Chapter 639: High Society

Lei En surveyed the other party as soon as he got off the carriage.

The marchioness's first impression was stunning beauty; she was not very tall, only about 1.6 m, yet her curvy figure was striking, and the low‑cut gown exposed a large swath of plump, snow‑white flesh, a deep cleavage that seemed bottomless, her skin smooth and fair, a head of red curls draped over her shoulders, and when she shook her head the hair flickered like flames, bearing some resemblance to the Longhaired Lady.

Every gesture, every frown and smile, seemed the result of meticulous training—elegant and captivating, exuding astonishing charm, and her slightly husky voice was filled with an indescribable allure.

If you hadn't known beforehand, who could have guessed she was a Pope!

His Soul Eye also confirmed her power—a genuine Saint Rank spellcaster, whose regal exterior concealed a surging torrent of soul energy, ready at any moment to unleash the Nine-ring Technique.

"Madam Iliesa, I have long admired your reputation."

Lei En stepped forward to greet, bowed low in accordance with noble etiquette, and placed a light kiss on the outstretched hand of Madam Iliesa.

"Your Excellency, the Earl, is the one whose name we have long revered; we have been awaiting your arrival, and Viola has mentioned it many times," Madam Iliesa gracefully withdrew her hand, her round eyes openly studying Lei En's face, and, covering her mouth, laughed, "You truly are as handsome as the rumors say; I wonder how many noble ladies in Nuosiruier will have their hearts broken."

Viola gently tightened her grip on Lei En's arm, lifted her chin, and her gaze shone with pride.

"You flatter me, madam," Lei En replied modestly.

"Please come in quickly; the salon is about to begin, and many are eager to witness the Earl's heroic bearing," Madam Iliesa turned and led the way herself.

Her steps were unhurried, and as she moved a captivating fragrance wafted behind her.

Lei En couldn't help but be drawn to her silhouette; his gaze drifted down to an impulsive spot, and he thought internally, "Whoa," quickly averting his eyes.

Upon entering the mansion, a resplendent golden hall greeted his eyes.

The several‑hundred‑square‑meter hall was lavishly decorated; a dozen expensive crystal chandeliers lit it like daylight, with carefully arranged sofas and coffee tables, priceless paintings on the walls, numerous instruments in the corners, exuding not a trace of nouveau‑richness but a deep aristocratic pedigree.

At this moment, dozens of guests had already arrived in the hall.

Everyone was meticulously dressed; the ladies were as beautiful as blossoms, the men impeccably attired, and they formed small clusters, glasses in hand, murmuring lowly about various topics beneath the lilting music, their expressions intensely focused.

However, Lei En could see at a glance that this was merely a façade.

Almost every guest's thoughts were elsewhere; the moment he and Viola entered, they all ceased conversation and turned their gazes toward the doorway.

Immediately, both men and women had eyes filled with astonishment.

A collective intake of breath echoed through the hall.

Some men were almost unseated, staring blankly at Viola, their gazes vacant, ignoring the words of the women beside them.

In his previous life, Lei En often saw news reports that a certain female star "outshone all beauties"; today she outshone someone at this event, tomorrow she will outshine someone else elsewhere, and he had always thought such hype was just unscrupulous media cashing in, never believing it.

It wasn't until now that he truly witnessed what real "outshining all beauties" looks like.

At Madam Iliesa's salon, every female guest was exceptionally beautiful, with a few rare beauties among them, yet the moment Viola appeared, she eclipsed them all.

The Half-elf became the focal point of the entire room simply by standing there.

Her beauty was so dazzling, as if she bore a halo, making it impossible to look away.

Lei En's Soul Eye observed the myriad human reactions—admiration, astonishment, affection, even jealousy—emotions roiling in people's hearts, while even he, standing beside her, was overlooked.

Clap clap!

Madam Iliesa clapped her hands, drawing the guests' attention back, especially the men, who finally snapped out of their reverie at the applause.

"Everyone."

She announced loudly, "Let us welcome today's most distinguished guest, the long‑awaited honored guest, Mr. Ryan Augustus, who needs no further introduction!"

"Speaker Lei En!"

"Your Excellency, Earl of Glamorgan."

The guests from all corners of the hall saluted Lei En, raising their glasses in greeting or nodding from afar, their faces wearing obsequious smiles.

As Madam Iliesa said, who in the room hadn't heard of Ryan Augustus's name?

These days his name has been especially hot in Nuosiruier.

With the oversight committee and inquiry sessions continuously exposed, especially on the first day, a photo of Lei En in half‑giant form pressuring the Wizard Naiser made the front pages of Empire newspapers, letting the entire Empire's populace witness Lei En's might.

The newspaper photo of Lei En was not very clear; his features were somewhat blurred.

Most people at the salon were meeting Lei En in person for the first time, so curiosity about the rising young star was inevitable.

Some guests eager to make connections disregarded salon etiquette, dropping their companions to approach Lei En and introduce themselves. Of course, a few aimed not at Lei En but at Viola beside him, hoping to admire the Half‑elf's unparalleled beauty up close.

Lei En halted these lecherous types with a glance.

For those who genuinely sought friendship, Lei En responded kindly, exchanging a few words.

Guests invited by Madam Iliesa to the salon were either wealthy or noble—either affluent magnates, powerful super‑naturals, or distinguished aristocrats.

Among them were several Empire senators affiliated with the Mo Du faction.

Lei En paid them the most attention, diligently memorizing each name and using his Soul Eye to gauge their thoughts. Since he would later vie for Consul and need senators' nominations and votes, he sought to build influence now.

Viola stayed by Lei En's side like a true companion, remaining silent, a quiet decorative vase.

This conflicted with her nature and status, yet she enjoyed being by Lei En's side.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our salon is about to begin."

Madam Iliesa stood amid the crowd, and her opening speech halted Lei En's conversation with the Empire senators, "Today's theme is music; now, I will present a song to our esteemed guests, my new piece, as the prelude to this salon."

"Excellent!" the guests roared in approval.

Someone laughed, "We are truly blessed with ears."

Other guests immediately sat down, praising, "It's been ages since we've heard the marchioness's wonderful voice; I look forward to it greatly."

The hall fell silent.

Madam Iliesa's smile softened as a lyre appeared in her hands; she cradled it, tuned it with a few test notes, then gently plucked, and a melodious sound rose.

She inhaled lightly and began to sing:

"Every inch scarred, longing for your gentle caress for a long time"

"Fate intertwines, despising starlight"

"I tear open my heart chamber, letting your love occupy..." (Note 1)

The lilting, pleasant singing, paired with the qin, seized the heartstrings of every guest present within a few opening lines, and people, without realizing it, became immersed in the song, staring dreamily at Madam Iliesa, forgetting the motions of their hands.

Lei En also listened attentively.

He doesn't know any singing technique, but he can tell that Mrs. Iliesa's skill is truly comparable to the top singers of his past life, even surpassing them.

Even the best concerts are no more than this.

Indeed, to become the president of the Empire Art Association, Mrs. Iliesa certainly is not just a hollow title.

Her new song tells a tragic love story; the lyrics are full of metaphors, letting many see their own shadows. Their facial expressions vary—some sorrowful, some nostalgic, some relieved, some indifferent.

Halfway through, Lei En felt a slender, delicate hand grasp his.

He turned his head and met Viola's affectionate eyes, their brows conveying feeling, as if a thousand words were to be said, so he gave her a slight smile, his ten fingers interlaced tightly.

A few minutes later, the piece ended.

Mrs. Iliesa stopped playing and singing, but did not speak immediately, as if she herself was still immersed and could not extricate herself.

After a dozen seconds, the guests came back to themselves, and applause rose like a tide.

"Thank you, everyone."

Mrs. Iliesa rose, bowed to the surrounding guests, her face restored to a smile, and said, "I have shown my clumsy side first; now I hand the stage over to you all."

A young man dressed as a bard stood up and spoke confidently, "Your performance, madam, was even more exquisite; this song is also extremely wonderful, a rare masterpiece, though I think there are still some shortcomings; allow me to boldly comment a few lines."

"Lord Kermit, please speak, I listen attentively," Mrs. Iliesa replied modestly.

What followed was a lengthy discourse.

Of course, some opposed Lord Kermit's view, immediately leaping up to object; both sides argued incessantly, yet overall kept decorum.

After several rounds of discussion, Mrs. Iliesa summarized, controlled the pace, and invited the next musician to perform.

When the performance ended, the crowd discussed again, the atmosphere very lively.

If one truly loves music, they would certainly enjoy this salon; for example, Viola listened earnestly, occasionally standing to speak, gaining unanimous approval.

In fact, this is more than a music salon; it is an excellent showcase platform.

By expressing their views through music, one can make connections with benefactors, win the favor of beauties, or hunt for romance; everyone has their own purpose.

Yet Lei En had no interest, and never offered a comment.

When others were called upon to ask questions, he shook his head, saying he didn't understand.

Some guests felt contempt; they dared not show it, but could not escape the eye of the soul; Lei En was too lazy to care.

He can play the piano, but only as an amateur hobby, performing solely for his beloved, never to attract attention. Those music discussions are beyond his comprehension; in his view, many people's opinions are merely pandering for attention, seeking to draw certain people's focus.

The musical exchange went on for over ten rounds; two or three hours passed quickly.

Lei En began to feel a bit bored.

Mrs. Iliesa seemed to sense his thoughts; when this round of discussion ended, she immediately stood and announced, "The night is deep; the public exchange segment of tonight's salon ends here. Next, please enjoy fine wine and delicacies, rest a while; later is a private gathering. I have already had the servants arrange a secluded room, where you may stay overnight or converse freely with friends. Please feel free."

As her words fell, the crystal lights in the hall dimmed.

Beautiful maids brought wine and tasty pastries; they wore light sheer gowns, their figures graceful, and in a corner the harpsichord was being played with soothing music, instantly making the mansion's atmosphere hazy and romantic.

The guests dispersed, reclining slantwise on sofas, enjoying the food.

Some walked onto the balcony outside, whispering with others.

A few men and women whispered a couple of sentences with the maids, who then led them out of the hall, their destination unknown.

Many men's emotions rose instantly; the private gathering after the salon was truly their hunting ground, their gazes shifting over the female guests, seeking suitable prey.

Today's most dazzling was undoubtedly Viola.

This was also her first time staying for the second half of the salon, but the Lei En beside her was intimidating; no one dared to approach her.

Lei En took Viola's hand and walked into the garden.

Marlinge Manor has a very large garden, clearly styled after the Beauty and Goodness Church, with sculptures among the flora, fountains dotting the area, each grove meticulously trimmed, flower arches and pavilions entwined with green vines, patterned paths winding between blooming clusters, and many hidden, charming corners equipped with benches for lovers' private meetings.

The cost of just this grand garden equals that of a wealthy viscount family.

At the garden's center stands a temple of the Longhaired Lady, its scale not inferior to that of the Longshande Art Association, shrouded in a mysterious aura.

The two strolled in the garden for a moment, then sat beneath a flower arbor.

Viola sipped some wine, her cheeks slightly flushed, appearing even more stunningly beautiful; her expression of reluctant acceptance made Lei En unable to resist tasting her sweet lips.

"Happy?" Lei En whispered.

"Hmm." Viola nestled in his arms, "I have long awaited this day, to appear publicly as your lover; today it finally came true."

"Whenever you wish, I can accompany you," Lei En said gently.

Viola smiled delightedly.

In truth she knew this was impossible; Lei En had too many duties, but his intention was enough.

They embraced and sat, speaking soft love words, relaxed and joyful.

Suddenly, Lei En's expression grew odd, turning his head toward a direction in the garden; Viola listened for a few seconds, and a rhythmic sound mixed with breathing and low moans arrived, instantly making him understand what was happening there.

She noticed Lei En's playful gaze and felt a few stirrings herself.

"We…"

Viola lowered her head shyly; a breeze from outside the garden blew in, carrying Mrs. Iliesa's voice: "Both of you, please proceed to the third floor for a chat."

(Note 1: This song is the Wizard's "The Wolven Storm" from Witcher 3's Kingfisher Tavern, telling the story of White Wolf Geralt and Yennefer; it's very good.)

【113】 (Note 2: Readers' group 590158141, welcome to join.)

(Note 2: Reader group 590158141, welcome to join.)

(End of chapter)