Why Should I Stop Being a Villain

Chapter 258 Manipulation - II

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Even though many people were shocked, none of them reacted even a little bit.

Most of these individuals had experienced such events before and had learned how to maintain a facade and hide their intentions.

But quite a few couldn't help but glance at Casie more than once.

The Hargrave Family moved together as they approached their assigned section. On the First Floor, Jayden entered with a partner arranged by Casie herself.

She had instructed him to partner with the daughter of one of the 40 invited guests, apart from the High Council Families, who were based in the Belovria continent.

Jayden confidently walked in, carrying the pride of being the Heir to the Hargrave Family.

It was apparent that he attracted everyone's attention, with many youngsters present hoping to socialize with him.

Finally, the lighting around the hall turned a faint red as the Families from Soran began to enter.

The first to enter the Hall were Helena Raven and Alfred Raven. Their arrival made some people uncomfortable, as Helena Raven's presence was slightly intimidating.

Alfred didn't mind it, allowing his wife to act as she pleased.

A servant guided them to their section.

Next to enter was the Demarcus Family, but the guests were eager to witness the arrival of the Greville Family.

Soon after, the last to enter among the Elite Families were the Greville couple, who were walking with their two children.

"If someone troubles you guys, just tell me, okay?" Arthur advised Lucas and Livia,

"Okay!" Livia cheerfully replied, looking forward to entering the White Castle.

On her way, she noticed beautiful mana strings hovering around them.

But the glowing White Castle was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

The Castle was designed in such a way that it suppressed the mana in its vicinity, and also lowered the ability of the people inside. This was done to ensure that the young children wouldn't get hurt by the vast amount of mana that many people carried here.

They soon entered the Main Hall. Sylvie and Arthur felt gazes directed towards them.

All the attention was on the twins, Ivar Greville's children.

The Greville Family had ensured that no information regarding Livia and Lucas was leaked, so this was the first time almost everyone here was seeing them.

Livia didn't notice the stares, although Lucas did, but he acted normally.

Sylvie looked at the seating arrangement and noticed how Cristina had placed the Seymour Family closer to them, and other families further away.

Part of this was because Cristina didn't want her old friend to face any trouble, but also because it was the Levoure Family hosting the Gala.

Even though she knew that by Day 3, tensions among families would increase, she still aimed to create the best possible experience for all the Elite Families.

The Levoure family's biggest strength was their economic might, but Cristina wanted to use this opportunity to garner even more reputation.

After Arthur and the twins sat down, it was time for the World Association, the Mage Association, and the Artisan's Association to enter.

Osbert was not present on the Second Floor, as all the SSS Rank Hunters would stay on a higher floor.

As Silvus had brought his family, they also entered, marking the first time anyone in Upper Society had seen the grandchildren of the Archmage.

"So this is the Night Party," one of the twins with silver hair commented.

Both twins were following their parents, who were confidently navigating the social event as they had attended several on behalf of Silvus before. However, this was the first time they had brought their children with them.

At this moment, Leonard was entering the First Floor with the daughter of one of the Vice Chairmen of the World Association.

Osbert had proposed they enter together, and the Vice Chairman had agreed.

'So he is fine,' Leonard observed Blake sitting at his table.

Aware of Cade Cranston's personality, Leonard found it easier to control Blake, who was afraid of creating trouble for his family.

"He isn't here?" Leonard muttered as he scanned for Asher.

He moved towards his arranged seat as the lighting dimmed. The floating screen present on both floors showed Cristina, who was about to start the Night Party.

"As the host for this Gala, let's start the Night," Cristina raised her glass of wine.

The adults raised their glasses in response, as they watched a group of mages lift the Illusion spell around the whole castle.

"It changed," Livia observed, as the entire design morphed, with music performers appearing on both floors.

"You both remember, right?" Sylvie asked, and the twins nodded.

It was a tradition of the Kalvas Gala that the ladies and gentlemen would gather at separate tables for a discussion before the Formal Dance began.

"Yes," they both confirmed, and Sylvie patted their heads.

"If you get bored, you can go to the First Floor, but return here before the Formal Dance starts," Sylvie reminded them.

"We'll return soon, so you won't have to wait too long," she added.

Arthur stood first, offering his hand to Sylvie, who took it and rose from her seat.

Presently, over eight servants attended to each section, serving the guests. Livia looked around and saw various people standing at a distance.

Each section had a sound barrier that prevented outsiders from hearing the conversation inside. The only way to call them was using the device present on the table.

While the twins enjoyed the music performance, Sylvie went and took her seat at the gathering.

"It seems Lady Greville is also here," a woman commented, observing Sylvie.I think you should take a look at

Verina Seymour also joined the gathering, taking an empty seat beside Sylvie.

"I sent Nate to spend time with Livia and Lucas," Verina whispered, to which Sylvie smiled.

The table filled with people conversing, the purpose of this gathering was to facilitate a sharing of thoughts among the guests.

The conversations paused as a particular woman entered the gathering.

It was Casie Hargrave who took a seat opposite Sylvie, who didn't bother to acknowledge her.

"It seems everyone has forgotten about me," Casie said with a smile.

"How could we forget the Flower of Hargrave," one of the women responded.

"What flower? I am too old for that name," Casie replied, becoming the center of attention.

"I think you are still beautiful," Sylvie added, looking at Casie, who returned her gaze.

"Thank you for the compliment, it feels nice to hear good things after all this time," Casie replied, her face tired.

'All this time'.

Everyone understood what Casie was referring to.

The fiancé of Ivar Greville, who hadn't appeared at any social events after his death, had suddenly surfaced when Ivar's children were discovered.

However, Casie halted her conversation as she noticed Filia Rothschild and the Lady of the Williams Family entering together.

'Let's start this,' Casie thought, a small smile appearing on her face.

She turned to one of the women, who noticed her.

"Your dress is quite beautiful," the woman complimented Casie.

Sylvie understood what Casie was trying to accomplish.

"Well, what can I say, it's my favorite color," Casie responded, touching the fabric of her dress.

"What about you, Lady Greville, your dress looks beautiful too," Casie said, turning to Sylvie.

"It's Lady Levoure's work, so of course, you will find it beautiful," Sylvie replied, smiling towards Cristina.

"I personally worked on that design," Cristina replied, capturing everyone's attention.

Hearing this, many were surprised, as getting Cristina's personal work wasn't even possible with money. However, knowing Sylvie's status, they could understand why Cristina would have made an exception.

"On that topic, I don't think this color suits you, Lady Casie," Sylvie said with a concerned look on her face.

Casie's smile faltered a little at this, as she looked at Sylvie.

'It's useless,' Sylvie thought.

No matter what Casie planned to do at the Gala, the Grevilles were not so weak as to be unable to protect the twins.

Sylvie wasn't worried about anyone harming the twins at the Gala; after all, Nathan was keeping an eye on those around them.

"Sigh, I think you're right," Casie replied, her words surprising many people.

'Is this really the Casie Hargrave I know?' Filia Rothschild wondered silently, listening to their conversation.

After all, the Casie Hargrave they remembered was so obsessed with Ivar Greville that no woman would dare approach him.

"I was trying to move on and leave my past, but when I think about it now," Casie said.

"Don't you think the Greville family was unfaithful?" Casie retorted, looking at Sylvie.

"What do you mean, Casie Hargrave?" Sylvie asked, as the tension around the table rose.

"Exactly as you heard. Aren't those two children enough proof?" Casie responded.

"But let's stop here; what happened has already happened," Casie interjected before Sylvie could reply.

"My feelings from that time have faded away," Casie said, a small smile appearing on her face.

"I did attend this Gala for a personal reason," Casie confessed, confusing everyone, including Sylvie.

"Although the agreement between the Greville and Hargrave families was broken a decade ago, why don't we try it once again?" Casie suggested, smiling at Sylvie.

"I've heard your son is not engaged, and my brother's daughter is also unengaged," Casie continued, revealing her intentions.

"What about them getting engaged?" Casie proposed. Sylvie's face turned cold at this.

Verina noticed her reaction and grew a bit nervous. After all, Sylvie usually remained calm, regardless of the situation, but her children were her weak spot.

"Is she even worthy of my grandson?" Helena said as she entered the room.

Casie's gaze sharpened as she saw Helena enter the gathering.

This was Helena's first visit to the Kalvas Gala in many years, so most of the ladies grew a bit nervous.

"It seems Xarax's daughter is forgetting about the talent my grandson possesses," Helena said, taking the empty centermost seat.

"I see. But aren't you forgetting about the promise made by my great-grandfather and the Greville head of that time?" Casie countered, playing her second card.

After all, that very promise was the reason why she had been engaged to Ivar.