The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Lady Leona’s 150th Birthday

The carriage came to a smooth halt before the towering gates of Sanctum Lumina, an ancient church-turned-hall that now served as the venue for Lucian’s cousin’s grand masquerade party. The ornate gates, forged from blackened iron and gilded with silver filigree, shimmered under the light of the moon. From within, the faint hum of music and laughter spilled into the night air, punctuated by the flicker of lanterns that lined the cobbled path leading to the entrance.

The masquerade was set to be the event of the season, a celebration of Lucian’s cousin, Lady Leona, on her 150th birthday—a significant milestone for an oracle who, by her youthful appearance, barely looked older than twenty.

As Lucian, Aeliana, and Kael stepped out of the carriage, Aeliana adjusted the delicate mask she had chosen for the evening, its intricate patterns of silver and blue matching her sapphire dress. “A masquerade at a church?” she murmured to Lucian. “Seems ironic for a Dark Lord to step foot here, doesn’t it?”

Lucian smirked, his own mask a sleek black design edged with gold. “Sanctum Lumina hasn’t been a church in over a century. Now, it’s more of a neutral ground, a place where alliances are forged, and masks hide more than just faces.”

Kael, dressed in a crisp gray suit and matching mask, tugged at his collar. “Let’s just hope we don’t run into anyone we’d rather avoid tonight.”

Aeliana raised a brow at him. “Afraid of mingling, Kael?”

“Not mingling,” Kael shot back, “just… unexpected drama.”

Lucian chuckled and gestured toward the gate. “Well, drama or not, Leona deserves this celebration. Let’s not keep her waiting.”

They made their way toward the entrance, the grandeur of the masquerade unfolding before them, with promises of intrigue, celebration, and perhaps a little chaos.

As they entered the grand hall of Sanctum Lumina, they were immediately greeted by an overwhelming display of opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting shimmering light across the marble floors, where elegantly masked figures danced to the lively strings of a violin quartet. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming roses and honeyed wine, and golden draperies framed the arched windows, giving the hall a warm, ethereal glow.

Lucian scanned the room briefly before leading Aeliana and Kael deeper into the crowd. “Leona should be by the main dais,” he said, his voice low enough to be private. “She always prefers to greet everyone formally before enjoying the festivities herself.”

“Quite the hostess,” Aeliana remarked, her gaze sweeping the room. “And you said she’s naive?”

Lucian gave her a small smile. “Naive doesn’t mean incapable. Leona may look innocent, but don’t let her appearance fool you. Her prophecies are what keep many kingdoms in check. That’s why this event is so important; it’s a reminder of her influence.”

Before Aeliana could reply, a bell chimed, signaling the arrival of the guest of honor. All heads turned toward the dais as Lady Leona stepped forward. She was radiant, dressed in flowing silver robes that shimmered like starlight, her delicate mask encrusted with pearls and opals. Her golden hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, and her large, doe-like eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“Welcome, honored guests,” she said, her voice soft yet resonant. “Tonight, we celebrate not just my birthday, but the bonds we share. May this gathering strengthen our unity and remind us of the beauty in our differences.”

Aeliana leaned closer to Lucian and whispered, “She’s nothing like I expected. She’s… enchanting.”

Lucian’s expression softened as he watched his cousin address the crowd. “That’s Leona. Always a light in the darkness.”

As the crowd applauded, Leona’s gaze swept the room and locked onto Lucian. Her face lit up with genuine joy, and she descended the dais gracefully, making her way toward him.

“Lucian!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a warm embrace. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come!”

Lucian chuckled, patting her gently on the back. “You know I wouldn’t miss this, Leona.”

“And you brought company!” she said, pulling back to look at Aeliana and Kael. Her eyes lingered on Aeliana, a curious smile playing on her lips. “You must be Aeliana. Lucian’s told me about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” Aeliana said, smiling as she extended a hand.

Leona ignored the hand entirely and instead hugged Aeliana tightly. “Better than good,” she said. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

Kael cleared his throat awkwardly, drawing Leona’s attention. “And you must be Kael,” she said, her smile growing mischievous. “The one Lucian complains about.”

“Complains?” Kael repeated, narrowing his eyes at Lucian, who looked away, feigning innocence.

Leona laughed, a light, melodic sound that seemed to brighten the room even further. “Come, all of you. There’s so much I want to talk about before the night ends. And, of course, you must try the food. It’s divine.”

As Leona led them toward a table laden with delicacies, Lucian felt a rare sense of ease wash over him.

“Wow, what an extravagant party,” Aeliana exclaimed as she took in the grand spectacle of the hall. The gleaming chandeliers, the glittering gowns of the guests, and the air of sophistication were almost overwhelming. Everywhere she looked, nobility and dignitaries exchanged pleasantries, their masks a mix of mystery and elegance. She couldn’t help but feel slightly out of place, though the excitement in her voice betrayed her awe.

Lucian smirked as he watched her wide-eyed expression. “Leona doesn’t do things halfway. Every detail, from the decorations to the food, has been planned to perfection. She may seem naive, but when it comes to hosting, she’s an expert.”

Kael, meanwhile, was already eyeing the lavish banquet table. “Extravagant is an understatement. Look at all that food! I think I saw roasted pheasant and a chocolate fountain,” he said, nudging Aeliana with a grin. “You’d better grab something before I eat it all.”

Aeliana rolled her eyes but laughed. “You would focus on the food, wouldn’t you?”

Leona, who had been chatting with another guest nearby, overheard the conversation and approached them with a playful smile. “The food is meant to be enjoyed, so help yourselves,” she said, gesturing toward the banquet. “I insisted on having dishes from every corner of the kingdom, so there’s something for everyone.”

“I think Kael plans to test that theory,” Lucian quipped, earning a mock glare from Kael.

As they moved toward the banquet table, Aeliana couldn’t help but notice the admiring glances and whispers directed at Lucian. His commanding presence was hard to ignore, even in a room full of influential people. She leaned closer to him and whispered, “I think you’re the second most talked-about person here after Leona.”

Lucian raised an eyebrow. “Second most? I’ll take that as a compliment. But tonight isn’t about me—it’s about Leona.”

“Speaking of Leona,” Kael interjected, balancing a plate piled high with food, “what’s the story behind all this grandeur? Does she host parties like this often?”

Lucian shook his head. “No, this is rare. Leona’s birthdays are the only events she hosts on this scale. She sees it as an opportunity to unite allies and foster goodwill. It’s her way of ensuring peace in turbulent times.”

As they sat at a nearby table, enjoying the feast, Leona returned to join them, her eyes sparkling with joy. “So, how are you finding the party?” she asked, looking at Aeliana in particular.

“It’s breathtaking,” Aeliana said honestly. “Everything is so beautiful, and the atmosphere is so lively. You’ve really outdone yourself.”

Leona beamed. “That means a lot, coming from you. I’ve heard so much about you, Aeliana. Lucian doesn’t usually bring anyone to events like this, so you must be very special.”

Aeliana felt her cheeks heat up, and she quickly glanced at Lucian, who looked away, pretending to focus on his drink. “He’s… very kind to bring me along,” she said, trying to sound modest.

Leona’s gaze shifted to Lucian, her expression softening. “Kind isn’t a word I’d usually associate with him, but I suppose he can surprise us all sometimes.”

Lucian cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the teasing. “Shouldn’t you be mingling with your other guests, Leona? You’re the host, after all.”

Leona laughed, her melodic voice carrying over the music. “Always so serious, cousin. Fine, I’ll leave you all for now, but don’t think you’re off the hook. I expect you to dance before the night is over.” She gave them a wink before gliding back into the crowd.

As Leona disappeared into the throng of guests, Aeliana turned to Lucian, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Dance, huh? I can’t wait to see that.”

Lucian groaned, already regretting the decision to attend. “Don’t get any ideas, Aeliana.”

“Oh, I already have,” she replied, her laughter ringing out as Kael joined in. For a brief moment, the tension of their recent trials seemed to melt away, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie.