[AFYC] Chapter 77
Meanwhile, one of the backup agents observing the scene from a distance muttered, “It looks like Abel Sting has completely given up.”
The entire team nodded in agreement, as if on cue. It certainly seemed that way.
For the past week, Abel had been struggling, barely holding on. Now, like a person who had been resisting food only to binge in frustration, he was unleashing all his pent-up frustration on the target, wrapping his curses in a veil of concern. He was essentially telling her she was doomed, that all the bad luck in the world was headed her way.
“Oh dear, didn’t you know those flowers came from a cemetery?”
“Tsk tsk, it’s obvious she wouldn’t know. But miss, where are you from?”
Some nosy merchants chimed in, and the target’s face turned as pale as a corpse freshly buried in a grave, clutching the armful of flowers.
♔♔♔
In the capital of Luxen, Vieux, the land prices had always been exorbitant, especially in Norfolk’s trading hub. Among the priciest areas in Vieux, the highest point was along the upper reaches of the Rotten River, where royal and noble estates were concentrated. The Reinhardt Marquessate was among these prestigious estates.
Another noble family, almost as famous as the Marquessate, was the Jerome family.
Night had fallen. The uniformed servants of the Jerome estate were bustling about so frantically that their feet seemed to disappear beneath them. Tonight was a particularly special occasion. It was the birthday party of Sabine von Jerome, the only daughter of Count Jerome and fiancée to King Leopold of Luxen.
Famous guests began arriving at the Count’s estate even before sunset. Sabine’s guests were indeed a diverse group.
“Your Highness! Oh my, you really came!”
“I told you I would. It’s not that far from Felphe to here.”
“Don’t make me cry now. I’ve put too much effort into my makeup to let it get ruined.”
Guests ranged from the royal relatives of Felphe to:
“Sabine, happy birthday.”
“Duchess Elros, thank you so much for coming. My mother is in the hall.”
“Of course, of course. But this will likely be the last time I get to call you by your name, won’t it?”
“Don’t say that. Please, call me by my name whenever you like.”
“How could I, once you become Her Majesty the Queen?”
Even the most senior members of the Luxen royal family attended her party.
In addition, the party was graced by the presence of top-tier artists—dancers, opera singers, painters, and pianists—all of whom had gained fame in their respective fields.
“Thank you so much for inviting me.”
“I should be thanking you for coming. I’ve arranged a spot for you over there, so please enjoy yourself.”
Sabine pointed to a corner of the hall with a sociable smile as the artists followed the servants to their designated area.
“Your skill in gathering these artists is impressive, Sabine. I hear they’re all clamouring for Jerome’s family patronage,” a noblewoman commented, fanning herself.
“Especially that painter, Dante, whom you recently started supporting. At first, I thought his work was too peculiar, but the more I looked at it, the more fascinating it became. I even bought one myself.”
Sabine smiled modestly as she led her guests around.
“Well, I’ve always had a taste for the unique.”
“Not all unique things are good, but you certainly have an eye for choosing the best.”
“Thank you, madam. Dante’s paintings are perfect for a study. I’ve even had one hung in His Majesty’s study for contemplation.”
“If it’s worthy of His Majesty’s study, then I must hang one in mine immediately.”
Sabine von Jerome was the rising star of Luxen’s social circles, and for good reason. She was the king’s fiancée and the only daughter of Count Jerome.
But that wasn’t all.
Sabine walked over to a woman who had been watching her from a distance and affectionately linked arms with her.
“It wasn’t my doing. My mother has the true eye. It was her idea to support Dante and have one of his works hung in His Majesty’s study.”
Her mother, Charlotte, who had been gazing lovingly at her daughter, replied, “Sabine, there’s no need for such modesty.”
