BXBX NOVEL Chapter 154 153: Banquet (1)
Taking in each one, I smiled gently as I observed each ones appearance, nodding at my splendid work.
Feeling my gaze, Jahi looked up towards me, her amethyst eyes meeting mine as she gave me a small smile, before sighing.
"This is going to be an annoying day..."
Leone nodded, a tight frown on her face as she muttered "Jillian is going to try something."
Anput leaned back into her seat, wearing a confident grin as she said "We\'ll deal with it as it comes... together. Besides, there\'s little this Elf can do at such a public venue. If anything, this \'attack\' on us will remain as just verbal."
Jahi and Leone nodded, but the two pursed their lips as they exchanged glances.
The pale blue Demoness spoke next, her voice tinged with annoyance as she said "That\'s still a problem though... On paper, she\'s from a Dukedom while we\'re from a March, and while the Asmodia\'s do wield lots of influence, many despise us because of that. If she proposes some kind of deal, alliance, or sanction against us, those that despise us would jump on that opportunity; both to attempt to get rid of us, but also because it\'d put them in the good graces of a future Duchess."
Anput sighed, her features complicated as she said "The Empire\'s political landscape is a damn quagmire; it was much simpler in the Sultanate. If you were stronger than your \'opponent\', then that was that. There was no sanctions to be levied, and few accepted deals for fear of having others do the same to get rid of them."
Chuckling, Leone smiled at Anput and raised a brow at the Jackalkin.
"Except, inside the Sultanate, you don\'t have Counties and Baronies in charge of supplying the others with food; your parents elect people to do that for them, and those people are utterly loyal to the Sultana."
Anput leaned forwards, a smirk on her face as she replied "It\'s just smarter, because those elected officials know who gave them that opportunity, and how quickly that opportunity can be taken away; they work to keep that position, and THEN they reap the benefits of a lucrative job like that. Here, you all-"
The rest of the ride was spent in a debate between the two Princess\', with Jahi chipping in every once in awhile to keep it going on, a smirk on her face as the two gradually grew heated.
As for me, I took it all in in silence, enjoying the way the two women passionately argued their sides, wanting to prove the other wrong.
My own opinion on the matter was mixed; I saw merit in both, and could see problems with both, but I wasn\'t biased like they were, so I could jump to those conclusions.
Thankfully we arrived at our destination before the two women could launch themselves at one another\'s throats, both of them letting out huffs as they looked away from one another.
Chuckling, Jahi waited for the Banshee to open our door before gesturing for me to exit first, and I swiftly assumed my stoic mask, my body falling into the regular habit that I was now used to.
Pulling out the step for the other three to use, I stood to the side and held a deep curtsy, watching from the corner of my eye as the three women stepped out of the carriage.
There were many people around us; some were arriving as we were, and others were lingering in front of the giant mansion that the Sariel Family owned, waiting and watching as more people arrived.
Approaching our carriage was a Sariel Family servant, and the neatly dressed Butler nodded to me before standing by my side, laying his arm across his stomach before bowing, waiting.
The first to step out was Jahi, and many fell silent as the giant, serious Demoness appeared, her golden tipped horns drawing attention.
Seeing her, the Butler stood up and announced our arrival, shouting "Marquess Heir Jahi Asmodia has arrived!"
Turning, Jahi held her hand out and helped Anput out of the carriage, the Jackalkin taking elegant steps down onto the rolled out green carpet.
Many gasped or gaped when they saw her revealing outfit, a few men and women\'s eyes gleaming with lust.
However, when Jahi brought Anput\'s dark olive hand to her lips, many looked away.
"Begum Anput Sera, Fiancee of Jahi Asmodia, has arrived!"
Anput smiled gently up at Jahi before moving to stand beside her, casting her obsidian eyes back into the carriage.
When Jahi accepted the pale white hand that extended from the carriage door, many were murmuring in the background, only to fall silent as Leone stepped out.
Her curvy figure and elegant postured, paired with her regal expression made many freeze, stunned by the beauty in front of them.
She was surrounded by that noble aura that made many want to bow to her, and when her piercing crimson eyes and lavish attire were taken into account, people fell into a daze.
Like with Anput, Jahi brought Leone\'s hand to her lips, kissing the back of it before kissing the ring on her finger, making the Vampire blush slightly.
Leone gave Jahi a warm, gentle smile as she stood before her, only to cast a glance towards the stunned Butler, making the older man let out a cough before shouting "P-Princess Leone Presa-Ash, Fiancee of Jahi Asmodia, has arrived!"
The murmurs started back up moments later, and when everyone saw the two beautiful women standing on either side of the Asmodia Heiress...
Well, some were in awe by the elegance and dazzling looks all three women exuded, while others were envious for those same reasons.
Moving to stand behind the trio, I followed them as the Butler led us inside, towards the large gathering of other nobles and, more importantly...
Standing in the center was the host of todays banquet, Jillian Sariel.
Draped in a flowing pale green dress, the Elf was currently smiling as she chatted with the woman standing beside her, only for her smile to stiffen as she saw us approaching.
Jahi smirked at Jillian before standing in front of her, giving the Sariel Heiress a shallow bow.
"Happy birthday Lady Sariel! My fiancees and I wish you the best~!"
Placing emphasis on \'fiancees\', Jahi held back a smirk as Jillian\'s expression stiffened again, before she swiftly changed it into a more natural smile.
"Why thank you, Lady Asmodia! It\'s a pleasure to see you again, Lady Presa-Ash and Lady Sera! Please, enjoy the snacks and wine as we wait for the remaining guests!"
Anput gave her a brief nod, disinterest clearly written on her face, while Leone curtsied slightly to the Elf, a smile on her lips.
"Then we shall, Lady Sariel."
Jillian stiffened again as Leone intertwined her arm with Jahi\'s her crimson eyes glowing with mirth as she watched the Elf hold back a glare.
Jahi started to make her way to the least crowded side, and as I followed behind her I curtsied to Jillian.
However, as I was about to resume walking behind Jahi, Jillian gave me a smile before asking "Katherine, may I have a word in a few moments? I have a-"
Raking her gaze over my body, she smirked at me, her brown eyes dripping with lust as she continued, her voice slightly raspy.
"Few questions I would like to ask you..."
Her companion was smirking at me as well, and I held back the urge to smack the Elven Heiress.
Taking a breath, I said "Respectfully, Lady Sariel, you would need to ask my Mistress, Lady Asmodia; I\'m of no place to make such a decision on my own."
Her smile widened slightly, and she nodded, letting out an exaggerated sigh as she said "I understand... she doesn\'t allow you to live your own life, hmm? You poor thing."
Her companion, who was a shorter Elf with long green hair and sun-kissed skin, chuckled as she added "Even my closest servant is allowed their own opinion~ After all, they are a person too!"
Jillian nodded as she turned to the other Elf, saying "Indeed Lady Kameiel! Please, Katherine, let me know if she\'s mistreating you!"
Turning back to me, the smirk on Jillian\'s face was rather disturbing, but I simply shook my head, informing her "Mistress Asmodia treats me rather well, Lady Sariel. Thank you for your concern. Now, if you\'ll excuse me..."
Giving her another curtsy, I slipped away, still aware of her palpable gaze on my body as I rejoined Jahi, Anput, and Leone.
All three were wearing neutral expressions, and I held in a chuckle as Jahi growled out "What\'d that bitch want?"
Thankfully her voice was low, and she kept her face steady, so I answered "Nothing much; she wanted a word with me before the banquet started, and she was insinuating that you treat me poorly."
Smiling subtly as she started at me, Jahi said "If only she knew, hmm~?"
Rolling my eyes, I prepared each woman a plate and handed it to them, watching as they ate swiftly.
This is going to be interesting...