[color=lightgray][center][h3][color=Burlywood]Duke Gideon Edwards[/color],[color=F0E399]Duchess Victoria Edwards[/color], [color=4C93C2]Count Calbert Damien[/color], and [color=teal]Countess Liliane Damien[/color][/h3][/center]

[color=Burlywood]Time:[/color] 10am
[color=F0E399]Location:[/color] Drake Edwards Birthday Party at the Edwards Estate Backyard
[color=4C93C2]Interaction:[/color] [@Lava Alckon] Drake [@CitrusArms] Stratya [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo

[hr]

As Lorenzo approached, his presence did not go unnoticed.

[color=F0E399]“Oh, for the sake of the Gods...”[/color] Victoria’s eyes narrowed. She exaggeratedly sighed as she murmured under her breath, [color=F0E399]“Who on earth invited him? ...[i]And is he seriously wearing pink?[/i]”[/color] Her gaze zeroed in on the salmon ball in his hand, a look of disdain flickering across her features. Barely containing her irritation, she rolled her eyes dramatically and turned slightly away from Lorenzo, as if his mere presence was too much to bear.

Gideon, on the other hand, was pleased. His smile widened as Lorenzo approached. [color=Burlywood]“Duke Vikena, welcome! I’m so glad you could join us today."[/color]

[color=Burlywood]"I invited him, Victoria,”[/color] he added lowly, with a subtle glance in her direction, hoping to pacify his wife's visible discontent. [color=Burlywood]“It’s always a pleasure to have you here.”[/color]

Calbert, meanwhile, masked his irritation. A smooth, almost too-perfect smile graced his lips. [color=4C93C2]“Duke Vikena,”[/color] he greeted. [color=4C93C2]"Please, why don’t you find yourself a comfortable seat and enjoy the party? There’s plenty to indulge in today.”[/color] Calbert’s intention was clear—he was eager to redirect Lorenzo’s attention elsewhere. Beside him, Countess Liliane gave Lorenzo a sweet smile that could melt even the coldest hearts. Their daughter seemed pleased to see him as well. [color=teal]“Oh, Duke Vikena, how delightful it is to see you,”[/color] she cooed, [color=teal]“I do hope you enjoy yourself today. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask.”[/color]

As the countess had greeted Lorenzo, Victoria had been the first to notice Stratya’s approach, [color=F0E399]“Who is this now?”[/color] She asked a little too loudly and irritatedly. 

Gideon quickly stepped in to smooth over his wife’s rudeness. [color=Burlywood]“Captain Durmand, welcome!”[/color] he greeted her warmly, his smile genuine and friendly. Both Calbert and his wife greeted Stratya with equal friendliness as well.

[color=Burlywood]“It’s wonderful to see you here. Your presence is most appreciated. Thank you both for coming to celebrate my boy.”[/color]The duke said sincerely to Stratya.

Speaking of the birthday boy, he finally arrived just at that moment.

Victoria, despite her earlier stress, visibly relaxed at the sight of her son. [color=F0E399]“Drake, darling! Look at you, so handsome today,”[/color] she exclaimed, returning his hug. As he had been close, she reached up to straighten his collar. [color=F0E399]“I’ve been making sure everything is perfect for you. You know how these events are. They're going to love us-...you!”[/color] 

Gideon embraced Drake with a firm, reassuring hug. [color=Burlywood]“Good morning, son. I’m glad you’re pleased with how things turned out,”[/color] he said warmly. In response to Drake’s whisper, he nodded slightly, [color=Burlywood]“Ariella should be here soon, don’t worry.”[/color] He then patted Drake’s shoulder, his pride evident.[color=Burlywood]“You’ve grown into a fine young man, Drake. Enjoy your day—you deserve it.”[/color]

Subsequently Calbert accepted Drake’s handshake with a charming smile. [color=4C93C2]“The pleasure is mine, Lord Drake,”[/color] he replied smoothly. [color=4C93C2]“Have a splendid birthday, young man. My Lily and I have had the pleasure of watching you transition from a boy to a man and it has been an honor to be part of your audience.”[/color] Meanwhile, Liliane, with her usual warmth, had rose and walked over to greet Drake with a loving hug and sweet greetings.
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