Chapter 41. Reception

From the moment the ceremony started, Aster had been aware of Sezad’s presence. He was a noticeable figure, but what really caught Aster’s attention was the way Sezad looked at Camilla.

Moreover, seeing Camilla’s uneasy reaction whenever their eyes met confirmed his suspicion. The friend she had mentioned was indeed this guy.

Who would have thought her friend was a man?

Aster regretted not asking more about how they met and what their relationship was when she said she would introduce him later.

Aster gazed at Sezad with calm eyes. Despite his covert dealings with Paris, Sezad observed Aster with a peculiar look.

The wild look in his eyes seemed to say, ‘So, it’s you.’ Aster found it absurd. Anyone would think Sezad was her fiancé.

‘My fiancée certainly doesn’t let me have my guard down for a moment.’

Just when he thought he had her to himself, another man appeared. Judging by Camilla’s reaction, it was clear Sezad was the one pursuing her.

As a fellow man, Aster couldn’t miss the look in Sezad’s eyes—it was the look of a rival.

Even if that weren’t the case, Sezad’s gaze at Camilla was strange. It was both reverent and rebellious, like a tamed hunting dog.

Perhaps that’s why she kept him around. He pretended to be obedient with those eyes.

Meanwhile, Camilla feigned interest in Sezad’s business, trying to fully ensnare Paris.

“I’ve heard of the Shepherd. It’s truly remarkable.”

“If you’re interested, visit my office.”

“Sure, I’ll drop by soon.”

Camilla’s feigned interest made the atmosphere even more pleasant. If only Helen weren’t so quick to get annoyed, the conversation would have been perfect.

But that was just Camilla’s misconception. Unbeknownst to her, Aster and Sezad were engaged in a subtle battle of nerves.

As the conversation progressed, Sezad began displaying items he had brought from the South on each table. The colorful hookahs were the most eye-catching.

The South, known for its maritime trade, was familiar with foreign goods. They often sold modified items, making them known for unusual things.

“The darker the color, the stronger it is. For you, princess.”

Sezad placed the lightest-colored hookah in front of Helen. Then, he subtly handed the same one to Camilla.

When Paris tried to take the same one, Sezad stopped him.

“Oh no, brother. Why embarrass yourself? Ours is this one.”

He then brought over a much darker hookah. Paris’s face scrunched up.

“It looks strong.”

“Don’t be such a weakling.”

Sezad lightly chided Paris and offered a slightly less intense one. Paris, though grumbling, didn’t refuse out of pride.

Next, Sezad started to provoke Aster. This was why he had offered the strongest one to Paris in the first place.

“Shall I give the young duke the same one as my brother?”

“Give me whatever you want.”

“You won’t be able to handle the strongest one. Have you even tried it before?”

His tone made it clear he saw Aster as a novice.

For nobles, hookahs were almost a luxury item. Sezad’s question subtly mocked Aster for being of illegitimate birth.

Camilla, realizing this, was about to say something, but Aster gently stopped her. Instead, he grinned, irritating Sezad.

Aster took a puff from the strongest hookah and replied,

“In Arendt, these are common.”

The smoke he exhaled was visibly potent. But Sezad, who took the smoke directly, didn’t even flinch, just like Aster.

Sparks seemed to fly between them.

“This is made from modified southern leaves, so it’s stronger than the ones in Arendt. Impressive.”

“If you think this is strong, I’ll have to take you to a proper place in Arendt next time.”

Aster’s eyes were languid, as if to say it was no big deal. His mocking look made Sezad’s smile grow more sinister.

‘Look at this guy.’

It was a smile that wasn’t really a smile. Aster smoked the hookah skillfully. His casual smoking was quite sensual.

He might have seemed like a bookish type, but it appeared that was a misjudgment.

If not for his piercing red eyes, Sezad might have been momentarily distracted by his looks.

Meanwhile, Camilla finally noticed the tension between the two and looked on in disbelief. She hadn’t expected Aster to react like this.

Not only did he rise to his childish provocation, but his skill in turning the tables was remarkable. Paris, thinking he could handle it too, took a puff from the strong hookah and started coughing.

It was a moment where Paris, red-faced and swearing, seemed pitiable.

“Why would anyone smoke this… Ugh! Cough! Urgh.”

Unable to stand it, Paris quickly left the table. Helen, also appearing unable to stand the smoke, left her seat, leaving only Aster, Camilla, and Sezad at the table.

The businessmen who had been playing along had already finished their roles and left. Camilla grabbed Aster’s hand, trying to stop him. She thought he was being reckless.

“Stop smoking.”

“This is nothing.”

Aster continued to smoke the hookah with a serene smile. He had no intention of stopping before Sezad did.

The hookah suited him well. His already sensual appearance was accentuated even more.

Like a wolf enjoying its leisure, the hookah hose between his long, thick fingers made him stand out more than any accessory. Camilla lowered her gaze and muttered.

“Are you doing this because you don’t like me? You look really… sexy right now.”

Camilla mumbled, letting her true feelings slip, and Aster blinked. Meanwhile, Sezad let out a hollow laugh.

“Huh? Sexy? Ha!”

He seemed incredulous that such words came out of Camilla’s mouth. Aster followed Camilla’s gaze and asked slyly.

“Say it louder.”

“No.”

“Hahaha.”

Aster laughed heartily, as if pleased with anything. Then he casually put the hookah away.

“I don’t usually like this, but hearing you say that makes me want to smoke more.”

“Only smoke in front of me.”

“As you wish.”

Aster smiled at Camilla’s playful demand and kissed her cheek. Then he looked at her intently and asked.

“Shall we go to the room?”

It was a natural suggestion, almost like flowing water. Camilla was about to nod as if entranced.

“Hey, did you forget about me?”

Sezad looked at Camilla and Aster with a disgruntled expression. Camilla cleared her throat and spoke.

“Introduce yourself, Aster. This is the friend I mentioned before.”

She hadn’t planned to introduce them like this, but given their behavior, it was clear they had already figured each other out.

“Friend? We’re more than just friends, Camilla.”

Sezad’s boastful tone grated on Aster’s nerves. If no one had been watching, he might have put his arm around her shoulders.

‘What’s with the sudden friendliness?’

Camilla glared at him in disgust, but Aster pulled her close and replied.

“Camilla, we need to finish our conversation.”

“Queen, your husband clearly doesn’t like me.”

Sezad interjected, as if asking where they thought they were going without him. He continued with a grin.

“Ah, the young duke must find me very threatening?”

His smirking face made Aster want to punch him. Holding back, Aster let Camilla step in.

“If you don’t want to be threatened by me, stop now.”

“Scary.”

Sezad backed off, pretending to be unimpressed. Helen, who had returned, went to his side, and Sezad whispered something to her.

With a lingering gaze, Helen’s face turned bright red, and she left with Sezad. Camilla clicked her tongue and muttered.

“How did he manage to charm Helen?”

“Wasn’t that part of the plan?”

“Helen can be a bit troublesome. Though Sezad is no less trouble.”

“You call him by his name.”

Aster seemed more bothered by this than anything else. Camilla looked at him and burst into laughter.

“Are you jealous?”

“Is that not allowed?”

“It should be someone worth being jealous of.”

Even though she made it clear she didn’t want to be involved with Sezad in that way, Aster was still dissatisfied. He turned to Camilla and whispered softly.

“I am jealous of anyone who isn’t me.”