[Eveline Clearwater's POV]
Today, I have to visit a kid with whom my father arranged a marriage proposal. The Ashwoods have been demoted from Duke to Count House, yet they still hold considerable influence and power. This alliance, though risky, could prove advantageous for the Clearwater family.
My father, Duke Clearwater, believes that solidifying this alliance will strengthen our position and provide a united front against the royal family.
I must admit, I'm not particularly thrilled about this arrangent. It's not just the idea of marrying a stranger; it's the whole concept of our families' politics dictating our personal lives. Still, I understand the necessity. As a mber of the Clearwater family, I have a duty to uphold.
Before heading to the Ashwood estate, I spent so ti in contemplation. What kind of person would Lord Samael be? From what I've heard, he recently returned from a dangerous dungeon expedition, and his reputation has grown significantly. Despite their fall from grace, the Ashwoods seem to be a resilient and formidable family.
My carriage arrived at the Ashwood estate, a grand yet austere mansion reflecting their noble heritage. But this mansion was at the corner of the Ashwoods territory which shows they are outcasts in their own territory, a stark reminder of their fall from grace. Despite this, there was an undeniable air of dignity about the place.
The Ashwoods were a family with a long history and deep roots, and it showed in the architecture and the ticulously maintained grounds.
There were no guards or servants to greet us at the gates, which clearly shows disrespect toward us or perhaps a sign of their strained resources and precarious standing.
My escorts were much more irked by this display as them being so loyal to my family that even the slightest hint of disrespect toward the Clearwater na was taken as a personal affront.
However, I didn't say anything to them as I wanted to see the Ashwoods' reaction toward their blunt, and if the situation escalates I will put all the bla on these escorts to ensure the diplomatic integrity of the visit.
I gesture to a guard to knock on the door. And soon the door creaks open, revealing the most handso young man I have ever seen. His striking appearance was hard to ignore—his dual-colored eyes, one blue and one red, held an intense and captivating gaze. His hair, half snow-white and half pitch-black, added to his aura of distinctiveness and mystery.
This was Lord Samael Ashwood, and I must say his appearance exceeds that of what was described to as rely an "interesting character."
I tried to compose myself as I entered the Ashwood estate. Lord Samael's appearance was as striking as it was unexpected, but I needed to maintain my composure. I really tried...
My escorts tried to enter alongside , their disdain barely concealed as they scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes. But before they could cross the doorfra a booming voice resounded from the dept of the mansion.
"Before entering my, Keep your trash outside!" A voice was feminine which was clear and I imdiately connected the dots as she was the strongest mage of the kingdom, And my escorts imdiately stiffened at the command. Their faces flushed with a mix of embarrassnt and fear, Before I could order them to stand outside, they left on their own.
Good, very good. Now regret not disciplining them before, As I lost control over the situation. But I imdiately controlled my annoyance and offered a diplomatic smile as I stepped forward, while taking a proper look at Samael Ashwood, "You must be-"
As I saw his sharp features, my heart started to beat at an irregular rate. Samael's appearance was indeed captivating, but it was more than just his striking looks that unsettled . His presence seed to command attention, and the intensity in his eyes hinted at depths of experience and strength that were both intriguing and intimidating.
"I-I didn't know he i-is s-so..." I unconsciously muttered under my breath as my eyes darted around, trying to find the right word. "handso," Oh gosh! did I say that out loud? please tell he didn't hear all that-
Samael's lips quirked into a faint, amused smile as he caught the tail end of my muttered comnt. His eyes sparkled with a mix of amusent and curiosity.
HE TOTALLY DID!!! MY IMAGE IS RUINED EVEN BEFORE I CAN DO ANYTHING...
Samael's eyes glinted with amusent as he absorbed my flustered reaction. He leaned slightly closer, his voice a soft, reassuring murmur that contrasted with the previous formality.
"There's no need to be embarrassed, Lady Eveline. First impressions can be quite overwhelming. I assure you, my appearance is rely a facet of who I am."
Despite his efforts to ease the tension, I felt my cheeks burn hotter. I took a deep breath, ntally shaking myself. This was a diplomatic visit, and I needed to refocus on the purpose of my visit.
"Lady Eveline," Samael greets forrly, offering a courteous bow." Welco to our ho."
I straightened, trying to regain my composure as Samael greeted with a polite bow. His formal deanor was a stark contrast to his earlier amusent, which helped ground as I focused on the task at hand.
"Thank you, Lord Samael," I replied, matching his formality with a courteous nod. "It's a pleasure to finally et you in person."
"Please, Co in," He invited, stepping aside and gesturing for to enter. I took a deep breath and walked into the Ashwood estate, consciously trying to project an air of calm and professionalism. As I moved further inside, I could sense the subtle elegance of the estate. The decor, while not as lavish as so other noble houses, exuded a refined taste and a touch of history.
Samael led through a series of rooms, each one ticulously arranged until we arrived at a tastefully decorated living room. Comfortable chairs and a polished wooden table were arranged around a large fireplace. The room was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold impression I had initially gotten from the estate's exterior.
There were three young girls, each exuding an air of grace and poise. They were clearly waiting for , their expressions ranging from curiosity to polite curiosity. Samael motioned for to take a seat, then gestured for the girls to co forward.
"Lady Eveline, this is Alice Ashwood, my little sister," He introduced, gesturing toward one of the girls, the girl had midnight black hair with crimson eyes and had gentle, inquisitive deanor. Her eyes, though bearing a hint of Samael's striking duality, held a softness that suggested a depth of emotion and innocence.
"And this is Liliana and Lily, my... lovers." My eyes widened slightly at the revelation, As I looked at two girls in question.
Liliana had raven-black hair that fell in sleek, straight down her back, and her eyes too were striking blood-red sowhat different than Ashwood's siblings, her skin too was paler than healthy hue and her posture was graceful, yet there was an unmistakable strength in her presence. Her deanor radiated confidence and serenity, a stark contrast to the uncertainty I felt about the situation.
Lily, on the other hand, appeared more reserved. Her golden hair, cascading in soft waves, frad her delicate features. Her eyes, a striking shade of sapphire, were filled with a mix of curiosity and shyness. There was a gentle air about her, and she seed to observe the proceedings with a quiet attentiveness.
The revelation of Samael's relationships with Liliana and Lily added a layer of complexity to the situation. The presence of two lovers, especially in a setting ant for a formal engagent, was unexpected and sowhat unsettling. I could feel the weight of their gazes, each carrying its own story and significance.
Samael's casual introduction of them, combined with his earlier behavior, hinted at a man who was both charming and deeply unconventional. It was clear that the dynamics within the Ashwood family were far more intricate than I had anticipated.
"Ah, I see," I said, my tone smooth despite the surprise. "It's a pleasure to et all of you."
The girl nad Alice gave a gracious nod, while Liliana and Lily offered their warst smiles. Despite the awkward introduction, the atmosphere remained cordial, if a bit strained.
As we settled into the living room, the conversation started with polite small talk, and the initial tension began to ease. Samael's charm and the warmth of the room created an environnt that was surprisingly comfortable, despite the unusual circumstances.
Samael took a seat opposite , with Alice, Liliana, and Lily arranged around the room in a manner that suggested both respect and intimacy. It was clear that this gathering was more than just a formal eting; it was a reflection of the intricate relationships within the Ashwood family.
Our conversation began with pleasantries and general topics, but as the discussion progressed, it was evident that Samael had a knack for steering the dialogue in a way that made everyone feel at ease. His charisma was palpable, and it beca apparent why he had such a significant reputation.
I tried to maintain my composure, but the underlying tension of the situation lingered. The prospect of this marriage, combined with the unexpected revelation of Samael's relationships, created a complex web of emotions and politics that I needed to navigate carefully.
"Lord Samael," I said, turning my attention back to him. "I've heard much about you, Your recent impossibility of clearing a dungeon of Fifth Circle Mage level all by yourself. How did you even do it?"
My question must have caught him off guard. But I wanted to know how he even did such an extraordinary feat. Because when I heard this from my father yesterday, I refused to believe such an inconceivable feat until I witnessed it firsthand in the reports. Samael leaned back slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
I also saw the girl nad Lily stiffen at my ntion of Dungeon, I wondered what is her story but I sensed it might be sensitive. Samael's response was asured and reflective, his gaze shifting to the fire crackling in the hearth before eting mine with a steady look.
"Ah, the dungeon," He said, choosing his words carefully. "It was a challenging experience. I had to rely on a combination of strategy, skill, and the resources available to . It wasn't just about raw power; understanding the enemies and adapting quickly was key."
I had the strong urge to roll my eyes at such an uninformative response, but I kept my deanor polite and composed. Samael's answer, though sowhat vague, hinted at his strategic prowess. His ability to handle such a challenge was impressive, even if he chose not to go into specifics.
"Indeed, It seems you have quite a reputation, Lord Samael. Your accomplishnts must be the result of much preparation and discipline." I said with my eyes narrowed slightly.
Samael's smile widened slightly, a flicker of amusent in his eyes. "Preparation is crucial, but it also requires the support of those around you. I am fortunate to have a strong team and family backing ."
Now I just want to punch this shaless bastard for uttering such absurdness with a straight face.
.
..
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[To Be Continued]
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