"Uncle Simoun, Aunt Celine, it's a pleasure to you both here today." Charlton this time greeted. "May I also introduce my friend, Kylo Louis, he is also a friend of Leonard."
Celine smiled, ah, she still thinks that Charlton was such a sweetheart. Anyway, turning to see the boy beside him, she smiled.
"Good afternoon, Duke Simoun, Duchess Celine. I am Kylo Louis, the second prince of Alighieri. It is my pleasure to finally meet you. I deeply apologize for not being able to accept your invite last time." Kylo said. As a prince, he did not have to bow and just acknowledged the couple. He was after all, despite his comical personality, the 2nd in line to the throne of Alighieri.
Simoun did not have to bow as he was not a sovereign of their kingdom, but still gave the boy a nod of acknowledgement.
Celine was about to give him a curtsy, but he stopped her, "It's an honor to finally meet you, your highness. I heard about you from Leonard." Well, she can't put on airs because Kylo was not Serena's fiancé.
"No need for the formality, if possible, can I also call you and the Duke, Aunt Celine and Uncle Simoun? Leonard has been a close friend of mine for a long time, and I also treat him as my brother." Kylo replied as he smiled.
The girls just looked at Kylo, well, who would've expected that he can act like a real prince outside school?
--
After the introduction and some niceties, they did not have a lot of time to chit chat as it was almost time for the event to start. They all walked to where the conference room was situated. Serena's parents, her friends and Kylo were asked to enter the conference room first while Edward gave a heads up to Serena and Charlton.
"The representatives of the press I invited this time has been pre-selected and pre-screened to avoid unethical questions like the last time. So, you can expect that the questions would only focus on your career and the contract." Edward explained.
"Alright. Thank you, Edward. By the way, I'm sorry about my parents." Serena said as she smiled sheepishly.
Edward shook his head smiling, "It's alright. I did expect that from the start. Anyway, I'll go ahead inside. When the door opens you two can enter the room just like last time."
--
When Serena and Charlton were left alone, they smiled at each other. Both recalling the time when they were in a similar situation.
"I already miss you." Charlton said as he sighed. After this day, they would only meet at the orphanage on Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday, she would be leaving for Militeia.
"Why don't you come and join us for dinner later? We're hosting Gizel's parents, but I'm sure we can extend a sit or two."
Charlton shook his head, "I would love to, but my father just arrived last night. He should be expecting me to have dinner with him tonight. I would also need to tell him about this contract and the reasons why I won't be joining him for the trip back to Suffox."
"I see… then… I guess there's no time better than now to do this." she said, then she looked around, seeing the hall empty, she quickly took a step forward and pecked Charlton's lips with her own. Then she took as step back and said, "I love you." While smiling.
Charlton could not help but smile at how sweet she was being. He wanted to pull her over and give her a hug, but the doors might open anytime soon. So, he just held her hand and intertwined their fingers, "I love you too."
When they noticed that the door was opening, they quickly let go of each other's hand. They smiled at each other and entered the room at the same time.
--
Like the first time, their names were announced, and the two entered the room. The cameramen started to take photos for the documentation while everyone else inside the room started clapping their hands. Although it was not a big event, there were still about 50 people inside. Representatives from newspaper publishing companies whether National or local from all over the kingdom came to cover the event.
Serena and Charlton were led to the stage to seat in front facing the audience. The two waved at everyone first before taking their respective seats.
Edward began to address the audience again. He talked about how honored he was that Charlton and Serena has decided to sign a contract with his company, so on and so forth. He continued speaking and then after a while, a folder was handed to Serena and Charlton each. They read over the contract although this one was just for formality and signed it in front of everyone.
After that, Edward shook their hand one by one. Then, he finally announced that the floor is open for the Q and A.
When that happened, almost all the representatives raised their hand at the same time to be the first to ask a question. Edward randomly called a man to ask first.
"Lord Daniel, from my understanding, the contract you have signed is to be a song producer. So, would you still be singing in the future?"
"Not a lot, but yes." Charlton replied.
"Lady Serena, when should we expect a new song from you?"
"To tell you the truth, we already have recorded some and they would be released on Tuesday."
That answer got everyone wondering and soon the topic diverged to that. Anyway, true to Edward's words, the rest of questions asked to Serena and Charlton were relatively polite. Nothing too personal and only focused on their career and the contract they have signed.
After the Q and A, Serena and Charlton were asked to give a message each to their fans. Both of them said that they're thankful to the people who supported them and that they hope that they will continue to support them in the future.
With that, the event ended in a success.
--
After the event, Serena, her parents, and her friends had to leave in a rush to ensure that they can receive and welcome Gizel's parents before they arrive with Leonard and George at the Maxwell's ducal mansion in town.
Celine invited Charlton and Kylo to have dinner with them, but Charlton had to decline given that his father should be expecting him.
Kylo was free to go but chose not to as he did not want Leonard figuring that he and Charlton will be going to Militiea too. Thus, he gave the excuse that his aunt is expecting him to visit at the palace. Well, not that he will go there but just got to say that line.
Thus, with this, they parted ways.
--
TBC