"Oh, how I love your dress."

  "Please, recommend your fashion designer for me."

  "No need to think too hard, it must be Master Alba's work."

  "Oh, right. Alba's fashion house and ViTech are closely related."

  Being trapped in the company of older ladies, Vivian resisted every urge to dash out of the place and run off to where the others were but that wasn't possible. Right now, she represents the Lady of House Moore in Saskia's spot since the latter is bedridden after the addictive cosmetic incident.

  While the news about that incident was kept under tight wraps, it was easy to imagine that the other side ---the Prince's faction--- had already caught wind of the situation but chose not to act. After all, Robert Moore is a member of that faction and directly exposing his mother's condition may sour the relations.

  Vivian's assigned section was populated exclusively by elderly ladies, the type who always had an opinion about everything. This compelled her to listen attentively and respond politely, recognizing that these matriarchs had birthed numerous lords, and their words carries immense weight within high society.

  She prayed deep in her heart for a savior to come and free her from this place so she could run freely and return to her plans. The heavens answered, and her great aunt, Agatha Moore, appeared. Immediately, she shooed Vivian away and took her seat among the ladies her age.

  As for Vivian, Isabella immediately approached her.

  "Viv! Viv! Morris De Brosa seemed to have arrived a while back?" Isabella said.

  "What?" Vivian frowned and looked around, "Where is he? Why has no one announced him?"

  "About that." Isabella looked at Vivian with a tired face, "It seems dear count Julian was enticed by a certain someone to have a backdoor party to meet the VIP guests before everyone else."

  "Father did? Isn't everyone a VIP here?" Vivian asked with a frown.

  "Well... he was enticed..." Isabella said, trying to defend Count Julian.

  "Who would entice my father?"

  "My father." Isabella replied with utter rage.

  Vivian and Isabella stared at each other with obvious feelings.

  "Your father is a bad influence on my father." Vivian said, clenching fists and gnashing teeth.

  "I know that. And to think they would be in-laws!" Isabella shuddered from the fact that her father would be even closer to Count Julian as if they were not friends already.

  This party's main event was supposed to be Vivian's surprise to the crowd along with a few announcements. The most common of which, and the one that is no longer a surprise by now, were her light bulbs that were now installed as the main interior light source and gained a lot of attention.

  It is safe to say that nine of every ten nobles whom Vivian greeted at the beginning of the party were only interested in buying light bulbs in bulk and the means to operate them.

  But that was only the appetizer and Vivian needed to move to the next step. The problem, however, is that there are way too many popular faces in this party that may mess with her plans. If, for example, world-known personalities such as Morris De Brosa or Theodore Nightingale were to pop up out of nowhere, most people would flock over to them even if Vivian showed them a pig that flies.

  These weren't just any celebrities; they were heavyweights, accustomed to the spotlight, and would set off their fans in frenzy for hours. Vivian didn't just need to wrap up the fanfare that would break out with each of them showing up; she needed to transform them into willing participants in her grand scheme. Each one had to become an instrument, playing their part in the symphony of marketing that she was about to unleash.

  Tonight, Vivian has brought with her 8 projects to display all over the Moore Mansion. This tech fair she put together was going to open not just one market but multiple, making House Moore have a permanent mark on history and making today's event no less than a historical success for the ages.

  "I can't believe we are finally honored to meet you, Lord Nightingale. I've been an avid fan of your work since the Great Vigonza Court Festival of Prince Juan'."

  "The honor is all mine, Sir De Brosa. But that festival was around 20 years ago. You must have been quite young."

  "I was only but an 8-year-old brat who would wreak havoc all around but since that day, I've learned to appreciate the art of music and devoted myself to Amadeus' teachings."

  "Quite the admirable turn for a young man."

  "It is one of the few events that made me who I am."

  "And I am quite pleased to have been an inspiration to you, young sir."

  In the back party where most of the important celebrities were gathered, Morris De Brosa and Theodore Nightingale seemed to be hitting it off as soon as they met but it was also the case for many of the figures gathered here. Each of these personalities was invited through a secret door and greeted by Count Julian Moore himself accompanied by the real mastermind behind this exclusive party, Count Alexander De Clare.

  "Told you this would work." The lax-looking fair-haired tall middle-aged man sitting beside Count Julian spoke while drinking whisky from a large glass.

  "It hasn't worked yet." Count Julian replied without looking at the man.

  "Relax, man. You know everything eventually goes my way." Count Alexander said as he appeared more relaxed.

  "Stop saying that. Stop tempting fate." Count Julian became irritated now that his long-time friend said that phrase he kept saying.

  However, it goes without saying that Count Alexander is one of the most socially influential characters in the recent history of the Elgardish Empire. While the Schism of the Great Houses has limited many of the powers the De Clares would enjoy, forcing the house to be severely limited to 100 Knights and 100 Mages only, their focus on building friendships, alliances, getting involved in everything, and being the ultimate traders and mover of goods in the empire have all put them in a special place where they are technically involved with every pound and shilling that is circulated in Elgard. Naturally, this makes them very close to the Moores as the two houses can have nothing but benefit from one another.

  A manufacturer always needs a market, and a trader always needs goods.

  The proximity of the two houses mirrored the closeness of their bond, a bond so tight that the mere suggestion of a marriage between James Moore and Isabella De Clare was met with laughter. It was as if the world had suggested a union between cousins, so absurd, so unthinkable. High society might have seen it as a natural progression, but to the two families, it was nothing short of a comical misunderstanding. They don't need political marriage to be close, the two houses are practically in bed together.

  As for Count Julian and Count Alexander, they were friends for ages despite their conflicted personalities. One is cold and callous while the other is gregarious and sociable. Still, the two lords were known to be ruthless, exceedingly terrifying when angered, and especially vicious when dealing with those who hindered their work.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  One thing they were also known for is their obsession with art and all its kinds. While it may seem like all members of high society put so much value in art as a way to appear sophisticated and set themselves apart from the common caste, the art in which those two counts were involved the most was one that could act as money.

  Long before the age of cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens, quality pieces of art and exceedingly rare collection items were items that had their own distinct values, lore, and uniqueness. Each of these items represented a small to medium-sized fortune of their own and the rich always sought them in order to consolidate their assets and protect them from currency debasement or cover the flow of their assets.

  These are the reasons the leaders of these two houses, as well as predecessors, were always involved in the art business and why they amassed endless hordes of paintings, jewelry, statues, manuscripts, and artifacts both mundane and arcane.

  On a different note from all the serious atmosphere around the two counts, Count Alexander initiated a topic he was certainly curious about.

  "You still haven't mentioned to me the secret to invite Morris De Brosa." He asked.

  "I said it once, I'll say it again, there is no secret. The house secretary sent out invitations to the public figures of Albion two months prior and he responded that he would come." Count Julian replied.

  "Julian, that can't be true," Count Alexander sputtered, his face flushed with indignation. "I've been extending invitations to that scoundrel for over three years, and all I've received in return are pathetic apology letters and flimsy excuses about him gallivanting on some far-flung continent."

  "The name Moore carries its weight, I guess." Count Julian said with a cold face before sneering with an obvious grin only Count Alexander could see.

  "Bastard." Count Alexander looked away more annoyed about that matter than before.

  Just as the two lords were done with their usual friendly banter, two men approached them where they stood and greeted them.

  "My lords." Theodore Nightingale said with a light bow, following him was Morris De Brosa, the subject of the lordly banter.

  "Lord Nightingale, I'm glad that you joined us." Count Alexander turned to face Theodore Nightingale with glee before glancing at Morris De Brosa lightly and averting his eyes coldly.

  "Young Sir Morris and I were talking about the party downstairs and he was eager to meet Young Lady Vivian after hearing about her amazing show during graduation." Theodore said.

  "Is that so?" Lord Alexander asked before turning to Morris, "Well, I am afraid that there is a slight plan Lord Julian and I have devised which will..."

  "It's alright, Alexander."

  On the country to the obvious refusal that Count Alexander was going for, the host was okay with it.

  "But Julian, the plan was..." Count Alexander raised a brow while questioning Count Julian.

  "I'm sure not a lot of people have met with the mysterious De Brosa before." Count Julian said and turned to Morris, "Sir De Brosa, if you don't mind, while you are down there, don't publicly reveal your identity just yet. This party has a purpose in mind and a certain group of figures is all gathered, I will personally introduce you to the party."

  "Such an honor, Lord Moore!" Morris bowed his head with delicate etiquette, "I've been curious about the people of Elgard's high society and I meant no disrespect to Count De Clare when I couldn't make it despite the many invitations he sent in the past. For that, allow me to offer my humble apologies personally."

  Morris showed more courtesy towards Count Alexander who seemed upset with him and almost instantly, Count Alexander was all smiles. He took the chance to invite Morris to the De Clare mansion the following day and the latter didn't hesitate to accept.

  Just like that, Morris was free to roam the larger gathering downstairs and look at the wider society of the Elgardish nobles. On his way downstairs, he met with Mr. Green who was waiting for him outside the closed-door party along with the other assistants and bodyguards.

  "So, you want to meet Vivian Moore?" Mr. Green asked.

  "Yes, from what I gathered from Lord Nightingale, she is very close to her father, and influencing her may influence him." Morris replied with confidence.

  "Don't get too comfortable around that girl, Sir Morris. She is not someone you can merely influence." Mr. Green said with a bit of discomfort in his voice.

  "Is that so? I heard that she is quite a business lady. I didn't expect it to be easy either way..."

  "Just don't involve her unless there is no other way. She's a precious child and she has been through a lot."

  "With all due respect, Mr. Green, the others may not share your sentiment. I understand that you may feel kinship towards her, I won't pry why, but Mr. Red has very specific instructions. To expedite our plan, we must maintain amicable relations with the Moores."

  Morris' words were smooth and realistic, making Mr. Green only grunt in irritation as he looked away.

  "What do you want from me then?" Mr. Green asked.

  "Well, just point her out to me, I'll approach her myself." Morris replied.

  Reluctant, Mr. Green had to come around for the sake of the goal he had devoted himself to.

  "Fine." He said and looked at Morris, "I've seen you follow my gaze a while back. She is exactly the one I was looking at."

  "I see. What is she like as a person?" Morris asked.

  Mr. Green halted his words before staring blankly and replied.

  "A good warm-hearted girl, a true bringer of light."

  "My word! If that's how you describe her, I expect nothing less than the most beautiful maiden my eyes would see."

  "Of course. She indeed is." Mr. Green nodded and his eyes returned to stare at blankness again.

  The man is too melancholic to get any more information from at the moment, Morris thought.

  With what he heard from Theodore Nightingale and Mr. Green. Morris De Brosa slowly and carefully joined the party downstairs without attracting too much attention. While his dress was unique and his looks were too conspicuous, he wasn't the only foreigner down there and his extensive knowledge about people would help greatly to satisfy Count Julian's condition of not revealing his identity.

  His eyes scanned the room, searching for the face he had etched into his memory. There she was, the girl whom Mr. Green spoke of. Her smile radiated warmth, as comforting as sunlight on a frigid winter day. She was the embodiment of beauty and nobility, class and elegance.

  Morris was an artist, a very creative one at that, and his love for discovery made him a dreamer. The image he painted in his mind for the girl he was going to meet kept crossing many faces until it finally found the match he was looking for.

  It was her.

  The ever-confident Morris De Brosa felt a chill run down his spine as he approached the breathtaking beauty. Her hair danced in the breeze as she turned to face him, a radiant smile gracing her lips. He had caught her attention with his slow, deliberate approach, and now, with a courteous smile of his own, he spoke.

  "I was told I can approach the fairest maiden at this gathering."

  His words, character, and personality gave off as much glamor and aura as the young lady in front of him, overwhelming all his peers of young hopeful youth who were flipping over dictionaries worth of vocabulary to carefully court her.

  He was simply too dashing to ignore and she was just as his imagination portrayed her, warm and smiling, perfect and divine.

  "An honor to be praised by you, gentle sir," she demurred, dipping into a graceful curtsey.

  "Your father asked me to be discreet when I met you. However, I find it challenging to be subtle, as the lady is attracting a lot of attention. I hope the count will pardon me if I inadvertently ruin his careful plans."

  "My father said so?" She was taken aback and smiled, "I am not sure about his plans myself but I haven't caught your honored name, sir."

  "My name is Morrone Altine."

  "Oh! I've heard of that name somewhere before."

  "I am honored that my humble name has come across the lady... somewhere before." He chuckled fully waiting for the young lady to discover his identity while trying slightly to playfully tease her with words.

  She smiled at his teasing, knowing the Vigonzan name held significance, and she was sure she'd heard it before.

  "I have... or rather, had, so much to discuss with you," He boldly interrupted her reverie, his words a smooth counterpoint to her nostalgic musings, he then confessed with a hint of mischief in his eyes, "But the lady's beauty and elegance have quite swept my thoughts away."

  Her maiden heart almost skipped a beat with how direct he was but she still played it cool and replied with a smile, adding some haughtiness to her aura.

  "Oh, I am sorry to hear that, sir. If you expect me to compensate you for the thoughts that slipped, you've also made it hard for me to figure out who Morrone Altine actually is."

  "It is my real name, by Amadeus I swear to God." He said and raised his palm in the ceremonial way of vowing, yet with a cunning smile, "But you and everyone else probably know me by my moniker, Lady Vivian."

  Just as she said that, she immediately froze.

  Too many thoughts, emotions, and misunderstandings started to conflict in her head at once. For her, this is almost the first time she would panic in public but it was for very good reasons... or bad.

  Morris could see her expressions shift and her fair skin pale.

  "My lady, is everything alr..." He asked but she immediately panicked.

  "Wai- wai- wai- wait!" She said and tried to get a hold of the situation while scanning the room as fast as she could, "Vivian is..."

  Seeing her fumble on that last sentence, even the Vigonzan daredevil realized he just messed up.

  That is not Vivian Moore.

  "What is it you doing, stepmother?"

  "Viv!"

  This is Vivian Moore.

  Almost as if the two were caught red-handed with the scandal of the century, Vivian approached with her gaze shifting between the two.

  "Stepmother? You are the count's..."

  And that was Morris' turn to panic. Did he just hit on Count Moore's wife... in public?

  Vivian stood there, blessed with ignorance, as two of the most adventurous souls in the world were having the meltdown of their lives.

  linktr.ee/donovel