Reborn, Its Time To Save My Family And.. My Enemy!
Chapter 213: You Are All Invited!

Chapter 213: You Are All Invited!

The manor’s great hall gleamed with golden light and the warmth of blazing hearths. Tall candelabras lined the long dining table, their flames dancing against polished silver and crystal.

Servants moved gracefully offering drinks and ushering the guests to their seats. Four northern vassal families that rule the territory under Rhistel and bound to him by loyalty and blood had arrived in regal attire, with their heirs to meet the lord and the ladies to seduce the lord.

Lord and Lady Halvine, Baron Redmarche, the stoic Viscount Cloundre with his daughter Evelyn trailing behind in a pristine wine-colored gown, and the Gretham twins, fraternal siblings from an ancient line of warlords entered with silent grandeur.

They all bowed as one before Rhistel and Oriana, acknowledging his authority and her new role. But beneath the formal courtesies, their eyes betrayed something colder. Though none dared insult her openly, Oriana could feel the weight of their scrutiny.

Their gazes flicked to her gown, her aged face and the curves she had maintained hardly after giving birth twice. Not only was she the outsider, but the widow with two kids.

Only Rhistel’s unwavering presence at her side reminded them of her new status.

Olivia stood beside Oriana, dressed modestly in soft violet, a contrast to the noblewomen around them draped in jeweled silks. Her eyes scanned the room quickly, noting every shifting glance, every whisper behind fluttering fans.

Soon after the formal introductions, the guests broke into smaller circles. The noblemen gathered around Rhistel to discuss trade routes, beasts decreasing near the border because of the new group of knights sent to protect those borders.

and the latest court rumors from the capital about Olivia breaking the engagement with the second royal prince. His majesty was furious and even decided to punish her but his step nephew saved her.

There were rumors that she was having an illicit affair. Men did not care about her at all. But they wanted to use this as an opportunity to get rid of sisters.

Meanwhile, the young noblewomen separated themselves at a round table near the stained glass windows. Their laughter was light but deliberately excluding Olivia and Oriana who joined them at Rhistel’s request.

Evelyn looked up with a smirk the moment Oriana sat. "Lady Oriana, I hope you are adjusting well to the cold. Northern winters can be cruel." Her voice was sickeningly sweet, her words barbed.

Oriana smiled graciously. "Yes, but the warmth of this manor is more than enough to make up for it."

The other girls giggled and exchanged glances. Lady Vela Halvine leaned in. "It must be quite the change from the southern markets. I heard your region had the mango harvest late last year."

"Yes," Evelyn added, her tone mock-thoughtful, "But I suppose you wouldn’t know the difference between mango and melon up here. We’re more concerned with frozen berries and winter barley. That’s the kind of knowledge that lasts."

The others laughed softly. Olivia narrowed her eyes, about to intervene, but Oriana simply tilted her head.

"Frost Berries can’t be grown until after the first snowfall, so the yield this year must have been lower with the early cold. I am sure the temple’s demand for medicinal oils will drive the price up."

A beat of silence followed.

Lady Vela blinked. "That’s... true."

"And winter barley," Oriana continued smoothly, "is best rotated with white rye to avoid root rot in the spring. I imagine House Redmarche’s fields saw a bit of trouble last year due to over-farming."

Now it was Baron Redmarche’s daughter who stilled. Even Evelyn’s smile wavered.

"I used to manage trade routes in the south," Oriana said gently, as if it were the most natural thing. "My husband was kind enough to help me with his business while he was busy with court duties. And I know what I should look for here."

"Of course, I am sure you are not only good with business but many other things since you have landed yourself another duke after the death of first." Evelyn laughed softly. "I mean, teach me a few things too. As long as they are not indecent I will try them to. Though I would not be charming enough to land myself two dukes, I will be happy with one."

The noble girls exchanged glances, with a smirk and giggle. They looked at Oriana as if she was something dirty. It did not matter how much she knew. In the end, she was a widow and their lord never married. How could she be a good wife for him!?

The mood shifted. The girls now looked at Oriana with contempt. Evelyn’s lips held a mocking smile, her eyes gleaming with something unreadable. She took a slow sip of her wine, watching Olivia from across the table.

"I am sure being kind helps. How about you try being understanding and forgiving too." Oriana forced through her lips but the girls only laughed and ignored her again.

Olivia noticed Oriana’s glance on her, her hands tightening beneath the table. Her heart raced.

Rhistel, seated at the head of the room, observed it all from a distance, his eyes landing on Olivia just as hers met Evelyn’s. He gave a slight nod, almost imperceptible.

It was almost time.when she sighed and nodded, he stood up with a large smile on his face.

"My friends," he began, earning the attention of everyone in the room. "Tonight is more than just a formal gathering. It is a celebration of new beginnings of family and unity."

He turned slightly to glance at Oriana, whose expression warmed. "Lady Oriana has brought life and kindness back into these halls. And I am proud to call her my future wife."

There were polite claps, brief and restrained. The Gretham twins exchanged knowing glances; Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her goblet. He singalled Oriana to walk toward her and held her in his arms by her waist.

"We are planning to get married next week. It is a small ceremony. But as a part of my family, you are all invited."

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