Lady Alsha's Banquet

Matthew arrived at Whitestone Manor as invited.

He wore a black double-breasted suit, which he had transformed based on Attire and Etiquette in his study.

"Constant Temperature?" He had noticed it as soon as he arrived at the manor. The environment here was completely different from outside. The temperature was pleasant, and the manor was surrounded by a garden full of red irises. Their fragrance drifted on the breeze, and there was not the slightest sign of winter.

Matthew handed his invitation to the attendant at the entrance.

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 along a narrow path paved with stones. The bricks on either side were carved with delicate patterns.

Beyond the porch stood an elegant fountain, surrounded by flower beds filled with red irises.

"Lady Alsha really likes red irises," Matthew thought.

The hall stood behind the fountain and flower beds. Surprisingly, its decor was rather cozy. A huge Warm Chandelier hung from the ceiling, and there were no excessive, ostentatious carvings. Rectangular tables lined the hall, laden with all kinds of food and wine. On the right side, a band played gentle, soothing music for the guests.

Just a short while ago, during summer vacation, Matthew had visited Malfoy Manor. The Malfoy Family had held Little Malfoy's Admission Banquet, and everything there had been designed to show off their wealth.

Quite a few people had already gathered in the hall. The guests held their drinks as they chatted with people they knew.

Matthew sensed that many of the guests were wizards. Unlike the wizards in Hogwarts World, the wizards here did not hide themselves. The Blizzard Kingdom was ruled by wizards, and the Court Wizards were effectively its ruling class.

"Lord Matthew."

Matthew heard someone call his name. He turned and saw Link looking at him in surprise.

Link had none of his usual languid air today. His tall frame and well-tailored suit made him look quite dashing.

Anna was with him, wearing a long evening gown. Her appearance was dazzling, and she stood beside him with her arm linked through his.

Seeing Link's surprise, Matthew explained, "I received an invitation from Lady Alsha, too."

Link was astonished. Matthew had only been in Whitestone Town for a few days, yet he had already received an invitation from Lady Alsha.

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

Matthew shook his head. "I'm a reclusive wizard. I just arrived in Whitestone Town, so I don't know Lady Alsha."

Link didn't doubt him. Many so-called reclusive wizards had become wizards after accidentally coming across a magical inheritance. It was perfectly normal for them to have no contact with the Wizard Circle.

Link nodded. "Lady Alsha is an official in charge of Court Wizard affairs, and she's very well known among wizards of our generation. Through her, you can meet many people in the Wizard Circle. Let me introduce you."

Matthew had saved Chris and Tina's lives, and Link was quite fond of the young wizard. He wanted to help Matthew become part of Whitestone Town's Wizard Circle. Besides, Lady Alsha had a bright future ahead of her; Link was sure she'd be transferred to the Royal Capital before long.

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

The lady of the manor wore an ivory-colored evening gown in a courtly style, its hem adorned with lace ruffles.

The straight neckline showed off her slender neck to perfection. Delicate lace and embroidery trimmed its edge, like a snowy field of flowers on a spring day.

Her chestnut hair had been carefully styled into waves that fell across her fair shoulders. She wore Pure White Long Gloves that reached above her elbows, covering part of her upper arms and adding a touch of grace to her appearance.

Link offered a sincere compliment. "Lady Alsha, you look as beautiful as ever."

Lady Alsha smiled warmly. "Thank you for the compliment. I hope you enjoy yourselves tonight."

Her voice was gentle and melodious, like music from heaven.

Link noticed Lady Alsha's gaze fall on Matthew and took the opportunity to say, "Madam, allow me to introduce Lord Matthew. He's an exceptionally talented wizard."

"Lady Alsha, you're the brightest jewel here tonight. It's a pleasure to meet you," Matthew said.

Lady Alsha's smile was graceful and radiant. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Matthew. One of my subordinates happened to see you fight Anna. You're so young, yet already so powerful. Truly impressive."

She explained why she had invited Matthew.

"Disanayak, Disanayak." Lady Alsha beckoned an attendant over. She remembered the name of every servant in the manor. "Mr. Matthew is a new guest of mine. Make sure you look after him well. His glass must never be empty."

Matthew picked up a glass from the attendant's tray and smiled as he thanked Lady Alsha.

Just then, a neatly dressed butler with graying hair came over. "Miss, all the guests have arrived. May we officially begin the banquet?"

This butler hadn't originally served at Whitestone Manor. He had accompanied Lady Alsha when she came to Whitestone Town and had been her trusted aide for many years. After the former Town Mayor presented the manor to Lady Alsha, he had become its butler.

That was why he was accustomed to calling Alsha "Miss." Several other servants who had been with her for a long time did the same.

Lady Alsha nodded and extended her right hand, clad in a white long glove. "Mr. Matthew, the banquet is about to begin. Would you care to join me for the opening dance?"

Matthew gladly accepted. It was a normal social custom.

He took her long, slender fingers in his and said warmly, "Of course. It's my honor, madam."

Fortunately, Attire and Etiquette described the social dances of this world in great detail. He had practiced a few times before leaving, and at an occasion like this, there was no avoiding a dance or two.

In this life, Matthew had many elders from pure-blood families, and he had attended occasions like this many times. He could now handle such social gatherings with ease. His former self would never have been able to act with such confidence and composure.

The band stopped playing, and the guests in the center of the hall moved aside of their own accord. Lady Alsha led Matthew to the dance floor, and the two of them became the center of everyone's attention.

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

They began to dance, turning gracefully in three steps. Lady Alsha's skirt swirled through the air in elegant arcs.

He held her hand, feeling each turn. The touch in his palm grew more real.

Her slightly curled chestnut hair danced lightly against her fair shoulders.

Even from such a close distance, Matthew couldn't find a single flaw in her face.

Her chin was well-defined, and her features were clear and sculpted, radiating natural beauty.

Her eyes were large and bright, and her emerald-green gaze held a deep, clear glimmer.

Her nose was straight, and her lips were full and rosy. Her slight smile made her seem warm and kind.

Time seemed to have stopped for her at eighteen, making her look like a girl in a classical painting.