The Extra's Rise-Chapter 763: The Courtship War (2)

The Springshaper Garden Party was traditionally one of the season’s most anticipated events, combining the elegance of high society with the casual atmosphere that encouraged genuine conversation. As I arrived at the Springshaper estate with Cecilia and Rose flanking me in perfectly coordinated formal wear, I felt the familiar thrill of anticipation that came with major social operations.

"Remember," Rose murmured as we made our way through the estate’s magnificent gardens, "the goal today is to establish your presence as a serious suitor without creating immediate political incidents. We need to be strategic."

Cecilia nodded in agreement, her crimson eyes surveying the assembled guests with the analytical precision that made her such an effective crown princess. "My brother will be here, and he’ll be expecting you to make a move. The question is how overtly you want to challenge his existing claim."

The fact that Rachel, Seraphina, and Reika had chosen to step back from the Empire’s social scene for now was both strategically wise and personally disappointing. Rachel’s obligations as a Saintess, Seraphina’s duties in the Eastern continent, and Reika’s preference for avoiding complex political situations meant that Cecilia and Rose would be handling the public coordination of our unconventional arrangement.

"There she is," I said quietly, spotting Elara near the estate’s famous rose garden, surrounded by the kind of admirers that always gathered around exceptionally beautiful and accomplished young women.

She looked absolutely radiant in a flowing white dress that somehow managed to be both elegantly formal and naturally graceful, her golden hair catching the afternoon sunlight in ways that made her appear almost ethereal. But it was the slightly strained quality of her smile that reminded me of the pressure she was under—trapped in an engagement to a man whose true nature she was only beginning to understand.

"Arthur," came a voice that immediately set my teeth on edge, "how wonderful to see you here."

I turned to see Jack Blazespout approaching with the kind of confident stride that had always characterized his public appearances. Dressed in impeccably tailored formal wear that emphasized his natural charisma, he looked every inch the successful young noble that society believed him to be. Only I knew about the demonic flames that lurked beneath that charming exterior.

"Jack," I replied with diplomatic neutrality, though every instinct I possessed was screaming warnings. "I wasn’t expecting to see you at a garden party. This hardly seems like your usual type of event."

Jack’s smile was perfectly pleasant, but I caught the cold calculation in his eyes that confirmed we both understood exactly what game we were playing. He knew that I knew his true identity as the future Third Calamity. I knew that he knew I was aware of his connection to the Order of Fallen Flame. The mutual knowledge created a tension that made every interaction feel like a duel fought with polite conversation.

"Oh, but I’ve recently developed an appreciation for... gardens," Jack replied with emphasis that left no doubt about his meaning. "Particularly rare and beautiful flowers that require careful cultivation."

The metaphor was about as subtle as a sword through the chest. Jack wasn’t just here for social reasons—he was here to pursue Elara. But why? In the original timeline, he had shown no romantic interest in her whatsoever. His focus had been entirely on accumulating power and eliminating obstacles to his ambitions.

"How interesting," I said carefully. "I wouldn’t have thought you’d have time for such... delicate pursuits, given your other interests."

"People change," Jack replied with the kind of meaningful look that suggested layers of planning I hadn’t anticipated. "Sometimes we discover that what we thought we wanted isn’t nearly as valuable as what we never knew we needed."

Before I could respond to that cryptic comment, another voice cut through our tense conversation with the kind of royal authority that commanded immediate attention.

"Gentlemen," came Prince Valerian’s smooth tones as he approached our small group with obvious confidence. "I hope you’re both enjoying the garden party. Though I must say, some of the most beautiful flowers are already spoken for."

Where Jack’s approach had been subtle manipulation wrapped in polite conversation, Valerian’s was pure aristocratic charm backed by undeniable royal privilege. He moved with the natural grace that came from a lifetime of court training, his handsome features arranged in the kind of smile that had made him legendary among the Empire’s social elite.

The contrast between his public persona and the psychological abuser I knew him to be was jarring. In social settings like this, Valerian was genuinely charismatic—witty, charming, and possessed of the kind of effortless confidence that drew people to him like moths to flame. It was only in private that his true nature emerged.

"Your Highness," Jack replied with perfect diplomatic respect, though I noticed how his eyes never left Valerian’s face. "Indeed, though one might argue that the most beautiful flowers deserve the freedom to choose their own garden."

"An interesting perspective," Valerian said with obvious amusement. "Though I believe most flowers prefer the security of established gardens rather than the uncertainty of... experimental arrangements."

The verbal sparring was becoming increasingly pointed, and I realized that both men were treating this as a public demonstration of their respective positions. Jack was positioning himself as the alternative to royal tradition, while Valerian was asserting the strength of existing claims.

"Perhaps," I interjected, deciding it was time to make my own position clear, "the flower’s preferences should be the primary consideration. After all, the most beautiful gardens are those where everything grows naturally rather than being forced into predetermined patterns."

Both men turned to look at me with expressions that mixed surprise with calculation. Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was reassessing something he had previously dismissed. Valerian’s charming smile gained a harder edge that suggested I had just declared myself a more serious threat than he had anticipated.

"Grandmaster Nightingale," Valerian said with the kind of polite formality that barely concealed his irritation. "How noble of you to concern yourself with... gardening. Though I wonder if someone with such extensive international responsibilities has the time for such delicate cultivation."

"Oh, I always make time for things that truly matter," I replied, meeting his gaze directly. "And I’ve found that the most valuable investments are often those that require the most careful attention."

The tension between the three of us was becoming palpable, and I noticed several nearby guests beginning to take subtle notice of our conversation. Cecilia and Rose had positioned themselves strategically to observe without appearing to eavesdrop, their expressions carefully neutral despite what I knew must be intense curiosity about the dynamics at play.

"Fascinating," Jack said with obvious amusement at the developing situation. "It seems Lady Elara has attracted quite a... diverse group of admirers. I wonder what she thinks of all this attention."

As if summoned by our conversation, Elara herself approached our small group with the kind of graceful confidence that had made her the moral center of the original novel. Up close, I could see the intelligence in her gentle violet eyes, the subtle strength in her bearing that suggested she was far more aware of the undercurrents around her than most people realized.

"Gentlemen," she said with polite warmth, "I hope you’re all enjoying the garden party. The Springshaper roses are particularly beautiful this year."

"Not nearly as beautiful as the company," Valerian replied smoothly, moving to position himself beside her with the kind of proprietary gesture that made my protective instincts flare. "Lady Elara, might I have the honor of showing you the estate’s famous moonflower garden? It’s supposed to be particularly spectacular this time of day."

"That sounds lovely," Elara replied, though I caught a flicker of something that might have been reluctance in her expression. "Though perhaps a group tour would be more appropriate? I’m sure everyone would enjoy seeing them."

"Actually," Jack interjected with perfectly calculated timing, "I was hoping to discuss some mutual acquaintances with Lady Elara. Perhaps we could arrange a more private conversation later?"

"And I," I added, refusing to be left out of this increasingly complex courtship dance, "would be honored to continue our conversation from the New Year’s Ball. There were several topics we didn’t have time to explore fully."

The reminder of our dance months earlier brought a genuine smile to Elara’s face, the first truly warm expression I had seen from her all afternoon. "I remember," she said softly. "That was one of the most interesting conversations I’ve had in quite some time."

The impact of her words on both Valerian and Jack was immediate and obvious. Valerian’s charming mask slipped slightly, revealing a flash of possessive anger that he quickly suppressed. Jack’s eyes narrowed as he realized that my relationship with Elara might be more advanced than he had anticipated.

"Well then," Valerian said with forced joviality, "it seems we all have reasons to seek Lady Elara’s company. Perhaps we should let the lady herself decide how she’d like to spend the remainder of the afternoon."

All three of us turned to look at Elara, who seemed to realize that she had suddenly become the center of a very public courtship competition.

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