The Second Life's

XXXII - Engagement Night

Jayden eventually unwillingly accepted this and promised not to tell Dad everything. If Dad finds out, he's the only one who's going to oppose my marriage and everything will come out and make Vanhoiren stir. I don't want to make it happen until it happens.

“Remember this. The people we are fighting have something to do with the Empire including the Emperor who will ascend the throne now,” I said seriously. “If you accidentally leak this, live the bet.”

Hendery smile. “Because that's the first thing Miss Winston has to do is to attract the hearts of the people and also some nobles.”

“Without being told, I often help the poor people every time I go to the city. But doing good will not be seen if we are not full power holders,” I said with a bitter smile. “Will I do actively when I ascend the throne as Queen, Mr. Franklin.”

“I can help Miss in this. If there is an excess harvest, I will hand it over to the people on behalf of Miss Charlotte,” Jayden added.

“Good idea, I hope it works.”

“How about the lady-in-waiting that will be Miss Winston's eyes and ears when I'm not around?” ask Hendery.

I thought for a moment and remembered one person, Chloe. “I have not found anyone I can trust to make dayang.”

“Isn't there one person fit for the job?”

“And who was that man, Mr Franklin?” aska interested.

“Nona must know Baron Hindley's daughter, right? I heard she-”

“He is the person I most want to avoid, Mr. Franklin,” cut me off irritated. “It looks like you will have to attend the Upper House in order to know how and what the character of Rose Hindley.” looks like

“I'll find myself a suitable ladyboy for me,” I said again.

***

I spent my time training with Hendery until my body felt numb and tormented. The training was worse than Jayden and Lucas had given.

During the week, I also helped Idris organize our engagement party. All nobles will be invited to the party, including Rose. Idris said that Consort Sienna would not be invited even though I didn't mind it.

Today I stood with Idris at the door of the palace and began to greet the noble guests who had come. The Emperor and Queen were also present and seated in the throne. The most amazing thing was the presence of Hendery after a long time did not appear at a party like this. The young nobles were even infatuated with that cunning figure.

“Oh, my goodness! It turned out that there was one other man who was no less handsome than His Highness the Crown Prince!”

“Maybe he's looking for a soul mate here!”

Jayden approached me and greeted me. “Finally His Highness the Crown Prince gets a pair as beautiful as this.”

“Thank you Mr. Franklin,” says Idris. “You have to mingle often with other nobles to find your soul mate too.”

Hendery glanced at me for a moment. “How, yes. Only Miss Winston attracts my heart at this time.”

“Mr Franklin, people can misunderstand what you said just now,” I said annoyed.

Idris put his arm around my shoulder so I could get closer to him. Looks like he was about to show Hendery that I belong to him. Hendery smiled as if capturing the intent of Idris.

“I'm just kidding, Your Honor,” said Hendery. “Where might I steal a partner from His Majesty?”

“Nobody knows someone's mind,” said Idris seriously.

Hendery put himself in danger. If he behaved any more than this, Idris would not allow him to enter the palace even in front of the gate.

“I'm sorry, Your Honor ..., Miss Winston,” said Hendery.

We were alone again. While waiting for all the invitations to attend, Idris kept me company and did not want to be separated from me. His face changed as he clasped my hand and squeezed it. He felt my rough palms from practicing the sword every day.

“Why is your palm this rough?” ask Idris pout.

I took my hand out of his grasp. “Sorry, Idris. I work too hard.”

“Do you practice the sword behind me, Charlotte?” Idris looked at me with a full glance. “Stop if it's true. I don't want your hands like this when I hold.”

“Then don't hold my hand.” Ah, I let go of talking out of annoyance. “In exchange, you can hug me.”

Idris smiles. “Usaha good, Charlotte. But you haven't answered my question,” said Idris who wasn't easily fooled.

“Yes, I practiced swords the last few days,” I said confess. “But please don't make me stop. I don't want to leave my hobby.”

Idris looks shocked. “Hobimu? Since when is practicing swordsmanship your hobby, Charlotte?”

I did not have time to answer, the Emperor stood up from the throne and said, “Goodnight ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming to the engagement, Crown Prince. My only child.”

Everyone applauded and made the atmosphere so lively. The emperor spoke again. “I myself will lead this engagement. But before that, does anyone want to talk?”

Marchioness Franklin raised her hand. As I expected. “Your Majesty the Emperor, sorry in advance. But is this engagement indeed at the will of His Majesty? Given the less-” Queen candidates

“Oh. In a sense, Marchioness Franklin underestimated my candidate Miss Winston?” cut Idris with a tinge of emotion.

“Not so, Your Highness Crown Prince,” said Marchioness Franklin.

I know what the ending will be like. The Emperor clapped his hands once and smiled. “Almost all nobles approve of this. And I don't want the Crown Prince to be unhappy with his own marriage. From this explanation, does Marchioness want to complain again?” Marchioness Franklin. “I assume it's a sign of agreement. To formalize this engagement and go to a more serious level, please to put each other's rings that have been prepared.”

Jack approached with a box containing two rings for me and Idris. Idris took the first time and put the ring on my ring finger. I did the same thing and ended up being kissed by Idris on the forehead. All guests applauded again.

After exchanging the rings, the event continued without the Emperor and Queen talking to the guests. Idris won't let me take a single item off his side.

“Are you thirsty?” ask Idris.

“Slightly,” I said.

“I'll ask the waiter to take a drink for you,” said Idris while looking for the whereabouts of the waiter. “Where did the servants go?”

I smile. “I'm fine, Idris. Calm down.”

“Wait here for a minute, Charlotte. I'll get it myself. Don't go anywhere,” said Idris.

“Idris ..” Too late, he left me.

Hendery appeared in front of me on purpose. It seemed that he was uncomfortable because he was being chased by the female nobles who wanted to invite him to talk to him for a while.

“Do you like this place, Mr Franklin?” I was half-tempting.

“Oh my goodness, Miss Charlotte. This place is hell for people like me,” Hendery said with a sad face.