121 Intuition (2/2)

”That's impossible. The D grade skill I mentioned robs the victim of just about everything.”

”But if it is really like you speculate, then wouldn't that be mentioned in the description?”

”Not really. Many skill description doesn't mention side effects and the focus of this skill isn't on the victim, so there just might be such a side effect.”

”He is right.”, Teddy interjected.

”And you don't have a problem with this?”

”It is Keira's decision. Our marriage is only for show anyway?”

”Huh?”

”You didn't know?”, Teddy looked at Lara in surprise. ”I thought Keira told you.”

”No, I didn't. After all, there was no reason too.”, Keira said, before explaining why their marriage was only for show. ”Teddy and I are from big families. Although neither of them has an aristocratic title, both own big companies. Although our parents are friends, the elders still decided to have a marriage between their children to strengthen the bond between the families.

At first, it was decided that my elder brother and Teddy's elder sister would marry since neither of them has any talent in cultivation, but great business talent. Besides that, they were the eldest and as such the most suitable.

Sadly there is just one problem and that is that the two of them always fight when they meet each other.”, at this point, she laughs lightly.

”Surprisingly that is only in private. In business related matters they are able to work together well. So when I came back, my parents asked me if I would be willing to take my brother's place and marry Teddy.

Until then I had no interest in marriage and I didn't have anyone I liked either, so I agreed. As for Teddy, the decision was even easier, since he never had any interest in women.”

”So that's how it is. But still...”

”Please, Lara. This might just be my only chance to ever progress.”, Keira pleaded.

Lara didn't say anything. Although Keira was her friend, she really didn't like the thought of having to share Ivan with her. The concubines were out of necessity and Tang Lin wasn't anything she had been able to decide on. But accepting Keira would be something entirely different. Yes, there would be some benefit to accepting, but it would still be a decision to share her husband with a friend.

With Tanya there was someone else, she had accepted, but this too was because it was important. If not Tanya would definitely have to suffer. In Keira's case, she didn't see it like this. It was more a question of fulfilling one's dream, one's aspirations. But if it worked, wouldn't they make her friend happy? Could she really deny her in the knowledge, that she had maybe stopped her friend from acquiring happiness?

”Let me think about it.”, she finally acceded.

”Alright. Then I'll wait for your answer.

For now, let's concentrate on the party.”

The four of them alighted from the car, that had arrived at the avenue of the party. It was one of the most luxurious hotels in the capital.

Ivan offered Lara his arm and they entered the hotel together, followed by Teddy and Keira. At the front of one of the great halls, a table was placed, with two elegant women standing behind it. They accepted the invitations of the guests and after asking them to sign in a book gave them a small gift, before inviting them into the hall.

Ivan and Lara went over to them and Lara gave them their invitation.

”Welcome Mrs. and Mr. Hope.”, the one on the right greeted them politely. Lately, Lara had started to use the name Hope, instead of her old family name Von Berg and the invitation was on the name too.

”Because of some dishes served, we have to ask, whether you are mages, so please forgive us.”, she then followed up.

Ivan looked at Lara in confusion. He hadn't been to such a party, so he wasn't sure how to react.

Lara leaned her head on his shoulder and whispered into his ear.