The day of the engagement ceremony had finally arrived, casting an enchanting aura over the grand hall. Every corner was adorned with exquisite decorations, and the air buzzed with an electric energy of excitement and anticipation.
Unlike the previous debutante ball held for Ava, this occasion drew a more prestigious and high-profile crowd. Dignitaries, nobles, and influential figures had gathered not only to extend their congratulations to Ava but also to honor the presence of the esteemed crown prince.
Vivienne and Milo, standing side by side, took their positions at the entrance of the grand hall. They meticulously checked the guest list, ensuring that every esteemed visitor was accounted for while simultaneously extending warm greetings to each guest as they arrived.
"Vivienne!" Vivienne's mother exclaimed with excitement, rushing over to envelop her daughter in a warm embrace. Not far behind, her father and brother joined the affectionate reunion.
"Mom! Dad! Leopold! I'm working, and you're embarrassing me," Vivienne protested playfully, though her smile revealed her genuine happiness at seeing her beloved family. "Now, please go ahead and enter. I'll join all of you later."
With reluctance, Vivienne's family released her from their embrace and entered the venue, their faces beaming with pride and joy. Soon after, the Crestwell family arrived, and Vivienne couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between Milo and his three older brothers.
Milo, being the youngest of the siblings, found himself at the center of playful teasing from his brothers. His parents wore expressions of both concern and affection as they observed the lighthearted banter. However, knowing his responsibilities for the evening, Milo swiftly shooed his family towards the ballroom, eager to spare himself from any further embarrassment.
With a smile on her face, Vivienne watched as Milo's family disappeared into the bustling crowd, their laughter echoing faintly in the air. It was no surprise to see the presence of Vivienne's and Milo's families among the invited guests, given their prominent status and influence in society.
"You two are on front door duty?" the northern duke inquired as he arrived. Being a member of the royal family, he was expected to make a grand entrance, arriving later than the other nobles.
Vivienne and Milo turned their attention toward the duke, and Vivienne responded with a warm smile. "Yes, Your Grace. We are here to welcome the esteemed guests and ensure a smooth entry into the engagement ceremony."
Milo nodded in agreement, his expression respectful. "Indeed, Your Grace. It is an honor to assist in such an important event."
The northern duke acknowledged their presence with a nod and proceeded to make his way into the grand hall, seamlessly blending into the crowd of distinguished attendees. Vivienne and Milo exchanged knowing glances, realizing that it would be the crown prince, Ava, and the Emperor himself turn to arrive.
Vivienne and Milo's voices echoed through the grand hall as they made a resounding announcement, signaling the entrance of the royal entourage. The room fell into a hushed silence as the doors swung open, revealing the illustrious group. The crown prince, escorted by Ava, glided into the hall with elegance and poise, their every step commanding attention and admiration. Walking in their midst was the Emperor himself, emanating an aura of wisdom and authority that captivated all who beheld him.
The trio proceeded towards the center stage, their purposeful stride hinting at an impending announcement of great significance. All eyes followed their path, eagerly awaiting what was to come, while the air crackled with anticipation. The engagement ceremony had reached its pivotal moment, and the presence of the royal entourage only intensified the atmosphere of grandeur and importance in the hall.
"Welcome, esteemed guests! I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for gracing us with your presence tonight," the Emperor began, his voice commanding attention. The room filled with eager anticipation, all eyes fixed on him as he continued.
"I am delighted to make a momentous announcement this evening. It is with great pleasure that I officially declare the engagement of my beloved son, Apollo Valorborne, to the remarkable Lady Ava Silverwood!" The Emperor's words resounded with pride and joy, his voice carrying the weight of his approval and support for the couple.
A wave of applause cascaded through the grand hall, a chorus of both genuine and polite applause, each individual expressing their own sentiments. It was an occasion that commanded respect, for none could deny the significance of a couple blessed with the Emperor's favor. The room hummed with excitement and whispers of congratulations as guests exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a blend of genuine happiness and the complex web of political dynamics.
In this momentous celebration, as the clapping echoed and smiles adorned the faces of those present, the engagement of Apollo Valorborne and Lady Ava Silverwood became a symbol of unity and power, solidified by the Emperor's unwavering support.
As the engagement ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere in the grand hall brimmed with joy and excitement. Nobles mingled, laughter filled the air, and the festivities were in full swing. Vivienne and Milo had strategically positioned themselves near the royal family, their watchful eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of need or assistance.
Amidst their duties, Vivienne couldn't help but steal occasional glances at the northern duke. She observed a noticeable change in his behavior, a newfound confidence that emanated from within him. No longer did his eyes linger solely on the female lead with a pained expression. Instead, there was a sense of acceptance and resignation, as if he had come to terms with his emotions and was now ready to move forward.
'I mustn't repeat the mistakes of the past. I need to remain focused, ensuring that Ava isn't subjected to humiliation once more,' Vivienne contemplated, scanning the crowd while never averting her gaze from Ava. 'This event presents yet another opportunity for Ava to face further embarrassment.'
After the debacle at the debutante ball, Vivienne remained on high alert. As noble ladies approached Ava, Vivienne stood nearby, dressed discreetly in black. She was prepared to counter any attempts by these ladies to "accidentally" spill wine on Ava. This defensive tactic had proven highly effective, successfully thwarting several such incidents.
Not only did the "accidental" wine spills pose a threat, but other devious tricks were also employed. Some individuals attempted to trip Ava, hoping she would stumble and fall. However, Vivienne had foreseen this possibility and took precautions. She specifically ordered the dress to be ankle-length, ensuring that no one could step on it. As an extra layer of protection, the crown prince stayed close to Ava, acting as her watchful protector. Thanks to these protective measures, these troublemakers were deterred by the presence of the crown prince and Ava's swift reactions, preventing any potential falls.
In addition, there were others who sought to disgrace Ava. However, whenever they attempted to voice their accusations, Milo would cleverly slip a piece of a cookie made by the Northern Duke into their mouths. The awful taste of the cookie left the accusers too preoccupied to utter another word, allowing Ava to escape any further scrutiny.
With each skillful interception, Vivienne felt a surge of pride. 'These petty tricks won't work anymore,' she thought confidently. 'And seriously, all of you should grow up! Ava is going to have a higher social status than any of you in the end. It's time to start sucking up to her already!'
Abruptly, a piercing scream echoed, and a man dashed towards Ava with a knife, moving at incredible speed. However, as he tried to stab Ava, the knife broke into fragments, leaving him perplexed. Shortly after, the guards swiftly arrived, capturing the man and sending him to prison for attempting to murder a member of the royal family.
Vivienne couldn't help but chuckle to herself, feeling a sense of pride for successfully persuading Ava to wear discreetly concealed metal armor beneath her dress, ensuring her protection.
'I'm glad we managed to incorporate a hidden metal armor into that dress. And thanks to the magic from the isekai world, no one can tell that it has endured any damage,' Vivienne thought with a self-satisfied grin.
As Ava remained unharmed, the crowd resumed their enjoyment of the festive atmosphere. The couple, too, seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the assassination attempt.
'Everyone appears to be worry-free, but I must not overlook the bigger picture. I need to identify the person behind the hiring of that assassin. Eliminating the source is crucial to prevent further escalation,' Vivienne contemplated with a determined resolve.
As the guard approached Vivienne, she leaned in and whispered, 'Secure the assassin with chains and make sure a cloth is placed inside his mouth. Remember, no torture. I will personally conduct the interrogation once this party comes to an end.'
The guard saluted, a clear sign of his understanding of the assigned task. Feeling reassured, Vivienne made the decision to fully immerse herself in the evening's festivities as a sense of tranquility settled over the surroundings.
The remainder of the party proceeded without any further issues, allowing Vivienne and Milo to enjoy quality time with their respective family members. As the last guest bid farewell and departed, Vivienne couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the event had concluded successfully. With a renewed focus, she prepared herself for the next task at hand.
Vivienne and Milo walked side by side toward the prison cell. Initially, Vivienne had planned to go alone, but Milo insisted on accompanying her, leaving Vivienne with no choice but to comply.
As they approached the cell, Vivienne was relieved to see that the assassin was in decent condition. It was evident that the guards had followed her instructions to refrain from using any torture methods. Vivienne had requested this specifically, as she knew she wouldn't be able to face the assassin properly if he were beaten and covered in blood.
The guard unlocked the cell door, allowing Vivienne to enter. A chair had been arranged beforehand, and Vivienne took a seat with Milo positioned behind her for support. Vivienne gestured to the guard, indicating for them to remove the cloth from the assassin's mouth.
Vivienne motioned for the guard to offer a piece of snack to the assassin. Despite his resistance, the guards succeeded in making him swallow it. The assassin appeared taken aback by the unexpectedly delicious flavor.
"I hope this bribe is sufficient to persuade you to answer my questions," Vivienne stated calmly, her gaze fixed on the assassin.
The assassin remained silent, indicating his unwillingness to cooperate. Vivienne, though not surprised, pressed forward with her inquiries, undeterred by his unresponsiveness.
"Who was the one who sent you?" Vivienne asked.
The assassin remained silent, and Milo was ready to help, but Vivienne stopped him.
'I think it's time to use my villainess presence,' Vivienne thought.
Vivienne stood up and stared at the assassin with a villainous gaze. When the assassin saw Vivienne's face, he became so scared that he was willing to answer. "It was Marquess Devilicious Nobleheart," he confessed.
Upon hearing the name, Vivienne couldn't help but burst into laughter. Not only did the name sound utterly ridiculous to her, but it also showcased the sheer incompetence of this supposed villain. Vivienne found it amusing that he had even disclosed his full name to an assassin, displaying a level of amateurishness that was both comical and astonishing.
"Is this person for real?" Vivienne managed to ask between fits of laughter, turning to Milo for confirmation.
Milo, looking somewhat puzzled by Vivienne's amusement, replied, "Yes, he is indeed real. With the evidence we have, we can swiftly have him sent to jail."
"Absolutely," Vivienne responded, regaining her composure. "Let's promptly ensure the marquess is imprisoned. Furthermore, there's no need to keep the assassin in chains any longer." With that, Vivienne bid farewell to the jail cell and proceeded to leave.
Armed with the assassin's confession, the two secretaries wasted no time in apprehending the marquess. Initially, he vehemently denied any involvement, but the moment Vivienne unleashed her intimidating villainess aura, he crumbled and swiftly confessed his wrongdoing.
Vivienne couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the magical abilities bestowed upon her in the isekai world. Without them, extracting a confession using such a method would have proved much more challenging. Magic truly proved to be a valuable asset in achieving justice.
With the assurance that Ava and the crown prince were safe and sound, Vivienne and Milo could finally return and find comfort in a peaceful rest.