I Become A Mob Character In A Novel

Chapter 55: Chapter No.55 Proposal (3)

[Eveline Clearwater's POV]

Today, I have to visit a kid with whom my father arranged a marriage proposal. The Ashwoods have been demoted from Duke to Count House, yet they still hold considerable influence and power. This alliance, though risky, could prove advantageous for the Clearwater family.

My father, Duke Clearwater, believes that solidifying this alliance will strengthen our position and provide a united front against the royal family.

I must admit, I'm not particularly thrilled about this arrangement. It's not just the idea of marrying a stranger; it's the whole concept of our families' politics dictating our personal lives. Still, I understand the necessity. As a member of the Clearwater family, I have a duty to uphold.

Before heading to the Ashwood estate, I spent some time in contemplation. What kind of person would Lord Samael be? From what I've heard, he recently returned from a dangerous dungeon expedition, and his reputation has grown significantly. Despite their fall from grace, the Ashwoods seem to be a resilient and formidable family.

My carriage arrived at the Ashwood estate, a grand yet austere mansion reflecting their noble heritage. But this mansion was at the corner of the Ashwoods territory which shows they are outcasts in their own territory, a stark reminder of their fall from grace. Despite this, there was an undeniable air of dignity about the place.

The Ashwoods were a family with a long history and deep roots, and it showed in the architecture and the meticulously maintained grounds.

There were no guards or servants to greet us at the gates, which clearly shows disrespect toward us or perhaps a sign of their strained resources and precarious standing.

My escorts were much more irked by this display as them being so loyal to my family that even the slightest hint of disrespect toward the Clearwater name was taken as a personal affront.

However, I didn't say anything to them as I wanted to see the Ashwoods' reaction toward their blunt, and if the situation escalates I will put all the blame on these escorts to ensure the diplomatic integrity of the visit.

I gesture to a guard to knock on the door. And soon the door creaks open, revealing the most handsome young man I have ever seen. His striking appearance was hard to ignore—his dual-colored eyes, one blue and one red, held an intense and captivating gaze. His hair, half snow-white and half pitch-black, added to his aura of distinctiveness and mystery.

This was Lord Samael Ashwood, and I must say his appearance exceeds that of what was described to me as merely an "interesting character."

I tried to compose myself as I entered the Ashwood estate. Lord Samael's appearance was as striking as it was unexpected, but I needed to maintain my composure. I really tried...

My escorts tried to enter alongside me, their disdain barely concealed as they scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes. But before they could cross the doorframe a booming voice resounded from the dept of the mansion.

"Before entering my, Keep your trash outside!" A voice was feminine which was clear and I immediately connected the dots as she was the strongest mage of the kingdom, And my escorts immediately stiffened at the command. Their faces flushed with a mix of embarrassment and fear, Before I could order them to stand outside, they left on their own.

Good, very good. Now regret not disciplining them before, As I lost control over the situation. But I immediately controlled my annoyance and offered a diplomatic smile as I stepped forward, while taking a proper look at Samael Ashwood, "You must be-"

As I saw his sharp features, my heart started to beat at an irregular rate. Samael's appearance was indeed captivating, but it was more than just his striking looks that unsettled me. His presence seemed to command attention, and the intensity in his eyes hinted at depths of experience and strength that were both intriguing and intimidating.

"I-I didn't know he i-is s-so..." I unconsciously muttered under my breath as my eyes darted around, trying to find the right word. "handsome," Oh gosh! did I say that out loud? please tell me he didn't hear all that-

Samael's lips quirked into a faint, amused smile as he caught the tail end of my muttered comment. His eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

HE TOTALLY DID!!! MY IMAGE IS RUINED EVEN BEFORE I CAN DO ANYTHING...

Samael's eyes glinted with amusement as he absorbed my flustered reaction. He leaned slightly closer, his voice a soft, reassuring murmur that contrasted with the previous formality.

"There's no need to be embarrassed, Lady Eveline. First impressions can be quite overwhelming. I assure you, my appearance is merely a facet of who I am."

Despite his efforts to ease the tension, I felt my cheeks burn hotter. I took a deep breath, mentally shaking myself. This was a diplomatic visit, and I needed to refocus on the purpose of my visit.

"Lady Eveline," Samael greets me formerly, offering a courteous bow." Welcome to our home."

I straightened, trying to regain my composure as Samael greeted me with a polite bow. His formal demeanor was a stark contrast to his earlier amusement, which helped ground me as I focused on the task at hand.

"Thank you, Lord Samael," I replied, matching his formality with a courteous nod. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

"Please, Come in," He invited, stepping aside and gesturing for me to enter. I took a deep breath and walked into the Ashwood estate, consciously trying to project an air of calm and professionalism. As I moved further inside, I could sense the subtle elegance of the estate. The decor, while not as lavish as some other noble houses, exuded a refined taste and a touch of history.

Samael led me through a series of rooms, each one meticulously arranged until we arrived at a tastefully decorated living room. Comfortable chairs and a polished wooden table were arranged around a large fireplace. The room was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold impression I had initially gotten from the estate's exterior.

There were three young girls, each exuding an air of grace and poise. They were clearly waiting for me, their expressions ranging from curiosity to polite curiosity. Samael motioned for me to take a seat, then gestured for the girls to come forward.

"Lady Eveline, this is Alice Ashwood, my little sister," He introduced, gesturing toward one of the girls, the girl had midnight black hair with crimson eyes and had gentle, inquisitive demeanor. Her eyes, though bearing a hint of Samael's striking duality, held a softness that suggested a depth of emotion and innocence.

"And this is Liliana and Lily, my... lovers." My eyes widened slightly at the revelation, As I looked at two girls in question.

Liliana had raven-black hair that fell in sleek, straight down her back, and her eyes too were striking blood-red somewhat different than Ashwood's siblings, her skin too was paler than healthy hue and her posture was graceful, yet there was an unmistakable strength in her presence. Her demeanor radiated confidence and serenity, a stark contrast to the uncertainty I felt about the situation.

Lily, on the other hand, appeared more reserved. Her golden hair, cascading in soft waves, framed her delicate features. Her eyes, a striking shade of sapphire, were filled with a mix of curiosity and shyness. There was a gentle air about her, and she seemed to observe the proceedings with a quiet attentiveness.

The revelation of Samael's relationships with Liliana and Lily added a layer of complexity to the situation. The presence of two lovers, especially in a setting meant for a formal engagement, was unexpected and somewhat unsettling. I could feel the weight of their gazes, each carrying its own story and significance.

Samael's casual introduction of them, combined with his earlier behavior, hinted at a man who was both charming and deeply unconventional. It was clear that the dynamics within the Ashwood family were far more intricate than I had anticipated.

"Ah, I see," I said, my tone smooth despite the surprise. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you."

The girl named Alice gave a gracious nod, while Liliana and Lily offered their warmest smiles. Despite the awkward introduction, the atmosphere remained cordial, if a bit strained.

As we settled into the living room, the conversation started with polite small talk, and the initial tension began to ease. Samael's charm and the warmth of the room created an environment that was surprisingly comfortable, despite the unusual circumstances.

Samael took a seat opposite me, with Alice, Liliana, and Lily arranged around the room in a manner that suggested both respect and intimacy. It was clear that this gathering was more than just a formal meeting; it was a reflection of the intricate relationships within the Ashwood family.

Our conversation began with pleasantries and general topics, but as the discussion progressed, it was evident that Samael had a knack for steering the dialogue in a way that made everyone feel at ease. His charisma was palpable, and it became apparent why he had such a significant reputation.

I tried to maintain my composure, but the underlying tension of the situation lingered. The prospect of this marriage, combined with the unexpected revelation of Samael's relationships, created a complex web of emotions and politics that I needed to navigate carefully.

"Lord Samael," I said, turning my attention back to him. "I've heard much about you, Your recent impossibility of clearing a dungeon of Fifth Circle Mage level all by yourself. How did you even do it?"

My question must have caught him off guard. But I wanted to know how he even did such an extraordinary feat. Because when I heard this from my father yesterday, I refused to believe such an inconceivable feat until I witnessed it firsthand in the reports. Samael leaned back slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

I also saw the girl named Lily stiffen at my mention of Dungeon, I wondered what is her story but I sensed it might be sensitive. Samael's response was measured and reflective, his gaze shifting to the fire crackling in the hearth before meeting mine with a steady look.

"Ah, the dungeon," He said, choosing his words carefully. "It was a challenging experience. I had to rely on a combination of strategy, skill, and the resources available to me. It wasn't just about raw power; understanding the enemies and adapting quickly was key."

I had the strong urge to roll my eyes at such an uninformative response, but I kept my demeanor polite and composed. Samael's answer, though somewhat vague, hinted at his strategic prowess. His ability to handle such a challenge was impressive, even if he chose not to go into specifics.

"Indeed, It seems you have quite a reputation, Lord Samael. Your accomplishments must be the result of much preparation and discipline." I said with my eyes narrowed slightly.

Samael's smile widened slightly, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Preparation is crucial, but it also requires the support of those around you. I am fortunate to have a strong team and family backing me."

Now I just want to punch this shameless bastard for uttering such absurdness with a straight face.

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[To Be Continued]

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