Re: In My Bloody Hit Novel - Chapter 596

Chapter 596: The Beginning Of It All 2
The Chastity Estate was breathtaking, an architectural marvel that reflected the purity and grace the family was known for. As Eunid and Nora arrived, the estate’s grand ballroom came into view, illuminated by soft, ethereal lights.

The building itself was an elegant display of ivory and gold, with towering columns and intricate carvings that adorned every corner. Vines of delicate white roses trailed down from balconies above, and the air smelled faintly of jasmine. Everything about the place spoke of refinement, tradition, and a sense of virtue that the Chastity Family prided itself on.

As the grand doors to the ballroom opened before them, they revealed a space unlike any other. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, casting shimmering light across the room like a blanket of stars. The marble floors were polished to perfection, reflecting the glow of the chandeliers above. Along the edges of the ballroom were tall, white pillars wrapped in more of the delicate white roses, their petals glowing softly as if infused with spiritual energy.

Nobles from all corners of the Holy Church filled the room, each dressed in their finest attire, representing the powerful families they hailed from. The colors of their robes and gowns varied, but the theme of white and gold was consistent, giving the entire scene a sense of divine elegance. Some wore delicate masks, as was tradition at such exclusive gatherings, adding to the air of mystery and status. The entire evening was an invite-only affair, the most elite and powerful families of the realm attending to celebrate the Chastity heir’s Sister’s birthday.

Of course the reason they were here was not because of the cripple Sprite, but because they knew that Sprite was Apollo’s greatest treasure and possibly the only known way to his heart.

The Chasity Family was currently number 2, directly behind the Family of dwarfs that crafted the runes for the Holy Church and its families.

Their power was super.

This was a gathering of the most influential—where alliances were made, power exchanged in subtle glances, and family reputations were upheld with poise and grace.

As Eunid escorted Nora through the ballroom, Nora’s eyes widened in amazement, overwhelmed by the grandeur around her. Her gaze darted from one intricate detail to the next—the gleaming chandeliers, the elegantly dressed nobles, and the soft hum of the string quartet playing in the corner. She had never seen anything like this, after all, she had lived in the mountains for most of her life, back in the Chikitsa clan, and it showed in her every expression, her hand gripping Eunid’s arm a little tighter as they moved through the crowd.

But the awe was short-lived. Eunid could hear the whispers almost immediately. Soft, but pointed, the murmurs of the other nobles filled the air as they caught sight of Nora. Curious glances turned into raised brows and thinly veiled looks of disgust as their eyes landed on the slave brand that peeked out from the edge of her gown near her neck. It was faint, but to those who knew what to look for, it was unmistakable. A mark of her less than pure identity, of her status as a slave.

“Is that…?”

“It can’t be…”

“A slave? Here?”

The whispers continued as they passed, and Nora’s posture stiffened. She was aware of the stares, the judgment, and it clearly made her uncomfortable. Eunid, however, remained calm. His expression never wavered, and his eyes swept the room with a quiet authority that made it clear to all that he was not to be trifled with. He was the official heir of the Diligence Family now—a family with significant power and influence—and his reputation alone was enough to silence any direct insults that might have been flung their way.

No one dared to openly confront him. Not after the news that had spread among the noble families, the stories of the battle with Arid and how Nora had sacrificed her life for him. Her loyalty to Eunid was well-known, and the tale of her bravery had softened some of the disdain that others might have otherwise shown. Still, the fact that she was a branded slave, now standing among the elite, was hard for many to accept.

Eunid guided her through the room with ease, his hand resting lightly over hers. He could feel her tension, but he gave her a reassuring squeeze. As they passed the whispering nobles, he caught the occasional gaze, his sharp eyes sending a silent message: disrespect Nora, and you disrespect him.

As they moved deeper into the ballroom, Eunid suddenly heard voices calling out his name from across the room. He turned just in time to see two familiar figures approaching rapidly.

They were twin brothers, heirs to the well-known Generosity Family. Both were much older than Eunid, but they were dwarfs, their short statures never diminishing the air of importance they carried. With broad grins on their faces, they rushed over, their presence was impossible to ignore.

“Eunid! It’s been too long!” shouted the first twin, Eamon Generos.

The second brother, Arlen Generos, followed closely behind, equally enthusiastic. “Indeed! You’ve been keeping us waiting for far too long!”

Before Eunid could respond, Eamon grabbed him in a warm embrace, his arms barely reaching all the way around Eunid’s torso, and promptly kissed him twice on the cheek. “How dare you not come to visit us!” Eamon exclaimed, though his tone was more playful than accusing. “You know how much we appreciate your wisdom.”

Arlen, standing next to him, nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with gratitude. “That advice you gave me about the distribution of goods saved me a fortune! I owe you more than you know, friend.”

Eunid smiled, giving a modest shrug. “I’m glad it helped, Eamon, Arlen. My apologies for not visiting sooner.”

Just then, both brothers noticed Nora standing quietly by Eunid’s side. Arlen’s gaze lingered, a hint of surprise in his eyes, before his expression shifted into something more gentlemanly. He took Nora’s hand delicately in his, offering her a polite bow before kissing the back of her hand in an old-fashioned but sincere gesture.

“I’ve heard of your bravery, my lady,” Arlen said with admiration. “It’s clear that Eunid values you greatly.” His eyes twinkled mischievously as he cast a teasing glance at Eunid. “Is that why he’s keeping you so close, eh? A few kisses, perhaps?”

Nora blushed deeply at the comment and instinctively hid behind Eunid, her cheeks burning as she tried to avoid the attention. Eamon and Arlen both chuckled at her reaction, clearly amused by her innocence.

“If you ever need anything,” Arlen said with a grand gesture, “you need only ask. The Generosity Family stands ready to help those close to Eunid.”

Before Eunid could respond, another figure approached. This time, it was a tall woman who strode confidently towards them, her presence commanding attention. She was Asura, heir to the Patience Family, and she wasted no time in greeting Eunid in her own boisterous way. With a wide grin, she pulled him into a hug that was more of a smother, pressing him shamelessly into her ample bosom.

“Eunid!” she exclaimed loudly, her voice filled with mock frustration. “Why haven’t you visited me either? You’re neglecting all your old friends, you know!”

Eunid awkwardly pulled back, slightly embarrassed by the scene but smiling nonetheless. “Asura, you’re always so… enthusiastic.”

Asura only laughed, clearly not bothered by Eunid’s discomfort. “You owe me a visit,” she said, wagging a finger playfully at him. “And soon! You know I miss our talks.”

Nora, standing a few steps away, was starting to see a pattern. Eunid, it seemed, was well-loved among the elite heirs of his generation. Everywhere he went, it appeared he was met with warmth and affection, a contrast to the whispers and stares she had noticed earlier from others in the room.

Just as Nora was starting to feel at ease, the mood shifted. A new figure approached, her steps measured and her expression anything but welcoming. She was a young girl, elegant and poised, but her face was twisted with disgust as she laid eyes on Nora. The air seemed to cool instantly, and it was clear that this newcomer did not share the warmth that the others had shown.

Without saying a word, she looked at Nora as if she were something unworthy of being in the room. The girl’s expression was sharp, her gaze disdainful, and Nora felt an icy chill run down her spine.

Eunid’s smile faded as he turned his attention to the young woman, but he remained composed, watching closely to see what would unfold.

Nora remembered her well, after all, they had met back then when Nora was brought to this place in a metal container. This was the person in charge of that place. It was none other than Iris of the temperance family, neither her nor her family members were on good terms with the Diligence family.

While the other family chirped away at the diligence family strength in secret, this one did it brazenly.

She raised her hand and then brought it down with force… to slap Nora…