Chapter 153: The Biggest Thug and 10 Billion Gold Coins

Chapter 153 -121: The Biggest Thug and 10 Billion Gold Coins

Candlelight flickered in the magnificent hall, where Lian and Catherine’s engagement ball was in full swing.

By the fireplace, the intertwined firelight and lamplight painted a warm tableau, illuminating the gold thread and jewels on the guests’ lavish attire.

Beneath the cover of the music, the sound of hushed conversations filled the air like a gentle drizzle.

On the central dance floor, the engaged couple—he in a royal blue tailcoat, she in a light blue gown—danced gracefully to the melody of the string orchestra.

Catherine’s long gown shimmered with silver light, like the brightest star in the night sky. Lian’s tailcoat was impeccably tailored, exuding an air of aristocratic elegance.

This matching set of engagement attire was also Annie’s creation.

Annie had poured too much of herself into this engagement, which was why she was now off to the side, drinking sullenly. Even the noblewomen’s constant praise for how stunning Catherine’s gown was brought her no joy.

‘This dress should have been mine… no, Anna’s.’

‘She had custom-made it for her sister. To think it would end up being worn by Catherine.’

The nobles chatted amongst themselves or sipped from their glasses, each with a contented smile.

Impeccably dressed waiters weaved through the crowd, their trays laden with exquisite pastries and champagne.

The clinking of crystal glasses was met with bursts of lighthearted laughter.

Amidst this harmonious atmosphere, Lian decided to tell his fiancée an unfortunate truth.

“Catherine, we can’t have children for now.”

“Is… is it because you don’t like children?”

Catherine looked up at Lian, confused.

“No, it has to do with Sequence Six. It’s a secret, but I think you should know.”

Lian was just about to tell Catherine how his bloodline was affected by Old Deng, and how he would likely become a sacrifice for the Eye of the Future, when an uninvited guest arrived at Blue Moon Castle.

The beautiful maid, Nancy Scalia, arrived uninvited. Though she wore a black-and-white maid’s uniform, no one dared to slight her, for she represented Lady Mary herself. Behind her were knight escorts from the Rose Knight Order, as well as a “congratulatory gift” draped in red cloth.

Nancy Scalia showed no surprise at the sight of George Moria and Val Simmons. She first offered her congratulations to Lian and Catherine, then had her attendants pull away the dark red silk cloth.

Under the cloth was a coffin forged from silver.

This act brought all social activity to a halt as the nobles stared in astonishment.

“Nancy Scalia, what is the meaning of this?”

Lorne Jackson was furious at Nancy Scalia’s disrespect. He knew this had to be Mary’s doing.

Nancy Scalia gave Lorne Jackson a slight curtsy, her expression unchanging as she spoke.

“This is the body of Viscount Steel. He was attacked by thugs in Yusofa. Had Lady Mary not discovered them in time and driven them off, I’m afraid the Viscount’s body would not have been left intact. Lady Mary believed the Viscount would have wanted to return to his homeland, so she had me bring him back. Consider it a wedding gift for Lady Catherine and Lord Lian.”

Viscount Steel was the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Blue Moon Territory. He had been sent to negotiate less than a week ago, only to meet a violent end.

Everyone knew there were no thugs left in Yusofa; the biggest thugs were Mary and her Rose Army.

But the nobles remained silent. This was clearly aimed not at them, but at Catherine.

Now, no one from Blue Moon Territory would dare to negotiate with Mary.

Catherine walked to the coffin. An attendant pushed open the lid, revealing the pieced-together remains of Viscount Steel. His face was frozen in an expression of sheer terror, clear evidence of the fright he had suffered before his death.

Catherine clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, her body trembling with rage.

She wanted to declare war on Mary right then and there, but she had no just cause.

“And the thugs?”

Catherine asked through gritted teeth.

“The thugs have all been captured and sent to the guillotine.”

Nancy Scalia glanced back at an attendant, who brought forward twelve boxes. When opened, they revealed the heads of twelve nobles from Yusofa.

These were the very nobles who, upon learning that Blue Moon Territory wished to ransom Yusofa, had taken the initiative to contact Viscount Steel.

Lian went to Catherine’s side and put an arm around her shoulders, steadying her violently trembling body.

“Lady Mary says that Viscount Steel was an excellent Minister of Foreign Affairs. He had already agreed, on behalf of Blue Moon Territory, to a ransom of 10 billion gold coins. Unfortunately, he met with a sudden accident. Please, Lady Catherine, appoint another capable Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue the negotiations, so that we may complete the handover of Yusofa as quickly as possible.”

Nancy Scalia said with a smile.

‘A ransom of 10 billion gold coins?!’

Lian’s hair stood on end when he heard that number.

‘Mary must be dreaming! Is she planning to use the money for a war chest and immediately attack Blue Moon Territory?’

‘That’s all my money!’

Lian had already subconsciously begun to think of his fiancée’s fortune as his own.

He would not tolerate anyone coveting the wealth of Blue Moon Territory.

Especially not an ambitious woman like Mary.

Catherine’s body trembled even more violently, and the ministers and nobles of Blue Moon Territory were incandescent with rage.

“A ransom of 10 billion gold coins… Even ten Yusofas wouldn’t be worth that much.”

“Viscount Steel would never have been so foolish.”