We must hold a banquet. A grand welcome banquet to celebrate my daughters return after a long time. I guess the manor would need a little touch up for the first time in a while.

Eugene asked with a hint of excitement on her face. In the manor?

A banquet in our manor is more likely to catch peoples attention than to just hold it in a banquet hall.

But wouldnt it be cumbersome with all the people coming and going? Not to mention all the preparation work needed as well.

The greater the crowd, the better the celebration will be. Now that the subject has been brought up, we must set a date. With clear excitement on her face, Dana got started on planning right away. She asked a maid to bring her pen and paper and started to write down her rough idea on the scale as well as the entertainment for the banquet.

A banquet? Here in the Arse manor? Flora took alternative glances at Jin and Dana in disbelief. The deep affinity between mother and daughter radiated in the way they smiled at each other. Lady Arse, who had always avoided Jin with cold indifference, has taken a complete change in her attitude towards her daughter.

Flora felt queasy suddenly. She felt like she was alienated when it dawned on her that she was nothing but an uninvited guest who made an abrupt appearance in the middle of the family gathering.

She also felt a sense of crisis growing as she realized that Jin lacked nothing now that she has both Sang-je and her familys support behind her. Once the word of a banquet being held at the Arse manor gets out to people, Jin will become the talk of the town in no time while Floras effort for the last three years will fall apart like the way waves washes away the sandcastle without leaving a trace.

Flora rose from her seat and gave a nod as everyone turned to her. Im very sorry to interrupt but Ive only come to give my present to the lady today. Im afraid I must take leave now as I have some other business to attend to.

Ill look forward to my present on your next visit, Flora. Eugene cut in, knowing full well how spiteful she might sound.

Flora bit her lips for a moment before she flashed her innocent smile at Eugene.

Alright. Ill bring Sir Pides with me the next time I come to visit.

Eugene felt her face hardened instantaneously at Floras remark. She then stole a quick glimpse at Kasser and was relieved to see there was nothing registered on his face.

However, it wasnt only Eugene who was caught off guard by Floras bold remark as it was no secret to the family that Jin had used to admire Sir Pides. Though it shouldnt matter much as it was all before her marriage, it was still very inappropriate of Flora to mention it, especially in the presence of Jins husband.

Enoch regarded Flora with a degree of surprise in his eyes. Have I been wrong about Flora all this time?

Hed always thought that Flora was a faint-hearted girl who often got pushed around by his mean sister. But after his mother told him that he must learn to have better judgment of people, he couldnt help but to feel uneasy by Floras remark.

After Flora took her leave, the butler came back with an announcement in a moment. Theres an urgent message to the Desert King.

The chamberlain who followed in the wake of the butler, trotted close to Kasser at once. He spoke in such undertone that it was inaudible even to Eugene who was sitting right next to Kasser. All she could make out was that someone had come to visit at their royal manor.

Could it be a woman? I think I heard him mentioning a ladys name.

But Eugene didnt manage to catch it as the name was unfamiliar to her. Kasser gave a short nod before he turned back to the lord and the lady of the house. I beg your pardons but Im afraid I must be leaving now.

Then he turned to face Eugene as he went on. As for you my queen, you may stay and spend more time with your parents as you havent seen them for such a long time. Please excuse my going first.

Dana had almost come to dread when she thought she must see her daughter go while she still had plenty left to say. But her clouded face was soon brightened at Kassers kind consideration.

Eugene turned and said when everyone followed suit as Kasser rose from his seat. Ill go see him off.

Dana resumed her seat after boring holes at the back of her daughter and son-in-law as they left the room.

What do you think of him, dear? Your son-in-law.

I think they look good together.

Do you really think so?

Patrick, who had just given his honest opinion, turned to his wife as she sounded rather skeptical. Do you think theres something wrong with the two of them?

The Desert King had already come into Patricks favor since their earlier conversation. He was even feeling grateful to his son-in-law for treasuring his daughter, who was notorious for her mean temper.

Dana asked the same to her two sons. What about you two?

Both her sons seemed startled as they obviously never expected their mother asking for their opinion with such keen interest.

They seem to get along and they look good together. Enoch gave his answer while keeping his honest opinion just to himself. Shouldnt it be us who have to be thankful to the Desert King for sustaining a smooth marriage with Jin?

Arthur gave a nod in silence as he agreed with Enoch. He felt like Jin had gotten meek in temper and that it was her marriage that brought positive changes to her life.

Danas face registered disapproval as she rose to her feet. However, she couldnt quite contradict their opinion either as it was clear in the atmosphere that there was mutual affection between her daughter and her son-in-law.

Nevertheless, Dana couldnt shake off the fact that their marriage was wrong from the start as the Jin who married the Desert King three years ago, wasnt actually her daughter. It disgusted her to think that her precious daughter got stuck with the man who was married to the cunning imposter.

My dear. Enoch and Arthur too. I would like you all to listen to the end of my unfinished story from before. As for you butler, make sure we wouldnt be interrupted in the middle of our family conversation. And tell Jin to attend to me in my chamber as soon as she comes back.

As you say, my lady.