abcnovels
Chapter 316 316 Reaves
Chapter 316 316 Reaves
Chapter 316 316 Reaves
"Nexus," Reaves repeated, his eyes assessing the unfamiliar figure.
"Yes, he is the family butler and a very capable elitist," Madeline explained, highlighting Nexus's significance with a touch of pride. "Oh, very well, Sir Nexus," she said to him, introducing a courteous bow. "Welcome to my banquet."
Reaves was well aware that people attending such occasions were either famous aristocrats or individuals being groomed for succession. Thoughts raced through his mind, considering Madeline's motives for bringing Nexus to such an event. "Madeline is probably trying to arrange a marriage between Nora or Monica and this young man," he pondered silently.
"I am honored to be here, Sir Reaves," Nexus greeted in return, his demeanor respectful, unaware of the undercurrents of speculation. Oblivious to the unspoken thoughts between Madeline and Reaves, he regarded this as an ordinary meeting. After all, Madeline had invited him, so he came along.
"Well, let me leave you to enjoy the banquet," Reaves said, excusing himself to mingle with other guests, his parting glance holding a mix of curiosity and lingering thoughts.
"We will," Madeline replied, her expression a blend of confidence and composure. As Reaves departed, they continued to navigate the lavish banquet, ready to immerse themselves in the opulence of the evening.
Once Reaves left them, the bustling grandeur of the banquet took over. Other guests and chief nobles began to flock around Madeline and her guests. A portly nobleman, with a bald head and a stomach that preceded him, approached Madeline with an oily smile.
"Oh, welcome, Madeline," he greeted, his tone dripping with feigned sincerity. "It's truly delightful to have you back among us."
"Thank you," Madeline acknowledged gracefully, curtsying in response to his faux welcome. However, as she did so, the nobleman's lecherous eyes shamelessly wandered, fixating on her curves with an unsettling gaze. The look in his eyes held more than just cordiality; it was a blatant display of lust.
More and more guests joined the impromptu gathering, each offering greetings and compliments to Madeline while casting lustful looks that didn't bother to conceal their intentions. Nexus couldn't help but notice that a few portly individuals, with their shiny bald heads, blatantly locked their eyes on Madeline's voluptuous breasts.
Uncomfortable with the situation, Nexus gestured discreetly to Madeline and Selina, signaling them to move toward the table. "Let us move to the table," he suggested, a protective undertone in his voice. The two women seemed oblivious to the inappropriate stares, perhaps accustomed to such attention.
As they followed Nexus to the table, he spoke to them in hushed tones. "I noticed most of the men staring at you with quite an intensity," Nexus remarked, a furrow forming on his brow. Selina chuckled lowly, and Madeline offered a restrained smile, her cheeks tinted with a subtle blush.
"Oh," Madeline began, processing Nexus's observation. "This is somewhat normal for us," she admitted. "The Russell house has no male figure, and some men here interpret that as a lack of backbone. It seems they believe they have the right to stare."
"Really?" Nexus inquired, genuine confusion clouding his features. "What does the absence of a male figure have to do with the way they look at you?"
Madeline sighed, sharing a knowing glance with Selina. "Here, the men often believe they can pursue women who have lost their husbands. It's like an unspoken rule. If my husband were alive, this would never happen."
"So, because of that, they have no respect for you?" Nexus sought clarification, his disapproval evident in his expression.
"Yes, precisely," Madeline explained. "Many of them see remarrying me as a way to lay claim to the Russell family legacy."
"This is absurd," Nexus exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "To think that women are treated this way."
"That's the reality for us here," Selina added, her tone carrying a mix of resignation and frustration. "It's as if we have no standing without a man by our side."
"I must say, this is a very messed up rule," Nexus muttered, casting a disdainful glance at the men who continued to eye Madeline and Selina. In a world with polygamous norms, the rules here seemed particularly unfriendly toward women.
As they reached the table, the trio settled into their seats, surrounded by the abundance of food and drinks. The atmosphere of opulence clashed with the unsettling social norms, creating a stark contrast in the air.
Madeline, her composure returning, leaned toward Nexus. "You see, in this society, they often view women as property, a means to maintain lineage and wealth. It's archaic and degrading."
Nexus, his eyes expressing a mix of sympathy and disbelief, responded, "I had no idea it was like this. It's... it's truly absurd."
Selina chimed in, her frustration evident. "We're not helpless, but societal norms make it challenging for women to assert their independence."
Nexus shook his head, disapproving of the archaic rules that governed the treatment of women in this society. Even within the unique dynamics of this polygamous isekai, these norms seemed excessively biased against women.
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As the trio conversed in hushed tones, the rest of the great families began to stream toward the table, settling down in their respective numbers. Each dignitary took their designated seat, engaging in lively banter and exchanging salutations with old acquaintances, while their entourages stood stoically behind them.
The air was filled with the resonance of animated conversations, creating a symphony of voices that echoed through the grand hall. Laughter, greetings, and snippets of various discussions created a harmonious cacophony as the attendees settled into their places. Once every person was comfortably seated, Reaves, the orchestrator of this opulent affair, rose to initiate the ceremony.
With a graceful raise of his glass, Reaves produced a tinkling sound as it met the cutlery, marking the commencement of the banquet. The vibrant tableau of the table transformed into a tranquil scene as the guests paused their conversations, turning their attention to the master of ceremonies.
"Welcome, everyone, and thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight," Reaves greeted, his voice carrying through the sea of faces. A collective bow rippled through the assembly in acknowledgment.
"I would like to begin by applauding and celebrating the return of our beloved friends, the Russell family," Reaves continued, gesturing for Madeline and her companions to stand. The trio rose gracefully, and the members at the table erupted in cheers and applause, a chorus of jubilation welcoming them back.
As they bowed in appreciation and resumed their seats, Reaves seized the attention of the assembly. "Well," he continued, once the clamor had settled, "I believe there are pressing matters we need to address."
Curious glances darted between the guests, their expressions betraying uncertainty about the direction of Reaves' discourse. The atmosphere became charged with anticipation as Reaves directed his gaze toward Madeline, a shrewd glint in his eyes.
"I'm sure you are all aware of the lands that belonged to the Russell family, forcefully seized from them," Reaves declared, causing a ripple of murmurs around the table. The mention of the Russell family's confiscated lands hung in the air, an unresolved issue casting a shadow over the festivities.
"I believe it's time we address this matter. Don't you agree, Madeline?"