The Royal Deal

Chapter 101

“Once the meeting is done, there will be a ball…”

“Yes. You should get ready for it as well Madam. Since this will be your first social party, the focus will be largely on you.”

“And…why is there a hunting match?” Amethyst was largely interested in the hunting match instead of the ball. She could do away with the social bullshit to be honest.

“Yes. As the finale of the festival, it is held annually with the intention of unifying the family.”

“I would like to take part as well!” Amethyst chimed in enthusiastically.

“Sorry? You Madam?”

“Yes. I want to know how my sword skill fares amongst the others.”

“Well…I’m not sure if His Highness would approve.”

Alexcent had said that the hunting match would be a dangerous one so he would hardly allow her to participate.

“Do I need to have Alexcent’s approval?”

“Yes. Even though the overall festival is under your lead, the hunting match is led by the lord of the house. So, you will require His Highness’ approval.”

Amethyst sighed. She had thought that since the hunting match wasn’t organized by the Royal family, Alexcent’s permission wasn’t required. Since the objective of the hunting match is to unify the family, surely it won’t be that dangerous, she thought. Maybe Alexcent will approve of me participating. At least she hoped he would.

“Hm,” said Amethyst, “I see. So, all I have to do is get his approval.”

“Yes. Then I will make the arrangements for the hunting competition.”

“Then what do I do till then?” she asked.

“When the meeting begins you must get acquainted and entertain the ladies. You can invite them to tea or shop together and engage in conversations. The objective is to spend time together cordially.”

“That sounds…boring.”

“Then perhaps you can reconsider,” suggested Lunia. “What would you like to do?”

“Mmm…,” she pondered.

Amethyst had no idea how to make things enjoyable for people. All her life, her routine had oscillated between home and work. Occasionally, she would go to kids’ café during the weekend. But here, she could hardly usher the ladies to the kids’ café. Besides she didn’t even know the common things ladies loved here.

“Then…. let’s just do the same as last year,” she said.

“Yes, Madam.”

With that the discussion came to a close.

*

“You don’t have to come out.”

“How could I not when you’re here, Alec?”

“Are you sure you will be okay? Does your leg hurt?”

“I’m fine.”

The guests in their carriages would arrive soon so Alexcent and Amethyst came out to greet their guests by the gate. Before long, the carriages started arriving.

“The guests should wait for the owner of the household to greet them,” grumbled Alexcent, “Why should the owners wait for them this way? Let’s just go back in.”

“My Lord, please wait a little longer,” said Gen, “They travelled a long way, we should at least greet them.”

“We will see them tomorrow soon enough!” retorted Alexcent.

“It might be an exception for you, My Lord,” said Gen, “But it would be the first time that Madam will be meeting your relatives. If she greets them here, it will make a pleasant impression on them. It will be good for Madam.”

Even though what Gen said made sense, Alexcent wrapped his arms around Amethyst’s shoulders and turned around to usher her inside.

“No. This is enough,” said Alexcent, “If you here stand too long, your leg will be sore.”

“Alec…,” she said.

But before they went inside, Gen’s eyes widened at the approaching carriage. “My Lord!” exclaimed Gen, “They are arriving.”

Alexcent turned around to see them. Soon, the carriages arrived one after the other. The first nobles to arrive were the Renove family.

“Greeting Your Highness and Your Ladyship!” they greeted them.

Although Alexcent still looked grumpy, he nodded politely at his relatives that he hadn’t seen or met them for over a year. Amethyst stepped in to diffuse the situation.

“It’s great to meet you! I am Amethyst Skad. Thank you for making the long trip here,” she said.

“I am Renove Skad. Please call me Renove. This is my wife, Angela.”

“It’s an honour to meet you, Your Ladyship,” said Angela, with a beaming smile. The couple were younger than she had imagined, and they greeted her with a bright smile. They looked to be around late twenties or early thirties.

“Count Renove, Countess Angela. The honor is mine,” said Amethyst, smiling at them.

Soon after them, Amethyst got to meet the Baron Houres and family, the Baron Zephyr and his family, and Baron Piamon.

“Greetings Lord and Lady Skad! Hope you’ve been well.”

“Yes. Thank you for coming.”

“It’s rather late, but congratulations on your wedding.”

“Thank you.”