if that is what you think to protect your land. I have no power over Karo, but I appreciate you for informing me." She scrunched her nose up, wondering if Stefan sold his brother out just like that. "I'm glad that our deal will proceed."
Heliot nodded in satisfaction. "I, as well —" he looked up at the door when someone suddenly knocked and entered. It was the person who guided Stefan and Lilou, stopping beside Heliot's chair and whispering to him.
Lilou tilted her head, seeing that Heliot's dashing face sported a dark expression. "Just about time," he muttered which somehow sent a shiver down her spine.