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I composed myself, sitting up and drawing in a breath of air to fill my lungs. This was it. The door was pushed open and Lady Eveline Clearwater swept into the room, all confidence air. Some servitors walked with her, expressions that mixed arrogance and contempt barely concealed behind their eyes.

As I was going to say something-

"Before entering my house, Keep your trash outside!" A familiar resounded from the dept of the estate.

The voice that rang out was unmistakably that of my mother, Elysia. Her tone was firm, brooking no argument. The attendants paused, glancing at each other in uncertainty before slowly backing out of the doorway.

Lady Eveline's gaze flickered with annoyance, but she composed herself quickly, offering a diplomatic smile as she stepped forward. "You must be-"

As she took a proper look at me, Her cheeks flared up as a blush spread across her face.

"I-I didn't k-know he i-is s-so..." She muttered under her breath as her eyes darted around, trying to find the right words. "handsome," she finished, her voice barely above a whisper.

I raised an eyebrow at her reaction, not entirely sure what to make of it. Lady Eveline Clearwater, renowned for her poise and grace, seemed momentarily flustered by my appearance. It was unexpected, to say the least.

"Lady Eveline," I greeted, offering a courteous bow. "Welcome to our home."

She quickly regained her composure, her cheeks still tinged with a faint blush. "Thank you, Lord Samael. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

Her attendants, having been properly chastised by Elysia, waited outside the door, their expressions sour. The contrast between Lady Eveline's polite demeanor and their disdainful looks was stark.

"Please, come in," I invited, stepping aside to allow her entry. "We've prepared some refreshments for you."

Lady Eveline entered the house, her gaze sweeping across the elegantly arranged living room. Liliana, Lily, and Alice stood nearby, ready to assist and support me. As Eveline's eyes met theirs, she offered a polite nod, acknowledging their presence.

"Lady Eveline, this is Alice Ashwood, my little sister," I introduced, gesturing towards Alice with a smile. "And this is Liliana and Lily, my... lovers."

Lady Eveline's eyes widened slightly at the revelation, a mixture of surprise and curiosity crossing her face. Her gaze lingered on Liliana and Lily, her composure momentarily faltering before she quickly masked her reaction with a polite smile.

"Ah, I see," Lady Eveline said, her tone smooth despite the surprise. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you."

Alice gave a gracious nod, while Liliana and Lily offered their warmest 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 Lady Eveline seemed to regain her composure, engaging in casual conversation with the members of my household. I observed her closely, noting her keen interest in the details of our family's situation.

"Lord Samael," Lady Eveline said, turning her attention back to me. "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?"

The question took me slightly off guard. Lady Eveline's curiosity was genuine, her gaze intense as she awaited my response. I could tell that her interest wasn't just polite small talk but something more probing.

At the mention of the dungeon, Lily stiffened as she probably remembered her brother who didn't make it.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, conscious of the weight Lady Eveline's question carried. Her genuine curiosity was evident, but it was also clear that she was probing for deeper insights into my abilities and perhaps the future implications for our families.

"Ah, the dungeon," I began, choosing my words carefully. "It was a challenging experience. I had to rely on a combination of strategy, skill, and the resources available to me. It wasn't just about raw power; understanding the enemies and adapting quickly was key."

Lady Eveline's eyes narrowed slightly, her interest piqued. "Indeed. It seems you have quite a reputation, Lord Samael. Your accomplishments must be the result of much preparation and discipline."

I nodded, maintaining a polite smile. "Preparation is crucial, but it also requires the support of those around you. I am fortunate to have a strong team and family backing me."

Lady Eveline's gaze shifted to Liliana and Lily, acknowledging their presence. "It's clear that you have the support of those who care for you. That's invaluable."

The conversation flowed back to lighter topics, and I could sense Lady Eveline's attempt to steer away from the more personal and probing questions. As the afternoon progressed, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Lady Eveline, despite her initial awkwardness, engaged in a pleasant discussion about various topics, from family matters to political alliances.

However, I couldn't shake the feeling that her initial reaction and probing questions hinted at deeper motivations. Her presence was more than just a social visit; it was a critical juncture for our family's future.

As the meeting came to a close, Lady Eveline stood, preparing to take her leave. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Lord Samael. I appreciate the hospitality and the opportunity to meet your family."

"It was our pleasure, Lady Eveline," I replied, standing to see her off. "We hope this meeting lays the groundwork for a fruitful alliance."

She smiled graciously, though her eyes remained thoughtful.

"Oh~ there's no need for that." Lady Eveline's eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief as she produced a small, ornate box from her space ring. It was covered in intricate runes that glowed faintly, hinting at some sort of magical enchantment.

"Inside there are a pair of engagement rings," she announced, her voice carrying a mixture of formality and playful intrigue. She opened the box to reveal two elegant rings, each intricately designed with gemstones and fine craftsmanship.

I felt a sharp intake of breath as the realization hit me. The engagement rings were not just a symbolic gesture; they represented a significant step in the political alliance between our families. The weight of the moment was palpable, and the room seemed to hold its breath.

"This... this is quite unexpected," I said, struggling to maintain my composure. "Lady Eveline, I wasn't aware that this visit would include such a formal proposal."

Lady Eveline's smile widened, a blend of satisfaction and anticipation in her eyes. "Indeed, it is rather sudden. But circumstances have led us to this point, and I believe it's an opportune moment for both of our families."

Liliana's gaze was fixed on the rings, her expression a mixture of surprise and concern. Lily, too, looked unsettled, though she tried to mask her feelings with a polite smile. Alice, ever the composed one, remained silent but her eyes betrayed a flicker of anger.

"You have quite the audacity," Mother materialized standing between me and Lady Eveline, her expression a mix of defiance and protectiveness. She had evidently overheard the conversation and emerged from her room, her presence commanding immediate attention.

"Mother," I said, a hint of surprise in my voice. "We were just discussing Lady Eveline's proposal."

Elysia's gaze remained fixed on Lady Eveline, her voice firm and unwavering. "You have quite the audacity, Lady Eveline. To come here with such a proposal, without prior notice or consultation—"

Lady Eveline's composure remained intact, though her eyes flashed with annoyance. "I understand your surprise, Lady Elysia. However, the urgency of the political landscape leaves little room for delays. This engagement could strengthen your family, as everyone knows about the feud between Ashwoods and The Royal family."

Lady Eveline's words hung in the air, charged with the weight of political intrigue. Her tone was calm, yet carried an undercurrent of challenge that made it clear she wasn't backing down easily.

"Girl, Do you even know who is standing in front of you?" Mother pressed forward as her heavy mana leaked making Lady Eveline almost kneel.

Lady Eveline's expression shifted to one of surprise and discomfort as Elysia's heavy mana pressed upon her. The pressure was palpable, and she struggled to maintain her composure, her posture betraying a slight wobble as she fought against the magical force.

"I know precisely who you are, Lady Elysia," Lady Eveline managed to say through gritted teeth. "The Strongest Mage in the kingdom—and a formidable force in her own right," Lady Eveline added, her voice straining under the pressure. Her eyes were wide, but she quickly regained her composure. "However, I came here with a genuine intention of fostering a beneficial alliance between our families."

Elysia's gaze remained unyielding, her mana pressing heavily on Lady Eveline. "A genuine intention?" she echoed, her tone dripping with skepticism. "You arrive with an engagement proposal without prior notice, as if it's a mere formality. This isn't just about formalities; it's about respect and understanding."

Lady Eveline took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Elysia's with a steely resolve. "Respect and understanding are precisely what I seek to offer. This proposal was made in response to pressing political circumstances. It's not meant to insult or undermine you."

The room was charged with tension as the two women faced off. I could sense the gravity of the moment, knowing that the future of our family and the potential alliance with Lady Eveline's family hung in the balance.

"Lady Eveline," I interjected, stepping forward to bridge the gap between the two. "Let's not let this escalate further. We appreciate your proposal and understand the urgency, but we need to handle this with due respect for everyone involved."

Lady Eveline's eyes softened slightly as she turned her gaze back to me. "Lord Samael, I appreciate your willingness to address this matter calmly. I understand the need for respect and proper procedure. My intentions were to expedite a process that could benefit both our families."

Elysia's mana pressure slowly receded, though her eyes remained sharp and scrutinizing. "If you wish to discuss this proposal, we will do so with the proper respect and consideration for our family's values and decisions."

Lady Eveline nodded, visibly relieved as the magical pressure lifted. "Thank you, Lady Elysia. I'm willing to discuss this further and address any concerns you might have."

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

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