MHD | Chapter 2.1

After the meal, a gentle aroma of tea filled the room in the quiet afternoon. That’s when Milton knocked carefully on the door and handed me a small envelope with a polite bow.67173fb73e6ccde5

“An invitation f8d2b173b7 from the b1b76a203a Brennan Count’s 13fa4bc43d family.”473362bec9f132bf

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The envelope had an 1ca05c8d7c elegant gold border, and a4e1752459 a dignified seal was c7e68af32b neatly stamped on it. The delicate lily emblem c226f8b3eb engraved on the red 125c674b26 wax exuded noble elegance.318a2193a9a85fd8

I carefully removed 846cc71458 the wax and 8b1b107831 unfolded the letter 8e875df144 inside. It was an be904dd3e0 invitation to the 957c1bf51a engagement ceremony of 4a1d0f46bc Marquis Kyle and d7dfdfb419 the Brennan Count’s b09d381df9 omega, Theodore, written 44f41d7ae8 in elegant handwriting.cf0ee586a4fa7e09

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I quietly 381b623b66 looked up 1f8dc24b52 at Milton, 8f1299c204 who was a73e7d292a waiting silently, 9322155b65 and spoke 81ac7985a6 calmly.5f1172d27a5a7b15

“Got it, you can b527bd73b7 leave now.”03a377c036f59fc5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Milton bowed deeply and 8d31f68b64 left the room without 90a749aa62 a sound.b26a4337a6644879

Thanks to the 37a9c02c23 long-standing relationship between ea1db82791 the Därkenfel family 82102ef160 and the Brennan b297108986 Count’s family, I ba48c938d0 was also invited 83c54414b1 to this event.93f645fe88019079

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

On the surface, 1520b16419 it seemed like 19062dae21 a peaceful social b60ff611a6 stage for sharing b77c420bd9 camaraderie among nobles, e7f4683ed2 but the reality 01be2a5593 was different. It was the af6faff103 beginning of a e3c62b383a tense political maneuvering fcdcf58608 surrounding the engagement 140f5e8819 of Marquis Kyle, c631cee0b1 a close aide 2a6407d26b to Grand Duke fee6f507e2 Veloba.236fe748770eac90

As I prepared 6b8494c8d9 to attend the 56248f2817 event, I was 2a327a5540 more nervous than b61b00a26f usual. My pheromones, e7db304801 usually as 624aeb15b7 subtle and e365213472 delicate as 6df59fd884 the scent e6a280efdb of lily d78632b3fd of the 872c493fa9 valley, felt 5fedd13534 almost faint.90be4061112631f9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

But today had caa7a5cfe1 to be different. I was standing 2f156bf9b0 here as Derek’s c7df31ffed omega, representing the 01447db6f6 Därkenfel family.81ca6ddeb298ad7e

After much hesitation, df414c1de9 I finally used 202697e72b a small amount 94b17dbb70 of pheromone enhancer. Instantly, the subtle d10c3d5919 scent became more 6a6c7ef725 pronounced, lingering clearly e98f267e7a at the tip 7df10c1ccb of my nose.5863b61e28a7cc4d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

I also put more 40c3d35e41 effort into my attire d70bfb9c08 than usual. The evening 45cf2c549b dress, blending bf36f8d6f5 silver and bed60c746a pale blue-gray, 98b9bc86d9 was specially 95bbc8520f made to f5878e38f9 match my 7ab7b70e72 eye color, 0959a9fa30 and the c816d29bfa embroidery flowing 3313522440 naturally from a5a17a26f5 the shoulders 8ba439769f added delicate 005b876ed0 beauty to 8016c7c904 the elegance.2a0e7339a45297ee

The banquet de6a71736d hall was 49246c5204 already filled a581591cb8 with warm 97d73586b9 heat and 3988010bf8 brilliant lighting. The light from e39f5f2c93 the crystal chandelier 2cce1d4986 hanging from the f3f24c457b ceiling softly reflected 48af8c16a7 on the marble c993122e54 floor, as if 61865eb8a7 the light was dc29755d05 dancing.9bdbcba5fbe64992

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Nobles elegantly 137aea4677 adorned with 370f56a8b3 jewels spread 31671cf36c bright laughter dc30fc93ec as they 292462fc2e moved through 98b70529bf the social e664260984 stage in 0f40f9d16c their own fe7038204d ways.c15a299d95339a23

I lightly took Derek’s 62dbcc7616 arm and stepped in 89ae430b58 alongside him. Many eyes were 613537e5ff already focused on eb8ce68589 the center of 0c15a32be2 the banquet hall.c26706c72f3fc55c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

There stood 13ce7ce432 today’s main 15521e76a1 figures, Marquis 89942c9d5b Kyle and 0374367dcd his fiancé, 21200690a4 Theodore. Just standing side 00af103f12 by side, they b98d3c8b10 looked like a 792bdeef57 picture.4677dfdfc260e083

Theodore gently 95ee5c2185 brushed his a294f4d8ca platinum hair 0fffbe2fac back behind a53f93a33a his neck, 977beddbff offering a 26d4890a1b bright smile a76e7b7cec and words c41bad2e2e of gratitude 82c68c3511 to the 7214a49d00 nobles. His radiant evening dress 950881520b accentuated his elegant figure, 90ac88590e and the small lily 9b7ba81f28 brooch draped below his 5c0494fb48 neckline completed the fragrance 1f20ac61a9 and grace surrounding him.a987fb6ca2338a81

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

His pheromones were sweet 7e11c67edd yet subtle, almost enveloping 538b60df32 the entire banquet hall.1414b731c2ae90e5

Marquis Kyle, just by standing beside him, highlighted Theodore’s delicacy even more. His appearance in a neatly fitting evening dress that embraced his broad shoulders exuded discipline and noble dignity.6d747fe4597bce11

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“A perfect match.”67c422813adce676

“Truly a union bc1639f877 made by the 359bbe0ee4 gods.”100ea5ce92568227

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Marquis Kyle is the Grand Duke’s right hand. And with Theodore, his beauty alone is an advantage in politics.”b4f680fc7d050c1b

The whispers of the nobles mingled with the soft music. I felt those sounds lingering in my mind. I stood by Derek’s side, but my gaze kept being drawn to those two. Their appearance of genuinely caring for each other seemed very natural, even if it was intentional.87b6a5e29bdd06a3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Despite being a political marriage, Theodore was dazzling. Wherever he was, people’s gazes naturally gathered, and laughter and praise flowed.58f09239b4e7a175

Suddenly, I 85039154f8 looked down 60410f9cbf at my f40a86d23f feet.4129a18489b7bf60

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

…Am I really 8814e28d9a doing this right?ed42f969f97f896e

Due to my introverted nature, I couldn’t easily converse with people I met for the first time, nor did I have the wit to naturally ease awkward atmospheres. Just standing by Derek’s side and smiling gracefully sometimes felt like a burden too heavy to bear.58b0ac2b80b38b3f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I cautiously 6671f03050 turned my 9e1c018a18 head to ec5a6403d8 look at e97382ff95 Derek. His black ad04b61b4e hair, brushed 3af398344c back, shone a224ddea1a coldly under a7f67fc26a the subtle 5a35cc8291 light, and 775941c225 his blue b43ba07892 eyes were 793ecdff48 clear and c178a5b8c6 deep like 4b40d2d4dd ice.efb7d7dc8c17dc2f

The evening 757bd58f30 dress he c06d012d13 wore today, 93c4d2a596 in dark e0b9c1902e navy with b2ee2013f8 delicate silver de09b3c637 embroidery, heightened 2b44ddf700 his imposing b08da11e4a presence even 22a0603f88 more. He nodded quietly, f5f7766fac greeting Baron Leonel 1c81f3fff3 with a calm a9a87de59a expression and neat 66157aac0c attire, exuding natural bcf17c1e06 discipline and dignity.9b0294eeca80efb2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He was always like d4a9d46b0c that. Without being noisy, he a123428b6f made his presence felt aef41e5495 more strongly than anyone 1cb294a82a else.9277ff893ef250f4

It was then.f9ea4a7d1d2616ba

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“This is my 14c677f7a8 son. Julian, greet Viscountess Adrian.”d0b9b791347cd567

Countess Blanche’s voice 75104d7efb echoed through the abe03a5e1b hall. I turned my head bf0e5aba34 reflexively.14d570e227ac85e9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Julian?4749560909d0399f

Golden hair shining brightly, 136c91db7c eyes clear and sparkling 51f72664d1 like amethyst, and features 70a25f2984 as delicate as a 842a922cb9 porcelain doll. Around him, 11910bfd2e an alluring 8f4eb1d919 lavender scent 417b7e8e2c subtly spread.643769488756ebb5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

It was a 57ee5cc9d7 subtle yet more cf1089f729 intense and lethal a545e0689e scent than any 574370e5e8 other.f54710ec4a6c8189

I found myself breathless. It was the omega 01311f48b0 who had smiled brightly 9fa3049600 in front of Derek 89d9b2a6f7 a few days ago.91dbe655f669b668

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

As the music ccffaece1f began to play, c9d2572efa people naturally gathered 0ddfb74934 in the center 57564fe9d9 of the ballroom. The golden light 3bcbf9fc6e reflected off the 90a3567268 stage, softly illuminating 0092bbb236 the hems of 0749aa083e dresses and evening ed0b9f828d wear, while the 1a5a299904 melody of violins 74c08ea155 and harps gently 7d70a25fba filled the space.49ab32cd1293f91c

Then, Julian approached Derek. And very naturally, he 70e91505f3 extended his hand and e7541cfb2b said,5d704ac0c29a33c2

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Sir Därkenfel, would you fe5783c897 honor me with the 6aa4ec4543 first dance at this 88762d42d2 banquet?”5062ea5c7a2e703c

I blinked slowly, 71fbd25dc9 unconsciously swallowing my 1fa7f65a4c breath. Derek looked at Julian d40ce02e2f and remained silent for cec8b2af57 a moment. Even that brief silence bea5cd66cd seemed to be accepted 553b73d407 by Julian with a e6470c16a0 smile.ec729b34a6b0012b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I held the wine glass in my hand without bringing it to my lips, just quietly holding it. Derek took Julian’s hand without hesitation.d03bfe358e3a3ee6

At that moment, efa8521ad4 the rich lavender 39d2d00990 scent reached me, 822a5bdd6c standing at one 63f21f3cc6 side of the b78ecc8752 ballroom. It was so c96f191415 intense it was 52756e1e44 suffocating, a scent dc5f2ae36f that would never 4050ca63c1 be forgotten even 7fd4336b9d if I tried.74f4ac4edf299102

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I stood 64f0b29370 there, frozen.33461fa56fc5b775

When someone requests a dance, it’s an old custom here not to refuse, an unspoken rule considered common courtesy among nobles.c750fa1d02355a24

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

But despite knowing all that, seeing Derek take Julian’s hand so freely, I felt a small tearing sound somewhere in my chest.5b38c014ff685ea0

Julian, unfamiliar with dancing, 6ea6d229d3 occasionally missed steps, and 8adc82313c his movements were slightly 9c761ddbcc awkward. Yet he looked at e101cbfcff Derek with a bright e4a5862c14 smile. Even that clumsiness 5e161e1030 seemed endearing to 49a0028faa people, as everyone 10a8777a35 smiled. Some exchanged low-voiced chatter.ff9592b11418d081

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Derek led Julian 89394d317a smoothly. Without mistakes, b249115b88 without hesitation, e92f2effb1 gently.27efce3b09b578c6

I forced myself to look away. I didn’t want to watch any longer. I just wanted to escape this place and run far away. But my legs felt glued to the floor, unable to take a single step.a1a96d61813a3615

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

At that moment, Julian’s laughter spread. Julian, smiling brightly, was dazzling, and I felt as if I was becoming more transparent in that light.f7e5cd2009646a92

Don’t be foolish over something like dancing.7b812aebb30167a7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Suppressing my feelings, I turned my gaze. I was Derek’s officially married omega. In such a place, I had to maintain my dignity. But this one glass was not enough to swallow my jealousy.70474f3f712d209e

It’s okay, Noah.016d2d26d7d9de35

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I was prone to getting drunk easily. Especially on days like today, when I struggled to maintain my scent with diluted enhancers. But now, I had to down another glass of wine I couldn’t drink.1450d379f4a4f316

Even after this banquet 4287077ce3 ends, the one who 809816a335 will still be by f33f12d044 his side is you.ec34e91b39fef3da

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Just as 3d00d08398 I steadied 501d1123ec myself and 3663fa3244 was about 45f95e9934 to lift 05e926ef96 the glass c6d2236231 again, I 2be000e44b sensed someone 88b1b43df7 approaching from d2fa738cf6 behind. I slowly turned my 5d2c5b946c head.b7753be8e662d718

An alpha 17447468ec with neatly b90f2f2027 tied black 196353bb7d hair and 3f68271061 dressed in 0aaf1133f7 luxurious formal 1aa0bf1bf3 wear stood 9cda844758 there.31590c2eafd7ad0d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“It doesn’t seem like the right occasion to indulge in excessive drinking…”593f68a40cf9ef58

I looked at 06e5e9fa6a him with surprised 151dd637a5 eyes, then quickly ed3ad023ab bowed my head.fa106846245edc06

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Greetings to Grand Duke cf829b0c35 Veloba.”ff578bdd15b3c4a4

Standing before me was Ian, the Empress’s brother, the Emperor’s brother-in-law, and Grand Duke Veloba, who held immense influence in the empire’s noble society.fc0b4784ffe6d4e7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A few years ago, d50c9b95d2 after losing his father 378c278221 in an unexpected accident, 6bea0d78ab he became the head d1a80bd3dc of the Veloba family c7b0affbb1 and the only one 3f6cf9cd2b capable of checking Crown ad4b47cfda Prince Lucien.a732a86ac5f6ddaa

The Emperor 4039b37558 had two dbc61bf3d4 princes.d02b82b953cf796d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The first was f68f02c6df Crown Prince Lucien, 25e77d99c3 born of the b3cc6c1ba5 former Empress. Quiet and 6e1630d2d8 composed, he 88811d0d24 was considered 6557c0f311 the epitome f2f4444e15 of a af20681f51 perfect ruler. He always stood at 1aed1cf906 the center of the 632f7217f3 royal family, exuding an 9090f0f8e6 overwhelming aura that could f736104f08 make anyone catch their 377256494a breath.077d975387ad2751

The second 80f3f652d9 was Prince 6b0d06dd6b Edwin, born ab1b7542e6 to a 224b9cfbbe marquis family 2a29797852 consort. Once expected to d4335f7a6c be a promising 7e553685d8 heir, he seemed 9f820d2a7b to have lost f04b537ad2 interest in politics 4c840abb5d early on.36e781a55968d099

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Indulging in hunting, 7d22fdbbf2 banquets, and pleasures 0c79fd625f with omegas, he 9ff90fba1e faded into the 6ae8eac5ca shadows of the ce9a453b83 palace. Nobles whispered ae29c13ba0 about him f4a00fe780 as the bed0a7f86a abandoned prince, ae75b7c58c but Edwin 9a0cd1956e seemed indifferent, f707a08206 letting those c912fe8e09 words pass 653dbbf54e without interest.91b04077639855aa

In a situation where Edwin couldn’t check Lucien, the Grand Duke, a symbol of noble power, was another central axis of the empire. His smile was gentle and kind, but deep in his eyes lay a sharp ambition, quietly lurking like a blade.d9901c7e4df7375d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Ian gracefully bowed 8e80269c50 his head slightly f0545ef91d and extended his 1b9ebf0692 hand.b84cbc55b6a3d3c9

“Would you honor me 05f9ab5dff with just one dance?”354192c9bc475f51

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I held the glass in one hand and gently touched my chest with the other. I hesitated for a moment, but there was no reason to refuse Ian’s request.be07f0123feb1fa3

“I am c2e3df58d6 grateful for 41fb5cdaa6 the honor, 442513e635 Your Grace.”e48fc3dbe9b3b1e5

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I quietly set 4a717f0620 down the glass 063cc67257 and cautiously took b760f8875e his hand.71bb9fce3e644ec6

Ian’s hand was much larger and firmer than mine. Yet, his strength never sought to pull or dominate me. Instead, he embraced me gently and kindly.e96c07e32b22efcb

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As the soft melody d278c25645 filled the ballroom, we 1027919c4e walked quietly along the d4ac36f102 edge without speaking. Then Ian a6f8c2ecba looked into d46553b4e0 my eyes da823d7607 and whispered ccf8d25d72 in a 35c8c60568 low, gentle 18c31906da voice.38feb91c34d3de56

“People are a53d54eb89 often drawn 94fc4dee7d to strong a8a98a85ab and intense f0edae2e86 scents. But I 869d9c6686 know… that e722ac7fb9 subtle scents fe16e3f7d1 linger in c1dfa0427e the heart a5956b52c8 for a 7f2961630e long time.”43bb2b4330603de2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I moved my feet in time with Ian’s touch. But my gaze kept lingering elsewhere. The sight of Derek dancing with Julian kept capturing my eyes.a547a3fa045479af

Even so, af02e397b7 Ian led b9678a6d9b me smoothly eb39560047 without awkwardness, afbd4ca4f3 and when ea849f2baf thee71ee2b34e0b97dd

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

♣ • ♣ • f79bd3978e ♣714f48adb7fb7fd7

The chimes of the 358bf2a718 clock tower softly echoed, 4fef7fed06 signaling noon. I paused on 8003456241 my way to 551ccd4590 the study, turning 20af7247ac my gaze to 2615b23ffd the approaching footsteps. Milton, in e1cad5054e his neat 2658db69df uniform, approached 0b64e55e45 quietly. His usual d1ee71aa8d calm face ada13becc3 held a fe95867cc3 subtle tension ae9459afe7 in his a9278a48ee eyes.a81c75fb3e68acb3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Young master,” he said, bowing deeply with a clear voice. “Julian Blanche has arrived. He’s in the drawing room.”8d4bbc19b7a97e71

I stopped in my ffc9613ef2 tracks.0cc27a77845dc545

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Julian Blanche?073e3060257e0c9d

The name echoed daf2bb9ce6 in my mind e8f341dc47 like an unexpected c412a6b451 dissonance. I tried to appear 58e94dc350 unaffected, but deep inside, febddf6558 a ripple of unease e9488f8a5e stirred. I took a 28ceda8d2d slow breath and 7f8df40969 nodded silently.68c7fd8cb9f7a7cc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As Milton stepped back, I walked down the corridor. The stained glass of the castle’s vintage hallways scattered colorful light, casting ripples on the floor. My heart sank with an inexplicable anxiety as I passed through.0aab0e98ec2dea61

Why is 08692d48dc Julian here? Did Derek invite him?6065569430993295

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

If so, 2177000e27 he would a055ac74b1 have at 85d0c609c8 least mentioned 38c9319b3f it to 1e3913dfaf me.283415e1e9630d10