Chapter 604 135.2 - The Banquet
Cox family had recently risen in power in the southern parts of the Federation.
But even then, their roots as a low-ranking family had always been a chore in their eyes, and they needed to carefully cultivate their newfound status.
Today's banquet was a pivotal moment in solidifying their influence, a display of power and prestige for high-ranking officials and nobles alike.
Every detail mattered, from the shimmering chandeliers to the perfectly arranged floral displays. Everything had to reflect the image they wished to project: a family worthy of their position among the Federation's elite.
At the grand entrance of the Cox estate, the butler, Mr. Malford, stood straight-backed and stoic, his graying hair combed impeccably. Dressed in a black-tailored suit that exuded professionalism, his sharp eyes scanned the driveway for the arriving guests. The estate's wide marble steps were flanked by two stone lions, symbols of power recently added to the mansion's fa?ade, though Malford himself had always thought them a bit too ostentatious.
As the first car approached, he adjusted his white gloves, the subtle leather stretching only noticeable to those who knew the art of etiquette. The car halted smoothly, and Mr. Malford stepped forward with practiced grace, his every movement deliberate and respectful. He opened the door and bowed slightly as the first guest descended.
"Welcome, Lady Halcross," Malford greeted in his polished tone. His eyes briefly met hers, the deep brown of a woman who had seen her share of political games. "The Cox family is most honored by your presence this evening."
Lady Halcross, draped in a rich navy gown, nodded coolly. She was a woman of considerable influence, and Malford knew that her attendance alone was a significant achievement for the Cox family. "Thank you, Malford. I trust tonight will be... enlightening," she said, her voice dripping with an unspoken challenge.
Malford only offered a gracious smile, bowing as she passed, escorted by a footman towards the brightly lit hall.
As Mr. Malford continued to receive the guests with his impeccable manners, bowing and offering polite greetings, his mind couldn't help but drift toward the unexpected development that weighed heavily on his thoughts: the sudden appearance of Lady Evergreen.
The Evergreen family was a force unlike any other in the Federation, their influence and power spanning far beyond what the Cox family could currently dream of. Their mere presence at an event such as this turned heads and stirred whispers.
Malford was proud to serve the Cox family; he had been with them since their early days when they had barely clawed their way out of obscurity. But despite the pride he felt for their rapid ascent, the Evergreens were in an entirely different league.
The Cox family, for all their ambition and newfound prestige, were still learning to navigate the intricate web of high society. And now, with Lady Evergreen gracing the banquet unannounced, everything had changed.
As the next guest stepped out of their vehicle, Malford executed his well-practiced bow. "Welcome, Lord Harrington," he greeted in his usual polished tone, though his mind still lingered on the arrival of Lady Evergreen.
Lady Evergreen had been a surprise. The Cox family hadn't expected her, and in the world of politics and power, uninvited guests, especially of her stature, carried with them either immense opportunity or catastrophic risk.
He worried for Lord Cox. This banquet had been carefully orchestrated to boost their standing and cement their position as rising elites within the Federation.
Yet, amidst his worry, Malford also saw the potential. This could elevate the Cox family's reputation far beyond what tonight's banquet had originally intended.
The Evergreens were feared and respected in equal measure, and the fact that one of them had chosen to attend this banquet, uninvited or not, could transform the night into something monumental.
People would remember this evening not only as a showcase of the Cox family's ascent but also as the moment they rubbed shoulders with true power.
As the stream of guests continued, Malford caught a glimpse of Lord Cox standing by the entrance of the ballroom, wearing his finest suit and offering a charming smile to those who approached.
Cars continued to arrive one after another, each more opulent than the last, the gleaming exteriors reflecting the soft lights from the grand estate. Malford remained steadfast, bowing and offering polished greetings to every guest, yet his mind raced with the anticipation that hung over the evening.
But before he could dwell too much on Evergreen, the distant hum of an engine pulled his attention sharply.
–WROOM!
A new car approached the estate, one unlike the others. Sleek, polished, and unmistakably luxurious, the highest-end model that even the wealthiest in the Federation could only dream of possessing. Malford's pulse quickened. He recognized the vehicle immediately. This wasn't just any guest—this was him.
The car glided to a stop, its engine emitting a low, refined growl before falling into silence. Malford instinctively straightened his posture and adjusted his gloves. The moment had come, and his master's most important guest was finally here.
The door of the luxurious car opened, and a man stepped out with graceful precision. Silas Vayne, the man everyone had been waiting for. He appeared to be in his thirties, yet his smooth, unblemished skin hinted at something more—a telltale sign of his Awakened status. His dark hair was slicked back, and his sharp, calculating eyes seemed to absorb everything around him in an instant.
Malford's heart raced as an aftereffect of his presence. The subconscious effect of his oppression was, though Malford maintained his composure.
He knew this was the guest his master had personally instructed him to show the utmost respect. Not even Lady Evergreen, for all her unanticipated arrival and the shockwaves it had sent through the evening, carried the weight that Silas Vayne did. This entire banquet, all the lavish displays, the carefully curated guest list—it had all been orchestrated for him.
"Welcome, Mr. Vayne," Malford greeted, bowing lower than he had for anyone that night. His tone was reverent and respectful in a way that left no room for misinterpretation. "The Cox family is deeply honored by your presence."
Silas didn't reply immediately. He took a moment to adjust the cufflinks on his immaculate suit, his gaze sweeping over the grand estate before settling on Malford. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity of his presence was undeniable.
Finally, he gave a small nod, acknowledging the butler's greeting. "Thank you, Malford," Silas said, his voice smooth and composed. "I trust everything is in order?"
Malford suppressed the nervous flutter in his chest and gave a confident nod. "Yes, Mr. Vayne. Every detail has been prepared to your specifications. My Lord eagerly awaits your arrival inside."
Silas gave another nod, satisfied. Without another word, he walked towards the grand entrance, his steps silent but carrying the weight of someone who knew the power they wielded.
As Silas entered the brightly lit hall, Malford exhaled slowly, allowing himself a brief moment of relief.
'What an oppressive Aura.' He thought. Being a butler was not easy, especially for a family like Cox. He was someone who had dealt with countless shady people, and countless different deals.
Being a demon contractor himself, he thought that he had seen the world already.
'My Lord….' Yet, now he was not sure anymore.
'My Lord… what have you gotten us into?' he mused silently, though he kept his expression calm and professional.
Before he could dwell further on the unsettling thoughts, the next car arrived, snapping him back to the present. This was another pair of guests that Lord Cox had emphasized as critical to the evening's success.
The vehicle pulled up smoothly, and Malford immediately recognized the emblem on its side—Argen Delvora's company. A formidable businessman and political strategist, Argen was known for his ruthlessness and brilliance in negotiation. He was not a man to cross, and his influence could sway entire sectors of the Federation's economy. Malford straightened his posture and stepped forward to open the door.
Argen Delvora emerged from the car, his sharp, calculating eyes hidden behind round spectacles. His salt-and-pepper hair gave him an air of wisdom, and his tailored suit exuded wealth and authority. He glanced at Malford briefly, offering no words, only a slight nod of acknowledgment.
"Welcome, Mr. Delvora," Malford greeted respectfully. "The Cox family is deeply honored by your presence tonight."
Argen gave no reply, merely adjusting his gloves as he strode towards the grand entrance with the quiet confidence of a man used to wielding power. Malford watched him go, noting how the other guests already inside would be keeping a close eye on him. Delvora's reputation preceded him, and his presence was sure to add another layer of intrigue to the evening.
Barely a moment had passed before the next car pulled up, this one carrying a more striking presence. The emblem of the Althea family gleamed on the car door, and Malford knew this guest would draw even more attention.
Vivienne Althea, draped in a flowing crimson gown, stepped out with a grace that commanded attention. Her auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her bright green eyes glinted with both beauty and cunning. Vivienne was a socialite with deep connections in the Federation's political sphere, but more than that, she was known for her charm and manipulation. She could turn any room in her favor with little more than a smile.
"Lady Althea, it is an honor," Malford greeted her with a respectful bow. He could feel the weight of her gaze as she examined him for just a moment.
"Thank you, Malford," she said, her voice smooth, yet carrying an edge of amusement. "I trust tonight will be… interesting."
He nodded, holding her gaze briefly before lowering his eyes in deference. As she walked past, her entrance into the hall was bound to cause a stir. The combination of Argen Delvora and Vivienne Althea in one room was a potent mix, and Malford could only imaagine the delicate negotiations and veiled threats that would take place tonight.
RING!
Just then, he had received a call from his smartwatch connected to his earbuds.
[Lady Evergreen will be arriving soon.]
And hearing this, he composed himself swiftly, preparing mentally for the next pivotal moment of the evening. This was more than just a guest; this was a critical figure whose every move was carefully watched, especially by his master, Lord Cox.
A luxurious car arrived, sleek and glimmering under the estate's grand chandeliers, signaling her arrival. The vehicle came to a smooth halt, and the air seemed to grow heavier with anticipation. Malford took a deep breath as the doors of the car opened.
Stepping out first was a striking man, his aura as powerful as the night itself. He appeared no older a twenty, yet there was something timeless about him—his pale skin, smooth as if untouched by age, and his wavy black hair accentuating his sharp purple eyes.
His tailored black suit adorned with intricate details exuded authority. This was no ordinary man. Malford knew without a doubt who he was—another Awakened, perhaps someone close to Lady Evergreen.
Then, from the other side of the car, she stepped out. Lady Evergreen herself.
She was radiant, her long flowing purple hair shimmering under the mansion's lights, and her elegant black gown draped over her figure like it was spun from the night sky itself. Her eyes, deep blue and captivating, commanded the attention of all who looked her way.
As she moved gracefully beside the man, there was no question—this pair was a force to be reckoned with.
Malford, well-trained and ever composed, bowed low as they approached. "Lady Evergreen, welcome to the Cox Estate," he said, his voice carrying the weight of respect and awe. "The evening is honored by your presence."ue
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