Chapter 60: Gorgeous!
"I apologize if I sound rude, Your Highness, but I have no idea what you are talking about."
Seth has calculated the pros and cons of killing this girl and leaving this place right now. In that way, he would not be pestered by his mother or would be put behind shackles.
But that would make him a refugee for the rest of his life and he has to be extra cautious about whom he would be trusting from hereon. And above all, he needed Albeck Duchy for his interest in the future which would be jeopardized by this murder.
Without breaking the contact, Seth looked into the princess' deep blue eyes which were staring at him without resting or wavering at all as he awaited her to speak any further.
Might be horrifying to others but Seth found nothing wrong in them apart from the genuine curiosity toward her limitless peculiar eyes.
His urgency to have her by his side grew as he dwelled on the information related to the girl which he read about in his last life. He knows her potential and what she could become until she doesn't worship a fool named Arata.
He might have become his greatest enemy but now Seth was adamant to make her, his greatest tool.
"Interesting."
Seth felt like replying with an 'Indeed' but he held back as he saw the princess turning on her heel and walking back into the main hall while ignoring the bows she received from the maids along the way.
Seth took his time to collect his thoughts as he stood at his place wordlessly.
There was a high chance for the girl to not fall for Seth as naturally, as she did for Arata but Seth have to try and turn things to his accord.
If not love then anything else. He just needs her to be dependent on him.
Reading the novel in his last life not only granted him the knowledge of people's strength, after all.
'Well, I should get going... '
_____________..
Laila was extremely nervous to walk inside this mansion after so long time.
She has visited before as well since she and Seth have been friends a while back and also at times of her engagement, she met the other members as well.
But just that...
Unlike herself or her family, the Albecks are conservative and strict people except for Duchess' husband Christopher who was the most engaging and soft person.
However, this time Laila was visiting this place not as a friend or fiancee of the next Albeck head but just as a guest.
If people respected her before then it was her relationship with Seth but the news of the annulment must have spread across the nation by now.
And people not meeting the eyes of her father made it obvious how worse of a situation she has created. Only those belonging to lower social standings came to greet Rommen Alfred—her father.
"Such expression doesn't suit my lovely daughter. Cheer up."
Holding her hand fondly Rommen led his daughter inside as he tried to lift her mood which was shrouded with evident guilt and sorrow.
Laila was happy that her father and mother were so supportive but still, it hurts her to be like this. Especially after she saw that...
"Sir Alfred."
"Ah, Seth!"
Laila's eyes widened slightly in shock as she heard her father calling that name and also the voice from the other party seemed oddly familiar as well.
She shot her head up and saw that indeed Seth standing there but without his glasses and unlike usual he has let his hair grow as well, which she knew that he particularly hated.
He seemed....changed even so small time has passed since that day...
It was surprising for Rommen as well to be approached by the eldest son and also considering the broken engagement, Rommen thought he wouldn't be even greeted by Christopher as well who was the least arrogant in the family.
But now Seth stood there with a small smile and genuine welcoming words flowing out for the man who could have been his father-in-law.
"Lady Laila."
Laila instinctively raised her hand before Seth grabbed it softly and with a slight bow, kissed her knuckles as he spoke his genuine words of admiration.
"You look gorgeous."
It might be the old resident of the body but Laila in Seth's eyes seemed extremely beautiful today.
Wearing a pink and white frock gown and neatly braided hair resting over her shoulder not only gave ger an innocent touch-up but made it hard to look away from her clean white slightly reddish face.
"I-I...thank you..."
Laila could swear that she has gotten better at handling nerve-wracking situations. But never did she feel so awestruck to be praised by the man who has only loathed her before.
She simply was at a loss for words and could only mutter before dropping her head down once again.
Seth watched her struggle with slight amusement while he chatted with Rommen for another minute before he excused himself and left the duo to attend to another guest.
It really is tedious to be a noble.
Dazed Laila was standing still at her place knowing well that Seth has left her side and she could now lift her face. But for some reason, she was still not able to get over the only words he spoke to her.
Rommen grinned at her daughter's flustered behavior before he guided her to a side where he saw a familiar young girl. Only after that Rommen went to chat with other nobility with a contended smile spread across his face.
._._.
Seth had to move a lot to not miss any high noble since his father and mother were busy entertaining their guests while sticking together.
Despite being married for fifteen years they still behave like newlyweds, especially the husband. Well considering their past Seth could somehow understand Christopher's feelings.
Seth never spotted Serena at the party even though Lara told him that every Count has been invited to the celebration.
He didn't even notice Count Stephen as well which meant that he would not be likely coming today. And it was strange in its own right since mostly no noble families ignore invitations from their superiors.
And no one but the highest-ranking Duchess was in question.
But Seth neither has the intention nor focus to think about them since he and everyone in the ceremonial hall heard the choir shifting the tune and enhancing the melody to gather everyone's attention.
And so the first dance of the night began.
__________...
A/N: - The following events would be massive and would take a lot of words that's why I didn't intend to add them to this chapter.
I hope you guys aren't bored with the story. Please leave a comment on your way back~