Chapter 385 - Lady Shino Pierre Gaso (1/2)
”Very much true,” laughed Dorino in the classic rich manner, ”-for half-a-million, I think the connection might be a little overrated.”
”No, Mr. Dorino, I see thee worth every penny.”
Returned to the appraiser, the man kept eyeing the ring, the jewel, metal, and design, all so uncommon.
”May I ask to where the masterpiece was made?”
”Arda, my home. There are plenty of far more expensive items. Ardanian culture is one of our world's most rich and intriguing. Born in Alphia, thou art known to how the humanoid shape may vary according to their DNA. Such is a result of the united mindset of accepting one for what they are, I really admire it. Do come to visit, I think it be a good experience.”
”Yes, yes,” laughed the appraiser named Lucas. Out of the people around, his way of dressing was nostalgic. A robe-like suit with long hair tied with a hair-clip, a mixture of lady's fashion for a man. Earrings, bracelets, and many accessories matching the attire, not over nor underwhelming, a perfect fragile balance.
”Mr. Lucas, may I ask a personal question?”
”Yes, go ahead,” he agreed with full attention.
”Are you perhaps from Dorchester or familiar with the Dorchestrian culture, more specifically, the village of Krigi?”
”I'm surprised,” taking a step back, the happenings of the ball were ignored to him, ”-never did I think someone to know the birth-place of my mother. I personally never visited, but my mother was gracious enough to grant me the honor of knowing. Would it be fine if I ask thee the same question?”
”I'm a native of Krigi. Purely on guesswork, I'd say your lady mother fled to Alphia during the great-war?”
”Yes, that is very much correct. Mr. Haggard, you do impress.”
”Likewise, Mr. Lucas, tis a pleasure to see our culture and rituals to not be lost to the ravages of time,” arms laid across their chest, they bowed, followed with a hug, and exchanged kisses.
'The formal greeting allowed to the village chief and his family.'
”You knew,” he smiled, ”-you know, I'm sure of it!”
”Mr. Lucas, let's have dinner soon, I'd love to meet thy lady mother.”
”Sure, we'll refer to Mr. Dorino for details,” turned to the perplexed man, a hasty nod paired with a smile finalized the arrangements. Thus, the party began. Many formed differing clicks based on standing and wealth. As an unknown, Staxius was left out of the conversations to stare out a window with a cigar in mouth. He didn't mind being alone, the presence and way of movement, speech, and overall mannerism, created an impact big enough to have curiosity aroused. Body-language was what mattered at a fundamental basis – a skill mastered in the teenage years. From 18:00 to 19:00, Mr. Dorino went to meet and welcome the guests. The conversations ended in the same fashion, 'pretell, who's the alluring man staring out the window?' with a smile, he'd reply, ”-a friend, do you wish to make his acquaintance?” most simply, the bashful nature of the ladies was to decline in a way it said the opposite. They weren't used to making the first move and were content at staring. The men, on the other hand, were on edge. Used to being fawned based on their name alone, created a minute amount of gossip.
”How nice is it to be the center of attention,” said a tired Lucas, a youth in his best years. Hard as he could have tried, there were lipsticks and bite marks on his neck.
”How nice is it to be the focus of the ladies,” said Staxius with a grin, ”-the love bites surely must be impolite.”
”No need of concern,” he said taking out a scarf, ”-I'm ready for any occasion.”
”Casanova, tis a pleasure to make thy acquaintance,” said he in jest.
”Please, I'm not as great as he you speak of. The man was known for having ladies fall head-over-heels, a love they never experienced, a man of charm and intrigue.”
”I take it thou idolize him?”
”One could say so,” he leaned with back against the wall, ”-a man who could have anyone. Unlike me, the one I wish for is yet to be found,” the voice came to a stop, the accent and tone were audibly tired.
”Waiter,” hailed Staxius, ”-would you kindly have my friend a drink or two.”
”You didn't have to,” said Lucas.
”I only but asked, thank the waiter instead of me.”
”You sure are interesting, Mr. Haggard, or should I say, Blood-King of Arda.”
”You're a man of knowledge as well.”
”Surely thee jests, anyone of an inkling of interest at the outside world will be bound to come across the King of Arda. There are rumors of thee owning Phantom, are those true?”
”Yes, I don't mind admitting. Phantom is my arm's trading company, and we're willing to sell as long as thee have the capital.”
”Unbiased and clear, just as the stories say. Alphia is in alliance with Arda. Not many know the news – I think, just the announcement of our emperor courting a lady, and one as beautiful as the Princess of Arda, was sufficient.”
”Drinks, sire,” said the waiter.
”Thank you.”
”My reputation is still fairly unknown, sure, people know the name but not the man. Time will tell, my friend, time will tell.” The slow chugging of air being sliced caught many ears. Lights blinked against the star-filled night; a helicopter hovered above the well-maintained yard. Soon to descend, it landed with guards leaped to provide security. Only after the rotors came to a stop that the ones inside stepped out. An emblem of a flower indicated who they were.
”The guest of honor is here,” said Lucas with a hint of dismay.
”Way to make an entrance, who are they?”
”Seriously?” he paused, ”-Lady Shino Pierre Gaso, of the Gaso Group, one of five biggest conglomerates in Alphia. I'm surprised you didn't know.”
”I never came across her name in my travels, so I'd not know.”
”Considering you spent half a million on a gift to Mr. Dorino, I figured you knew who would come today.” Ignoring the question, the relatively noisy hall came to a prolonged silence.
”Lady Gaso,” said Dorino escorting her inside the ball-room where the crowd stopped breathing, her piercing gaze eyed everyone to then fix on the men. Her steps were sharp and dangerous, in a nervous manner, the conversations resumed.
”Now that's a way to make an entrance. Her presence cut the breath of many.”
”That's lady Gaso for you,” her walk continued with Dorino bowing head each time she spoke. A long red and white traditional dress from Alphia. A bun with hair flips, with locks of hair swaying off the side of her head. Thin eyebrows, the stare held the fierceness of a tigress. Arrived at where men of equal power sat, she took over the conversation and had them in her palms.
'She's interesting.'
”Where are you going?”
”I'll go have a walk, let's continue our discussion later,” he left for the outside. Most specifically, they examine the helicopter.
”Excuse me, sire,” hailed a guard.
”No need to fret, I'm here to only observe.”
”Go ahead,” to which one was assigned to watch. Circling the craft and taking breaks every few steps, '-figured as much,' he moved to the car and sat.
*Calling Cake…*