Seduce the hero's mother (GL)

Chapter 174: Chapter 25. The Good Mission

Thus, an ordinary commoner from the street became part of the Ashford family.

After receiving a new name, the girl was adopted as Henry's younger sister. From then on, she lived on the estate and was trained as a lady. Etiquette, dancing, embroidery, and other things were inherent in every girl from a noble family.

In those seven years Adelina had changed beyond recognition. You wouldn't think she had ever had to survive on the streets.

After all these years it was a beautiful and confident lady — who very soon was to make her first appearance in public. Adelina couldn't help but be excited about the event.

— It's your seventeenth birthday, » Henry reminded her, «Don't forget you're taking part in the Emperor's banquet this month.

They talked about it during dinner. Henry and Adeline sat opposite each other at the dinner table, and the latter nodded obediently at her brother's words. In fact, the girl had been ready for this for a long time.

Her brother, the young Archduke, looked as serious as ever. Dressed in a casual white suit, outwardly he gave the impression of an ordinary aristocrat. Unlike his father — nature had not endowed him with great beauty.

Adelina, on the contrary, was a very attractive lady. Curly blond hair, soft skin and large gray eyes. There is no doubt that at the upcoming banquet she would be one of the most notable debutantes.

However, the girl herself cared little. Much more she was troubled by her brother's words.

— Brother… Will you really not come with me?

— There's no need, » Henry replied, «you are old enough to take care of yourself. I have other things to do.

— But…» she hesitated, «How can I come alone to my debut?

According to tradition, the first appearance was a very important event for every aristocrat. A girl or a young man had to be accompanied by her parents. But since Adelina was an orphan, her older brother had to take on that role.

But the boy did not want to come. This made her feel confused.

— Who said you would be alone? — Henry interrupted her.

— What…?

— Or, are you telling me you're really going out there to have fun?

Adeline pursed her lips.

— No… That's not what I meant…

Ashford snorted and turned his gaze back to her.

— Do what you want, but don't forget your mission.

The lady nodded.

— Do you remember exactly what you are to do? — Henry insisted.

She was quiet for a moment.

— Seduce the Duke of Cassius…» she finally answered.

— No matter how, you make him fall in love with you. That's your main goal.

The lady held her breath, for she had wanted to ask that question for a long time.

When her brother took her in, he didn't ask her anything. Only that she would have to pay for his kindness in the future. In other words, Henry had been preparing Adeline for this since she was a little girl.

The girl knew that sooner or later she would have to become part of the Cassius family.

Marry the heir of the family, and one day take a chance… To kill him. After that, Adelina could do as she pleased.

The lady had always known this, but in the meantime her brother had never told her the details. She could not understand: why would the first Archduke of the Empire get rid of the Cassius family?

And now, as the task would begin very soon, Adelina finally decided to ask:

— Brother… Why the Cassius family specifically?

— Hmm?

Ashford frowned when the girl suddenly became curious about it.

— I–I… I mean, it's not like the Cassias have done us any harm!

The guy sighed. At first he just wanted to cut this conversation short, but then he changed his mind. If you look at it that way-Adeline would really need some extra motivation.

— Does it really need a reason? — Henry objected, «They're monsters who must be destroyed.

— …

— You heard yourself that the Cassius clan is cursed. By remaining in our empire, they threaten the safety of the inhabitants.

The girl was indeed aware of such rumors.

— I–I…

— Besides, having done such a great deed, the Ashford clan will forever be remembered in history as heroes. You want what's best for our family, don't you?

— I… Y-yes… Of course!

Henry nodded.

— Well, that's good.

In fact, it was an outright lie. The boy was the only one in the whole country who knew: that the curse did not really exist. It was just the silly fears of people still stuck in their heads.

However, Henry wasn't going to side with the Cassies and refute it anyway. And why would he? After all, it was the most convenient reason to get rid of them.

Henry's true purpose was to prevent the birth of the main character. Since he would be the main obstacle to him later on.

Ashford decided to conquer the world gradually. Beginning with the kingdom of Azeroth — step by step to «absorb» the other states. Eventually he would become the true ruler of this invented world. In a way, the boy saw it as compensation for his suffering.

However… Rod Cassius was still a big problem. After all, as the protagonist — Robert was the reincarnation of the first demon. Such as he was would never make an alliance with Henry or submit to him.

Which meant that Henry had to prevent his birth in every way possible. No one would be a threat to his power. For the plot of this world to completely change direction — the second protagonist must not exist. Otherwise, everything would be in vain.

The boy has already decided that he will «let» Brisney be born. She would also become his main weapon to conquer the world. On this basis, the choice was clear: Robert must not be born.

And now was the right moment to get rid of the family. To nip the main threat in the bud.

And when her brother said it was all to save the world, Adelina could no longer object.

— Brother… I will surely not let you down!

The Archduke grinned.

— It seems I was not mistaken in my choice. You have grown to be a worthy little sister.

***

There was silence in the banquet hall of the Imperial Palace for a long time. All attention was turned to the center — where the one who was not expected at all was standing.

No one could believe that Clan Cassius really dared to come here.

— What was he doing here?

— Oh no, it looks like the party is ruined now…

— Daughter, don't look at him! You know how dangerous it is.

Everyone kept their distance from Raymond Cassius as if he had a deadly contagious disease. The boy himself had an unflappable expression on his face.

One way or another he was obliged to attend this banquet.

His father had only given him his title — and the lad had to appear as the new Duke of Cassius. Besides, it was also his debut. For these reasons he could not simply stay at home.

The atmosphere around him was already ordinary. Raymond had been used to people hating his family since he was a child.

And in the meantime… There was still some bitterness in the back of his mind. It was his debut ball, and yet no one even wanted to dance with him. Quite a depressing situation.

When the second part of the banquet began — the partners began to ask each other to dance. They just tried to ignore Raymond. One way or another he stood in the corner anyway.

Every time he tried to hold out his hand to a lady, she recoiled from him like a leper. Then she immediately grabbed hold of the first man she could find.

— I beg your pardon, Duke…! But I'm already occupied.

— …

Raymond had no choice but to accept it. Everyone in this place… fears and despises him.

Some of the aristocrats, huddled together, even began to sneer inconspicuously.

— God, why did he come? Only spoiling the atmosphere.

— No one in their right mind would agree to be his partner.

— No one in their right mind would agree to be his partner. There are no such lunatics in our empire.

Raymond clenched his fists to the point of pain. Even being insensitive outwardly — could not hide his inner resentment. It seems that coming here really was a bad idea. Later he would personally explain to his father why he had left so suddenly.

Raymond turned around and was about to head for the exit of the hall, when suddenly someone called out behind him:

— Wait!

The boy did not immediately realize that it was he who was being addressed. Uncertainly he turned around.

Standing in front of him was a beautiful lady with blond hair. She was wearing an airy white dress. Just like a real princess. Raymond could not believe his eyes at first.

— Are you… Talking to me? — He made sure he was.

— Of course I am! Who else could it be? — The lady replied nonchalantly.

— …

Raymond looked away. It was strange the first time anyone had ever spoken to him.

— What do you want?

She sighed.

— You see, you and I are alike… No one invites me either.

At first he didn't take her word for it. It can not be: to such a beautiful aristocrat has not approached any gentleman all evening. There is obviously something wrong here.

On this basis, the Duke did not answer for a long time, trying to figure out some kind of trick in this girl. But she kept looking at him with shining eyes.

— I am too ashamed to go home for nothing. Would you be willing to be my partner, then?

Raymond was speechless.

— What?!

The lady smiled and held out her hand to him.

— I want to dance with you, Duke Cassius.