Chapter 39: Banquet (1)

The venue is not the Griffiths’ mansion but rather a considerable estate located on the outskirts of the capital.

The gathering is quite extensive, with easily over a hundred invited guests. The invitees include not only nobles but also members of the bourgeoisie.

“This is a chance for expanding business…” Rosa thought enthusiastically, then suddenly snapped back to reality.

“I must not lose sight of my purpose. My notoriety could soon cast a shadow over my business. I must find a solution, and I really don’t want to be poisoned!”

Rosa reaffirmed her priorities.

Although Rosa’s friends Lila, Poppy, and Emma were supposed to be present at tonight’s banquet, she couldn’t seem to find them anywhere. Moreover, Ellen and Alex were also missing. Anyway, the mansion was surprisingly vast, and the number of people was overwhelming.

Adding to the complexity, factions were mingling at this gathering. However, with time, these factions formed isolated islands, separating from each other.

As Rosa looked resentfully at the Arnaud faction, sipping fruit water and nibbling on snacks, the orchestra started playing a dance tune.

The beginning of dance time. Men and women began to join in, and young couples seemed to be having a great time.

Suddenly, feeling a gaze, Rosa looked up and saw Alex.

“Brother, it’s an emergency!”

“Hey, hey, Rosa. Don’t talk with your mouth full. Are you still a lady?”

Philbert, enjoying champagne beside them, reprimanded her.

“It’s not the time for that. Let’s dance right now.”

“What?”

Alex was approaching from the blind spot near Philbert.

If they danced the first dance here, it would undoubtedly lead to trouble. People would start speculating that Rosa might actually have feelings for Alex.

“His Highness Alex is approaching.”

In response to Rosa’s plea, Philbert tightened his expression.

From there, Philbert’s actions were swift.

In no time, they joined the dance circle, and the siblings began to dance. Glancing over Philbert’s shoulder, Rosa noticed that Alex seemed to be requested for a dance by a young lady from somewhere.

Unless something significant happened, Alex wouldn’t refuse. Rosa breathed a sigh of relief.

“See? Isn’t it a good thing I tagged along?” Philbert remarked.

“What are you talking about? I was the one who spotted His Highness first. Big brother, you were carefree, just leisurely sipping champagne,” protested Rosa.

Philbert coughed as if trying to divert attention.

“So, how many songs should we dance?” he asked.

“Until His Highness leaves, forever,” Rosa replied casually.

“That’s impossible. Rosa, don’t you have gentlemen prepared for times like these?”

“Why must dances be between male-female pairs?”

“What are you saying? This is not the time for arguments,” Philbert retorted.

Rosa is entirely unpopular. Occasionally, men with obvious ulterior motives approach her, especially those eyeing the wealth of the Croitzer family.

“Well, big brother, you seem a bit unsteady on your feet. That’s what happens when you drink so much champagne,” Rosa commented.

“Rosa, that champagne is unbelievably good,” Philbert said, appearing slightly intoxicated.

As the siblings conversed, they found themselves entering the second song.

“Big brother, we can’t just keep dancing like this. Please introduce me to someone,” Rosa said with a tense voice, but Philbert heartlessly shook his head.

“That’s not good. The other person might get the wrong idea. They might think I’m pressuring them to take you,” he said with a somewhat rude tone.

“What does that mean?”

While Rosa was upset with Philbert’s impolite remarks, the third song had already begun.

In the end, the siblings entered the third song.

“Hey, hey, dancing three songs in a row as siblings? What kind of madness is this?” Philbert, quite handsome but thick-skinned, seemed concerned about the reactions from those around him.

“Oh, well, if I get invited to dance by His Highness, I’ll decline. Is that okay?” Rosa responded.

Philbert burst into laughter. “The other party might lose face, but your honor will be intact. Isn’t that good enough? You can say you’re tired after three dances.”

As they spoke, the third song came to an end.

“Phew, so we’ve reached a conclusion. Shall we take a break?” Philbert suggested sitting alongside Rosa at a table in the corner designated for resting.

“Big brother, I’m thirsty. Please bring me some fruit water. And you, big brother, are now banned from alcohol,” Rosa stated.

“Sigh, such a high-maintenance sister,” Philbert remarked, complaining but promptly tending to Rosa’s needs before heading to the refreshment area.

As her brother suggested, the refreshments offered here—sandwiches, baked goods, fruits, and fruit water—were all luxuriously delicious.

Rosa decided to satisfy her appetite for now.

“Hey, Rosa, that was an impressive dance,” Alex said as he approached while Rosa was resting in her chair.

Rosa responded with a perfect curtsy and a polite greeting. She couldn’t afford to show any weaknesses. “Thank you.”

“By the way, how about one more song? Care to dance with me?” He casually invited.

“I apologize, but I’m tired for today, so I won’t be dancing,” Rosa said with a sweet smile as she declined. Alex’s smile momentarily stiffened, an expression she had never seen on him before.

(Well, he’s secretly dating Ellen, after all. Speaking of which, why hasn’t the rumor about Alex dating Ellen spread at all? All that circulates are rumors about my bad reputation.)

“My feet hurt too. Hoho,” Rosa added a brief comment, intending it as a follow-up since her dance partner was a royal.

“That’s a shame. I didn’t expect Philbert and you to dance three songs,” Alex commented.

“Yes, neither did I. Before we knew it, three songs had passed while we were engrossed in conversation,” Rosa replied.

“It’s enviable to have such a good sibling relationship,” Alex said, and a momentary shadow passed over his beautiful face.

(Well, he has his own difficulties. I remember in the manga that he was almost assassinated as a child and was frequently saved by Ethan.)

“We all love business in our family, so we only agree on that topic,” Rosa explained.

Just then, Philbert returned.

Alex engaged in polite small talk with Philbert in a friendly atmosphere and then gracefully excused himself.

This time, he headed toward the Arnaud faction.