Chapter 479


    Knox was ying the gracious host today, inviting a slew of well–known and respected guests within


    the Ashford elite. These were old family friends with prominent social standings.


    James and Mirabe were the new faces, the unknowns, never before seen mingling in these circles.


    So, naturally, as they stepped into the grand hall, they became the center of attention, with curious,


    probing gazes following the


    every move.


    The crowd would’ve understood if Knox had personally weed a scion from one of the illustrious


    families, but two young outsiders? That sparked their curiosity.


    However, Knox didn’t spill the beans about James‘ identity. He simply introduced him as a distant


    rtive, which was enough to quell the guests‘ curiosity and draw their attention back to their own


    conversations. After all, if it was just some distant kin, there wasn’t much need to fuss or engage in


    small talk, even though James‘manding presence hinted at something different, which was


    enough to make anyone feel a bit of pressure with just a nce.


    Knox had other guests to attend to. He settled James and Mirabe at a specially prepared table


    before excusing himself.


    The table wasid out with a spread of delicate pastries. James casually reached out, sliding a te of


    these treats in front of Mirabe, and said, “Looks like dinner won’t be served for a while. Help yourself


    to some snacks in the meantime.”


    Mirabe was a foodie at heart and didn’t stand on ceremony. She pinched a piece of what looked like


    a sponge cake and popped it into her mouth. It melted instantly, not too sweet, and just to her liking,


    prompting her to reach for a second, then a third piece.


    Sitting poised with his striking features, James exuded an aura of ‘keep your distance, but his eyes


    softened when theynded on the


    girl beside him,


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    After indulging in a few bites, Mirabe stopped, her lips dusted with crumbs. She was about to fish a


    napkin out of her pocket when James, ever attentive, handed her one instead. She looked up at him


    with gratitude. “Thanks.”


    James raised an eyebrow and tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “No problem.”


    Niki, a longtime friend of Knox, wouldn’t miss this birthday bash for the world. Having just returned


    from a quick trip to the restroom, he immediately noticed Mirabe. His eyes lit up, and he made a


    beeline towards them.


    “Mirabe,” he greeted. Niki approached with excitement, greeted James, and took a seat beside


    Mirabe. “That Incense of Calm recipe you gave me, I followed your instructions and seeded.” Of


    course, he omitted the countless trials and errors it took to achieve


    that modest sess.


    Mirabe lowered her hand and turned to Niki, offering a dry chuckle, as she praised him,


    “Impressive!”


    Niki cleared his throat. “Your recipe was very detailed.”


    “That form is quite specific. Not much use for the average person,” Mirabe said with a raised


    eyebrow.


    “I’m aware,” Niki chuckled, his thick skin apparent as he added, “Maybe you could teach me


    another, moremon sleep aid?” Mirabe felt a twitch in her brow and quickly retorted, “I don’t know


    any others. That’s the only one I can make.”


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    James cast a sidelong nce at her, his silence speaking volumes.


    Niki stroked his beard, feeling a hint of disappointment. But then, he considered Mirabe a prodigy


    in alchemy, and making incense might not really be her focus–after all, it was quite a challenging craft.


    Chapter 480