The people who came looked off during breakfast, panicked.
It was no wonder, though, after all, they were in the presence of Noble Bloods strong enough to wipe away all their life's work in an instant if they so much as felt like it.
It took Miyanna a while to get used to it, even after all the time she spent with Blanc and Celine. So it was no wonder the commoners were feeling tense.
She knew best how she was back at the cave.
So, as she ate breakfast in silence, like everyone else present, she looked at the three and how, after almost every bite they took, they stopped to wipe away the sweat that was building on their foreheads.
Now that she was considered a full-fledged Noble Blood, it was weird seeing the panic they had, even when they noticed her staring. She wasn't carrying the pressure and the air that those at the table did.
Even Kael and Lune could be recognised as Noble Bloods at a glance, only from the way they ate, stood, and watched the things around them, children as they were. But Miyanna was certain she did not have such an air around her.
However, she still decided to ask Celine, as she always did whenever she had a question.
"Celine," she whispered, low enough not to disturb the people eating, "Do I look and act like a Noble Blood now?"
Celine frowned, chewing the food quickly before she answered, "What's this about, sister?"
"Just answer, please," Miyanna sighed, "If a commoner were to see me now, hear how I talk, and see how I dress, would they guess I'm a Noble Blood?"
Celine looked at their guests, then at Miyanna, then back at the guests again.
She thought for a bit, as she played with the fork in her hand before speaking, "You know what, now that you mention it, you really do act more like a Noble Blood now, so perhaps, yes."
"Shit," Miyanna muttered, "I can hear my mother sobbing at your words."
"Why?" Celine giggled, "You are the wife of a Noble Blood, why feel bad? Shame? You should be proud of your standing."
Celine was right, there should be no shame in her soul, but pride for what she is now. But her old habits still lingered, her old fears still present deep inside her soul.
"You're right," Miyanna smiled, "Yeah… there's something in me that sometimes still tells me this might be a dream."
"Don't listen to that, listen to me, Blanc, and all others here," Celine replied, placing a hand on Miyanna's abdomen, "And if you can't listen to the rest of us, listen to the little one here, they will tell you the truth you want to hear."
Miyanna placed her hand on Celine's, "Thanks, sister, I needed that."
"You can repay me later then," Celine grinned, getting back to her own food.
"..." Miyanna remained silent, knowing damn well what Celine wanted. So with a sigh, she returned to her food, more at peace with herself than before.
After breakfast was finished, the maids quickly rushed to clean the table of all the food that remained uneaten.
Then the kids were sent back to their rooms, leaving only the adults present.
"Well then, I believe it's time for some proper introductions before we begin our talks," Lucien said, straightening in his chair. "I am Lucien, Patriarch of Noble Blood Maroux and Crownbound to the Sedes Sanguinis. Seated beside me are my wives, Lea, Manon, and Salina, as well as my daughters, Sophie, and Celine, the first wife of Blanc of Noble Blood Denegis."
At that, the three guests offered respectful nods, their gaze lingering longest on Celine, who met their eyes with a calm, warming smile.
Mera cleared her throat next, drawing the attention of everyone to her, before she started speaking.
"I am Mera, and this is my sister-wife, Auren," she said, gesturing with an open palm to the woman beside her. "We are Matriarchs of Noble Blood Denegis, and mothers to Blanc. Standing with us and Celine is Miyanna of Noble Blood Denegis, Blanc's second wife."
Miyanna, caught off guard by the sudden mention of her name, nearly rose from her seat. But she quickly regained control, offering a restrained nod instead, maintaining her composure.
It was a wise choice.
The guests' eyes lingered on her just as long as they had on Celine, and even Miyanna realized that, beyond the alliance itself, they seemed to be the guests' second most pressing concern.
Why? She couldn't say.
But as if led by instinct, her gaze drifted toward the younger woman, bronze eyes locking with emerald, and for a heartbeat too long, neither looked away. Long enough for the old man to clear his throat and speak, ending their silent standoff.
"I am Alfred Rotunda, head of the Rotunda Merchant Company," the old man began. "This is my wife, Jena, and our only daughter, Olivia."
At his words, the two women offered polite nods.
As they lifted their heads once more, Alfred continued, looking towards Miyanna and Celine, his voice warm with sincerity.
"And I must say, it is a true honor to meet the two women whom Lord Blanc spoke of with such high regard."
"Now I am curious," Celine chuckled lightly, "What did our husband say that made you say that, sir?"
"His Lordship had only words of praise for the two of you," Alfred smiled, "Mentioning the two of you at every opportunity present, with a smile so colorful it made me realize what a man who loves someone with all his heart truly looks like. It could only make me hopeful that my daughter would meet a man just as caring as His Lordship is."
"Well said, Sir Alfred," Lucien nodded, "What father would not wish only happiness for their daughter? I am rejoicing every day for the Son-in-Law the Vita so gracefully offered me. After all, it's because of him we are now face to face."
"Praise His Lordship," Alfred chuckled.
Lucien grinned, "Praise him, indeed."