Angel Of Venom

Venom LX

Chapter 60: One Deceptive Kiss

A few weeks had past, and the night of the Founding Ball came. Everyone was dressed like they should be. Nakasuot na rin kay Lavinia ang isang kulay dark blue na dress. The dress has a fitted style on her torso, it has a slit on her right leg. The dress has tube design, partnered with elbow-length gloves as its partner.

Nang makapag-ayos na at lahat ay napatingin si Lavinia sa box na nakapatong sa kaniyang kama. It was the outfit that was supposed to be for Valse. Umigting ang kaniyang panga at tinignan si Luan.

Dumako ang tingin ni Lavinia sa artificial hand ni Luan na ngayon ay natatakpan ng kaniyang pormal na coat at itim na gloves.

"Anything from Kamaria these days?" tanong ni Lavinia.

"Still nothing, master."

Kumunot ang noo ni Lavinia dahil doon. Ilang linggo na niyang cino-contact si Kamaria na nasa North ngayon, ngunit ilang linggo na rin itong walang paramdam. Kahit sina Aldaine at Archimedes na naiwan sa capital ay wala ring kahit anong balita tungkol sa kanila. The reports are not coming back.

"After this Ball, I want the both of you to contact some of our vanguards and send them to North," utos ni Lavinia.

"Yes, master," sabay na sagot nina Luan at Devon.

"Station some vanguards with Cleo and the kids as well. Minimize the presence, tell them to make sure that children must not see them."

"Understood, master."

"Let's go," Lavinia sighed.

Nang makababa sila ay naroon na ang mga Duke at dalawang young masters ng mga Claymour. Carsen, who was at the last step of the grand staircase, took the initiative to lend his hand for Lavinia. Kinuha naman ito ng dalaga upang alalayan siyang makalakad dahil sa heels.

"We'll accompany you tonight, L," ngiti ni Setharius sa kaniya.

Sandaling napatingin si Lavinia kay Seth at tumango lamang. Lavinia has already figured out that the three are aware of the rumors going on around the capital right now.

The Archduke of Volstein and Lady Lavinia Claymour has broken up.

Seeing as to how Lavinia would spend her days these past few weeks, coming in and out of the palace for their adviser and Commander duties, managing the household affairs of Claymour Estate, and Madame L's, they have most like already deducted that it was true. She was clearly making herself even more busy. 

Ngunit sa takot na masaktan ang unica hija ay pinili na lamang nila ang manahimik. But Lavinia could see their efforts of indirectly cheering her up. The men would always make sure to be home for the meals together with Lavinia. Seth would randomly bring home some bouquet of flowers for her, and Carsen would sometimes make her tea or coffee and deliver it to her office via a butler.

Somehow, Lavinia was grateful. But she also knows full-well that it wouldn't be enough to ease the pain she's bearing with her right now.

Sumakay sila sa carriage ng mga Claymour at tumungo sa Imperial Palace kung saan nagaganap ang Founding Ball. The carriage has already lined up, but because it was the Claymours and Commander of White Serpent Knights, they easily got through.

"Greetings, Claymour Family," bati ng Chancellor nang makarating sila sa entrance ng event hall.

The Founding Ball is the start of the Founding Festival. This is the day where the empire celebrates the anniversary of its founding. It is a week-long celebration. Kaya maraming tao ang dumalo, lalo na iyong mga taong galing pa sa karatig-lugar. There are representatives from other countries as well to attend and show their support to the empire.