Chapter Ten: The Evening Banquet

Time flew by, and night soon fell.

The banquet was about to begin.

At seven fifty in the evening, the servant sprayed a light body mist on Verac, who then changed into a white shirt and a black tuxedo with a pointed collar and single row of buttons. He finished the look with a pale tie, a refined black leather belt, a dark waist sash, and black formal shoes, which only enhanced Verac’s naturally cool and elegant demeanor.

Standing before the mirror, Verac surveyed himself from head to toe. Treating Fletcher as a guest, he rehearsed their conversation and etiquette. Once Fletcher gave his approval, the two descended the stairs together.

Tonight’s banquet was primarily for the Fane family, soon to be allied by marriage with the Thomas family. Additionally, the Arnold family, engaged in the jewelry business, had also been invited. The event was set in the reception room on the left side of the Thomas family’s mansion’s first floor, where busy servants were making final preparations.

Fletcher led Verac to Miss Kellerman. “Miss Kellerman, from now on, Mr. Chris will be under your care.”

“Mm.” Kellerman cast a cool glance at Verac. “You may attend to your matters now.”

Fletcher bowed slightly and departed. As the butler, he naturally had many tasks to attend to.

After Fletcher left, Kellerman moved to the main entrance. “The guests are arriving soon. You don’t know them, so I will greet them first. You can follow along and respond accordingly.”

“Understood, sister,” Verac replied.

Kellerman turned her gaze outside.

After a short while, Carmine and Melra arrived at the banquet entrance with their youngest daughter, Julia, waiting to welcome the guests.

By nearly eight o’clock, the guests arrived, led by the servants.

The first to arrive were Mr. and Mrs. Fane, along with their eldest son, Genos, who was to marry Kellerman.

After exchanging greetings, Melra and Kellerman ushered the Fane family into the reception room.

Carmine, Verac, and Julia welcomed the punctual Arnold family. The Arnolds shared a close relationship with both the Thomas and Fane families. Their only son, Colin Arnold, who had also been invited, was Chris’s closest friend when he was alive.

“Chris!” Colin, youthful and spoiled by his parents, greeted Carmine before casually slinging an arm over Verac’s shoulder. “I haven’t been able to reach you these days. Our plan to check out some new curiosities together fell through.”

“I’ve been ill and resting at home,” Verac replied with a smile.

Colin’s presence eased the slight oppression weighing on Verac’s heart. Colin was carefree and indifferent to noble etiquette. When Verac first met him in a past life, he had been tongue-tied, yet Colin never doubted him. Over the following two months, Colin often took him out to see fascinating things and stood up for him when he was bullied. He was the only person Verac had genuine affection for during his dark days in Lazein.

Seeing Colin again now, Verac’s happiness was hard to conceal.

“I came specifically to find you today. You look well; you must be fully recovered. After the banquet, I’ll take you to see some interesting sights,” Colin said with a broad smile.

Verac glanced around the reception room. Fletcher was speaking with the servants nearby, so he couldn’t consult him at the moment. He responded with a smile, “Sounds good.”

With the Arnolds’ arrival, all the guests had gathered—eleven in total, including the Thomas family. Following the principle of alternating genders, Carmine and Melra arranged the seating, and the banquet officially commenced.

The appetizer was oysters.

Everyone began enjoying the oysters with special oyster forks.

Verac sipped red wine, and before he could taste the appetizer, Carmine brought him up in conversation.

“Genos is outstanding, but it’s not Kellerman who praises him most often—it’s Chris. He greatly admires Genos’s musical talent and insights into business management.”

“Yes,” Verac set down his glass and, reciting the practiced lines, praised Genos. “Genos’s graceful manner and profound knowledge fill me with admiration. I’ve even attended his concert. His skillful and passionate performance moved me deeply. I never expected our connection to deepen now; I look forward to exchanging musical ideas and learning about management from him.”

“Really?” Genos looked surprised and pleased. “It’s an honor to discuss these topics with you.”

The banquet lasted two hours. Throughout, Verac flawlessly delivered the prepared lines, much to the satisfaction of the Thomas family and Fletcher, who finally felt at ease.

After the meal, Melra took the ladies to the parlor to rest and chat, while the men remained in the reception room, discussing recent political and business matters. About twenty minutes later, as the night grew late, the Fane family took their leave first.

Following their departure, the Arnold family prepared to leave as well. Before going, Colin called out to Verac, “Chris, come on, let’s go have some fun outside.”

The Thomas family, ready to see the Arnolds off, was taken aback.

Verac glanced at Fletcher and then at Carmine. Carmine’s word carried more weight here than Fletcher’s, and Verac was determined to find a way to get Carmine to let him go. After all, he was an adult now. If he went out, Fletcher, as butler, would not follow, allowing Verac to break free and meet anyone he wished.

“Sigh, I’m a bit tired today. How about another day?” Verac preemptively declined Colin’s invitation before Carmine or Fletcher could respond.

Colin’s tone soured. “You’ve bailed on me so many times. You promised before the banquet. Now you’re backing out?”

“Uh…” Verac looked again at Carmine.

By rejecting Colin first, Verac aimed to prevent Carmine from apologizing to Colin and refusing his request. If Carmine spoke, Colin, as the junior, would find it hard to argue. But Verac’s vague refusal only stirred Colin’s displeasure, making the Thomas family look bad if Colin were to accuse Verac of breaking his word in front of them.

“Go ahead, Chris. You’re almost fully recovered,” Carmine quickly responded. “Fletcher will accompany you and bring you back tonight.”

“No need, Mr. Carmine. I’ll arrange for a car to bring Chris back,” Colin said, smiling once more. “Come on, Chris. I’ll show you some new things.”

It was settled.

Verac turned to Carmine. “I will be careful, Father.”

Carmine fixed him with a steady gaze. “Be back early.”