Chapter 43: The Noble Party

As usual, when he arrived back in Lapella or his home state—Raphael would return to living like an aristocratic man. As the second son of the Marquiss, he wasn't free from political affairs between nobles. He must not disappoint his family, must be proudable and play an active role in society.

Raphael didn't really enjoy the aristocratic lifestyle. But it was what it takes to keep the economy going. Nobles gathered to discuss politics and economics. They were all intellectual people, so in every meeting there was something new that could make the world a better place.

Although often the nobles concluded a simple solution by using their main power, namely money. They organize prestigious events aimed at raising funds or auctioning the contents of their private galleries for charity.

But the problems of poverty and unequal welfare would not be solved simply by giving the poor people wealth. It might even spoil them. Raphael was not a politician, he was a knight. This meant that he only had to focus on keeping the Florentia supporters in peace. He won't say much about it.

Lapella was a glamorous and rich state. If Raphael wanted to serve here, that meant he had to be prepared to mingle as one of Florentia's respected commanders. Nor could he resist the friendly chatter of those hoping to do business with the Chastains who ran the gold mines in Acheron State—his birthplace.

"Good evening, sir Chastain, are you here alone?" A vampire girl in a luxurious dress that was slightly fitted greeted him with a slight bow. She wears quite a lot of makeup and false eyelashes which may be a little too much. Raphael saw several other women also wearing such makeup. Maybe it was a new fashion style that was trending.

Raphael just nodded showing his friendliness. His eyes only saw her for a few seconds before he turned to look the other way. The girl should have known that Raphael wasn't in the mood to talk and that he was leaving. But she stayed by his side.

"Sir Chastain, congratulations on your achievement in Ithadurna, I always follow the news about you in the media," the girl looked blushing.

"Sir Chastain, welcome to Lapella," another girl greeted as well. Raphael had no other choice but to return their greetings.

Raphael couldn't just dodge them, it would seem impolite. But he also didn't want to continue standing there and being the target of the girls who were interested in him. Raphael wasn't innocent, he was still a bachelor at the moment and he knew that women wanted attention from him.

But Raphael didn't want to get married that easily. He was a young knight. That means he would always be away for duty. His future wife would be lonely waiting for him at home. He felt it was unfair.

"Sir Raphael," this time a familiar voice greeted him. She was Lady Valerie Dubois. She was different from the girls earlier. She wears a fair amount of make-up, and doesn't follow trends. But she was still elegant and he thought she was the prettiest girl at Governor Lapella's house party at the moment.

Each state was ruled by a Duke. They were landlords who ruled over a large territory and were entitled to take tribute for the welfare of the territory. But each state also has a governor who helps the Duke to organize the government. Governors were political titles and they were elected by the Dukes. Usually they were also relatives of the Duke. The current governor of Lapella was the uncle of Arthur Dubois.

"Sorry I'm late," Valerie held out her hand, Raphael froze for a moment. He greeted her and gave her a light kiss on the back of her right hand.

"Oh my gosh, I mean, come on, take my hand and take me to the dance floor. Why did you have to kiss my hand?" Valerie whispered while holding back a laugh. Raphael suddenly turned awkward.

Why did he do it? Had he momentarily forgotten that Valerie was Valor, the crybaby but formidable knight he mentored during yesterday's war?

"I'm just panicking because the girls are all around me," Raphael whispered evasively.

"Oh, are they bothering you?"

"Not really, but why should I give them hope when I know I'll never return their interest?" Raphael whispered again.

"You're right," Valerie nodded.

"Excuse me girls, sir Raphael Chastain is my date. I hope you guys don't take his time too much. Because we still have to dance," Valerie Dubois said with a smile. The girls backed away slowly. They would not dare to complain or protest at the only daughter of the ruler of Lapella.

Valerie grabbed Raphael's hand and now they were on the dance floor, mingling with the other vampires who were still enjoying their evening. Valerie put her arm around him. She then took the commander's hand to her waist while looking into his eyes.

"Ever danced, sir?"

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"Not really—but I've practiced a few times," Raphael answered dubiously. He reflexively averted her eyes. He felt that his heart would not stay strong if he stared at Valerie for too long.

"Are you really nobles or not? Dancing is a mandatory skill. Then I will guide you. Just follow my lead. We have to make everyone believe that we are really dating," said Valerie again.

"So we're really going to do this?" Raphael sighed.

"We can't go back anymore, or do you want to rectify your words and make me look like a dumped girl? Sir, I have a reputation to protect," Valerie looked a little pitiful when she said that.

"No, Valor. Of course not. I've agreed to your plan, so—"

"But I have good news," Valerie informed happily.

"What's that?"

"My family thought you touched me, but I explained that it was all a misunderstanding. We don't need to get married right away, sir," Valerie said happily.

"Oh,"

Surprisingly, Raphael felt regretful that the Duke's extreme plan didn't happen. He had thought about it several times and thought that marrying Valerie might be good for him. If they were both in the military, Raphael wouldn't have to leave her that often. Valerie won't be lonely either.

"But they believe that we're dating, so we have to keep pretending." Valerie turned serious, she wanted to make sure that Raphael knew his obligations.

"Okay, I know,"

"I'm sorry sir, you should be able to get to know a nice girl, maybe you guys will actually get married. But I'm holding you back with my troubles," Valerie showed a regretful expression. They were still dancing and chatting. They did not realize that they now become the attention of the whole hall.

"If later I find it difficult to get a wife, you must take responsibility, Valor," said Raphael seriously.

"Uh, what?" Valerie confirmed. Raphael felt his mouth had betrayed him. Why did he have to say that?

"Forget it," Raphael looked away. He was here for his noble mission. He had to make sure Valerie returned to the military. She must not waste the gift of her cursed weapon. Raphael shouldn't have expected more from his fellow knights.

"Why do you keep calling me Valor? There are no other knights here," Valerie criticized.

"Once a Valor, always a Valor," Raphael responded slightly curtly. Valerie pouted but chose to ignore it.

Calling her Valor was a form of self-defense to keep his relationship with Valerie professional. The name Valor will remind him of the days when they both fought as knights. Valor at that time was a boy. Even though Raphael often ignored girls—he was still a normal man. Having a pretend lover as beautiful as Valerie was certainly a hard thing for him.

Their dance was over because Valerie saw her friend Patricia coming with her fiancé. The girl immediately followed her and enjoyed herself. She forgot about Raphael. The man was a little disappointed, but he was also reluctant to ask Valerie to introduce herself as a lover. They were just pretend lovers.

"Raphael, are you here too?" A man's voice greeted him. He turned wary and stepped aside a little.

"How's your wound? You look healthy," Caesar Petrovsky greeted him with a friendly smile. He even patted him on the shoulder friendly.. Raphael felt that his cursed weapon —which shrunk to a dagger and he kept under his shirt — was reacting because of their encounter.

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