Return of the General's Daughter-Chapter 212: Prelude to the Banquet

It wasn’t Alaric who was waiting for her. No, it wasn’t just him. Three more gentlemen in dashing doublet and brocade cloaks were pacing outside the house.

When they heard the huge wooden door open, their heads turned in the direction of the house.

All four froze on the spot when they saw Lara descending the few steps of the stairs at the main entrance.

Alaric’s breath hitched. He knew that Lara was beautiful, but he never thought she could be this beautiful, especially when wearing a gown and having a pretty hairstyle. Her cheeks had a taint of blush, and her lips were a little redder than usual.

Did she put on lipstick? But when he looked closer, her lips looked very natural.

Alaric could not help but his gaze lingered a little longer on her exposed neck and chest. She was wearing a silver chain with a white oval-shaped pendant made from topaz.

’Why did she have to wear such a dress with a low neckline? Damn!"

"Sis," Percival managed to regain his composure first and stepped forward, a protective gleam in his eyes as he extended his arm toward Lara. But just as his fingers were about to brush against her, Prince Alaric emerged with an air of princely confidence, positioning himself smoothly in front of Lara. With a charming smile, he offered the crook of his arm, a subtle yet unmistakable invitation that drew her gaze.

Percival frowned and wanted to complain. The tension that hung in the air grew thicker, making it hard for someone nearby to breathe.

"She received the invitation as my esteemed female companion," Prince Alaric declared, his voice as frigid as the winter air, each word dripping with aloofness.

Percival paused. He was at a loss for what to say next. Why did Prince Alaric seem to be targeting him?

"Sis, you looked absolutely radiant," Gideon said, his voice warm and sincere as he attempted to ease the palpable tension in the air. The way Lara’s hair caught the light and framed her face only added to her beauty, and he hoped his words would bring a smile to her lips and break the tension.

"Thank you, Brother," Lara said, her voice warm as she reached out, her fingers gently wrapping around Alaric’s arm, a little bit awkward and shy. "What brings you here, by the way?"

"We also got an invitation for tonight’s banquet. When we learned that you were invited, we wanted to escort you, but it seems it is no longer necessary." Bener, the most reasonable among them, talked. He agreed that the ideal person to be with her sister would be Prince Alaric.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Agilus, who came from the side of the house leading a horse and followed by Aramis closely behind, spoke loudly, afraid that he might not be heard.

Angus and Redon were already outside the gate, manning a carriage with the emblem of Prince Alaric. It was quite a luxurious carriage, one that Lara had not seen before.

When Percival saw the carriage and compared it to their pitiful one, he felt the weight of defeat settle heavily on his shoulders. The reality struck him hard—his sister, in her beautiful dress, would undoubtedly be looked down upon if she were to ride in such a humble carriage.

"Where did you get this carriage?" Lara asked, admiring the beautiful woodwork of the exterior.

"This?" Agilus, who was still leading the horse, asked, lips pouting in the direction of the carriage. "This is the mayor’s. We just replaced the emblem with that of Prince Alaric."

"Such a beautiful carriage. How could a mere mayor afford such?" Gideon asked, scrutinizing the carriage. "Even the rich nobles in the capital will not have such an extravagant carriage."

Agilus, already astride his steed, turned to Gideon with a knowing glance. "Ah, the mayor and his obsession with grandeur and power," he began, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and disdain. "He revels in his status, striving to be treated like royalty at every turn. In his eyes, everything must be the finest—he insists on the best and the most impeccable service, as if the world itself should bend to his desires."

As Lara approached the carriage, her hand poised to grasp the door handle, she unexpectedly stopped, a look of curiosity washing over her face. Her gaze locked onto Agilus, his presence both intriguing and perplexing. Had it truly been he who had just uttered those words? A spark of amusement flickered within her, drawn in by the unexpected resonance of his voice.

Prince Alaric stood beside her like a strong sentinel. "Is something wrong?"

Lara laughed softly, then she replied. "Nothing. I thought I heard something nice."

Agilus, his hands gently stroking the sleek mane of his horse, flashed a broad grin that lit up his eyes. "So, does that mean you’re actually fond of what I just said?" he teased, an infectious spark of joy in his voice, as the sun cast a golden hue over the scene.

Lara snorted and boarded the carriage. Prince Alaric glared at Agilus before following Lara.

The inside of the carriage was as beautiful as the outside. There was enough space to seat four more people. The seat was also lined with animal fur, so it was comfortable.

"The mayor must really have a lot of money to afford such luxuries. I heard that his manor gleamed in the sun like it was gilded with gold." Lara tried to find things to talk to the Prince. Perhaps it was due to the ambiance inside the carriage that she found Prince Alaric a welcoming presence.

"His manor is indeed vast. You are right that the manor gleamed in the sunlight. But the mayor’s wealth was all stolen from the people, and he would pay for his sins." Alaric shifted his body so he was facing her.

"Let us not talk about the mayor. Let us talk about you." Alaric’s voice turned deeper and lower.

"Huh?" Lara asked cluelessly. "What do you want to talk about me?"

"You looked very beautiful tonight, Lara. I am afraid that Reuben would want you..."