Sona

When Jia Ruo, dressed in a tuxedo and wearing a top hat, walked slowly into Lady Lesthara's Mansion with Neeko on his arm, he truly looked like a gentleman.

The sky had just begun to darken, and Lady Lesthara's banquet had not yet started. The guests were all sitting in the lounge, chatting.

Jia Ruo and Neeko also picked a spot in the lounge and sat down.

"Awooo, so delicious."

Neeko made no attempt to hide her enjoyment, picking up a delicate pastry from the table and putting it in her mouth.

"Neeko, please be more ladylike."

Neeko's actions drew the attention of many guests. Jia Ruo hurriedly spoke up to remind her.

"Mmm, you humans are so troublesome. Not only do you speak in riddles, but you also have so many rules."

Although Neeko's little face was puffed out in annoyance, she obediently quieted down.

Jia Ruo reached out and wiped the corner of Neeko's mouth, saying softly, "What can we do? This is the culture and tradition of different races. Humans may have many rules, but the food they make is also very delicious."

On the other side, Lyle picked up a goblet from the table and began to taste the wine inside.

Jia Ruo, having appeased Neeko, pricked up his ears and eavesdropped on the conversations of the surrounding guests.

"Did you hear? Lady Lesthara was kidnapped by a group of bandits this time. It was all because of a traitor within her household who sold her out. Apparently, it was a servant Lady Lesthara had taken in."

"Yes, and that person was an Ionian! Fortunately, nothing major happened, and Lady Lesthara returned safely. Otherwise, how would our council explain to Demacia? You know how much they value nobles."

The council members are here too? It seems Lady Lesthara's influence is indeed considerable. Jia Ruo pretended to sip his wine, thinking to himself.

As time quietly passed, Jia Ruo roughly sorted out the identities of the guests in the lounge: the majority were high-ranking nobles from Placidium, and a smaller portion were Lady Lesthara's compatriots, Demacians who were doing business or traveling in Ionia.

It seems Lady Lesthara has a very wide network of contacts.

That's understandable. She's a noble, wealthy, and likes to do good deeds. It's only natural that she's popular.

"Ding ding ding."

A clear sound rang out in the lounge.

It was the host of the banquet, tapping a goblet with a spoon.

Lady Lesthara was wearing a gorgeous deep purple gown, her makeup elegant.

Seeing all the guests looking at her, she cleared her throat and said, "Esteemed guests, thank you all for gracing my banquet. It is my honor, Lesthara Bouvier."

Lady Lesthara bowed slightly.

"I'm sure you've all heard that I encountered a little disturbance a few days ago. Thanks to the timely arrival of several marshals from the Hall of Tranquility. Today's banquet is to introduce to you these three heroes who have shown me kindness."

Lady Lesthara had already spotted Jia Ruo, Neeko, and Lyle's positions, and gestured for them to come closer.

I didn't expect this.

Jia Ruo gave a wry smile. He had never encountered such a grand occasion since he was young.

But it wasn't appropriate to defy Lady Lesthara's wishes at this moment. He pulled Neeko along and walked to Lady Lesthara's side with his elder brother Lyle.

"These are the three."

Lady Lesthara introduced them to the guests with a smile.

The Old Butler stood behind Jia Ruo and nudged him with his elbow, signaling that it was his turn to speak.

"Uh... Actually, this is just our job at the Hall of Tranquility. Lady Lesthara is overpraising us. We will work harder in the future to protect the peace and tranquility of Ionia."

Jia Ruo was pushed onto the stage and managed to utter a few bland, polite words.

However, the guests below seemed quite pleased, and the applause was enthusiastic.

"Alright, let's begin the banquet."

At Lady Lesthara's signal, everyone entered the main hall, which had been set up for the banquet.

The banquet offered a wide variety of food, from desserts, meat, and vegetables and fruits to drinks and beverages, all complete.

Everything was neatly arranged on plates for the guests to serve themselves.

After the banquet began, Jia Ruo, having been specially introduced by Lady Lesthara, received a lot of attention.

Although many guests came over to chat, most of them offered polite words praising Jia Ruo for being young and promising—mostly to save face for Lady Lesthara.

Suddenly, Lady Lesthara walked over with a wine glass, a touch of blue following the hem of her deep purple dress: that was her daughter.

"Jia Ruo, allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Lesthara Buvel, a member of the Buvel Family of Demacia. This is my daughter, Sona Buvel."

Jia Ruo's pupils constricted. The Virtuoso, Sona?

"You might think I'm being too polite, but according to the social customs of us Demacian nobles, detailed introductions are necessary at formal occasions when meeting for the first time."

Jia Ruo snapped back to attention and quickly extended his hands, shaking hands lightly with both Lady Lesthara and Sona.

"Greetings, ladies. I am Jia Ruo, the newly appointed Marshal of the Hall of Tranquility."

"You're adapting to these social occasions quite quickly."

Lady Lesthara smiled slightly.

"Let's not stand here. Let's find a place to sit and chat."

The four sat down at a small round table.

"Jia Ruo, are you interested in being my bodyguard? Salary is not an issue. To be honest, I really admire you."

Lady Lesthara put down her wine glass. "I saw your skills that day, very clean and neat. And you are young, which means you have abundant energy and Potential."

"But that also means I lack experience and depth."

"No need to be modest. This matter has indeed reminded me to pay attention to my own safety. You don't need to worry about Master Percy; as long as you agree, I will handle the rest."

"Thank you, Lady Lesthara, but I still prefer to stay at the Hall of Tranquility."

This was a place for training specially arranged by his Master.

"That's truly a pity. I can't force you, after all."

Lady Lesthara showed a look of regret.

"Then let's talk about something more relaxed. Let me introduce my Daughter to you. You've been sneaking glances at her frequently since a moment ago. That's not the behavior of a gentleman."

"Ahem, Madam, I was just..."

"No need to explain. I've been young too."

Lady Lesthara's smile held a hint of amusement.

No, you've really misunderstood this time.

Jia Ruo thought to himself. Although Sona's slightly blushing appearance was indeed heart-stirring at this moment, and Neeko had secretly kicked him, he was genuinely just curious about Sona's background.

The Virtuoso, where was her zither?