HPDBC Chapter 151: A Nostalgic Evening
Chapter 151: A Nostalgic Evening
The sound of the small band playing beautiful pieces filled with fantastical melodies. Loud conversations from people who meet several times a year. Asura felt the hypocrisy of these people who came at such sudden notice.
'Baron Holmes, Marquis Davan. Two people who betray the kingdom in the coming war.'
A feeling of pressure from the nobles and merchants, all vying to increase their power and wealth.
"No matter which life, this atmosphere never changes."
Asura felt he could almost taste the greed. His lips curled into a sarcastic smile, almost smug. The bitter flavour stained his mouth as nobles greeted each other with fake smiles and hidden daggers. 'I feel disgusted, the people here... How many of them mocked me in my last life, joked about my shame at incompetence?'
"OH?! If it isn't the new Earl Fenix, a pleasure to meet you. I am Alexander Berand, Earl of the west coast of Vilsheim. Your excellent achievements in the battle at Wolfsheim should inspire us all!" The man was short, but his aura and atmosphere filled the area with a positive feeling as Asura grasped his hand and shook it eagerly.
"I have long heard of the brave General Berand, who guards our Western Seas in silence, asking for nothing but the happiness of the common folk!"
To Asura, this man was an oasis in this marsh of foul, selfish creatures. His father once mentioned this man when he was a boy, fighting the southern kingdom's navy with five battleships and winning without a single loss.
In the war, he sacrificed everything he could to protect the mainland, eventually dying alone in the cold ocean, securing enough time for Silvara to recover.
"You're too kind, Earl Fenix."
His wife and son also died in the war; he was a melancholy figure who did his duty even unto death, never asking for glory or praise. 'I will not let this man die the same fate.' Asura could only smile brightly, "Never, my father's stories and now meeting the man. I can tell you are a lord worthy of his praise. The happiest people are surely from the Western country!"
The short man's cheeks seemed red from the wine and such a heartfelt young noble praise; Alexander spent his life never aiming to be praised, only wanting to be a good lord, leader, good husband and finally, a good man.
So the moment he received such praise, it was far beyond those idiots and fools who gave boxes of gold and silver with their false praises.
"Such a kind and wise young Earl, Asura Fenix. I will remember your earnest and genuine faith in me. It is a great pleasure to have met you tonight. Please do not let the darkness of Drakkur darken your brilliant aura."
A slightly older woman approached from the crowd. Her long blue hair and suit gave her an elegant air. Asura recognised her at once and bowed slightly in respect.
"Marquis Ragnar." Asura politely saluted, as this woman was as neutral as noble, so he treated her with respect.
"Lady Blue!" Alexander gasped, seeing the beautiful, mature woman with a pleasant aura.
"Oh, please, Lord Alex! Call me Lydia, Fufu. Is your lovely wife Margrit doing well?" She smiled at the little old man.
"Y-yes, she is fine."
"That is a relief. She was always such a wild girl in the past, going from one battle to the next. I am glad she recovered!"
"Forgive me, I must greet the Duchess, Lady Ragnar, Lord Berand!" Asura interrupted, knowing that these two would happily discuss until the morning.
"Go, Earl Fenix. This man will only bore me with war stories."
'She is my future wife too... I cannot give them any difference in priority,' Asura thought as he stepped forward, wanting to take the burden of the meeting. "Princess Silvara!" Asura greeted. "It is a great honour to greet and stand alongside you." He bowed to her in respect.
Vela couldn't help but find him somewhat handsome. His black suit with golden borders made for eye candy to her eyes as she took his hand and wrapped herself around his left arm. "You look handsome, Asura." She leaned her head on his arm and let out a satisfied sound, enjoying the feeling.
'This girl...' Asura didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she acted like a young maiden with a crush. However, this was indeed the lovely princess Vela; even though she was a little different today, she still had a pure nature. "Thank you, my princess."
The entire room could not help but notice the clear chemistry between these two, so rumours and angry insults floated beneath the surface. However, none of them could stop or deny these two were indeed a brilliant match and seemed destined to get married.
'I'm surprised they aren't trying to hide their hostility... So many young nobles seem displeased, haha.'
Asura realised how bold this action was and couldn't help but feel a chill. 'If Mine or Verana's family weren't powerful, they would push for the cancellation of the marriage. I am lucky.'
The royal family, no, Silvara's family name, was undoubtedly one of the strongest families in the kingdom. Not a single male of marriageable age would reject taking such a name.
"Asura... you smell so good." The words of Vela sounded a little drawn out as she drank a small glass of purple grape wine, knowing for its sweet taste and high alcohol content.
Asura could only shake his head.
'This princess is still so young and innocent at this age. How fun...'
The party continued as the young princess rested her head on his arms, not allowing him to leave her side. However, there could never be a monopoly tonight, as the announcers sounded once more.
"Now, welcoming our shining star, the future duchess and lady of the black snake, our beloved Verana Drakkur!"
Suddenly, the orchestra began playing a melody, a strange and unknown song that could not exist yet... It was a song that appeared around one year later in a small orchestra in the capital city on a late winter evening... "How..." Asura whispered as the song, later named 'Dance of the Black Serpent', sounded.
Verana stepped down the stairs as if dancing to the music; her dark dress swayed gently as a girl with crimson hair and a black dress followed her, matching her movements. The dress seemed created to be worn by Verana.
"Lady Drakkur is amazing."
"Who is that girl?"
"She has the same blood as the duchess!"
The nobles cheered and shouted praise and shock as the girl gave a beautiful dance that would eventually spread across the continent.
However, Asura's mouth opened wide, and his thoughts stopped as he just watched Verana as the music of their first date played while she wore the same dress, hairstyle and jewellery.
The scene he had not forgotten burned into his retinas as tears filled his eyes. "Verana..." He unconsciously reached out his hand, only to feel a small hand grabbing his arm and preventing him from leaving.
Yet, Verana saw her eyes filled with tears as she stepped forward, knowing such feelings remained deep in his depths. She pushed forward and stood before him once again.
A different time, place, an unfamiliar situation, but the same feelings.
"My prince, finally... Finally, have you come to wake me from my everlasting nightmare?"