Chapter 162: Dinner with the emperor
Emily, taking the lead now, assisted Jaegar with his trousers. She knelt down gracefully, guiding his legs out of them. As she did, she glanced up at Jaegar, their eyes briefly meeting, causing her to blush.
The jacket, adorned with intricate embroidery and fine details, hugged his frame perfectly. Its tails gracefully cascaded down his legs, adding a touch of old charm. The fabric was of the finest quality, a deep, rich shade of black that contrasted strikingly with his fair complexion. The lapels featured a delicate sheen, accentuating the exquisite craftsmanship.
Beneath the jacket, Jaegar wore a waistcoat and a crisply pressed shirt with a high collar, which framed his face regally. A silk cravat was neatly tied in a Windsor knot, adding an air of sophistication.
The trousers, snug but comfortable, tapered elegantly towards his polished leather shoes, completing the ensemble.
As Jaegar surveyed himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but marvel at the transformation. The suit draped him in a timeless allure, highlighting his tall, lean physique. The dark, dramatic attire, coupled with his unruly, wavy hair and chiselled features, created a striking contrast that would undoubtedly turn heads.
Jaegar's light, pale skin looked even more noticeable when paired with the black suit he was wearing, as well as his wavy hair with shades of blond highlights.
Jaegar was a vision of masculine beauty, resembling a Greek god with his striking features and chiselled physique. He had an incredible handsomeness that could make anyone who gazed upon him turn their heads and blush with admiration.
The maids couldn't help but blush themselves as they dressed him in the tailpred attire.
His transformation into the embodiment of timeless charm left them in awe. With each carefully arranged detail, Jaegar's allure grew more irresistible, and the maids couldn't deny the fluttering of their hearts as they worked in his presence.
"Thank you, ladies." Jaegar's voice resonated with a deep, velvety timbre that sent shivers down their spines. The maids exchanged glances, their cheeks flushed with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, as they curtsied in response to his gratitude.
Both of them bowed to him, "It was an honour to assist you, Lord Jaegar," they said in unison, their voices filled with genuine admiration.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," he said, "let's go and see whatever that dinner is." then walked out of the door.
As he walked out of the room, he was stunned to see her.
Jacqueline had chosen a breathtaking gown that highlighted her figure with absolute perfection. The dress exuded opulence, adorned with intricate lace embellishments that added an air of sophistication. Its flowing silhouette lent her an ethereal charm, and as she stood there, she radiated an aura of grace and elegance.
As Jacqueline beheld her younger brother, now attired in resplendent garments, she experienced a momentary sense of astonishment.
Jaegar had undergone a profound transformation since she had last seen him, his attire elevating his appearance to new heights and accentuating his already remarkable features. He radiated undeniable handsomeness, and Jacqueline couldn't help but be captivated by this remarkable metamorphosis.
With an engaging smile, she remarked, "You will undoubtedly have every young lady vying for your attention during the post-dinner gathering."
Jaegar, adopting a somewhat nonchalant tone, inquired, "There's still more after dinner."
Jacqueline responded with an assurance, "It will be a brief affair, as we shall depart shortly thereafter."
She gently scolded him, saying, "Cease your complaints, and would you be so kind as to escort me to the dining hall? It appears that they are prepared and awaiting our arrival."
He stared at her for a brief second. She changed her facial expression too quickly, he thought. Even if it was only a brief amount of time they met, she was acting familiar with him.
Jaegar gallantly offered his hand to Jacqueline, who, in turn, gracefully accepted her demeanour, radiating warmth as she offered a heartfelt smile.
She further expressed, "I'm delighted that you have chosen to grace us with your presence, dear brother."
Jaegar, deeply touched by her smile, felt an internal shift, letting go of any lingering grievances he may have harboured. He responded with a smile of his own, evoking a faint blush upon Jacqueline's cheeks.
*
In a chamber adjacent to the grand hall they had just left, a woman stood gazing out of a window. She bore a striking resemblance to Jacqueline but exuded an even greater air of elegance and allure. At the door, Bernat waited, and the woman inquired, "Did they leave?"
Bernat replied respectfully, "Yes, my lady."
She continued, "And how does he seem? What are your impressions of him?"
Bernat considered his response and replied, "I'm unable to say for certain, my lady. The young man appears rather enigmatic, and his thoughts are challenging to discern."
The woman fell into a contemplative silence before finally remarking, "Very well, you may leave for now. However, do keep a watchful eye on him."
Bernat bowed and replied, "Yes, my lady," before taking his leave.
*
In another part of the palace, within its inner chambers, a young man stood in intense agitation. Facing him was his servant, a figure of aged wisdom with stark white hair. The young man, Lorcan, exclaimed in frustration, "He actually came? How dare he set foot in this place?" In his anger, he lashed out, kicking a nearby chair.
His servant, Wallace, tried to calm him, saying, "Please, your highness, you mustn't let your composure slip."
Lorcan couldn't contain his rage, growling, "Why couldn't he just have met his end? First, he intruded upon the academy, and now he's come here. That wretched individual couldn't even eliminate him when he had the chance back at the academy!" The memory of the attack on Jaegar during his arrival at the academy still festered within him.
Observing Lorcan seething with fury, Wallace stepped forward and uttered, "Your Highness, it is time for you to depart." Lorcan, engulfed in anger, responded with a grunt, vehemently kicking a nearby chair. Without uttering a word, he stormed out of the room, with Wallace dutifully trailing behind.
The initial encounter with Jaegar occurred within the confines of the academy. Lorcan harboured a strong aversion towards Jaegar's presence and thus instructed his loyal servant, Wallace, to rid him from the scene. Despite multiple attempts to thwart Jaegar, the latter managed to slip through Lorcan's grasp.
Lorcan resorted to employing Ethan, manipulating his emotions to stoke anger and aggravate the situation with Jaegar. Ethan, in turn, used his influence to retaliate against Jaegar, but the plan backfired disastrously, resulting in a legal pursuit against Lorcan's family.
Undeterred, Ethan orchestrated another scheme, this time targeting the black isles. However, the attempt proved to be yet another failure, bringing about severe repercussions for them.
In the expansive grand hall, a lengthy table stretched across its expanse, adorned with a sumptuous array of food. The warm glow of lit candles emanated from the centre, casting a flickering radiance that accentuated the opulence of the scene. All the utensils were meticulously arranged, and the air was filled with the aroma of delectable meals awaiting consumption.
As the gathering of princes and princesses engaged in conversation, Lordan made his entrance.
However, the attention swiftly shifted when Jacqueline entered the hall with Jaegar in tow. All eyes turned towards the unexpected duo, and a collective hush fell over the room as surprised and intrigued gazes fixated on them. Jaegar, seemingly unperturbed, stood with Jacqueline as she gracefully walked alongside him.
Some approached Jacqueline, and among them were Loreen, the daughter of the eldest, and Vlaran, the son of the first prince.
Curiosity piqued, Loreen inquired, "Who might this be?" Vlaran, with a deep and low-pitched voice, responded, "Jaegar."
All eyes remained on the newcomers as Jaegar, Then again, Vlaran said, "Welcome home, little brother." Vlaran, with a faint smile.
Jaegar then said, "And you are?"
Jaegar, maintaining a stoic expression, watched as Vlaran said, "How rude of me. I'm Vlaran Varis Gadfraye," his voice resonating with pride. Jacqueline sensed an undercurrent of malice in Varan's eyes and interjected, "Enough with introductions. Grandfather will be here. Get seated now."
As Jacqueline spoke, the doors flung open on the other side of the hall. Men dressed in resplendent armour, adorned with golden plates and helmets, entered first, brandishing long swords. Following them, in the middle of the entourage, were two distinguished figures-Vivianne and Joolicus. The emperor had arrived, appearing aged yet dignified, his face marked by wrinkles and white hair evident.
Beside him, his wife, Vivianne, held his arm as they walked into the hall, both dressed in regal attire. The atmosphere became charged with anticipation as the presence of royalty added an air of formality to the already grand setting.
All of them were now seated, as the emperor took his seat at the end of the table with his wife.