Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 1770 - 1769: Blessing
So after Miss Galina finished her speech, Shard, under the applause, excused himself to the washroom and temporarily left the banquet hall. Megan originally wanted to wait for Shard to return and then take him to meet the Duchess, introducing them to each other in the banquet hall, as even a witch would not make a move. But just as Shard had stepped out, Tifa came over with a smile:
"Miss Green, Duke Galina invites you to speak over there, do you have the time?"
This was an invitation from the Duke, so Megan, of course, could not refuse. Thus, she had to follow this witch apprentice, whom she met in the Council and who possessed the best figure, away from the area where the merchants gathered.
Miss Galina did not return to the resting room; instead, she took a seat at the sofa resting area in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows on the side of the banquet hall, surrounded by a circle of women, including Angelina, as well as other noble ladies and young noblewomen.
"Look who’s here."
She warmly welcomed Megan and enthusiastically had Megan sit beside Angelina:
"The last time I saw Ms. Green from Paradise Island Pharmaceuticals was four years ago at the Opera House in Tobesk. Though I’ve missed you ever since, there’s never been a chance to meet again. The development of Paradise Island Pharmaceuticals in Draleon over these years is quite impressive. Perhaps we can stay in touch more in the future. The Kingdom needs businessmen like you; a prosperous economy can’t rely only on locals."
Before rumors of an affair with "Rejed’s Hamilton" spread, Miss Galina had long been suspected of having certain tendencies, so making excessively warm statements wasn’t abrupt.
Megan responded politely:
"It’s truly my honor that the Duke always remembers me. Please allow me to express my gratitude for tonight’s invitation letter; this banquet is truly wonderful."
The Red-Haired Witch sat relaxed on the sofa, a hint of a smile at the corner of her lips, and the amusement in her golden eyes was only apparent to Tifa and Angelina:
"Enjoy the banquet well; you’ll like it even more shortly."
She actively included Megan in their topic of conversation and naturally shifted to discussing their respective male companions for the evening. Miss Galina gave Angelina a look, prompting the Little Princess to say:
"I didn’t bring a male companion. Before I left Tobesk, Mother reminded Aunt Galina to keep an eye on me."
The ladies all laughed, and Miss Galina also chuckled, saying:
"Actually, a seventeen-year-old princess isn’t that young. If you fancy any young gentleman at this banquet, you can invite him for a dance later; I won’t tell Diana."
Angelina’s face turned slightly red:
"Yesterday, following you to City Hall, I indeed met a very polite gentleman in the corridor of City Hall. Oh, he’s from Draleon, with blond hair, very tall, well-built, refined, wearing a black coat, and also had a cat with him..."
Megan paused slightly, then lifted her glass to mask her expression.
"Didn’t you inquire about his identity?"
Miss Galina asked again with concern, and Angelina nodded lightly:
"He didn’t mention his name, but he said he would also attend today’s banquet. I wasn’t particularly interested; I just felt this gentleman was quite nice, his conversation and behavior were different from ordinary people... Perhaps I should go find him now."
Saying so, she stood up, and Megan hesitated, unsure of what to do at the moment. She didn’t know who exactly Angelina Cavendish had met, but her instinct told her that it was indeed her male companion.
Before formally introducing Shard to Miss Galina, she felt it was best not to let the "peculiar man" meet the Duchess, first needing to prepare the Balanced Great Witch.
With a plan in mind, she watched as Angelina left with her maid. She patiently waited for a while, then signaled to Miss Galina, suggesting they have a private conversation.
So, before Angelina returned, Miss Galina and Megan stepped out into the bustling hallway outside the banquet hall. The corridor, illuminated by gas lamps, was lined with yellow wallpaper. The antique oil paintings on the walls and the red carpet on the floor made it appear even more luxurious.
"My banquet looks quite nice, doesn’t it?"
The Red-Haired Witch, in a dazzling red gown, said with a smile:
"It’s just a pity there are men present. If all the attendees were beautiful ladies, it would have been even better."
Megan was secretly shocked, knowing the other was that kind of traditional witch, but she remained composed, believing she could handle it:
"You’re still the same, but I must admit, this banquet is indeed very nice."
"So, what do you want to do by seeking me out alone?"
Miss Galina played with a lock of hair purposely left by her ear, speaking casually:
"There are some very important guests at this banquet, and I can’t leave for too long. Besides, I have someone important to introduce to you later."
Megan felt that her words were being spoken by another:
"Who? The rumored Hamilton? I thought you had your maid, Miss Servit, dressed up to brush off marriage matters. So, is that Hamilton truly real?"
Because past Grand Witches often had young ladies dress up as men to avoid certain social responsibilities, she hadn’t suspected at all.
The Duchess with vibrant red hair nodded gently and even made a shy expression:
"Yes, she is indeed a girl, a girl who is very, very, very much in line with my expectations. She looks quite nice, although her level isn’t as high as mine, she’s quite impressive. Most importantly, her thoughts and views on life align with mine and she supports my career... she’s also quite talented in that aspect. I think she’s my lifelong partner."
Megan, who was initially preoccupied with her own matters, raised an eyebrow, not expecting to hear such significant news:
"It’s hard to believe someone like you talking about a ’lifelong partner.’ After all, it’s common for nobles to have multiple lovers... but still, I wish you the best. Can I meet this young lady later on? I’m really curious to see how amazing she really is... Happiness to you, Galina."
The brown-haired girl said seriously, which made Miss Galina feel a bit guilty, but this hesitation only lasted for an instant:
"Thank you, I hope you can say a few good things about me in front of her later. You’ll also be shocked by her appearance. Oh, what were you about to say just now?"
The witch, who had already set the trap, redirected the conversation back to the original topic.
"I also want you to meet someone, someone I chose. I... he, I mean she, yes, she is very special, and I hope you can be prepared in advance."
Megan looked very serious, while the red-haired witch’s smile remained unchanged:
"So, did you and she do that sort of thing?"
Megan opened her mouth and blinked:
"Of course not, how could I before being sure... I mean, why are you so concerned about that question?"
"Because the connection of spirit and body together forms the sweetest part of love."
Miss Galina said very seriously, a sentiment that aligned with the viewpoint of the God of Love’s believers:
"What’s that saying? Oh, the furthest distance in the world is that you’re in front of me, but you don’t let me touch you."
Megan, who was initially serious, nearly coughed:
"Are you reading some inappropriate books? But you are still your old self."
She took a deep breath, trying to regain the serious tone from earlier:
"I’m serious, she’s really special, completely different from anyone you’ve ever met. I hope when you meet her, no matter what happens, you will listen to me finish speaking before making any decision. Galina, can you promise me that?"
Their faces were very close at this point, with two pairs of golden eyes reflecting completely different emotions.
The Duchess showed a surprised expression:
"What look is that? I promise. Why, are you worried I’ll fall for your young lady?"
Megan forced an awkward smile:
"Fall for... if by that time you really can fall for the person I brought, I won’t oppose it."
The red-haired witch struggled to hold back her laughter:
"That’s what you said, ahem, I mean, then it’s settled. Oh, don’t leave after the banquet, we need to discuss the Green Lake situation. You seem much better today than the night before and yesterday, what exactly did you do? It’s as if you’ve balanced your swaying scales at the perfect point, I think you won’t take long to make another advancement, right?"
Megan nodded:
"Yes, I have her to thank for that. I’ll explain more later, she’s really an amazing person."
"Well then... huh? Where did Little Angelina go? Why hasn’t she come back yet?"
Miss Galina muttered to herself, then called over Tifa who was waiting nearby and asked her to check the situation.
"Yes, Miss."
So Tifa, with two maids, turned the corner of the corridor, but didn’t continue walking forward; after counting to ten, they returned:
"Miss, Her Highness Angelina is over there."
She pointed in a direction, so Miss Galina called over Megan, gesturing for her to come along and bring Angelina back.
Megan certainly hadn’t forgotten the man the Little Princess described as possibly her companion, and so she followed curiously.
After walking past the corner of the corridor, they arrived at the east corridor of the second floor of Rose Manor. This corridor was short; both sides lined with rooms, with only two large windows at the end.
As the group arrived, they saw that the windows were wide open, with the night breeze and moonlight pouring into the corridor. The blue handcrafted embroidered curtains fluttered up and down in the night breeze, and amidst those curtains, faintly visible, were two figures embracing and kissing.
"Ahem."
Miss Galina suddenly coughed, and just before Megan could clearly see the obviously male figure, Angelina pushed the figure, who quickly ran to the other side of the corridor, covered by the fluttering curtains.
