I quietly watched my eldest brother pretend not to see anything, pressing my lips together as I tried not to laugh. The magnolia branch in front of me was being shaken back and forth, the blossom trembling, its petals quivering as if urging me impatiently to hurry up and take it already. Helpless, and admittedly a little disdainful of the boy, I finally reached out and accepted the flower. Our fingertips brushed unexpectedly; I didn't think much of it, and Nick seemed just as unconcerned, grinning before pulling his hand back. When I lowered my gaze to admire the blossom, he finally withdrew his smile, leaning against the car window, idly tracing the glass with his fingers, completely indifferent to the scenery outside, his eyes deep and unreadable.
"Young master, young miss, we've arrived."Jason opened his eyes and straightened his clothes. "Let's go."
He opened the door for me. The light outside flooded in cold and sharp, as if filtered through the crystal glass of the grand hall.
My grandfather had earned his hereditary marquessate through military merit when he was young, but my father, the eldest son rarely involved himself in politics. Though our Cabinet Minister family still carried prestige, inside it was little more than an ornate shell. My mother always taught me that in everything, one should neither stand out too much nor lag behind peace was enough; chasing after shallow glories was pointless.
Nick hopped lightly out of the car and reached a hand toward me. He extended his palm before me, his gaze calm yet direct, transparent yet burning with warmth. I cast my eyes downward; I truly could not withstand that earnest, blazing look. He had always treated me with a sincere heart, shielding me as if I were something he held in his palm. When I placed my hand into his warm, broad one, it felt like swallowing a calming pill, no matter what creatures or dangers awaited in the palace ahead, I felt unafraid.
The moment I stepped out, I froze.
Before me stretched an entire line of luxury cars parked neatly like a silent army. Long black hoods gleamed like polished water under the sunlight; others coated in silver reflected a refined, icy arrogance. The logos Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin glittered like symbols of unspoken power.
Headlights cast lines of light across the marble square like rows of parallel blades. Uniformed attendants stood respectfully by each door, hands poised on the handles, their solemn expressions amplifying the grandeur of the place.
Instinctively, I tightened my grip on my dress. It felt as if I had stepped into another world, one where a mere glance at the license plates was enough to know the influence of the people inside.
The cars were silent, but their presence alone warned:Whoever enters the palace today is no ordinary person.
The Johnston family car stopped at the palace gates, and three small electric shuttles came to escort us to the banquet venue. This banquet was hosted by the Crown Prince to fulfill the wish of the Fourth Princess. Princess Nangi and Crown Prince Frantic were both children of Luna Sharla; the prince adored his little sister, and when she casually mentioned wanting a dance banquet, he spent several days preparing the entire event.
Exactly thirty minutes later, we stepped off the shuttle. A senior attendant led us toward Skywind Pavilion, the hall used for grand banquets. Blue Moon Pack had existed for only a few decades, spanning merely three rulers, yet its palace had transformed drastically compared to the previous dynasty. The former emperor ruled frugally; the current one was extravagant, fond of grand, ostentatious architecture. Shortly after ascending the throne, he had renovated and expanded the palace, building Skywind Pavilion specifically for noble festivities.
The scenery along the path was stunning: a vast garden, a bridge over a stream, an artificial mountain, winding corridors after more than twenty minutes, we finally reached the main hall. As Jason led me forward, we immediately drew countless glances. Blue Moon's customs were open; unmarried men and women could dine together, gather, and chat freely. Everywhere, noble sons and daughters were laughing and talking; when the three of us appeared, every pair of eyes in the palace turned toward us.
Jason was already a natural focal point, and now beside him stood the eldest daughter of Zotopia Corporation, the girl who had gone missing as a child and was raised in a monastery, known only by name but never seen. I maintained a faint, modest smile neither arrogant nor timid, my gaze steady. Even trying to stay inconspicuous, I still attracted attention; curiosity was inevitable. It didn't matter as long as I remained plain and unremarkable today, without beauty or scandal, no one would fixate on me later… as long as I didn't catch the attention of certain dangerous people.
As long as they ignored me, I would live safely this lifetime, and the Johnston family would avoid disaster.
Nick had stayed silent since earlier; half of his attention was on me, the other half suppressing the restless beast inside him. He really wanted to gouge out those staring eyes… If he did, they wouldn't be able to look at his precious anymore. He lowered his lashes, took several deep breaths to calm his blood, then strode to my side, blocking a portion of the unwanted gazes. As for the rest… he tilted his head, smiling lightly, eyes curved like petals, yet his magnolia-bright eyes released killing intent without restraint.
Right before the main hall, a young man in a lake-blue robe strode toward us. His gentle voice carried from afar, smiling yet tinged with three parts complaint:
"Jason, you made me wait forever. We agreed on the Hour of the Dragon, look what time it is now?"
Just his figure alone suggested a refined, graceful gentleman. When he drew closer and I saw his face clearly, I immediately lowered my head, refusing to look at him.
He was Finnick, the eldest son of the current Chief Minister. The Anderson family was strict; their eldest son had been trained rigorously, and he consistently ranked first at the university, essentially the model aristocratic heir.
Jason offered an apologetic smile, clasping his hands while his other hand gestured toward Nick and me."Mother instructed me to accompany my younger brother and sister. I couldn't leave them behind, so we're a bit late. Brother Finnick, forgive us."
Finnick pressed down on Jason's clasped hands, pushing the greeting aside with a laugh."I was joking. Why take it seriously? You always so prim and proper; it's honestly a waste of that good-looking face of yours."
While teasing, he glanced at me, the girl with her head lowered, staring at the floor and interest flickered in his eyes.
"Jason, aren't you going to introduce her?"
I didn't wait for my brother to speak. I smiled softly, still keeping my head down, not sparing the young man a single glance.
"Brother, I'll go ahead."
Jason was startled his sister had never been this blunt. The air tightened awkwardly; he caught a glimpse of Finnick's darkening expression and reluctantly said, "Go on."
Nick followed right after me.
I wasn't worried about Jason dealing with the aftermath; I knew Finnick well, broad-minded, the type who wouldn't damage a friendship over something this small. But as for his interest in me, that would die instantly. He liked talented, graceful ladies, those with knowledge and cultivation. I had to avoid being associated with any of that.
In my past life, Finnick had never harmed me directly, but the disputes that surrounded him caused endless calamities for me. He was innocent so how could I be guilty? In this life, distance was safest.
And more importantly, I wanted nothing to do with the Anderson family ever again.