Party Invitation part. 5

"A guest?"

Aliester placed the document he was reviewing back on the table. Ryan glanced at the servant who had just informed them of an unexpected visitor.

"Who would come to the palace this early without prior notice?" Ryan asked.

"Earl Ventela has arrived with Lady Bernadette Ventela, and their carriage is already at the palace entrance."

*Thud.

Aliester's face paled slightly. He recalled receiving an invitation three days ago, one he deliberately left unread and unanswered.

And according to Ryan's explanation, Aliester had never responded nor had any visitors from those who sent the invitation.

So why did they suddenly come now—just when the real Aliester had already been replaced by someone who knew absolutely nothing?

That was the only thought running through Aliester's mind at the moment.

Sitting on the sofa with her sweet teddy bear in her arms, Magdalene was startled upon hearing the servant announce Earl Ventela's arrival at the palace.

"How rude of a noble!"

"I had no idea these nobles would go as far as forcing my daddy into a secret betrothal meeting like this?!"

"I want to see what this Earl Ventela and his daughter, Bernadette, are like."

"Remember this! I will never allow Aliester to marry someone strange!"

"The standard must be as high as Queen Helene!"

"It must not be any less than that, so when the real Magdalene returns to this body, she can be close to Aliester's new wife."

"That is... if Aliester even wants to remarry so soon!"

Magdalene glanced at Aliester's face. Though he appeared composed, she could tell he was actually flustered.

"What should I say if I meet them? Driving them away immediately would be pointless!"

"Like it or not, I have to face them. Let's just hope this doesn't turn into a problem."

The servant asked once again, "Shall I allow Earl Ventela inside, Your Majesty?"

Ryan turned to Aliester and inquired, "Shall I greet them first, Your Majesty? After all, this is a rather sudden visit."

Aliester let out a quiet sigh before answering. He even glanced at his daughter, who had concern written all over her face.

"It's fine. Let them in, and I will meet them."

"As you wish."

Ryan and the servant left the room to welcome the unexpected guests. As soon as they exited, Magdalene hurried over to her daddy.

"Daddy, Magda wants to come too!"

Aliester picked up his daughter in his arms and said, "Magdalene, this is a conversation between adults."

"But Magda is already an adult! Magda is five years old and can sleep alone! Magda wants to go with Daddy!"

Of course, Magdalene's words were quite embarrassing for her own pride.

"This is the only way I can get my daddy to take me with him! Ugh! Acting spoiled like this is so humiliating!!"

"But I really want to see what this Earl Ventela is like—this man who keeps forcing Aliester!"

"Please let me come, Daddy!" Magdalene pleaded, her tone sweet yet insistent.

Perhaps because he adored his little girl so much, he smiled and allowed her to join him.

"Promise me you won't say anything, okay, my love? Just sit quietly near me, understand?"

"Yes, Daddy~"

Aliester set Magdalene back down and walked alongside his daughter to meet Earl Ventela.

---

At the Palace entrance, Ryan, along with Magdalene's maids, Viona and Selina, welcomed Earl Ventela and his daughter, Bernadette.

They were dressed extravagantly, with golden ornaments heavily adorning their attire. Naturally, no one could openly criticize their excessive fashion choices.

Ryan simply observed them and gave a polite bow.

"Welcome, Earl Ventela—Pascua Ventela—and Lady Bernadette Ventela. His Majesty will receive you. Please, follow me."

They walked through the palace halls, with Earl Ventela occasionally glancing around at the luxurious surroundings.

"Has His Majesty received my invitation?" Earl Ventela asked Ryan.

"He has. He has also read it."

"Oh, what a relief! I was starting to worry since His Majesty never attends parties. Hahaha."

Ryan remained silent, which irked Earl Ventela. "Tch, how rude of a servant!" he grumbled internally.

They soon arrived at the designated room, where Aliester was already waiting—with his young daughter Magdalene sitting beside him.

The sight of the little princess surprised Viona and Selina.

"Your Highness?!"

Magdalene, still clutching her teddy bear, smiled sweetly at the two maids, while Ryan, on the other hand, was puzzled by his master's decision to bring his daughter along.

"What was His Majesty thinking?"

"Don't tell me… is this because I mentioned that Princess Magdalene doesn't know Earl Ventela, so he's letting her meet them now?"

"Good grief, Your Majesty…"

Earl Ventela and his daughter were also visibly taken aback by Aliester's choice to bring his child. Still, neither of them wanted to make a poor impression in front of the king, so they maintained their smiles and bowed respectfully.

"G-Greetings, Your Majesty, King Aliester. G-Good morning, Princess Magdalene."

Magdalene smiled and returned the greeting with perfect noble etiquette.

"Good morning, Earl. Good morning, Lady~"

Ryan leaned in closer to Aliester and whispered, "Your Majesty, should I escort the princess back to her room?"

Aliester calmly replied, "No. I want my daughter to stay here."

"As you wish."

Ryan exited with the two maids, leaving only the four of them in the room. Aliester gestured for his guests to take a seat.

Bernadette's gaze was fixated on Aliester—whether it was admiration or an attempt to gain his attention was unclear. But, of course, she wasn't the only one scrutinizing someone.

Magdalene watched Bernadette with a smile, though her thoughts were completely different.

"Annoying woman!!"

"What's with that flirty stare?!!"

"She's definitely trying to catch my daddy's attention! Oh no, I mean—she's definitely trying to catch Father's attention!"

"Just you wait, you ugly thing! I'll be watching you closely!"

"Her outfit is way too flashy and doesn't seem friendly at all in my eyes!"

"I will protect Aliester from people like her!"

Meanwhile, Earl Ventela tried to capture Aliester's attention.

"It's truly an honor that Your Majesty has agreed to receive us both."

Aliester had no intention of giving them a warm welcome. He didn't feel they were bad people, but he also had no proof that they were good.

"Haha, I'm more amazed that the Earl managed to arrive unannounced so early in the morning."

"In fact, I'm pretty sure my breakfast hasn't even fully digested yet. Haha, tell me—which one is more amazing?"

*Thud.

That was downright sarcastic.

Even Magdalene was taken aback by her daddy's sharp response—but she loved it! She absolutely loved how her daddy handled these two guests.

Instantly, the expressions of the two guests changed. Their discomfort was evident, but Magdalene remained calm, her innocent, childlike demeanor unwavering.

Bernadette tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"P-Please forgive us, Your Majesty. We understand this is inconvenient, but my father simply wished to see how you were doing."

"I see. Well, now that you've seen me, do I appear to be in good health or not?"

"Of course, Your Majesty looks well. The princess also seems to be doing wonderfully."

"Yes, Magda is doing just fine. I should still be with Daddy, but it seems Daddy has to meet his guests first~"

Aliester wasn't surprised by his daughter's boldness.

"She's fearless and composed. How adorable. I'm sure Helene was like this when she was alive."

Turning to his guests, Aliester's expression became more serious.

"Now then," he said, "I'd like to hear your purpose directly. From your earlier words, I assume this is about the party invitation?"

Aliester didn't want them to drag the conversation on any longer because he was eager to finish this quickly.

The first problem was that he didn't know Earl Ventela's true nature since the memories of the real Aliester didn't provide much about this person.

The second problem was that he didn't like the atmosphere in the room. It was clear that there was something hidden beneath it, and he could sense it, though he hesitated.

The third problem was that he didn't want Magdalene to hear any more adult conversations.

"So, could you please get to the point? If this is about the party invitation you sent, I've already read it. But—"

"Your Majesty, you are truly understanding!"

Earl Ventela immediately interrupted Aliester without hesitation. Aliester's calm demeanor shifted slightly, and he felt a bit uncomfortable.

"What's this? How dare you interrupt me?" he thought, his expression showing his annoyance.

The two guests didn't seem to notice Aliester's irritation and continued with their explanation.

"I'm sure His Majesty has received it, and I understand you have many duties, so you didn't have time to reply to the invitation."

"I've come personally to invite you to the party that the Ventela family is hosting tomorrow night."

"Also, my beautiful daughter Bernadette is eagerly looking forward to your attendance."

Typical nobles, throwing parties and spending their wealth. That was Aliester's thought as he listened.

Bernadette looked at Aliester with a flirtatious gaze, "Your Majesty, this will be a wonderful opportunity for you to show yourself in front of others, as it's an outdoor garden dance party."

"We'll even hold an open house, so everyone can visit our residence freely yet safely."

"I hope to spend the night with Your Majesty and, of course, the Princess at the party hosted by the Ventela family."

Nothing unexpected, but it was surprising how openly they stated their purpose. Moreover, Magdalene was not pleased with it at all.

"This woman is clearly trying to get attention."