CHAPTER 22: FAKE FRIENDS

(A/N Big thanks to

Talvin_Shiji

Iseeyoudoyouseeme

For the power stones, they mean a lot. As usual, please don’t hesitate to comment or drop a review. ENJOY)

(Apologies for not dropping a Chapter yesterday, Internet Issues)

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The woman was a bit surprised by Orion’s straightforward reply. Children were usually nervous around her, but she wouldn’t have gotten where she is today if she couldn’t handle a minor setback.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Orion," She replied while keeping her smile.

Erevan watched all this happen, curious as to why his son was wary of the Count’s wife.

"It was a last-minute decision. I appreciate your swift response, Lyon, and I apologise for any inconvenience." Erevan replied to the Count.

"Not at all, my lord, like I said earlier, it’s an honor to be of use. I’m sure you must be weary from your journey. If you’d grant us an audience, we’d be delighted to host you before your departure," The count quickly stated, eager to please.

"I’d love to take you up on your offer, but we’re quite late. Please lead the way," Erevan replied.

"Of course, if it’s not too presumptuous to ask, what event are you attending, my lord?" The Count asked while leading them into the building.

"It is presumptuous, Lyon, my destination is my business only," Erevan replied with a stern gaze.

"Of course, my apologies," The Count quickly apologized.

That struck Orion as odd; surely if a Marquis family was hosting a wedding, it’d be public news. He didn’t want to believe the Niver family didn’t know about the wedding.

Unless they weren’t expecting the Duke to attend, but from what his dad explained, he and the Marquis were close friends, or was their relationship not public?

Something was wrong somewhere; his father was planning something else, the thought sent a shiver down his body. Still, he couldn’t change anything, so he put it out of his mind for now.

They arrived in front of the platform. It seemed not everyone from the group would be going; only Zurvan and Isolde would be accompanying them.

Orion observed the platform, which was built like a stage, circular in shape with golden runes surrounding it. A single control device was attached, jutting out from its side; he guessed it was used to program their destination.

Erevan himself stepped forward to input their destination; the whole thing felt like some sci-fi movie in play.

Before long, the platform started glowing, signifying their imminent departure. The light engulfed them, and two seconds later, they were gone.

When Orion opened his eyes next, he was greeted by another imposing sight. Another entourage of people had come to welcome them.

The atmosphere almost made him nervous. Erevan just stood there with his head held high, like Orion had come to know.

A single man walked forward from the group. He had azure blue eyes with pure white long hair framing a beautiful face, yes beautiful, if it weren’t for his muscular torso, one could mistake him for the opposite sex. He wore something that resembled a dark kimono, but even that could do nothing to hide his muscular stature.

"Hahaha, welcome, Duke Chronos," He practically boomed, his voice spreading effortlessly.

’Great, a loud mouth,’ Orion thought, amused.

The contrast between the man’s face and his voice was amusing. Orion had only just met the man, but he was already liking him.

"For the duke himself to attend to my son’s wedding, it’s an honour we’ll never forget," The man continued.

"Oh, think nothing of it, Evan, my son has been looking forward to leaving the estate, and I remembered your invitation. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful experience," Erevan replied with a small smile.

Now that brought a frown to Orion’s face; that wasn’t what they had spoken about. If before he was seventy percent sure his father was up to something, now he was a complete hundred percent, yet he said nothing.

"Whatever might be the reason, having the Duke himself attend this celebration would be an invaluable experience," The Marquis replied, joy written all over his face.

The rest of the family quietly approached, eager to meet the duke, especially the young couple.

"This is my first son and his soon-to-be wife, Marcus and Tyla." The duke introduced, pointing to a dark-haired, muscular young man with a similar face and eyes and a blond-haired female, both having wide smiles plastered on their faces.

"It’s a pleasure to finally meet Duke Chronos. I’ve heard so much about you, and it’s an honour to know that you’d be attending my wedding." The young man quickly stated with a small bow, his fiancée curtsying with him, both overflowing with excitement.

"I’m sure the wedding will be wonderful," Erevan replied with that same small smile.

"This is my first son and heir, Orion Chronos," Erevan introduced, turning his gaze to Orion.

"It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Orion said to the marquis while smiling.

"Hahaha, he sounds like a respectful young man. I’m sure he has a bright future ahead of him. I should also take this opportunity to introduce my youngest daughter. Alice, quickly introduce yourself to the duke," The marquis commented while laughing.

Everyone turned their gazes to a young girl peeking from behind Tyla with a shy expression. She looked around Orion’s age, and had pure white hair like her father’s with blood red eyes, wearing a small frilly gown.

"Um..um, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance," She stuttered, copying Orion’s introduction.

"A pleasure to make yours too," Erevan replied with a warm smile.

"Seeing how Alice and the young lord are of the same age, I’m sure they’ll have plenty of things to play with each other and talk about," The marquis stated, clearly excited about the prospect of his daughter relating with Orion.

"Of course, and I’m sure there’d be plenty of time for that, for now, a proper rest would be best," Erevan replied with a complicated smile.

"Oh my, where are our manners, seeing as you didn’t arrive with a Nexcraft, I’m sure you must be weary from the days-long journey. Please come, a carriage has been prepared for you, to the mansion." Marcus quickly stated with a sympathetic gaze.

The group quickly boarded the carriage headed to their estate. They made small talk in the carriage, mostly Erevan asking questions on the state of their territory and the preparation for the wedding.

Orion’s mind was a rollercoaster of thoughts, so many things had gone far from expected throughout this journey; he didn’t miss what Marcus had said, something about a Nexcraft. Still, he trusted his father; answers would come later.

They arrived at the estate without any hitch, an entourage of maids waiting for them.

They were ushered into a luxurious condo with multiple rooms for their comfort and rest, with Isolde and Zurvan having their separate rooms.

The Wedding was in three days, and until then, they were free to roam around the estate and do whatever they fancied.

Later that night, all four gathered in a single room, and they wanted to have a discussion before they joined the Ivory family for dinner.

Orion didn’t hesitate any longer.

"I thought you and he were close friends," Orion asked.

"I and who? Orion, you have to be specific," Erevan replied, gazing out the window.

"The Marquis," Orion replied.

"I believe we are," Erevan stated.

"I don’t think it’s mutual," Orion replied, wondering what was going through his father’s head.

"Hahaha... that’s your take," Erevan chuckled.

"Still, I believe Evan acted pretty friendly with me; he was all smiles, wasn’t he? Why would you doubt the mutuality of our friendship?" Erevan asked, this time facing Orion.

"That wasn’t friendliness; he was simply kissing up to you. I’m sure it’s not every day a Duke leaves his home to attend some random wedding," Orion replied.

"Random? Attending the wedding of a friend’s child isn’t random." Erevan stated sticking to his story.

Orion just looked at him with deadpan eyes.

"I can tell you are up to something else, Father. Is there someone you wish for me to fight here?" Orion asked, genuinely curious.

Just then, they heard a bell from the entrance of the condo.

"It would seem it’s time for dinner, let’s not keep the family waiting," Erevan said before standing up and heading out, with Zurvan a step behind.

Orion looked at his father’s departing figure and just sighed before following after him.

Somewhere far away, on a mountain covered by snow with sparse vegetation, a lady could be seen walking towards a single shed. She had sharp blue eyes and long pure white hair framing her otherworldly face.

She held a stone-cold expression on her face. She wore a pure white blouse and tight black leather pants finished with a boot with long and broad heels.

She walked with a certain allure, the cold having no effect on her. Before long, she got to the shed, and before she could knock, she heard a gruff voice from the other end.

"Enter"

She opened the door and was met with pure darkness. She entered and closed the door behind her.

"Sit," She heard the voice say.

She complied and sat cross-legged.

"When?" The voice asked.

"In three days," She replied.

"Preparations?"

"Complete."

"Complications?"

"One"

The environment in the shed suddenly chilled, and the woman who had barely flinched in the all-encompassing cold started shivering.

"Explain," The voice stated, his tone suggesting annoyance.

"The duke, intel says, he’ll be attending." The woman explained, still shivering.

The atmosphere in the shed visibly relaxed.

"Carry on, he won’t interfere," The voice replied, part certain, part intrigued.

The woman was visibly confused, but who was she to refute?

"Failure will not be tolerated".

"As you command," She said with a bow.