The wheels of the car rattled loudly on the road, and the noise reached into the house from afar. On the yellowed parchment paper, delicate and exquisite handwriting appeared as slender white fingers glided over it. A bookmark with a yulan flower was placed between the pages. Closing the book, Chille pushed aside the thick and exquisite historical notes of the Borg Dynasty era, titled "The Lord of Blood and Roses".
"It seems that Lady Tiyagov has arrived," he said.
His fingers lifted the cobalt blue porcelain cup on the table, admiring the exact match of the color with the Rosam rose tea inside. He swirled the cup gently, the deep red resembling fresh blood, unusually enchanting.
"I have already gone to greet her, my lord," the maid said gently, placing a blue porcelain dessert plate on the table. "Meanwhile, Lady Tiyagov is not the only one visiting Lorraine Manor."
"Oh? Who else? The legal advisor?" Chille paused, just about to taste a small piece of Black Forest cake.
"I just read the appointment letter. It seems she has come to discuss trade matters between the two families," he said.
"Perhaps this is just an excuse," Delfina Delettrez Fendi said, holding the little count's hand and eating the piece of cake that was about to fall on the table. She spoke ambiguously, "Her daughter, Serena Hamovi, is accompanying her."
"Her daughter?" The little count, who had lost his first bite of cake, looked stunned for a moment, then gave the maid a resentful glance and muttered, "What's the use of her daughter coming? Can she help her mother facilitate this trade?"
"Perhaps she has other intentions, not just the trade, but everything, including people and assets," Delfina Delettrez Fendi said, gently wiping away the remnants of the cake on the count's fork. She looked deeply into Chille's exquisite face and smiled, reminding him, "After all, as you often say, my lord, you are now a highly sought-after wealthy man in the Moran Empire."
"Hmm? Uh..." Chille's fingertips gently stroked his chin, and after a moment of silence, he understood what she meant. "So, that's how it is. It's quite new to me. It's truly a world dominated by women."
Supporting his cheek lightly, Chille scrutinized Delfina Delettrez Fendi, who remained composed. He teasingly asked, "Are you jealous, my dear maid?"
She did not answer, but only coldly snorted and lifted her head, showing her tall and soft bosom in a dismissive manner, ignoring the little count's flirtation.
"Alright," Chille casually played with the teaspoon in the cobalt blue cup. He observed Delfina Delettrez Fendi carefully and whispered, "But it seems I am indeed at the age for engagement. Perhaps this is a good opportunity, don't you think?"
Delfina Delettrez Fendi's eyebrow twitched unconsciously. She turned her head and saw Chille's lips delicately curling up, playfully winking at her.
"What do you think, Delfina Delettrez Fendi?"
His small hand reached out and softly held hers, palms connected, fingers intertwined.
"After all, in the end, I will become your possession... my master."
Bang!
The humanoid figure shattered and twisted into a dark and obscure shadow, dissolving into the void.
"Tsk, ran away," Chille lightly flicked the teacup with his finger, making a crisp sound. His crimson and enchanting eyes gazed down at the ripples spreading on the water's surface.
He sneered, "Is that all, old Demon."
...
Wearing golden yellow high heels, Serena descended the steps of the carriage one by one. She slowly let down the beige brocade dress she was holding, and the skirt covered the rose decor on the shoes.
Looking up, she took a deep breath and looked at the magnificent mansion in front of her. It was even more luxurious and noble than she had ever imagined.Compared to the Hamovi family, they were just a slightly wealthy aristocratic family in the countryside.
"Can I really fit in here?"
The girl whispered to herself, feeling deeply insecure and inferior. Although Serena believed that she was not any worse than any other noble girl in terms of upbringing or character, she couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming realization in the face of the stark difference in their family backgrounds.
"Even so... I will do my best, for my mother and the family."
Having made up her mind, Serena took a small breath and followed Lady Tiagof looking carefully at the luxurious and splendid garden.
"Lady Tiagof and Miss Serena,"
a polite and gentle voice called out. Delfina Delettrez Fendi gracefully walked towards the visitors in the garden, seamlessly blending into the shadows beneath her dress.
"Welcome to the Lorraineland Manor. Chille has been waiting for you in the reception room."
Tidying her skirt, the maid courteously greeted the two in front of her.
"I am Delfina Delettrez Fendi Eloni, the maid of this estate."
"Nice to meet you."
Serena nervously returned the greeting, while Lady Tiagof simply nodded kindly to the maid.
"Thank you for coming."
"It's my honor."
...
Quietly following behind, Serena's eyes wandered as she observed the elegant and luxurious decorations both inside and outside the house. One precious treasure after another was casually placed as ordinary decorations. The girl became even more cautious and dared not move recklessly.
"So this is Lorraineland?"
Serena tightly pursed her lips, holding her breath, feeling quite disheartened. But then, she rebounded with determination, redirecting her gaze toward the reception room in front, thinking to herself,
"I will have a good look at my distant cousin, the Count Chille Lorraineland, who possesses all of this. I wonder what kind of remarkable person he is."
"The two esteemed guests, the young master is waiting inside."
As the maid's words fell, the lightly closed door slowly opened. Serena couldn't help but stretch her neck a bit, curiously and defiantly looking into the room. It wasn't the tall and fit figure she had imagined, nor the noble and arrogant air. There was no awe-inspiring majesty that made people submit and kneel. He was just a small figure, sitting quietly on a chair with fluffy cushions, reading a book.
"That's it, just an ordinary person."
The girl pouted, feeling somewhat disappointed, but also gained a bit of confidence. She walked slowly forward, and then she saw the young Earl raise his head and smile at her.
The confident Serena was momentarily stunned, standing still in her tracks. Her face turned red and felt hot.
