Chapter 24: The Second Prince, Cassius Valura
Without realizing it, morning had slipped away, giving way to night.
To the north of Celestria, the capital city, stood a grand mansion boasting striking medieval architecture.
Ornate horse statues and intricate carvings adorned every corner, enhancing its aura of luxury and elegance.
The exact size of the mansion remained unknown, but its vast courtyard could easily accommodate tens of thousands of people.
This opulent mansion belonged to the Duke of Everhart—one of the three ducal families of the Magic Kingdom of Valdom.
Beneath the moonlit sky, where scattered stars twinkled above, the mansion's gates stood wide open.
From the outside, an endless stream of lavish horse-drawn carriages arrived, passing smoothly through the grand entrance.
At the gates and the entrance hall, dozens of servants and guards stood in perfect formation, ready to welcome noble descendants from various social classes.
At that moment, a light green carriage adorned with golden patterns emerged through the mansion's gates.
The two horses pulling it were strong and imposing, exuding an air of majesty.
The carriage moved at a steady pace before finally halting in front of the entrance hall.
Its arrival immediately drew the attention of the Young Masters and Ladies who had already gathered.
"That carriage… does it belong to the Second Prince?" An ordinary-looking young man asked in a hushed tone.
A noble heir standing beside him gave a small nod. "Yes, it's his. His chariot is well known throughout Celestria."
"Then, let's welcome the Second Prince," another noble son suggested.
Without hesitation, several of them moved toward the entrance hall, standing quietly as the carriage doors opened.
Once the carriage had come to a complete stop, the door swung open, and a strikingly handsome man stepped out.
He had a flawless face, with a tall and well-built physique. His lustrous green hair framed his sharp features, complementing his eyes, which were the same vibrant shade.
A soft, charming smile played on his lips, only adding to his allure—especially in the eyes of women.
To those who saw him for the first time, he appeared graceful and refined. But those who knew him well would immediately keep their fiancée or wife far away.
Despite his elegant demeanor, the Second Prince, Cassius Valura, was a notorious womanizer.
Countless women, from commoners to noble daughters, had fallen into his grasp.
His infamous creed was simple: "If I want a woman, I will have her—no matter the cost."
Many commoners and nobles despised him to their very core. Yet, as a prince of the royal family, no one dared to challenge him.
Cassius' presence captivated the noble ladies, while the men felt a deep sense of unease.
They hurriedly pulled their fiancées away, afraid they might fall under his spell.
Cassius, of course, noticed their tense behavior and let out a soft chuckle.
"Good evening, my friends," he greeted in a graceful, soothing tone.
"Good evening, Your Highness," the noble sons and daughters replied respectfully.
Cassius gave a slight nod, his signature smile still in place. "No need for such formality. Let's head inside."
Hearing this, they did not refuse and nodded in unison. However, they remained wary, keeping close watch over their partners.
Cassius' gaze swept over the noble ladies, his eyes gleaming with interest. Subconsciously, he licked his lips.
"Cassius!"
A sudden, excited voice rang out from the front.
Cassius looked up and saw Celine, her beautiful figure dashing toward him with unrestrained joy.
His smile widened in an instant as he opened his arms.
"Celine!" He caught her effortlessly, pulling her into his embrace.
Celine buried her face against his chest, inhaling his scent with a delighted sigh as she nuzzled against him like a spoiled kitten.
"Welcome, Cassius," Celine greeted softly, devoid of the arrogance and haughtiness she usually carried.
"Thank you for the warm welcome, Celine," Cassius replied, gently stroking her head.
Watching their intimate exchange, the gathered noble sons and daughters could only sigh—some with envy, others with resignation.
Cassius and Celine were not only a couple but also engaged. Their relationship appeared flawless and harmonious—at least, on the surface.
After all, many were well aware of Cassius' reputation as a notorious womanizer.
People often wondered how he had managed to win over Celine. Despite his many indiscretions, she remained deeply devoted to him—a fact that fueled both admiration and jealousy.
The two held each other for a moment before finally pulling apart.
"Let's head to the main hall. The party is about to begin," Celine said with a warm smile.
"Alright." Cassius nodded, returning her smile.
However, behind his gentle gaze lurked something far darker—an insatiable hunger and greed as his eyes traced the curves of Celine's maturing figure.
"I just need to be patient," he whispered, a wicked glint flickering in his green eyes. "Once this party ends, Celine will officially become an adult. By then, both her body and soul will be completely mine."
Deep down, Cassius felt no real love for Celine.
What he truly desired wasn't her—but her status as the first daughter of the Duke of Everhart.
If he succeeded in claiming both her heart and body, he would naturally secure the favor of Duke Everhart—one of the three most powerful figures in the Kingdom of Valdom.
With that, his standing in his father's eyes—the king—would rise significantly. And if everything went as planned, seizing the throne one day wouldn't be impossible.
Unaware of the dark ambitions lurking in Cassius' mind, Celine clung to his hand, excitedly explaining the various events planned for the evening.
But suddenly, a golden-white carriage appeared at the gate.
Unlike the others, this one radiated an indescribable charm.
The intricate carvings adorning its sides, paired with the two towering black horses leading it, instantly drew the attention of the gathered nobles—including Cassius and Celine.
"Hmm? Whose carriage is that? It's beautiful," Celine murmured, one eyebrow arching slightly in curiosity.
As the eldest daughter of the Duke of Everhart, Celine had seen many magnificent carriages. However, this one was truly exceptional—so lavish and refined that it stirred her curiosity.
The carriage glided forward before coming to a smooth stop at the entrance hall of the mansion.
Under the captivated gazes of the young nobles, the door slowly opened. A moment later, a man stepped out.
The instant he appeared, the nobles—including Celine—stared in shock, their eyes widening in disbelief.
"He… is…"