Do you all know the future?

Chapter 83 Integrating into the Circle
"Such an outstanding talent? I've never heard of him in Ishtar."

When Joao heard about Diane's great achievements, he couldn't help but touch the back of his hand. If he could stir up trouble in Tudor, he shouldn't be unknown in Ishtar.

"It is said that, like Marquis João, he presented treasures to Queen Greta and was rewarded with a noble title. However, just after receiving the Queen's title and becoming a noble, Queen Greta passed away. He dared not stay in Ishtar any longer, so he came to Tudor. Otherwise, he might have stirred up trouble in Tudor as well."

Some nobles remarked that they didn't quite understand Diane's allure, but the results had proven that she truly possessed this invisible and intangible charm; otherwise, it would be impossible to explain why so many women were drawn to her.

It's one thing for those noble ladies who crave spirituality, but why would the empire's top noblewomen get involved with Diane for the sake of spirituality?

"Is that right?"

Qiao nodded knowingly, pondering what benefits Diane could bring him. Looking at the clumsy Diane, he found it hard to believe that this person was actually a Casanova.

Since they are both from Ishtar, could he use their shared hometown as a pretext to build closer ties? Or would he be a lone commander, needing the Stuart family's help?

He didn't want to be a changemaker or reformer; he just wanted to fit into the circle, and getting close to the Stuart family was the best way to do that.

The Stuart family was among the highest nobility, and Diane, by becoming Isabella Stuart's man, became the most desired man by noblewomen.

If Jon could use Diane to get in touch with the Stuart family, it would be beneficial for him to exert influence.

"Is that the Marquis Jon's wife? What a beautiful and elegant female knight!"

Jon, who was pondering how to approach Diane, was interrupted by a question. Following the direction the voice was pointing, Jon saw Terri standing out prominently against a backdrop of porcelain white.

Because the noblewomen of the Tudor Empire had mostly delicate, porcelain-white skin, which contrasted sharply with the wheat-colored skin that wives developed from sun and rain during knightly training.

Terry was very beautiful, standing out even among a group of beauties. Her tanned skin made her stand out from the other ladies. Jon nodded, a proud look on his face.

“That’s right, our Ishtar is a kingdom of knights, and there are many female knights among the women, including my wife!”

He wanted to explain why his wife had a wheat-colored complexion. Qiao thought about how his wife had been silent during their fight earlier that day, and he felt a headache coming on again.

Terri seemed to have accepted reality, but she didn't feel like she had fully accepted it, and her silence towards him was one of the signs of this.

"What a beautiful lady. She seems to have reached the level of a paladin. Perhaps she can replicate the scene of the Stuart family having two angels in one family a few years ago."

The compliments people gave him revealed their understanding of him; those with inside information had already investigated his appointment to the powerful position of Minister of the Navy.

"It can only be said that there is a chance. Angels, laws, these things are very difficult for mortals to understand."

Jon responded humbly that the gap between a paladin and an angel is absolutely insurmountable; otherwise, angels wouldn't be so valuable, and they would generally be high-ranking officials in various countries.

Becoming an angel from a paladin is the beginning of contact with the laws, but understanding the laws is difficult, as they are all abstract.

However, Jon believed that Terri would become an angel sooner or later, and becoming an angel required a strong heart, which Terri happened to be an idealistic woman.

"Yes, we'll never reach that level in our lifetime. Marquis Qiao's rise is a foregone conclusion. I'm truly envious."

"How can it be so exaggerated..."

"If you're envious, just marry a female paladin yourself. Maybe you can even outlive her until she becomes an angel?"

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and pleasant banter. When meeting for the first time, making some harmless jokes is the best way to build rapport.

"Marquis Qiao, something terrible has happened! The lady... she... she's heading in the direction of Lord Anxun."

Amidst the cheerful conversation, someone suddenly noticed something amiss. Terry, who was also surrounded by the ladies, voluntarily left their circle and headed towards Diane.

"It's nothing. She probably wants to get to know the noble ladies at the top of the empire, like Dean Isabella."

Qiao said nonchalantly that he knew his wife best, and that it was impossible for him to fall in love with Diane at first sight.

After finishing her dance, Diane stood next to Isabella, who was also preparing to perform a similar routine with her lover. The two were gesturing to each other.

It seems that Terri came here to get to know Eve and Isabella, two top beauties, and has little to do with Diane.

"What a virtuous lady!"

"With the prospect of becoming an angel and expanding his social circle, Marquis João is truly blessed to have married such a lady."

"She helped me get the Holy Lance. She's a political fanatic, so she always makes new friends after every banquet."

Qiao smiled happily. He couldn't show any discord between him and his wife in public, and besides, he was telling the truth and hadn't lied.

"So what about the succubi of Ishtar... Ishtar succubi? That's utter nonsense..."

Before Qiao could finish speaking, Taili slapped him hard across the face.

She wore a lake-blue silk dress, the hem of which was adorned with tiny silver sequins that shimmered like the surface of a lake under the lights.

She gracefully approached Diane, lifted her skirt, and extended her hand, inviting Diane to join her.

“Handsome Lord Anne, I am Terri Romeson, the newly crowned Marchioness. We are both from Ishtar. May I invite you to dance?”

Her cheeks were flushed with a healthy blush, giving her a mature beauty against her wheat-colored skin, with a captivating air of heroism mixed in. She was no ordinary noblewoman; she was also a proud female knight.

Unlike noble ladies who wait for a man's invitation, she displayed the boldness of a female knight, directly extending her hand to invite Diane.

"This……"

Diane hesitated, glancing at Isabella and then at the head maid who was talking to Lotina, receiving supportive glances from both of them.

"All right!"

Diane agreed, not understanding what Terri wanted to do, but since the head maid and Isabella had given permission, Diane didn't care about resting and took Terri's hand.

Accompanied by the music, her dance steps were light and graceful, with every spin and turn perfectly executed, showcasing her excellent dance foundation and athletic ability.

The two were not proportionally Eve and Diane. On the contrary, Terry's height was close to that of the head maid, which made it easier for Diane, who was used to dealing with the head maid's training, to handle it.

The two worked together seamlessly, sometimes fluttering like two butterflies, chasing and playing with each other, undoubtedly the most beautiful sight on the dance floor, attracting the attention of many.

What attracted the most attention was Qiao Ao's. Feeling embarrassed after being humiliated, Qiao Ao was offered a stool to sit on.

"Madam has heard of Lord An's title of 'Ishtar Succubus' and wants to see what's different about him and learn more about this lucky man."

As soon as these words were spoken, the slightly awkward atmosphere eased, and everyone continued chatting. "That should be the case, but after the dance, Marquis Qiao should still remind him not to let Lord An be captivated."

Some people offered well-intentioned advice, but Qiao was not going to take it lying down. He knew his wife well; she was a traditional knight-errant wife and a symbol of unwavering loyalty.

"No, it's probably what I just mentioned. My wife is a very curious person, and since we're from the same hometown and she has this extraordinary trait, she wants to know more about it!"

Qiao Ao had complete confidence in his wife, who had always been pure and innocent, without any scandals with others, even though many people liked her.

"Is that so? The Marquis's dancing is quite good; it looks like she has practiced regularly."

One by one, they suddenly realized and offered compliments. Since there was no other explanation, they could only believe this one for the time being!

Many female noblewomen also tried to curry favor with Terri, but since Terri was on the dance floor and not by their side, they had a different opinion.

"That must be Mrs. Romeson? She's absolutely radiant."

Among the small groups of people, an elderly lady whispered to her female companion, her tone filled with sincere admiration.

"Yes, the lake-blue dress suits her very well. However, he has also been captivated by Lord An. Is our Lord An about to attract a new patron?"

"I don't think so. Perhaps she wants to use Lord An to build social connections. If she can have a lover with Dean Isabella, wouldn't that mean she's on the same level as Dean Isabella?"

"So that's how it is. This Marchioness hasn't lost her mind from all the exercise; she's actually quite shrewd!"

Both arguments are possible; after all, Teresa on the dance floor cannot answer her own motives, and these people can only gossip and speculate.

Why did you invite me to dance?

With so many extraordinary individuals, Diane couldn't discuss anything important with Terri, whom she was holding, and spoke vaguely.

"I saw a handsome gentleman and asked him out. What's wrong with that?"

Terri was all smiles and their movements were very intimate. She took the initiative to close the distance between herself and Diane, almost pressing herself against Diane. Terri's enthusiasm made Diane feel like she had been run over by a truck.

"You really know how to flatter people. With the Holy Lance you've contributed, will you still be able to return to Ishtar?"

Diane danced and chatted casually, while Terri wore perfume that was sweet but not cloying.

"That depends on Lord An. I won't go anywhere except where Lord An is."

The serious-looking, wheat-colored female knight spoke in a suggestive manner, making Diane feel uneasy, as if her whole body was covered in fumes.

"Are you trying to cling to me? You won't go to Ishtar either if I don't go?"

Diane desperately wanted to pry open the mouth of the heroic beauty in front of her and get her to reveal all her secrets, but unfortunately, the beauty in front of her looked like the type who was resolute, courageous, and would rather die than submit.

A few playful strands of hair fell onto her smooth neck, appearing dignified and elegant as she danced. Terry's smile was bright and sunny, even carrying a hint of elusive cunning. Her dance was more passionate and unrestrained, much bolder than the head maid who cautiously adapted to Diane and tried to fit in with her.

The curves of her blue dress swayed in front of Diane, her wheat-colored skin exuding health and beauty, occasionally brushing against her as if trying to ignite a fire in her heart.

Diane couldn't believe that the loyal female knight from the previous night could develop such passionate feelings in just one night, and their interaction and collision had different opinions from others.

"You vixen, so wanton, why don't you just pounce on Lord An and call him 'darling'?"

The female noblewomen, especially those who coveted Diane's spirituality, spoke the harshest and were the ones who most wanted to replace the female knight.

"Has he already been bewitched by the succubus? It seems that even foreigners are powerless against succubi, not even the nobles of a conservative country like Ishtar."

These are onlookers, already sensing the large, shiny green hat gradually forming on the new marquis's head.

Since the person in question was present, the male nobleman spoke in a relatively tactful manner.

"It seems that the Marchioness is in charge, and Lord Anne's actions appear somewhat slow."

"This is a test of Lord An's strength!"

Qiao Ao was also uncomfortable watching. He himself had never been so enthusiastic towards Terry. Looking at Terry hugging and cuddling with Diane, he felt his temples throbbing.

"Lord An's strength doesn't need to be tested, he's only awakened his spirituality a few days ago!"

"Has Lord An only recently awakened his spirituality?"

He quickly changed the subject; if he continued, he wouldn't know how to explain himself. He was determined to warn Terry to stay away from Diane; Diane was too terrifying.

"It wasn't long ago. Lord An was in the government administration department. You can understand what that means..."

With the topic no longer focusing on men and women, Joa breathed a sigh of relief. Out of sight, out of mind, he concentrated on analyzing Diane's experiences. She was quite the protagonist of a storybook, practically pampered by the Stuart family, and even kissed twice by the Queen of Heaven.

“Marquis Qiao, look, look…”

"What's so interesting about it..."

"Wow……"

The banquet was slightly agitated. Qiao Ao, who had no intention of looking at the dance floor, turned his gaze away and his pupils dilated in shock.

On the dance floor, when the song ended, Terri and Diane stopped dancing. Diane couldn't get anything out of them and prepared to leave the dance floor.

Suddenly, Terri leaned close to Diane's lips and pressed her mouth down, shocking everyone watching the dance floor. Tudors were already considered open-minded, but was this kissing and nibbling on the dance floor...?

So everyone was confused. Diane was struggling, while Terri was very domineering, like a big bad wolf bullying a little white rabbit.

"So you Ishtarians are open-minded too?"

"With the Marchioness like this, she will surely be able to integrate well into our Tudor circle."

The words of congratulations stunned Qiao Ao, who was eager to join the circle and start a new life. He wanted to speak up and stop them, but it was too embarrassing, so he simply remained silent.

After the farewell kiss, the blush on her cheeks deepened. Then, Teresa gracefully curtsied and turned to leave the dance floor. Her gaze inadvertently swept across the crowd, as if searching for something.

A sharp glint flashed in her bright eyes as she saw her husband, Qiao Ao, before her charming smile returned.

(End of this chapter)