Chapter 212
I was wondering if I could have Big Brother dance with the other young ladies... Sorry for being such a brocon sister.
...though I wish I could stay like this forever, that would not be the case.
In the first place, Big Brother should not be looking for a marriage partner in our territory. He should be looking for one at the magic academy. So, dancing would only make the other party feel deceived.
Big Brother must have understood that.
"The fireworks will be set off in a few minutes. It is entertainment for the feast, but it is also a signal that the party has reached the halfway point. After that, some of the guests will begin to leave. When that happens, you are also free to leave at any time."
"Thank you, Big Brother, for your consideration."
At an event of this magnitude, guests may not all arrive at once on time and leave at once at the same time. If all the guests came and left at the same time, the carriage traffic would be very congested. Therefore, by unspoken agreement, some people come early, some come late, and some leave at different times.
Around the middle of the party, the number of participants reached its maximum.
Then fireworks would be launched, everyone would enjoy themselves, and those who arrived early or were elderly and wanted to leave early would leave. Such was the arrangement. It wasn't much of an arrangement but a necessity.
At this hour, people were still waiting for their turn to greet the guests, and conversations were exchanged in between receiving greetings. I had, however, already met the leading figures.
"I want to stay with Big Brother for a while, if you will allow me to do so. It will be a pleasure for me to be with Big Brother."
"That's very kind of you to say. But you mustn't overdo it."
Alexei said gently, but when he looked at the next person who stepped forward to greet him, a cold glint appeared in his neon blue eyes.
"Your Excellency, I apologize for my late arrival."
"Novadine, huh?"
Novadine, escorting his daughter Keira, bows, seemingly oblivious to Alexei's cold voice.
Today, both father and daughter were dressed in luxurious attire. Keira, in particular, appeared over-decorated, wearing an array of jewelry, and seemed to glare momentarily at the magnificent heirloom necklace that sparkled on Ekaterina's chest.
"I regret that my foolish wife may have been rude to you earlier."
Novadine, bowing once more, quickly looked up, beaming.
"But to be honest, I am also relieved to hear what you said. I understand that you also believe that we should follow the legacy of our predecessors."
Ekaterina's eyebrows furrowed. What was this guy trying to say?
As if to answer Ekaterina's question, Novadine reached into the inside pocket of his jacket.
"Ladies and gentlemen, look at this!"
He said loudly while holding up a sealed envelope. It was made of expensive-looking paper, and looked important.
"I am pleased to announce to all of you gathered here on this auspicious day, the betrothal of His Excellency Alexei, Duke of Yurinova, to my daughter Keira!"
The sudden declaration caused a great stir in the hall. Not to be outdone, Novadine's voice was also quite loud.
"The former Duke Alexandre loved Keira so much that he arranged her betrothal to his son before his death. This was the document that confirmed Keira as your fiance, and it was signed and sealed by both Prince Alexandre and Alexandra-sama. It is a wonderful match, blessed by Alexandra-sama, the Princess of Yurinova! Please bless all of us!"
In the midst of the ever-expanding crowd, Keira walked up to Alexei quickly with a radiant smile on her face.
But Alexei did not look at Keira, but gently hugged her sister's shoulder.