Warhammer Divine Throne

Old World, Brittania, Boldro Duchy, Bodlukes.

The banquet gradually reached its climax, and guests reveled in laughter, with various activities emerging one after another.

"Ah! It's you!" "Oh! Mr. Laine, we meet again." Just as Laine and Surya were attempting a painting activity, a handsome noble appeared before them, accompanied by a petite girl with short golden hair.

The girl with beautiful green eyes looked disgusted, as if she saw something dirty; out of courtesy, she reluctantly greeted: "Hello, Lord Laine, may your pool be as clear as a fishpond."

Laine felt amused hearing this, as it was an obvious sarcastic jab, but he couldn't bother to argue with the girl: "Hello, Miss Fiona, hello, Mr. Mathew Bade!"

"Oh, what a perfect couple! Lord Laine, I truly envy you for having such a companion as Miss Surya." Mathew Bade looked very enthusiastic, extending his hand eagerly: "Hello, Miss Surya, may I have the honor of knowing you? I am Mathew Bade from the Connet Duchy."

Surya remained calm, her face transitioning from a genuine radiant smile to a standard, formal, noble social smile. Seeing Mathew Bade's hand paused in the air, she eventually shook hands with him.

In normal noble interactions, if the lady doesn't extend her hand, the gentleman should not initiate.

Mathew Bade's etiquette was impeccable; he applied only minimal force before releasing, then familiarly approached Laine, enthusiastically saying: "I said, Mr. Laine, we would meet again."

"Indeed, we meet again." With a counterpart so warm, Laine couldn't remain indifferent. He curiously looked at Fiona, who was holding Mathew Bade's arm, showing an interested expression: "Can you share? How did you become Miss Fiona's companion?"

"That's not convenient to share." Upon saying this, Mathew Bade couldn't help but look proud; he decided to keep this secret.

As a matter of fact, as Mathew Bade had said, the granddaughter of Duke of Borelion beside him was easier to handle than imagined.

Before he met Fiona, this little princess was as usual causing trouble in Boldro. She bought a piece of jewelry from a roadside shop, then falsely accused the shopkeeper of poor workmanship, demanding a replacement, and during the exchange, she unreasonably chose a piece far more valuable than the previous one, saying it was a lesson for the shopkeeper and her compensation.

This was indeed irrational behavior, yet Fiona was always successful because merchants dared not offend Great Nobles, and her tactic worked every time.

After carefully observing Fiona's personality and character, Mathew Bade took action.

The young knight was genuinely handsome, young, and energetic, instantly gaining Fiona's favor. He politely inquired about the situation then "honorably" mediated the conflict between the merchant and the Great Noble. While mediating, he undoubtedly leaned towards Fiona, but wisely spoke good words for the merchant, eventually reaching a compromise.

This was the foot in the door; through his conduct, he successfully befriended Fiona.

Mathew Bade understood Fiona's temperament well—facing this young lady, the knight treated her as an overprotected princess, which greatly satisfied Fiona, making her feel truly respected.

Thus, he easily connected with Fiona. After discreetly implying he had no partner and extending an invitation, Fiona naturally became his companion.

"Lord Laine, we seem destined, perhaps blessed by the Lady of the Lake as we meet repeatedly? I wonder if we should find a place to have a drink and chat?" Mathew Bade invited again, while Fiona turned her head, clearly uninterested in engaging with him.

"What do you think, Surya?" Laine was indecisive for a moment, as this world differed from his past life on Earth, where meetings were easier; in this world, to meet multiple times was indeed a sign of fate.

"I'll follow your lead." The lady knight displayed a gentle demeanor, indicating her willingness to follow Laine's decision.

"Then..." Laine was about to agree when a lavishly dressed noble wearing a feathered hat and loose formal wear emerged from the crowd and approached Laine: "Lord Laine? The Duke requests your presence; could you spare some time?"

Laine recognized him; he was Baron Tristan Le Mang, Duke Bodric's vassal, a formidable naval commander.

"Apologies, Mr. Mathew Bade; it seems I must excuse myself." As the Duke was hosting the banquet and seeking him out, Laine couldn't refuse: "Surya, please wait for me, I will return shortly."

The Duke's daughter, dressed glamorously, shook her head: "It's alright, I'll wait for your return."

With an apologetic gesture, Laine followed Baron Tristan away, leaving Surya and Mathew Bade to converse.

At this time, a new dance tune began playing among the guests, and Mathew Bade immediately turned to Fiona, saying: "Miss Fiona, may I have the honor to dance a piece with you?"