Appetency

FOUR

The ball was right around the corner.

That meant both Seamus and Laurent were busy running around to get prepared for it. His older brother had taken care of everything though which Laurent was thankful for, so all he had to do was check out his attire.

As he stood in front of the mirror, wearing a dashing suit with dark purple colors, Laurent couldn't stop looking at himself with squinting eyes full of judgment. His servants were looking at him questioningly, wondering why their young master was acting this way.

Though they supposed it's because Laurent was so taken with his own face. Even though his personality was rotten, they couldn't deny that Laurent was born extremely fortunate with an appearance like his.

He was extremely beautiful now that he's all dressed up since it's been a while, and the suit complimented his fair skin and amethyst-like eyes very well. Of course, Laurent had always been beautiful as a child, but seeing him all grown up now was astounding. It was no wonder the late marquis and Seamus grew so overprotective honestly.

But as the servants gushed to themselves and felt prideful in their young master's looks, Laurent nitpicked at himself in the mirror.

Sure, he looks great, but he still couldn't believe a scumbag like the OG Laurent was born this lucky.

"Beautiful as always," Miss Belinda compliments.

Her never-changing face might seem insincere, but her fawning tone gave it away as she carefully brushed away rogue strands of his pink hair.

The other maids bowed their heads as well in agreement and complimented him like a mantra. It's what Laurent always liked to hear, but for some reason, their young master seemed as if their words were falling deaf on his ears.

Calling him beautiful seemed to worsen his mood.

"Am I forgetting anything, Miss Belinda?"

"No. You're all ready to go to the ball."

"I don't feel like I am."

"Oh? Then it's probably because..." Her voice drifted. She's thinking. Her eyes narrowed though. "Perhaps it's that guardian of yours."

Laurent glances at her. "What guardian? Ah... Orion. Yes, I forgot about him. Where is he?"

Miss Belinda's face screws up for a second which is a rare sight to see. The woman, always so dignified and elegant without a hint of mistake, hastily regains her posture as the other maids in Laurent's service have fallen silent.

The girls spare each other a glance and share what looked to be the same sentiment as the head maid.

Their look on Orion wasn't so favorable which is a surprise.

Laurent turns away from the girls.

Wasn't the male lead well-liked? Around this time, in no matter route it was, the estate liked Orion quite well. He was seen as a capable man even with his orphan background.

While he hates the guy, that shouldn't mean the rest of his staff should either.

"Miss Belinda?"

"Young Master, Trent will guide you to where he is."

Miss Belinda guides her hand to the door where the butlers were. Trenton stands there, ready to escort him.

Laurent walks past Trenton and into the hallway, already expecting him to lead whereas Trenton and Miss Belinda exchanged a knowing look with each other.

"Trenton?"

"Apologies, I'm coming."

Laurent snorts in return and walks alongside Trenton and the rest of his servants.