My Novel Antagonist is My Husband
Chapter 23. First Dance

Classical music was played in the lobby of Valcke's residence. Various nobles were present to join the party. Duchess Rinia seems busy accompanying Theo, who is being surrounded by the heads of noble families whose strata are lower than Valcke's. Moreover, it was his goal, if not to look for face in front of Theo who had just been appointed duke.

I was afraid that Theo was too innocent and consumed by the empty praise of all of them, so I stood next to him, telling him who did what, whose relationship, who, and it would be beneficial to what Valcke is like. Mother seems to have memorized out of head for socializing things like this.

Cass himself was now accompanying me standing next to one of the tables full of various food dishes. Cass enjoyed everything. He did not care about the circumstances around, that is, pairs of eyes the girl looked at him, wanted to chat with him.

“Kak Cass,” call me. Cass didn't glance at it one bit. He was busy with food in his mouth. I was surprised, all the food was nothing so extra fat in his body.

“Kakak!” call me once more. Cass glanced with annoyance. “What the hell!”

“That's it, all the girls are looking towards you!”

“Ah, no matter!”

“At least, just refuse if you don't like it, don't ignore it! Tuh tuh, look! They're coming!” myrag. As I said, the girls immediately approached Cass and greeted him.

“Greetings, Young Master and Miss Valcke.” They all do curtsy. Me and Cass replied with a nod.

“Greetings,” my reply back, while Cass did not answer anything at all. His eyes looked at all the girls before him

“Young Master, my name is Cressida Leowyn, the first daughter of the Leowyn family.”

“My name is Mary Isaac, my father is a baron-“

“My name is Cynthia ..” Their voices are simple, really do not want to lose in the event of self-introduction on Cass. Having a relationship with a duke or king is a dream for all those who are lower than the two positions. If it cannot be related in blood, then in the bond of marriage and business is done. These girls want to be able to pair up with Cass someday, because Cass is the younger brother of Duke Theo. Therefore, they are competing to be the best look in the eyes of Cass.

“Wait a minute!” Cass cut off all the girls' introductions. The rest of the cake was in his hands for a moment. After that, he patted both hands to clean the crumbs that were still attached. Cass looked again at the girls, who could not wait for him to let them reintroduce themselves.

“Look, I already know the names of all of you.”

I was shocked when Cass said that. Moreover, when he actually mentioned the names of the girls one by one without the slightest hesitation. That made the girls even more fascinated with Cass. I don't know since when Cass memorized all those names. Why the response was so different, he said he did not care!

I got out of Cass's pack and enjoyed my drink alone. Before long, a bodyguard opened the door while shouting a word of welcome. “Entertaining to the room! Her Royal Highness Queen Penelope and Her Royal Highness Prince Darren!”

I and all the people who were there immediately paid their respects. The Queen and the Prince entered the room. As the one with the show, Mom took me in to greet the two of them.

“Greetings, Your Honor,” Me and Mom do curtsy. Other nobles were following us, standing around the two members of King Eric's family. Just like what I wrote, the Queen has hair that is often styled upwards when attending parties. Her body was slightly plump, but invisible thanks to the tight corset paired on the stomach. Both of his eyeballs were bright blue, just like the prince.

Darren looks authoritative with a black suit and a shirt motif inside. Darren's body is quite tall. My head was only the equivalent of his neck, when he was only two years above me.

“Include, this is my daughter, Alissa Valcke,”. I did curtsy one more time. Then, the queen looked at me from top to bottom, like she was judging me. Not a single smile flashed on her face until she finally said, “Hmmm, beautiful.”

Mom turned her eyes to me happily. It is the hope of all mothers in each child to be recognized by the wardens with the title above them, not chaired by Mother. She seemed pleased that the Queen acknowledged my existence, especially my beauty. Mother would be very grateful if I could marry Darren the crown prince in the future.

If only I had known, Darren and the entire family of the first prince would have been killed by Rion the second prince. Right now, Rion must still be out there, struggling to make ends meet as an orphan.

I greeted her hand with a slight nod. Dancing with my own child feels a little strange, let alone this is my first official dance since coming into the world of this novel.

We walked into the lobby, all eyes on us, especially Darren who was a special guest. Classical music is also played. The tones are soft, accompanying the slow movement of our feet. Slowly, the tempo of the music accelerated. At that moment, other couples joined in dancing around us.

“What activities do you do everyday?” darren asked me, trying to get to know me better. I answered while continuing to move with the music. “I love playing piano in garden gazebo with my two brothers.”

“You know, the garden in my palace is so vast! You'll love going there. We also have a big piano that ...” Darren's words I didn't listen to after.

I created Darren as a show-off guy and talked about himself, like he just did. His good looks and calm face were not comparable to what was spoken from his mouth. I only smiled pleasantries and occasionally responded with a small laugh. Until finally, the dance ended without the slightest bit of interest in what I do everyday at home.

He is also one of the important characters even though it sucks. After all, he was just a figure that would also die at Rion's hands, just like Alissa. The main character driving this story is of course Lucius, but I have never met him. At the age of maybe only a year above me, it could be that he is still in the orphanage, training for revenge on the Darren family.

The party ended without feeling. The next day, I asked Mom for permission to go somewhere. I have entered the age of debut, it means that I can already go outside the first fortress alone. These are the times I've been waiting for, because I really wanted to visit the orphanage where Lucius was.

Yes, I wanted to see Lucius early, long before Alissa in the novel met and fell in love with him, when Alissa was already Rion's wife.

Even though Mom should have allowed me, but it wasn't that easy. I still question what I want to do outside the first fort area.

“I ... want to take a walk!” I answered looking for a reason. Mom seemed to think for a moment. From the direction of the stairs, Theo heard our conversation.

“Then take Cass with you,” says Theo.

“What? 'And I have entered my debut age!”

“Not mean you will be free from people's targets! If I'm not busy right now, I will definitely accompany you myself.” Theo looked at me with a stern look.

“But, Sis--“

“Obey my words, I am a substitute father here.”

I can't dwell on Theo saying that. He had indeed replaced his late father to become the current duke. So, his words as the head of the family were absolute.

Theo turned to Cass, who was playing with his mythical creature, a wind-elemented eagle and green feathers. The animal he named Sam. Cass got it about four years ago.

“Cass, accompany Alissa to go for a walk," Theo ordered. Cass was a little surprised, then looked at me. A moment later, he agreed.

In the carriage cabin, I was thinking, what reason could I give if Cass asked about Lucius' identity. What should I tell my ignorant brother? I don't want him to reveal Lucius' whereabouts to Mom and Theo!

Notnot now. Not time.

***