Chapter 208 (2): Here Comes Spring, the Season of Awakenings

Northern District, Londan. January eighth.

A classy dinner banquet was held in an extravagant estate for members of high society. The setting sun could still be seen on the horizon, and a faint layer of mist spread through the air. Night had not yet descended on the grandiose venue, but brilliant lights were already illuminating it.

Past the estate gates was a carefully tended garden with a few sparsely placed elegant statues, guarding the serene beauty. In the distance, the evergreen shrubs were trimmed into a maze. The dim environment made it perfect for couples sneaking away for some private time.

Inside the banquet hall, a line of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling cast soft light on the lavish interior, creating a romantic atmosphere. On the dining tables, intricate silverware was placed in an orderly fashion, and a variety of delicacies were served. The guests, all dressed for the occasion, mingled and conversed. Their voices weaved together with the elegant music filling the space.

Mayor Angelo, the master of the estate, had put in a lot of effort to create the romantic atmosphere, even laying down numerous petals on the carpet and inviting an orchestra to perform live music.

However, the sophisticated murals on the walls and the different decorations with known sources exposed Angelo’s lack of artistry. He was no old nobles of Windsor, and he lacked the foundation of culture that took time to accumulate.

According to Auston, Angelo became the head of the Financial Town this time because of the complicated web of interests behind him.

The ‘father and son’ duo walked through the front door, with Megan following them closely. Soon, they met Mayor Angelo. The middle-aged man was slightly overweight, dressed impeccably in tasteful, classy clothes.

“Auston, I’m happy to see you tonight.” Angelo shook Auston’s hand with a smile, shifting his gaze to Wayne. “As expected of the Lando family heir. I can see you in him.”

He followed that greeting with praises, saying that the son was just like the father, that a successful father would not have a lout as a son, and that the Lando family would be in good hands. Wayne remained silent with a smile, and Auston didn’t clarify the truth.

Whatever, no one’s going to buy the explanation anyway.

Both of them shared that thought.

Auston enjoyed quite a status in Londan for being the Mayor of Financial Town for several terms. With his impressive wealth, he could get close to anyone, and as he took Wayne around, there was never a second when they didn’t hear compliments.

In addition to the flattery, some noble ladies also asked Wayne for autographs, refusing to let go when they shook hands. That proved again how influential the movie

King Kong

was.

Wayne maintained a smile throughout. Since he didn’t see any of them as his first love, he behaved like a proper gentleman.

The star of the banquet was supposed to be Angelo. Auston didn’t want to steal the man’s thunder, so after showing Wayne around, he took Wayne to a corner. The two of them each nursed a glass of wine as they stayed out of the spotlight.

Not long after, there was a commotion from the crowd. Wayne looked around curiously. It seemed that someone important had arrived.

With his impressive vision, he spotted the blond man in a white suit in the crowd. He was quite good-looking, and he held himself with grace.

“That’s Prince Edward, Her Majesty’s oldest son,” Auston reminded him.

“Should we introduce ourselves?”

“No. We’re only loyal to Her Majesty. It’s not yet his turn.”

“Got it.”

Edward struck up a pleasant conversation with the nobles and wealthy merchants around him, neither acting too close nor too distant to them. He showed the appropriate attitude and presented himself in a way that easily won him goodwill.

The nobles and wealthy merchants didn’t dare to overstay their welcome, so after introducing themselves and sharing a few words with the prince, they wisely took their leave. In no time, only women at the right age for marriage remained around him.

A prince was bound to attract attention, even though Prince Edward already had a betrothed.

After dealing with the noble ladies, Edward moved to a corner of the banquet hall with a glass of wine. His eyes lit up when he spotted the Lando father and son duo.

Auston greeted him with his own glass raised, starting a conversation with the prince with a smile. However, he refused to talk about anything other than business, leaving Edward quite disgruntled.

Wayne listened to the conversation on the side. He found out that the prince had his own business: a securities investment company and an auction house.

After Windsor transformed into a constitutional monarchy, the royal family retreated to the background and transferred their power to the common people. However, the royal family still attended important diplomatic functions, reimbursed by the government. It was their daily responsibility.

Since such major events didn’t occur every day, the Queen encouraged members of the royal family to seek out work rather than being slackers living off taxpayers’ hard work. Edward, following his mother’s order, entered the financial industry.

Although he had put in the investment and started a business, it was more about giving him the experience and making him seem like a successful man, proving to the outside world that he wasn’t a useless lout living in his parents’ basement.

Auston exchanged a few words with Edward, showing little enthusiasm. Receiving the unspoken message loud and clear, Edward turned to start a conversation with Wayne.

Auston had only taken Wayne to such public events, and the Lando family only had one heir. Edward thought he could find a common topic with the Lando heir, given their similar age.

Thus, they started talking about finance.

“...”

𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

The prince had met his match. The conversation ended as soon as it began.

Auston almost broke his poker face and laughed out loud. Raising his glass to cover up his curling lips, he took Megan to another corner.

Wayne and Edward exchanged awkward glances. The prince attempted to start another conversation.

“...”

This trash doesn’t know anything about finance!

Both thought the same about the other.

Well, they weren’t completely oblivious about business, but they didn’t know much, either. Due to their lack of proper education, they knew nothing save for the unethical and unorthodox tricks.

Edward made plays in the financial market entirely based on the information he had access to due to his status; he thus was able to make money wherever he went. Meanwhile, Wayne earned his fortune thanks to the foresight granted by his knowledge of another world. He knew what would become popular and what would sell well.

Both had skipped the difficult beginning stage of starting a business and stood on the shoulders of giants. It would be a greater feat for them to fail.

(;乛‸乛)(一´一;)

After realizing their commonality, the two men immediately found a common topic, but they couldn’t share it where others might hear them due to what they represented. Exchanging a glance, they left the banquet hall together.

Once they were alone, Edward asked tentatively, “Wayne, what do you think about the second lady of the Goss family?”

“Who is that?”

“The one with the most impressive assets.”

“Oh, she’s indeed loaded.”

The test result was in. They were cut from the same cloth.

Edward raised his wine glass and knocked it against Wayne’s glass of orange juice. “I didn’t expect the Lando heir to be incompetent. It’s incredible that Auston managed to hide the fact that you’re a bastard for so long.”

“I didn’t expect Your Highness to be a ‘gentleman

’

under your gentlemanly appearance.”

“You misunderstood. As a prince, I have to refrain from appearing too competent when I’m still young. It’s a camouflage to protect myself. You know how the royal family is.”

“Similarly, I also have good business sense. Stockings are selling like hot cakes, and it’s my design.”

“What, you designed it?” Edward was amazed. After repeated confirmation, he slapped Wayne on the shoulder. “You know men too well. You’re the manliest of men.”

They got on like a house on fire. Starting from stockings, they talked about anything and everything—but nothing important. It turned out that the prince was smart, but his intelligence only applied to dishonest deeds. That was why he seemed incompetent.

“I heard that you led an investigation team to look into the Snow family in Northern Erland some time ago...” Edward looked envious. “That would never happen to me. Her Majesty prefers Elizabeth. She had her lead the investigation into the Patino family, while I could only watch.”

Wayne made a few noises in response.

Just then, Mayor Angelo came over and invited Edward. Accompanying him was a tall, black-haired beauty with a voluptuous figure, wearing makeup that made her look like a cold femme fatale.

Edward’s eyes lit up. He asked about the beautiful lady’s name, and learning that she was Chante, a distant relative of Angelo, Edward immediately showed his interest in her.

Chante had an aloof personality and showed little interest in the prince’s attention, but she reluctantly gave him the time of day for Angelo’s sake.

Simp!

Wayne left with his glass of orange juice. If his memory served him right, Prince Edward had a fiancée.

Bah, what a scumbag! Messing around with other women when he was engaged? He should learn from Wayne, who messed around without committing and thus remained effectively single.

Angelo, who had orchestrated the exchange, kept giving Chante pointed looks. Left with no choice, Chante smiled at Edward.

Suddenly, the iceberg melted. Here came spring, the season of animal mating—no, of the awakenings of all lives.

Edward felt a tingle of reaction. He could see Angelo’s orchestration and was pleased with the arrangement. He enthusiastically invited Chante to explore the maze in the back of the estate.

Chante extracted her hand and claimed that the alcohol was getting to her. She would certainly not let the prince down next time. Then she sauntered away.

Gulp

. x2

Edward turned around in confusion. Since he didn’t see Wayne, the sound had to have come from Angelo. Shooting the man a disapproving look, he said gracefully, “Angelo, where does Miss Chante come from?”

“Chestershire[1]. She goes to the university in Cambrook County. Worried that she may run into danger on her own, I brought her to Londan to take care of her.” Angelo sighed. “The girl has always been stubborn. She’s learned painting and sculpting and is now working at a gallery. She’s gifted. All she needs is a chance.”

“Which gallery?”

“Here’s the name card.”

Angelo handed the prince the name card of the gallery, with the address of Chante’s apartment and her phone number conveniently written on it.

“Prince Edward, Chante grew up without a mother and lost her father at a young age. She’s poured all her passion into art and thus acts quite indifferently toward other people. I hope that you won’t take offense.”

“Just call me Edward. Don’t worry. I’ll give her a chance if she has the talent.”

1. The raw is simply the common translation of Cheshire, but to make it more consistent with the other proper nouns referenced, I opted to change it. Cheshire was once known as Cestrescir (Chestershire) before evolving into Cheshire. ☜