Matthew arrived at White Stone Manor as invited.
He wore a black double-breasted formal suit, transfigured according to the styles described in Attire and Etiquette from the study.
"Temperature control?"
The moment he entered the estate, he noticed something unusual—the environment here was completely different from the outside. The temperature within the manor was pleasantly warm, and the entire estate was surrounded by a garden filled with blooming red irises. Their fragrance drifted gently through the air, and there was not the slightest trace of winter.
Matthew handed his invitation to the attendant at the entrance.
The attendant glanced at the name, placed a hand over his chest, and bowed slightly.
"Mr. Matthew, this way please."
He led Matthew along a pebble-paved path, where the stones on either side were intricately carved with delicate patterns.
Passing through the colonnade, they came upon an exquisite fountain, surrounded by flowerbeds also filled with red irises.
Lady Alsa certainly loves red irises, Matthew thought.
...
The main hall lay just beyond the fountain.
To his surprise, the hall's decor was rather warm and inviting. A large chandelier cast a soft golden glow from the ceiling, without excessive ornamentation. Long rectangular tables lined the hall, laden with all kinds of fine food and wine. To the right, a band played gentle, relaxing music for the guests.
Not long ago, during the summer holidays, Matthew had attended a banquet at Malfoy Manor for Draco Malfoy's school entrance—there, everything had been designed to display sheer luxury.
This hall, however, had a different atmosphere—refined, but not ostentatious.
Many guests had already arrived, each holding a glass and chatting with acquaintances.
From Matthew's perception, quite a number of them were wizards.
Unlike the wizarding world he knew, the wizards here did not hide themselves. The Blizzard Kingdom was ruled by wizards, and court wizards were effectively the ruling class.
"Mr. Matthew."
Hearing his name, Matthew turned and saw Link, his expression full of surprise.
Tonight, Link no longer carried his usual laid-back demeanor. Dressed in a well-fitted formal suit, his tall frame looked particularly sharp.
Beside him stood Anna, dressed in a long gown, radiant and dazzling, her arm linked with his.
Seeing Link's astonishment, Matthew explained,
"I also received Lady Alsa's invitation."
Link was clearly surprised. Matthew had only been in White Stone Town for a few days, yet he had already received an invitation.
"Did you know Lady Alsa beforehand?" Link asked.
Matthew shook his head.
"I'm a reclusive wizard. I've only just arrived in White Stone Town—I don't know her."
Link accepted this explanation without suspicion. Many so-called reclusive wizards had obtained their power by chance and had never been part of wizarding society.
He nodded.
"Lady Alsa is an administrative officer of the court wizards and quite well-known among our generation. Through her, you can gain access to many wizard circles. I'll introduce you."
Since Matthew had saved Chris and Tina, Link already held a favorable impression of him and was willing to help him integrate into the local wizarding community.
Link led Matthew toward the center of the hall.
There, they met the mistress of the manor—Lady Alsa.
She wore a cream-colored court-style gown, its hem adorned with delicate lace. The straight neckline highlighted her neck, trimmed with intricate embroidery that resembled a field of pale spring blossoms.
Her chestnut hair had been styled into soft waves, resting over her shoulders. She wore long white gloves that extended past her elbows, adding a touch of grace to her appearance.
Link offered a sincere compliment:
"Lady Alsa, you look as beautiful as ever."
Alsa smiled warmly.
"Thank you. I hope you enjoy yourselves tonight."
Her voice was soft and melodious, like music.
Noticing her gaze linger on Matthew, Link continued:
"Lady Alsa, allow me to introduce Mr. Matthew. He is an exceptionally talented wizard."
Matthew inclined his head slightly.
"Lady Alsa, you are the most radiant jewel of tonight. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Her smile remained elegant and bright.
"Thank you, Mr. Matthew. One of my subordinates happened to witness your battle with Anna. For someone so young to possess such strength—truly impressive."
She briefly explained why she had invited him.
"Dissanayake, Dissanayake."
She beckoned a nearby attendant—she remembered the name of every servant in the manor.
"Mr. Matthew is a new guest. See to it that he is well attended—his glass must never be empty."
Matthew took a glass from the attendant's tray and thanked her with a smile.
At that moment, a well-dressed, slightly graying butler approached.
"Miss, all guests have arrived. Shall we begin the banquet?"
This butler was not the original steward of White Stone Manor. He had accompanied Lady Alsa from the capital and had served her faithfully for many years. After the former mayor present the manor to her, he became its chief steward.
Thus, he—and several long-serving attendants, still addressed her as "Miss."
Alsa nodded and extended her gloved right hand.
"Mr. Matthew, the banquet is about to begin. Would you care to share the opening dance with me?"
Matthew accepted without hesitation—it was standard social etiquette.
He took her slender hand gently.
"Of course. It would be my honor, my lady."
Fortunately, Attire and Etiquette had thoroughly described the dances of this world. Matthew had practiced beforehand—such occasions always involved dancing.
In this life, he had attended many similar gatherings among pure-blood families. He could now handle such situations with ease—something his former self would never have managed.
The music in the hall paused.
Guests naturally stepped aside, clearing the center.
Alsa led Matthew to the dance floor, and instantly, all eyes turned toward them.
As a more refined melody began, Matthew extended his arm, and Alsa placed her hand in his.
Through the white glove, he felt a smooth, delicate softness—like touching a soft silk.
They began to dance.
Graceful steps—three beats, one turn.
Her skirt swirled in the air, tracing elegant arcs.
Holding her hand, Matthew felt each turn grow more vivid and tangible.
Her softly curled chestnut hair bounced lightly against her fair shoulders.
Even at such close distance, Matthew could not find a single flaw in her features.
Her jawline was well-defined, her facial contours refined and sculpted with natural beauty.
Her eyes were large and bright—emerald-green, clear and deep.
Her lips full and gently curved into a warm smile.
It was as if time had stopped for her at eighteen—
like a girl stepping out of a classical painting.
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