Chapter 73
She worried that because of that guy’s obsession, he might not let even a drop of magic touch the youngest one’s hands.
This was absolutely not an overblown concern.
Kierne had been utterly obsessive, to the point of throwing tantrums, over the late countess.
In front of her, he’d act all composed and leisurely, but behind her back, he’d flash his blood-red eyes and dance with his sword like a maniac.
Having inherited that man’s blood, the three brothers were likely no different.
She could vividly picture a future where the Basilian men banded together tightly, wrapping the youngest one up like a snake coiled around its prey, causing all sorts of chaos.
‘At least Carha seems indifferent among them.’
Unlike the father using black magic in the temple, the eldest running off with his sibling, and the third suddenly deciding to learn magic he’d never touched before.
The second one still felt unresponsive.
‘I hope he stays that way.’
She could only hope that when the other Basilians lost their minds, at least Carha would hold onto his sanity.
At that moment, a flash of blue light sparked in her mind.
‘…Ah.’
Besides the Basilians, there was one more guy who bothered her.
It was the inquisitor from the Holy Empire.
He had clearly approached to investigate Kierne…
But for some reason, that guy had been incredibly kind to Cheshire.
When she heard that he’d personally cared for Cheshire with utmost devotion in his private residence for a week, it felt like she was dreaming.
An inquisitor who committed mad slaughters in the name of God, taking care of a baby.
There couldn’t be a more bizarre contradiction.
Anyway, one thing was clear.
‘My goddaughter seems popular among the mentally unstable.’
Including herself, none of them were normal, after all.
She was deep in thought, pondering how to fend off the other lunatics and safely claim Cheshire for herself to raise as a great mage.
A small commotion arose in the banquet hall.
It started as murmurs near the entrance, gradually spreading inward.
Those who had been laughing and chatting stopped their conversations.
Those eating set down their utensils, and those sipping wine pulled their lips away from their glasses.
As if someone had yanked their attention, everyone gradually shifted their gazes and looked in the same direction.
In the suddenly silent banquet hall, only the musicians’ melody flowed softly.
Serea beamed with a full smile.
‘They’re here!’
The ones she’d been eagerly awaiting had finally made their appearance.
She barely suppressed the urge to burst into loud, hearty laughter.
Then, with a dignified smile, she said,
“Count Basilian has arrived. I’ll go exchange greetings briefly.”
For her, a duchess, to personally go greet a count was an unconventional act.
However, the nobles conversing with Serea didn’t even show a hint of surprise.
They were all entranced, staring at the Basilian count’s family.
Serea, swelling with pride, approached the Basilian family with steps as light as if she were flying.
She saw Kierne, holding Cheshire in his arms, greeting those approaching.
“A pleasure to meet you.”
With a seductive eye smile that could enchant anyone, he greeted them in a voice like a siren’s.
“I am Kierne Basilian.”
A noblewoman struck by Kierne’s eye smile turned bright red and covered her mouth with her hand.
“And this is my daughter.”
With his hand gloved in black, he gently grasped the child’s hand and whispered affectionately.
“Cheshire, you should say hello.”
“Hewwo. I’m Chesha Basilian.”
Cheshire, nestled like a doll, moved her lips adorably and spoke like a baby angel.
The young boy beside the noblewoman gaped, staring blankly at Cheshire.
It wasn’t just them.
As he introduced the three Basilian brothers one by one afterward.
Gasps like “Huh,” “Ugh,” “Heok,” and sharp intakes of breath echoed from here and there.
Utterly instinctive reactions, forgetting all decorum.
Watching this, Serea was certain.
The spotlight of today’s banquet would be claimed by the Basilian count’s family.
She had already known there would be an enthusiastic response.
But reality was far more intense than imagined.
They barely had time to admire the splendidly decorated banquet hall.
As soon as they entered, without exaggeration, everyone stared at the Basilians.
Accustomed to people’s interest and attention, that part didn’t bother them.
But when they all swarmed like mad, desperate to get a word in, it became utterly exhausting from then on.
Especially from noble houses with unmarried children, who rushed over with gleaming eyes.
Not just the eldest, Belzeon, who would inherit the Basilian countship, but Carha and Ishuel were mobbed like bees as well.
Kierne, needless to say.
Though he’d lost his wife, he had three sons, and now even an adopted child, making four in total.
Yet he was buried under flirtations pouring from all sides.
Many sent blatant seductions right in front of Kierne, who was clearly holding a baby.
But Kierne politely declined their advances.
Amid the torment from the surging crowd, the Basilian men exchanged hurried glances and hand signals.
“Hey, over there.”
“Yeah.”
“Carha.”
“Yes, brother.”
“Brother?”
“Confirmed.”
Tossing short words like they were on some secret mission, occasionally flashing murderous glares…
It was to eliminate any young boys showing interest in Cheshire.
Even if it was just out of cuteness, they insisted on nipping it in the bud early, busying themselves among themselves.
The one who rescued the Basilians buried in the crowd was Duchess Evroiel.
She clapped her hands loudly once.
The musicians played a grand flourish in response and then stopped.
In the brief silence, the duchess laughed heartily and proclaimed,
“Thank you all! With so many esteemed guests gracing Evroiel, today’s banquet will be bountiful indeed.”
She smiled brightly and casually cast a spell.
“I’ve prepared something for our guests, so would you spare a moment?”
Violet mana spread in all directions, dimming the lights in the banquet hall.
Only the stage in the center remained brightly illuminated.
There stood a beautifully adorned female singer.
People admired her, dressed in a gown decorated with flowers.
She was the most famous opera singer in the capital.
“Oh, my God.”
The female singer, dressed as the queen of fairies, gracefully began her song.
“Merciful even to the existence of heretics, bestowing blessings upon those who do not believe in your name.”
It was a song about an ancient legend where the fairy queen praised God and offered her crown to the Holy King.
It perfectly matched the theme of this banquet.
While people were captivated by the singer, Duchess Evroiel approached.
“Count.”
She grinned and nudged Kierne with her elbow.
“Quite the uproar. Truly impressive, huh?”
“It’s thanks to Your Grace.”
Kierne smiled and replied courteously to her sly remark.
The duchess’s laughter deepened.
“Hello, goddaughter.”
She greeted Cheshire and extended her hand.
“Let me hold you for a bit. Hmm, so small, tiny.”
Taking Cheshire from Kierne, the duchess cooed and rocked her, then whispered slyly to Cheshire.
“How was the banquet hall today? Splendid, right?”
“Yes!”
“All sparkly and shiny, huh?”
She spread her hand in front of Cheshire.
“Now, look at this.”
Tiny violet sparkles rose from her palm and enveloped Cheshire.
In the dim banquet hall, the subtle glow was as beautiful as fireflies in the forest.
Duchess Evroiel murmured in a voice laced with ulterior motives.
“Would my goddaughter like to make something like this too?”
