Lord Han leaned forward, his expression dark and furious as he spoke to his son seated beside him. “Tell me, Liang… Why is that Summoner still alive?”
Liang, seated at the opposite end, merely smiled. He lifted a glass of red wine, swirling the liquid within, the dark crimson hue reflecting the flickering lights above. “Patience, Father…” “Good things always come to those who wait,” Liang said, taking a leisurely sip of his wine, his gaze drifting across the hall, studying the crowd.
…
A couple of tables away from the Li family’s gathering, the Zhang family sat gracefully.
The table was elegantly set with sparkling blue crystals, reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above.
Lady Lian Zhang stood beside her grandfather, Xian Zhang, both dressed impeccably for the occasion.
Xian wore a silver robe embroidered with dark petal patterns that clearly conveyed both power and elegance.
Lian, draped in a luxurious black and silver dress that clung nicely around her amazing figure, gave off a calm yet sophisticated aura.
As they looked around the room, their gaze settled on Alister, who was locked in conversation with the other guests.
Xian leaned closer to Lian, his voice low but firm. “This is your chance, Lian. Those young women around him pose no threat to you. Your beauty and presence far surpass theirs.”
He pointed toward the group surrounding Alister. “You should go and converse with him.” Lian hesitated for a moment, uncertainty appearing in her eyes.
“Remember to be friendly and polite,” Xian instructed. “For now, there’s no need to take things too far. You simply need to engage him enough to obtain his contact information.”
With a sigh, Lian nodded reluctantly, steadying herself as she prepared to approach the enigmatic young man.
“Off you go, then,” Xian urged. “Do not disappoint me.”
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Lian smoothed the fabric of her dress and stepped away from the table as she made her way toward Alister.
As she did, she found it hard to believe she was really going through with this.
‘I can’t believe I’m throwing myself at someone younger than me like this,’ she thought, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
She had always maintained her dignity, careful to keep a composed and reserved demeanor.
But tonight, with her grandfather’s instructions lingering in her mind, she was stepping out of her comfort zone.
Her summon, Fenrir, padded quietly by her side, his majestic silver fur gleaming under the warm lights.
The great wolf brushed his head against her hand, sensing her unease. Lian let out a small, relieved smile and gently stroked his head.
“Thank you, Fenrir,” she murmured softly. In response, the loyal wolf gave a quiet bark, as if to assure her she wasn’t alone in this unfamiliar situation.
As she neared Alister, Lian noticed that the young women who had been talking to him were now leaving, their laughter gradually fading into the background.
She took a calm breath, feeling a touch of relief and nerves as she realized she would have his attention undivided.
Now was her chance. With Fenrir at her side, she approached Alister, ready to carry out her grandfather’s wishes but determined to do so in her own way.
Lian approached Alister with a graceful smile, her eyes calm but curious. “So, you’re the new star that has everyone excited?” she asked, causing Alister to redirect his gaze toward her.
Alister narrowed his gaze slightly, his expression unreadable. “And you are?” he asked, genuinely curious.
“Lian Zhang,” she replied smoothly with a touch of pride.
“From the Zhang family. I, too, am a Summoner.”
She pointed to Fenrir, the majestic silver wolf at her side, who eyed Alister with a piercing, watchful gaze, almost as if he noticed something familiar yet strange about the young man.
“Is that so?” Alister replied, glancing briefly at Fenrir. The wolf was undeniably impressive, a creature that was both powerful and loyal.
With a nod, Alister turned back to her. “I’m Alister Hazenworth,” he said simply, introducing himself before gesturing toward his summon.
“And this is Cinder.”
Cinder, who had just finished her dessert, was absentmindedly licking the spoon with a faintly pleased expression, oblivious to the conversation.
She looked to the side as her name was mentioned, her red eyes bright as she realized she was being introduced.
She quickly composed herself, setting down the spoon, though her enthusiasm for the dessert still lingered in her expression.
Lian’s gaze shifted to Cinder, her curiosity piqued by Alister’s companion. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” she said, nodding politely at Cinder, though her attention soon returned to
Alister.
“I must say,” she spoke, looking back at him, “you’ve managed to captivate quite a crowd tonight. Not everyone here is used to seeing a Summoner of your… reputation.”
Alister’s expression remained neutral, but there was a small glint of amusement in his eyes.
“I didn’t realize I was so fascinating,” he replied dryly, though his slight smile showed he didn’t mind the attention.
Lian chuckled softly, Fenrir’s ears twitching as if listening to their conversation. “You seem unbothered by all of it. I think most in your position might be flattered, or at least a little overwhelmed by all the curiosity.”
“Overwhelmed? Maybe, if I were someone else,” Alister replied, a touch of humor in his tone. “I learned a long time ago not to worry too much about what people think.”
“An admirable mindset,” she nodded, her gaze briefly moving to Cinder, who had shifted to listen more closely. “It’s no easy feat to stay unaffected by people’s opinions, especially in our circles.”
Alister tilted his head slightly, observing her. “It sounds like you know what that’s like…” “People must have certain expectations of you, too.”
Lian hesitated, but only for a second. “You could say that. Expectations are practically ingrained in families like mine. It can be… limiting, at times.”
Alister nodded. “I can imagine. It’s not always easy to live up to other people’s standards, especially when you have your own.”