Lady Alsha's Banquet

Matthew arrived at Whitestone Manor as promised.

He wore a black double-breasted formal suit, transformed from the Attire and Etiquette book he had found in the study.

"Constant temperature?" He noticed it as soon as he entered the manor—the environment here was completely different from outside. The temperature inside the manor was pleasant, surrounded by a garden full of red irises, their fragrance drifting in the breeze, with no trace of winter to be found.

Matthew handed the invitation to the attendant at the door.

The attendant glanced at the name on the invitation, pressed a hand to his chest, and bowed. "Mr. Matthew, this way, please."

He led Matthew down a path paved with pebbles, the bricks on either side carved with intricate patterns.

Passing through the porch, they came upon an exquisite fountain, its surrounding flower beds also planted with red irises.

"Lady Alsha really does love red irises," Matthew thought to himself.

The main hall was just behind the fountain and flower beds. Surprisingly, the hall was decorated with a warm, cozy feel. A large warm-colored chandelier hung from the ceiling, with no overly ostentatious carvings. Around the hall were rectangular tables laden with all kinds of gourmet food and fine wine. On the right side of the hall, a band played a light, relaxing tune for the guests.

Just a while ago, during the summer holiday, Matthew had visited Malfoy Manor, where the Malfoy family had hosted Little Malfoy's Admission Banquet. The decorations there had been all about flaunting luxury.

By now, quite a few people had gathered in the hall. Guests held their wine cups, chatting with acquaintances.

In Matthew's perception, many of the guests here were wizards. Unlike the wizards of the Hogwarts world, these wizards did not hide themselves. The Blizzard Kingdom was a nation ruled by wizards, with the court wizards forming the de facto ruling body.

"Lord Matthew."

Matthew heard someone call his name. He turned and saw Link, looking surprised.

Today, Link had shed his usual lazy demeanor. His tall frame, paired with a well-fitted formal suit, made him look quite spirited.

With Link was Anna, dressed in a long gown. Her appearance today was dazzling, and she stood at his side, holding his arm.

Seeing the surprise on Link's face, Matthew explained, "I received an invitation from Lady Alsha as well."

Link was astonished by this. Matthew had only been in Whitestone Town for a few days and had already received an invitation from Lady Alsha.

Link asked, "Did Lord Matthew know Lady Alsha before?"

Matthew shook his head. "I am a hermit wizard, new to Whitestone Town. I do not know Lady Alsha."

Link didn't doubt him. Many so-called hermit wizards had become wizards by inheriting power by chance, so it was normal for them to have no contact with the wizard circle.

Link nodded. "Lady Alsha is an officer of the court wizards. She's quite famous among our generation of wizards. Through her, you can get in touch with many wizard circles. Let me introduce you."

Matthew had saved the lives of Chris and Tina, so Link had a good impression of this young wizard. He wanted to help Matthew integrate into Whitestone Town's wizard circle. Besides, Lady Alsha had a bright future; Link believed she would soon be transferred to the Royal Capital.

Link led Matthew to the center of the hall, where they met the mistress of the manor—Lady Alsha.

The mistress of the manor wore an off-white long gown in a courtly style, its hem adorned with lace ruffles.

The one-shoulder neckline perfectly revealed her slender neck, its edges decorated with delicate lace and embroidery, like a snowy sea of flowers in spring.

Her chestnut long hair was carefully styled into waves, cascading over her fair shoulders. Her hands were clad in pure white long gloves that extended above her elbows, covering part of her upper arms, adding a touch of elegance to her overall look.

Link complimented her sincerely, "Lady Alsha, you look as beautiful as ever."

Lady Alsha said with a smile, "Thank you for your kind words. I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight."

Her voice was soft and melodious, like a heavenly sound.

Link noticed Lady Alsha's gaze on Matthew and took the opportunity to say, "My lady, allow me to introduce you. This is Lord Matthew, an exceptionally talented wizard."

Matthew said, "Lady Alsha, you are the brightest pearl tonight. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Lady Alsha's smile was elegant and radiant. "Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Matthew. One of my subordinate officers happened to witness your battle with Anna. For someone so young to possess such remarkable strength, you truly are accomplished at a young age."

She explained why she had invited Matthew.

"Disanayak, Disanayak." Lady Alsha called over a nearby attendant. She remembered the name of every servant in the manor. "Mr. Matthew is my new guest. You must take good care of him. His cup must always have wine."

Matthew picked up the wine cup from the attendant's tray and smiled his thanks to Lady Alsha.

At this moment, a butler with slightly white hair and dressed impeccably came over and said, "Miss, all the guests for tonight have arrived. May the banquet officially begin?"

This butler was not the original butler of Whitestone Manor. He had come with Lady Alsha when she arrived in Whitestone Town and was a trusted confidant who had served her for many years. After the former town mayor presented the manor to Lady Alsha, he became the butler of Whitestone Manor.

Thus, the butler was accustomed to calling Lady Alsha "Miss," as were a few other servants who had served her for a long time.

Lady Alsha nodded and extended her right hand, clad in the white long gloves. "Mr. Matthew, this banquet is about to begin. Would you do me the honor of joining me for the opening dance?"

Matthew gladly accepted the invitation. It was a normal social gesture.

He took her slender, delicate fingers and said gently, "Of course, it would be my honor, my lady."

Fortunately, Attire and Etiquette had described the social dances of this world in great detail. He had practiced a few times before leaving the house, as such occasions inevitably required a few dances.

In this life, Matthew had many elders from pure-blood families and had experienced such occasions many times. He could now handle these social situations with ease. In his previous life, he would never have been able to be so composed and confident.

The band in the hall stopped playing. The guests in the center of the hall instinctively spread out to the sides. Lady Alsha led Matthew to the central dance floor, and the two became the focus of everyone's attention.

As a more romantic piece of music began, Matthew extended his arm. Lady Alsha placed her hand in his palm. Through the white gloves, he felt a smooth, delicate touch, like soft silk.

They began to dance, turning gracefully in three-step rotations. Lady Alsha's skirt swirled in the air, forming elegant arcs.

He held her hand, feeling each spin, the sensation in his hand growing more real.

Her slightly curled chestnut long hair gently bounced on her fair shoulders.

Even from such close proximity, Matthew could find no flaw on her face.

Her jawline was defined, her features clear and sculpted, exuding a natural beauty.

Her eyes were large and bright, her emerald gaze revealing a deep, clear radiance.

Her nose was straight, her lips full and rosy, carrying a faint smile that gave a warm feeling.

Time seemed to have stopped for her at the age of eighteen, like a maiden from a classical painting.