Chapter 93: Strange girl
The two of them stared at Ravian silently after he told them about the rumor about Adrian that was spreading within noble society.
The one to speak first was Adrian.
"Why is such a rumor spreading?"
Evangeline was curious too. After all, there was no smoke without fire. There had to be a reason such rumors were spreading.
’I think I heard Papa muttering something similar once.’
Ravian smiled awkwardly.
"It is because of a mix of several different factors, actually."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Such as?"
"Look," Ravian pointed a finger at Adrian. "You have never once appeared in public until that engagement; there were already rumors because of that fact. And when the world finally looked at House Ravenshade’s first son for the first time, they saw an expressionless child who barely speaks or reacts. What were they supposed to think?"
He added after a brief pause.
"And the most significant reason is that Adrian lacks ’presence,’ which every other living being possesses, so they came to the conclusion that he isn’t a living person but a doll. I did some digging and apparently, presence can only be seen by those on Phase Two or above, so I don’t really know what it looks like."
’Ah, so that’s why...’
Evangeline had also been curious about why Adrian had absolutely no bluish aura surrounding him like everyone else. She had guessed that it may have been some sort of disability, or he was using some secret technique passed down in the Ravenshade family to make it disappear.
She observed his reaction closely, trying to get some hints about the truth. But she was met with disappointment.
Adrian simply nodded after a few moments.
"I see."
That was all she got for his reaction. That was seriously all.
Just then, she felt a shift in the entire vast hall as everyone’s attention suddenly turned to the door. Evangeline was also swept up by that collective reaction as she turned to the door as well.
A beautiful woman with long golden hair flowing down her back was walking into the hall as her glass-like, clear green eyes slowly scanned the hall. She wore a beautiful golden dress that enhanced her already otherworldly beauty.
A young boy with features similar to the woman was walking beside her, holding her hand.
Everyone’s gaze remained fixed on her as she slowly walked forward. Evangeline could also see the towering bluish aura surrounding her figure. Just one look at her presence made Evangeline feel like a small insect looking at a giant predator.
Soon, Duchess Seraphina stopped in the middle of the hall and looked at the people present. An amused smile slowly stretched across her face as she spoke, addressing the crowd.
"Today is a big day. The Fiducia festival is being celebrated for the first time since it was officially recognised. We should all celebrate this glorious occasion and feel honored to be a part of it. And thus, I announce the commencement of this banquet."
As she finished, everyone clapped. The hall roared with the sound of that collective clapping.
And thus, the banquet began.
And contrary to what Evangeline had expected, it was not that interesting. But maybe that was due to her company.
Adrian remained standing in the same spot, supported by the wall. Ravian greeted a few nobles here and there, but he mostly remained by Adrian’s side. And since Evangeline didn’t know anyone else here, she also stayed near the two of them.
She spotted her parents briefly, chatting with Adrian’s mother.
And that was how their time continued to pass, observing the crowded hall.
Evangeline suddenly turned to the two and asked.
"I don’t see anyone dancing; is there some reason for that?"
Adrian turned and... furrowed his brow?
"It’s a banquet, not a ball."
She tilted her head.
"What’s the difference?"
Ravian chimed in from the side.
"A banquet is more formal and is held because of—"
But Adrian cut his explanation off.
"It is just a ball without the dance."
Evangeline nodded.
"I see."
Ravian, meanwhile, was making a strange expression while staring at the two of them. He sighed dejectedly.
Evangeline turned her attention back to the hall.
Quite a lot of time had passed, and she was now beginning to feel somewhat frustrated.
There were a lot of kids their age present here, but all of them were in a group together just like them and showed no interest in the other kids.
Evangeline had decided that she would talk to them if she saw a child who was alone, but she had yet to find someone like that.
’Maybe I should really go and eat something.’
She turned to the two once again.
"Hey, I’m gonna go eat some dessert, okay? Tell me if I should bring some for you guys."
The two of them didn’t show any interest in eating anything here, so she walked away after receiving a nod of acknowledgement from the two.
Soon, she reached the long table covered with a white tablecloth. Various kinds of delicacies were lined up on the table, and several servants stood behind it, ready to serve.
As she walked along the table, trying to decide what to eat, her eyes fell on a plate full of slices of cake. Her eyes shone the moment she saw them.
’I’m gonna eat one.’
And she did. The servant served her a slice on a plate, and she finished soon after, licking the cream off her lips.
She was about to turn around and return to the two, but she took a glance at the slices of cake once again.
’Another one wouldn’t hurt, would it?’
She was served another slice. She finished this one swiftly as well.
She glanced at the slices once again.
’One more, maybe?’
She was served another slice. This one also disappeared into her stomach soon after.
This time, she had almost turned away, but glanced at the cake slices and hesitated.
’Just one more?’
And so, she was now eating her seventh slice, which also quickly disappeared into her mouth as she smiled in delight.
"Yup, nothing beats a tasty slice of cake."
But just then, a voice came from right behind her, startling her.
"I must say, you are quite good at stuffing your face, girl."
Evangeline instinctively turned around and looked at the speaker.
A young girl, looking around her own age, was standing behind her. Long navy-blue hair flowed down her back like a waterfall, and her sharp features made her look unusually mature for her age.
For some reason, the girl had her eyes closed.
’Who is this little girl? No, more importantly, was she trying to mock me just now?’
Maybe, but Evangeline wasn’t sure since it didn’t sound like much of a mockery when spoken in such a childish voice.
She hesitantly opened her mouth.
"Um, who might you be, little gir—I mean miss?"
The girl frowned briefly but fixed her expression soon after and spoke in a tone that sounded somewhat pompous.
"Why should I introduce myself to you? I have no interest in making you an acquaintance."
Evangeline tilted her head.
’Isn’t an introduction basic manners when you start a conversation? More importantly, why even talk to me if you aren’t interested?’
The strange girl continued.
"I have been observing the two of you for quite some time now, and I just can’t understand it. Just why have you and that boy been talking to the wall since the beginning?"
Evangeline’s expression turned strange.
’Talking to the wall?’
