Chapter 144: Dancing in Water – Part 3
Translator: 549690339 |
But before she could finish her sentence, Catherine Carter shook her head.
The lady was puzzled after hearing this.
Still not understanding, she smiled faintly and said, “I can assure you that the man is handsome, not some chubby ugly fellow. And his status is high. You won’t be disappointed after marrying him…”
This is the kind of inside joke high society ladies share, complaining that arranged marriages are like playing a lottery: if you’re lucky, you won’t end up with someone ugly.
From her perspective, this match was the cream of the crop.
But Catherine didn’t see it that way and countered, “So, Mother, are you trying
to say that he’s a ‘prince’?”
The lady looked surprised: “You…guessed that?”
Catherine’s voice was calm: “I hadn’t guessed it before. But I’ve figured it out now. The old continental documents Father obtained, they were from the Old Era Remnants, weren’t they? Looking at it this way, it seems this marriage contract fetched quite a handsome price.
The lady knew her daughter was exceptionally intelligent and didn’t provide further explanation.
But those last words made her sigh lightly. “It sounds like a transaction. But the honor of our family…! hope you understand. The only choice I can give you is to select the best for you.”
“I see. I understand.”
Catherine responded indifferently. There was no hint of joy or sorrow on her face.
But with those words, the Destiny Coin flickering between her fingers trembled once more.
It was as though the gears of fate had turned a notch at that very moment.
A thought flashed across her mind.
The light suddenly sparked in Catherine’s elegant face.
She finally understood the lingering feeling that something was missing.
I am not anyone’s possession, nor am I a good waiting to be exchanged.
I am Catherine Carter!
Leonard Churchill and Sophia stepped into the Rose Manor.
In the entire Sinless City, only the Miller and Lionheart families had the financial capabilities and reputation to invite all the city’s nobles.
The grand mansion had hundreds of invited guests alone.
Leonard Churchill looked around; he noticed many new faces compared to the last few days.
“Hey, Baron Charles, long time no see.”
“Long time no see, Mr. Winston, Baron Ramon, I trust all is well with you…”
“Who is this beautiful lady?”
“Oh, a cousin? Oh, please forgive my bluntness -”
Guiding Sophia, Leonard Churchill mixed and mingled with the guests, quickly becoming recognized and familiar.
Many guests were up for some jokes too.
In the Noble Circle, the term “cousin” often carried ambiguous implications.
The unspoken understanding amongst everyone was that Sophia was probably Charles’ mistress.
The nobles didn’t consider philandering morally wrong; on the contrary, it was something to brag about.
In this manner, Leonard led Sophia around the mansion, mingling casually.
After one round of mingling, they understood the purpose of the banquet.
It appeared that a new exploration order would be issued by the Federation in the coming days.
The Miller and Lionheart families would establish two new cities on the Old Continent.
The Miller’s chose to build their city at the Demon Cross, the ruin Leonard had crossed when he first arrived here.
The Lionhearts’ chosen location was near Thunderbolt Fortress.
A new city was more than just a Hunter’s Campsite. Once established, it would entail a significant influx of residents, marking the beginning of thorough exploration of the Old Continent.
Leonard was quite excited.
In fact, it occurred to him that the Silver Moon Leader beside him getting close to the high-ranking nobility could be aiming for the Old Continent’s exploration.
After all, nearly all the remnants of the ancient god’s relics were located there. The mere thought of a handful of Old Days Believers trying to explore those extremely dangerous ruins sounded like a pipe dream.
Before long, the hosts of the event made their appearance.
The younger members of the Lionheart family slowly began to arrive at the party.
There were only two official heirs.
The cocky Young Master Kak, and the sensual Catherine Carter in her black- gold gown.
As the hosts, their arrival prompted the guests to come forward and extend their greetings.
The lights dimmed, and the elegant dance music started playing.
The gentlemen in formal suits began inviting their dance partners to the dance floor for a dance.
Sophia held onto Leonard’s neck, and whispered into his ear, “Find a way to approach her.”
Leonard displayed no signs of anomaly.
Making it so obvious would be extremely conspicuous.
But after a dance, Leonard saw an opportunity.
Catherine Carter was seated on a sofa beside the dance floor.
As the most dazzling princess of the Lionheart family, she was naturally the focal point of attention for all the gentlemen present.
As soon as she had sat down, several groups of handsome young men successively approached to invite her for a dance.
Catherine Carter, however, had no interest in dancing and declined politely. The rejected men didn’t seem offended; on the contrary, being rejected was a matter of honor.
After all, no one could get a dance with her.
Right then, Leonard approached.
In a smooth move, he left his dancing partner, and headed for the resting area alone.
Sophia, feigning annoyance, reluctantly made her way to a sofa on the other side.
Young Master Kak was positioned not too far from there, and watched with interest.
Catherine Carter, of course, saw all of this.
Leonard walked over and greeted her cheerfully, “It’s been a while, beautiful Miss Carter.”
Catherine glanced at him but didn’t say anything.
However, her slightly relaxed demeanor didn’t convey a rejection.