Chapter 40. Wedding of the Century

Finally, it was the wedding day. The royal palace’s wedding hall was bustling with more guests than expected. Since it was rare to see the palace’s wedding hall, people flocked even more.

The hall was filled with people trying to network. Paris was no exception.

‘This is a rare opportunity, so don’t waste it. You need to make a good impression on your father.’

Despite his mother’s advice, Paris wasn’t particularly concerned. He felt entitled to this.

Technically, he was the legitimate son, and Aster was the illegitimate one. He always resented his father for giving the position of heir to an illegitimate child. He was too afraid to rebel, though.

It was surprising enough that his father had suddenly invested in him, but learning that Camilla had influenced it was even more shocking. Her actions contradicted her previous harsh words.

‘She’s so insincere.’

She kept denying it, yet her actions showed she wanted to help him. It was typical of women to be insincere and try to make men anxious with their pride.

Paris’s perspective was shaped by the insincere women around him.

Helping him behind her brother’s back was very proactive for Camilla Francis. This only worsened Paris’s delusions of grandeur.

News of Duke Blanche’s investment had already brought many people to Paris. He could easily pick any of them to suit his needs.

‘I hate dealing with this, but I must. Camilla’s sincerity must be repaid.’

As he sipped champagne, thinking his mother would be shocked, he spotted Helen with a large man. They were surrounded by prominent businessmen, engaged in what seemed like an interesting business conversation. Helen’s partner was at the center of it.

‘Who’s that guy?’

The man was as imposing as a bear, with a well-built body. His tanned skin suggested he was from the southern regions.

‘The South is known for its commerce.’

Southern nobles often led maritime businesses with neighboring countries. Given Helen’s company, he must be a noble.

Paris approached Helen, pretending to greet her, and joined their group.

“Helen, my dear sister. How impressive, getting a new lover so soon after breaking up with the last one.”

“If you’re here to cause trouble, get lost, Paris.”

Helen glared at him, then checked her partner’s reaction, worried he might be upset. It was unlike her to be so cautious.

‘She’s really into him.’

Helen was known for falling in love quickly and obsessing over her partners in the early stages.

Paris smiled at her partner, as if to say he sympathized with the trouble of dealing with his sister.

Noticing his look, Sezad chuckled and extended his hand.

“Sezad Vaikan. I run a small business in the South.”

“Small business? People in the South would laugh at that.”

One of the businessmen laughed heartily, adding to Sezad’s introduction.

‘Vaikan?’

The name was unfamiliar to Paris, who had no interest in business. Duke Blanche had never entrusted him with work due to his lack of knowledge.

Helen hadn’t recognized him either. She leaned on Sezad’s muscular arm and spoke in a coquettish voice.

“Brother, you should invest in his business. Everyone’s eager to be early investors. He discovered something incredible.”

“A treasure island or something?”

Paris scoffed, but the businessman answered enthusiastically.

“Better than a treasure island! It’s a business that can multiply your investment tenfold, no, a hundredfold!”

“What kind of business is that?”

Paris asked, now genuinely curious. Sezad smiled and began to explain.

“Do you remember the sinking of the Shepherd? Pirates once searched desperately for that cruise ship.”

“Wasn’t that a myth? Why bother with a ship that sank centuries ago?”

“The wreck was found off the coast of our island.”

“No way!”

“If you’re interested, come to my office. I can even show you the wreck.”

Sezad handed over his business card with a businessman-like smile. Paris, caught off guard, accepted the card and blinked. The fact that he had a business card made him seem legitimate.

“But if you found something so amazing, why haven’t you salvaged it yet?”

“It takes time to get the necessary permits. Meanwhile, I’m looking for partners to join the post-salvage business.”

“Hurry up! There aren’t many spots left.”

“If you invest now, you’ll get a share of the treasure from the Shepherd.”

“How much?”

At Paris’s question, Sezad motioned for him to come closer, chuckling. When Paris leaned in, Sezad said,

“Thirty percent. I’ll keep seventy, and the remaining thirty will be divided among the investors. We’ll also draw lots to prepay half the value of the treasure to early investors.”

“!!”

Paris’s eyes widened. Thirty percent was a substantial amount. Plus, prepaying half the value before the salvage through a lottery was incredible!

This was a colossal business opportunity.

The Shepherd had been a coveted treasure ship for pirates and nations alike.

The legendary Shepherd, which disappeared with the queen of a fallen kingdom and her entire fortune centuries ago! Rumor had it that it carried treasures rivaling a dragon’s hoard.

‘How much is this worth?’

This was a business deal that far surpassed any offers from the businessmen who had approached him before. It was a chance to earn a fortune, gain his father’s approval, and make Camilla happy—all in one go!

Paris’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he restlessly eyed the opportunity like a dog in front of a bone.

Sezad, seeing that Paris had taken the bait, smirked. It was clear that Paris hadn’t suspected his sister’s lover of being a con artist. As Camilla had said, he was indeed a naive fool.

‘If he wins the lottery, he’ll probably go into debt to invest more.’

That would be even better. The more he could drain from the Blanche family, the happier the Queen would be.

Sezad answered Paris’s barrage of questions without a hint of annoyance. Thanks to the businessmen around him, Paris seemed to have no suspicions. Even Helen was eager to invest her allowance.

At that moment, the guests were asked to take their seats as a grand trumpet sounded. Sezad suggested they discuss further at his office and then took his seat.

After a while, a handsome man walked confidently down the aisle. Unlike the foolish Paris Blanche, who looked like he was drooling, this man had an impressive physique and appearance.

‘I knew her standards were high.’

If not, she wouldn’t have even looked at him.

Sezad watched Aster with interest. Then Camilla entered, holding Duke Francis’s hand, wearing a white wedding dress.

* * *

The ceremony proceeded without any major issues. The only problem was that Sezad attended the wedding as Helen’s partner.

‘So Helen was the person he was going to bring?’

When he waved discreetly from the family seating area, I almost grabbed my neck in frustration. I knew he could charm anyone, but to think Helen fell for him too. What was it about him that made everyone fall head over heels?

At least he didn’t cause any trouble. Soon, the reception began, and Aster and I greeted the guests together.

When we reached Helen’s table, my lips twitched. Even Paris was there, discussing business.

“Nice to meet you.”

Sezad greeted with a smile. Thankfully, he seemed to have the sense not to acknowledge me openly. Then Helen, looking wary, pouted and said,

“He’s my boyfriend. Say hello. You’ll be seeing him often.”

“Nice to meet you. Thank you for coming today. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time here.”

“Thanks to you, I’m having a great time. Right, princess?”

Sezad grinned, and Helen blushed, hitting his chest shyly. It was a nauseating sight.

I looked at the lovey-dovey couple with a blurry gaze. Then my eyes met Paris’s, who was looking at me with a pitiful expression.

‘What’s with him?’

He looked at me as if I were a tragic heroine who had just been dumped. Hadn’t he gotten over my rejection from last time?

Feeling creeped out, I tried to leave the table. Suddenly, Aster pulled out a chair for me and sat down next to me.

“Aster?”

“We’ve greeted everyone, so why don’t we chat here for a bit?”

Aster smiled kindly, but his eyes were cold as he glanced at Sezad.

* * *