CH 50

We rode a carriage and headed to the Duke Siccain’s estate, where the party was held. Not long after, I was able to see the grand scale of the duke’s estate. It was definitely bigger than Marquis Reclain’s mansion. Our Harrant estate, which had already fallen among other counts, wasn’t even there to compare. Oh, but maybe it’s different now, thanks to the gold mines.

“Welcome. Could you show me your invitation?”

As we got off the carriage and entered the entrance, a man who appeared to be the butler of the duke’s family spoke to us. Our servant showed him the invitations, then he looked at them one by one, pointed at me, and asked, “The invitation seems to show a different number of guests. Excuse me, my lady, but how are you related to the children of Marquis Reclan?”

In response to his words, I laughed and said without any embarrassment, “I’m Secretary Marina von Harrant, a cousin of the children of Marquis Reclan and a policy officer from the Operations Department of Internal Affairs.”

At my words, he suddenly smiled and deeply bowed, “Please forgive me, my lady, you were expected. Please head into the hall.”

I was a bit surprised by his sudden reaction, but it wasn’t to the point of panic. I just thought that the Chancellor had given him a message prior, so I went inside.

“The children of the Marquis of Reclan, Sir Chelleno von Reclan, Jianneen von Reclan, Illumina von Reclan, and Marina von Harrant, the policy officer of Internal Affairs,” spoke a voice as we entered.

At the same time, all attention in the hall was on us. I reminded myself to walk gracefully and stepped inside. My cousins also looked noble and dignified, unlike how they were at home.

“Assistant Harrant! Good to see you here,” a voice called out to me.

This flirtatious voice must be… I turned my head gracefully toward the sound. As expected, it was Rave, surrounded by women, looking at me with a mischievous expression on his face. He sure lives up to the nickname “Playboy of Internal Affairs.”

“Nice to meet you, First Secretary Harsen,” I replied to him. I usually call him Punk Rave in my mind, but this was how I usually addressed him.

“No way, we see each other every day, and you’re still happy to see me? By the way, my assistant, you are really beautiful today, enough to please my eyes. How about we dance together…” Rave answered like a mad man until he was interrupted by someone.

It was Lumi. She then said, “Oh? It’s been a while, viscount.”

The corners of Rave’s lips rose when she saw the pretty doll-like Lumi. He sure lived up to his infamous nickname, the Playboy of Internal Affairs.

“How are you? Lady Illumina,” said Rave.

“Yes, my lord,” Lumi replied.

Even though he was being authoritative, it didn’t look that weird. Was it because Rave is shameless? Or was it because the blood of an arrogant ruler flows inside him? You ask why is there a ruler’s blood flowing in him?

That’s because his grandfather was the half-brother of the previous emperor. He too shares the blood of the imperial family. Of course, he became the first Duke of Harsen because he didn’t have purple eyes. But there was no precedent for previous emperors to keep their brother alive, so the Duke of Harsen was the only living family of the imperial family.

“I see that you and my sister are still on good terms?”

What nonsense are you talking about, my dear cousin? Do you think I’m on good terms with him?

“Of course! Isn’t that right, assistant?”

Rave, who spoke to me as if asking a question, nonchalantly wrapped his arms around my shoulder and smiled. I hated seeing him smiling and flirting at the same time. But this was a party hall with eyes everywhere. I couldn’t make threats as I did at work, so I just smiled as wide as I could.

“Of course. Lumi, my senior, was so good to me lately that I want to tell my uncle more about him.”

The moment he heard those words, Rave’s expression hardened awkwardly. Well, I would have been really disappointed if you hadn’t noticed that much, you a*sh*le!

“Hahaha. Well then, assistant. Please excuse me, as I remembered I had business to attend. It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Illumina. Let’s have a cup of tea next time!” said Rave.

Lumi frowned as she looked as Rave disappeared quickly and commented, “I was interested because of his family, but he’s not qualified. He looks untrustworthy the more I look, and it’s obvious that he will break some hearts.”

Her eyes were correct. She sure was my cousin. I was worried that she would fall for him for his looks, but fortunately, she didn’t seem to like him. Sure! My Lumi is so much more than the likes of Rave!

Then a voice said, “Uh… Secretary Harrant.”

“Oh, it’s you. Good to see you here,” I replied to the voice’s owner.

It was Lynel who called to me with a hesitant and quiet voice. He looked even younger with his honey blonde hair and light blue eyes. They made him look like an elf. I turned to Lumi to introduce her when I noticed her expression hardened. Soon her face turned red.

‘Huh? Lumi, are you..?’

To my surprise, Lumi then gracefully approached and greeted him before I could even introduce her, “Good evening, sir. My name is Illumina von Reclan. Cute- I mean, sir. What would be your name?”

“Oh, uh- My name is Cedric von Lynel.”

Lynel seemed surprised by her show of interest and stuttered on his answer. Lumi’s smile deepened as she commented, “Cedric. Your name is as pretty as you.”

“Pardon? Lady, I-I don’t…”

Ah, damn it. As if she wasn’t a member of the Reclan family, she acted just like my mother. I heard when my mother was young, she approached my father, who was a promising young central government official, and offered him to be hers. From what I heard from my mother, I heard that all girls of the Reclan family had a thing for the handsome and scholarly type.

Was it because I was also half Reclan that I was attracted to Kyles, who wasn’t as handsome but had a scholarly look to him? Such a question arose. However, once I was hurt, I became wary of scholarly men.