The Duke's Passion

Soon, we reached the largest estate in Minowa, the House Malum. Guests were also arriving one after another. The event would start before dusk, but everyone had arrived early. By now, I already knew that the people in Minowa were too punctual. This was to show that they were glad to be invited. Hence, they show their sincerity by showing up early.

It was an unwritten rule in the south. So, we also arrived half an hour before the said time. They were knights around to secure the safety of the guest. Although this was a public event, those important guests received an official letter so they could occupy seats prepared for them.

I handed the invitation to the butler outside the hall. He glanced at me and smiled, glancing at Bey and Glory behind me.

"Madam Roux?" he asked to confirm. 

I nodded, closed-lipped. "I already informed the Viscount about bringing my company inside."

"Yes, I've been told." The butler politely bowed his head, motioning his arms towards the door with two guards standing on either side of it. "I hope Madam Roux will enjoy tonight's banquet."

"Thank you."

I didn't idle as I turned to Bey and Glory while holding my son's hand. Jaime Malum wouldn't say no to me, so I brought these two as my company. The reason they were wearing formal attires. 

For reasons unknown, I felt more secure having them close at all times. Glory, although weak against Sam, he was strong. And he had grown fond of Law by now because of my son's determination to learn from him. 

Meanwhile, Bey's purpose was to eavesdrop on other conversations. It was better to have an extra eye and ear in every banquet. That was what I learned from mingling in high society for months.

"Let's go?" I beckoned, and they nodded humbly. They followed behind me as the knights opened the door for us. 

As expected, the banquet hall was packed. It had more people than Law's birthday party, but considering everyone was allowed to attend. Who would miss such an opportunity, right?

A lot of commoners attended, wearing the best dress and suits for gentlemen. Although it still paled in comparison with those lavish dresses of the noble ladies.

Now, looking at the split crowd as we entered, the difference was very obvious. 

On one side were occupied by individuals whose bright dresses and fine formal suits were adorned with flowers and jewelry. The dismay in their eyes kept piercing to the other side of the crowd. My eyes veered to the other side of this hall, noticing the fading colors of their dresses, although they were clean. Still, it looked rather gloomy if not for the fact that they were enjoying themselves instead of concerning about the disgusting glares they received from the nobles.

'This banquet, although held in good purpose, it also shows the status and life difference,' I thought, peeling my eyes away and gazing ahead to where Lady Hazel was. 'The only similarities they had were... they were weak.'

The vampires in the south were surprisingly weak. I mentioned Sam about it, but he said I would think otherwise if I was born and raised in the south. The only reason I see them weak was that I was a pureblood, and had met powerful individuals that were of a different caliber.

  "Madam Roux!" 

I stopped a meter away from Lady Hazel, performing a curtsy before facing her with a smile. "Greetings, Lady Malum."

"What can you say about the theme, Madam Roux?" she asked proudly, raising her brows as she traveled her eyes across.

"It was magnificent, my lady." My smile remained, glancing at the crowd. "On the way here, I heard some saying this was akin to a royal banquet."

"Oh, you flatter me." She waved while chuckling, flattered by the truth. The ambiance truly felt luxurious, making the commoners feel they were living the dream. Only those nobles who had a prejudice against commoners were killing the mood. 

"Madam Roux! Law!" 

I snapped my eyes in the direction of Adam's voice and smiled. He approached us with a butler behind him, smiling from ear to ear as he stopped at arm's length from us. 

"Greetings, my lord," I curtsied, glancing at Law, and he bowed as well. "How have you been?"

"I am doing well, Madam Roux." His grin was still there, glancing at Lady Hazel. "I hope you are too! Law, I heard you've been training..."

Adam giddily approached Law as they chatted. I darted my eyes from these two young boys and then to Lady Hazel. I noticed how her eyes softened while staring at Adam as if she was relieved to see him well. It wasn't surprising that Lady Hazel seemed she truly cared about Adam but did nothing when he was being maltreated.

Lady Hazel didn't have enough power to go against her father. Knowing Jaime, he would surely marry her off if she upset him. I pity them, but there was no reason to dwell in the past. Adam was better now with the emperor's backing and Jaime Malum wouldn't touch even the tip of this young boy's hair.

While Law and Adam chatted, Lady Hazel also shared her ideas after my lesson. She told me everything, and I listened and smiled all throughout. Not that I was forcing myself. I was intrigued since she said the tea I made inspired her. In the middle of our conversation, other noble ladies also approached us for a chat. 

We were engaged in this topic about Lady Fletcher as she had been keeping herself locked up in Fletcher's estate when a loud bell rang to gather everyone's attention. I set my eyes to the person on the raised platform, catching Jaime Malum's figure. The merry chatterings in the banquet hall quieted down while Jaime cleared his throat.

"Greetings, everyone!" his lips stretched into a dignified smile, carrying himself with an air of integrity. What a great actor, I thought. If one didn't know him, I would think he was a righteous nobleman. But everyone knew how rotten this person was. The angst and sufferings this man caused throughout his time could even incite rebellion if they all unite. 

'An uprising...' I whispered internally, watching Jaime continue his humble speech, especially thanking Adam and then everyone. '... I hope the people in the south can hang in there until Adam had grasped the full power of his position. It's a good thing Jaime was lying low...'

BAM!

My thoughts trailed off as the entrance suddenly slammed open, interrupting Jaime's speech. Everyone, including me, turned our heads to the entrance, seeing a wretched butler panting heavily. I narrowed my eyes out of instinct as my heart suddenly pounded against my chest.

"My lord!" the Butler called with a voice full of dread. "A rebellion arose in the fort! They had already seized the downtown and were on their way here!" 

Silence.. Even a pin drop could be heard as everyone processed the news.