29 Darkness

Cray who was surprised with the sudden change in the scene had decided to just silently watch. He noticed how he doesn't seem to be capable of influencing anything that occurs in here.

On one corner, one can see the silhouette of a chubby kid. Though he was fat he still looked very elegant as he was wearing a very formal and luxurious attire.

"Brother! You look really good today!" He said as he made his way towards Nick.

His praise made Nick a bit bashful, he was hiding the fact that he had not been able to sleep well because he was so excited.

"Hehe of course! Your brother is now an adult, so I got to make sure that I look like it." He smiled as he crossed his arms. His brother, on the other hand, had twinkling stars in his eyes. He had really admired his brother.

"Young master Nick, Young master Gilbert, it is time, your father is waiting." A man who acted like a butler called the attention of the both of them.

"We better not keep them waiting, shall we?" Nick giggled as he and Gilbert followed the one who had called them.

They had walked all the way towards a large hall, the butler then opened the doors and had announced their entry.

"Young Master Nicholas and Gilbert of the Anderson household!" With this as a sign, all of the guests who were chattering began to look at the two young men.

Some young ladies looked at the young Nick with feverish gazes, they were captivated with this young and dashing man who looked majestic.

A series of applause had rained upon the two, Nick made a dashing smile as he then slowly walked towards his father who was in the middle of the room. Gilbert had his head high as he watched his brother, he was so proud to hear the loud applause that everyone made as his big brother made his entrance.

He knew well that the event was made specially just for his beloved brother. He was really proud to have this kind of brother.

Their father likewise was all smiles as he looks at his eldest son. He then cleared his throat.

"Everyone, we are gathered here today to celebrate my son's adulthood. I now proclaim that he shall be the successor to the family."

The crowd didn't look surprised with the sudden announcement, instead, they all had faces that showed great understanding. After all, Nicholas had shown great promise in a lot of areas. He was the perfect heir. Everyone then began to make another applause to show their support.

"I would like to thank everyone for attending. I, Nicholas shall do my best to succeed my father."

Inwardly he really felt nervous as he feels the stares that everyone was giving him, he also felt one scary gaze for a moment but as he did not feel it again he disregarded it as he thought that it was just his imagination.

Meanwhile, a servant went towards his father and whispered something. His father was surprised but immediately regained composure as he reverted his expression. He then dismissed the servant soon after.

"Well then, I hope everyone will have a pleasant evening. I'm afraid I have to attend to some urgent matter, so I shall take my leave for now." After saying so he then disappeared into the crowd.

Nick looked surprised and wanted to ask his father as he tried to reach out to him, but he was soon flocked by the crowd. Some of them introduced themselves, some were rich merchants, others were nearby nobles. All of them had had various backgrounds but they all did one thing in common, they introduced women to Nick.

"Good day young master Nicholas, I haven't seen you since you were still small. I'd also like to introduce my daughter here, she's just about your age."

"Hello, young sir! I am of the owner of the Big Craft Company, I brought together with me my cousin. Would you like to-"

"Sir Nicholas! I have here my sister, she always wanted to meet you-"

Nicholas was burdened with all the introductions, so he had no time to chase after his father. Instead, he entertained the guest while declining some marriage proposals kindly.

He was doing a good job keeping them busy but soon the music started playing, it was the start of a ball.

He was frustrated to see the long line of women who wanted to go and ask him for a dance.

"What should I do?" He softly whispered.

"Sir Nicholas you look pale. Are you alright?" A woman who was had short silver hair asked Nick. She then handed out a glass filled with water. On her hand, a silver ring could be seen. "I suggest drinking some water might help."

"Hannah?" After a long time of silently watching, Cray shouted out in surprise. He knew that she is not the Hannah that he knew as the Hannah that he knew had long black hair. He also took in the difference in age. Hannah was younger than the lady in front of him.

"Thank you," Nick responded as he drank the water that was offered to him.

He then calmed down as he made his resolve. He then danced with one lady after another randomly. He was really dancing well. With his charming features, most of the ladies that danced with him had red faces as they looked at him face to face.

He had danced with all the ladies that were queuing up to dance with him. He was very exhausted, he never felt this tired.

He then glanced over to find his younger brother, his brother unexpectedly was dancing.

"This is a bit surprising. I wonder who she is." He then kindly gazed at his younger brother, he looked amused as he chuckled.

"I guess he's no longer the crybaby that he used to be." He softly muttered.

With the ball ending, the party was near its end. He then made his concluding remarks.

It was already late at night when he was called out to by the butler. His father apparently wanted to talk to him. Even if a while ago he looked really exhausted his expression changed into a very excited one.

"Am I finally going to be able to-" His sentence was cut off and everything went black.