Chapter 49: CHAPTER 49:What they deserve.
The ball started after a few minutes when the banquet ended. Lucrezia kept her distance ignoring the king. In fact, to Sloane's shock, it was the ignorant king who tried to hold a conversation with her.
"Madame Elise. Could you please adopt these boys?" she pointed at two youngsters.
The baroness was stunned upon hearing an unexpected request.
"Lady Sloane, what do you mean?"
"Oh, I apologize for not explaining properly.",
"Then let's sit in the lounge. Noblewomen reside there in the palace to hold personal conversations."
They left the main hall to the considerably smaller room.
"Now shall we?" She helped herself to the magnificent white sofa. The Palace never disappointed anyone who visited. The building itself is white as if covered in snow and so was the furniture.
As time went by Sloane explained the past of the two commoner youngsters and how they had suffered through such painful loss of their loved ones.
"They are currently residing at the Nirvana estate."
The heartbroken baroness didn't say anything for some time.
-"How cruel. Why must children face this cruel society?"Her heart ached and she grimaced putting down the teacup she held.
Sloane patiently awaited her response.
"Lady Sloane, can I meet the two young gentlemen?"
This was the reply she eagerly anticipated as she saw the determination in the lady's clear brown eyes.
"Thank you so much for hearing me out." The girl bowed in gratitude.
"No worries my dear child."
They returned to the main hall silently. Baroness Elise was eager but anxious about meeting them.
Jack and Nine stood leaning against the wall watching the nobles waltz on the dance floor with a poker face.
-"What's the point of dancing?"Nine was half annoyed. He could have been practicing on the training grounds or visiting Twelve and even take afternoon naps.
Few ladies tried to approach him only for his looks thus ended up being declined by him.
"You've become popular?" Jack ridiculed him.
"Same goes for you."
"I'm afraid I refuse to accept your response. That demon under the guise of an angel is the one these noble bitches die for." He scorned the crowned prince who enjoyed his time flirting with those noble ladies with ulterior motives.
"Better watch your mouth. Or Lady Sloane will slice your tongue out.
"Jack!Nine!" Sloane called to them from a short distance.
-"Speak of a demon."He thought upon hearing her voice.
"Milady?" They immediately reacted to her call.
"Madame this is Sir Nine. And the boy next to him is Jack Jeremy."
Sloane introduced them to this woman.
As they looked at her elegant appearance. She had brunette hair tied in a low messy bun and big hazel brown eyes. She wore a gentle and warm smile which was the most attractive second to her big eyes.
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance my lady. To what pleasure do we owe you?" They replied bowing humbly.
"Oh my. What gentlemen do we have here?"
-"All thanks to Lady Sloane's tutor's harsh lessons."He smiled derisively while recalling how they were scolded by madame Fiona and how she lost her consciousness after witnessing their poor performance.
"This is Madame Elise.The baroness of the Günter barony whom I mentioned earlier."
They could only respond without a word in gestures.
"It seems like both of them are neither that old nor young." She whispered quickly.
She agreed while look at them.
"Pardon me if I am rude. Could you possibly state your age, please?"
"I am currently eighteen years old madame."
"I am ten," Jack replied blankly.
She looked at the boy sympathetically. Jack kept his gaze low not daring to look up.
"Why he is past his age of coming."
"Pardon?" Nine asked confused.
"In high society, when children turn to a required age, the nobles officially are recognized as an adult in society. They can partake in any social events held in the palace or by any high-ranking noble." Sloane explained.
"But what does it have to do with me?"
"Well..." She avoided eye contact with him for a moment.
"Lady Sloane, are you hiding something from us?"Nine asked worriedly. He was half irritated by what Sloane has been doing everything secretly without considering anyone.
" Sigh*Now the cat's out of the bag. I can't hide it any longer. You guys will be settling down at the Günter Estate."
"What?"
"You heard me. Lady Günter is willing to take you in as her children. I have made preparations. After the event ends you will be living there as the future heirs of that estate as her sons."
They looked at her wide-eyed as if she were speaking a foreign language.
"Forgive us for not telling you two beforehand." Elise cut in.
"But whatever you heard is the truth. Please be assured that I am not looking down on you. But I want to take you in as my sons." Smiled gently trying to hide her anxiety.
Her inner thoughts were more likely moving in the opposite direction.
-"What if they don't like me?What if they decline?"Her mind was flooded with random thoughts which troubled her.
"P-please do think about it. I won't force you." She reassured in a hurry.
"Ah~Baroness Elise!" A lady called her from the other side.
"Oh dear, I will take my leave now." she left them talking to the other ladies stealing one last glance at them.
"Nine.Jack. I know this is all too sudden. But believe me that I don't bear any ill intentions towards you. You are my comrades. Please think about it. I respect every decision you make and will support you whichever path you choose."
Sloane left them as they were lost in thoughts.
"What just happened?"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone