160: His Excellency's mysterious guest

His Excellency's mysterious guest

In a flurry of haste, an impromptu soiree unfolded in the Archduchess's garden. The aristocrats, driven by their loyalty to the Archduke, swiftly assembled, while the merchants, enticed by whispers of Egon von Conradie's presence, eagerly joined the gathering.0

Soft and melodious tunes from a string quartet wafted through the air, but what truly distinguished Emorian soirees were the exquisitely dressed male servants, resembling a synchronized musical band under their maestro, the Majordomo. They deftly carried trays filled with a variety of bite-sized treasures, which delighted both the taste buds and the eyes. These culinary delicacies, crafted by skilled artisans, showcased fabulous canapés with colorful spreads and miniature pastries filled with sweet and tangy fillings.

Whispers circulated among the guests, noble and commoner alike, as curious glances were exchanged. The purpose of the soiree was clear—it was held in honor of the Archduke's esteemed friend. However, the name and title of this enigmatic figure remained a secret.

Amidst the crowd, Adelaide de Lanark, the jewel of Emoria, radiated with confidence as she navigated the gathering on her father's arm, her almond-shaped eyes, accentuated by black contouring, captivated those who met her gaze, and her muted silver gown, with its off-the-shoulder neckline, balanced elegance and professionalism and drew attention to the long curve of her neck. Her luminous silvery blond locks were trapped with crystalline hairpins.

Adela's captivating appearance and confident demeanor turned heads, leaving an indelible impression on those she encountered. Yet, it was not just her physical beauty that commanded respect and admiration, but also her innate ability to effortlessly exude authority and charm.

"Egon von Conradie?"

"That's him!"

"Yes, Egon von Conradie."

As Adela heard his name tossed from one cluster of guests to another, her heart fluttered and the tension in her arms tightened, causing her father to look down at her with empathy and understanding in his shining eyes.

She attempted to relax afterward, reminding herself that it wasn't her role to seek him out. He should be the one to come and find her.

And find her he did.

As if two rocks dispersing tidal waves, the nobles and commoners made way for the von Conradies. Egon and Bastian confidently made their way toward the hosts, drawing admiring glances from merchants and intrigued gazes from aristocrats. Clad in formal Kolhisan black suits that stood out among the Emorians, their jackets hugged their frames, emphasizing their muscular physiques, while the matching trousers fell perfectly, tapering at their ankles.

"Your Excellency," Egon greeted Kaiser with a curt nod, his eyes lingering on Adela's bracelet, a slightly relieved expression crossing his face. "Lady Adelaide," he acknowledged her presence.

Adela responded with a genuine smile, mirroring Bastian's wide grin that felt off, deliberately ignoring Egon's greeting.

"Sir Egon, Sir Bastian, welcome to this soiree," the Archduke spoke with a generous smile. His attention momentarily shifted toward the gate leading to the garden's exit, a slight frown appearing on his face before he shook it off, finding humor in the situation. "Leave it to him to enter from the back like this."

Soon, every gaze in the garden fixated on the commotion. The garden fell into a heavy silence as a figure stepped forward after a brief conversation with the guards, capturing the attention of every guest present.

Clearing his throat, one of the guards announced, "His Holiness, King Aldric of Varinthia, has arrived!"

"King?!"

"Should we bow?!"

The guests found themselves at a loss, unsure of how to proceed.

Walking beside Baron Gustav was Aldric of Varinthia, the long-awaited friend and honored guest of Kaiser de Lanark. The King wore a dark blue velvet coat with silver embroidery, a white shirt, and a silver waistcoat. His gray trousers and black boots completed the ensemble.

The sight that greeted the Lanarkans was far from what they had anticipated. And most stood with their jaws slightly agape.

Instead of an elder statesman or a seasoned warrior, they were faced with the presence of a young man, a fraction of the expected age.

Aldric, with his youthful visage, emanated an aura that belied his tender years. His eyes sparkled with intelligence and wisdom beyond his age as they scanned the room with a keen and perceptive gaze. But what captivated Adela the most was his hair, a striking combination of black and white with streaks of gray. And those deep blue eyes, if they could even be called blue, gazed back at her.

The young King adopted a commanding demeanor reminiscent of a seasoned commander addressing his soldiers on a battlefield.

"I greet you, citizens of Lanark, it is unfortunate that you have all gathered here before I was able to arrive."

Her curiosity grew, her analytical nature urging her to uncover more about this enigmatic monarch. She longed to understand the customs and traditions of Varinthia, as they seemed markedly different from those of Emoria.

"He has grown into a fine man," Kaiser whispered in Adela's ear, his fondness evident as he gazed at Aldric.

Adela sensed her mate drawing nearer, and she felt the eyes of Kaiser's guest coldly following his every move, like one predator assessing another.

Aldric's lips curled into a half-smile. "Ah, it seems I'm not the only foreigner in this gathering. Are you, by any chance, related to Andreas?"

Every head in the garden turned toward Egon, including Adela, who swallowed hard when she saw Egon's eyes turn red.

"Indeed. He is my cousin," Egon responded stiffly.

Aldric's gaze lingered a moment too long on Egon before sweeping over the crowd again. "I heard there was some confusion regarding my age." He glanced at Kaiser de Lanark. "A wise man once told me that a person's age is measured by the strength of their heart. He had no qualms about befriending someone as young as I was when we fought."

"Fought?" murmured one guest.

"Impossible! The Archduke would never face a child on the battlefield," murmured another.

Aldric's half-smile persisted as he decided he had made enough introductions. Approaching Kaiser, his midnight blue eyes softened as they met his gaze.

In a gesture unfamiliar to Adela, Aldric extended his hand and left it hanging in the air. Her father reciprocated the strange gesture, placing his hand in the King's and shaking it.

Adela's throat tightened. How could her father be so at ease with someone who made Egon visibly uncomfortable?

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