Chapter 301 - 288: A Private Sit-down

Chapter 301: Chapter 288: A Private Sit-down

HUMMM...

With a soft hum, the lights in the grand hall flickered and shifted.

Like an ebbing tide, the lights in the surrounding areas slowly dimmed, concealing the clamor in the corners within shadow.

Simultaneously, above the center of the hall,

several bright spotlights descended, bathing the massive, red-velvet-carpeted dance floor in light as bright as day.

At that moment, the surrounding chatter began to die down.

The entire ballroom quickly divided itself according to unspoken rules.

On the right side of the dance floor, the young ladies stood poised and ready.

In the light, their colorful gowns resembled a garden of flowers vying for attention.

Jewels glittered and fragrant perfumes wafted through the air. Anticipation for the first dance shone in their eyes.

The left side, meanwhile, was where the gentlemen had gathered.

They all straightened their backs, adjusted their cuffs and bow ties, and struck dashing, dignified figures.

Between them lay the dance floor, where they would soon be dancing.

All eyes turned in unison toward the open-air balcony on the second floor, situated directly behind the dance floor.

At this moment, the Patriarch of the Alberti Clan, Duke Alberti, was standing there.

He wore an exquisite black and gold formal suit with a ruby brooch pinned to his chest.

Even when he stood perfectly still, the air of authority he had cultivated over years of command was enough to inspire awe.

Beside Duke stood Madam Sienna, Bev’s mother.

She was wrapped in a thick, pure white snow-fox fur stole that enveloped most of her upper body.

Sienna had been a stunning beauty in her youth.

Though time had inevitably left its mark on her face, her air of graceful intelligence still commanded attention.

Rumor had long held that Madam Sienna was in poor health, which was why she rarely made public appearances.

Only on an occasion such as this would she appear.

Even with the help of makeup, it was clear that her complexion remained pale.

Duke took half a step forward.

He took a stemmed glass brimming with golden liquid from a server’s tray and let his gaze sweep across the hall.

"To all my respected guests, dear friends, and our honored visitors who have traveled far."

Duke’s voice was deep and powerful, resounding throughout the hall.

"Thank you for coming tonight and gracing Alberti Manor with your presence."

"The Frost Moon is upon us. The bitter cold will test our will, and the blizzards will block our roads."

"This is the most difficult time of the year."

"But here—in Black Stone Town!"

Duke’s voice rose, filled with bold confidence.

"We do not fear the cold! For we have roaring hearths, mellow wine in our cellars, and most importantly, the friendships and bonds that unite us!"

"Let us be thankful to the God of Nature and Fertility for this year’s bountiful harvest."

"Let us be thankful to the God of Destiny and Hope for seeing us safely through the Catastrophe."

"And let us be most thankful for every one of you here tonight, for the sweat you have poured into this town’s prosperity."

"Tonight, there are no barriers of status, no troublesome trifles. Let our laughter fight off the howling wind, and let fine food and wine warm our hearts!"

"Winter has come, but I believe that when the ice and snow have melted, the coming spring will be more brilliant and prosperous than any that has come before!"

With that, Duke raised his glass high.

Facing the crowd below, he offered the same toast he gave every year.

"For Black Stone Town! To winter!"

Below, the guests raised their glasses in response.

Hundreds of Crystal glasses glittered in the light, forming a sea of gold.

"To winter!"

And in one motion, they drained their glasses.

A unified cheer swept through the hall like a wave.

The lights focused on the center of the empty dance floor.

With the crisp beat of a timpani, the cellos began the overture.

Duke gently took his wife’s hand, and they stepped slowly to the center of the dance floor.

The opening dance was traditionally performed by the host and hostess.

Duke’s dancing, much like his demeanor, was not flashy, but steady and powerful.

He took each step with solid purpose. His strong arm provided a stable anchor for the frail Madam Sienna.

To accommodate his wife’s slightly labored breaths, Duke deliberately slowed his pace.

This tacit understanding and affection, weathered by the years, carried a moving, profound weight.

Halfway through the song, Madam Sienna gave a slight nod.

Taking the hint, Duke stopped and acknowledged the guests.

Now, it was time for the younger generation.

At the edge of the dance floor, hopeful couples had already been exchanging loving glances for some time.

The moment the dance was officially open to all, they rose impatiently and approached their predetermined partners.

While one might need to find a partner, at an event like this—a veritable field of social ambition—most pairings were decided long in advance.

Even a spontaneous invitation would only be extended with absolute certainty of acceptance.

After all, no one wanted to suffer a public rejection and become the butt of the evening’s gossip.

As pairs of men and women glided onto the dance floor, colorful skirts bloomed like flowers in their spins, and the atmosphere in the hall grew ever more lively.

Zelir spotted a familiar pair among them.

Gray.

That fellow, dressed in a flamboyant, wine-red tuxedo, was gracefully dancing among the crowd, his arms around the noble lady he’d had his eye on earlier.