Viana smiled at Rian's words. "Maybe I can't follow it. Right now, I'm just an ordinary girl living alone. Let alone attending the party; just living well up until now has been enough."
Alen didn't answer. Viana's memory was still not recovered at the moment. If Viana remembered her current position and status in the family, she probably wouldn't want to be invited by Alen to a small party like this.
It didn't take long before Viana heard the faint sounds of a crowd up ahead. A house that looked the biggest of all the rows of houses she passed seemed very bright and lively. Many people were gathered in front of the house. Apparently, the party was being held there.
Viana and Alen entered the courtyard of the big house. Alen looked calm the whole time, unlike Viana, who was busy looking around.
Seeing that two new people had arrived, the people in the crowd turned their eyes towards them. The voices around were slightly diminished. A middle-aged man with a slightly chubby body hurriedly approached Alen.
"Welcome to my home, Mr. Rian. It is an honor to have you visit my small home," the middle-aged man greeted warmly.
Viana looked at Rian, then back at the middle-aged man. Apparently, the man was very flattering and respectful of Rian.
"Are you a local official in this place?" Alen asked.
The man nodded. "That's right, Mr. Rian."
Alen was used to disguising his identity wherever he was if necessary. Especially if he was on a mission. His demeanor was not stiff at all.
The man looked at Viana. "Then this Miss is..."
"She is Miss Viana," Alen answered for Viana. "She is... my future wife."
Viana's eyes rounded. What did he just say?!
Future wife?! Viana was so shocked that she couldn't control her expression.
The middle-aged man who greeted Alen smiled happily at that. "You two are a match made in heaven. You are our honored guests. Please come in."
The middle-aged man went inside and personally escorted the two of them. Along the way, Alen and Viana continued to be the center of attention. Viana could not help but be nervous and surprised by Alen's recent statement.
"Rian, what did you just say?" whispered Viana, leaning slightly towards Alen.
"My future wife," Alen replied calmly, then looked at Viana. "Why? You don't want to?"
Viana's face instantly turned red. "It's not that, but..."
"No problem," Alen cut in casually. "Who knew it would come true in the future, right?"
Viana really didn't know what to answer this time.
Alen looked at Viana with a slight smile on his lips. Viana didn't know her own identity yet, but Alen already knew everything about Viana. The number one beauty in the capital city is from the noble Harvey family. Why is it said to be number one? Because besides being beautiful, she is also known to be very talented, so she is able to take on the responsibility of being the head of the Harvey family after the death of her father.
What man in the capital wouldn't be attracted to this beautiful girl who holds the number one family position? Alen was willing to bet that if Viana was still in her current position, many men would have proposed to her.
Before long, they arrived at the seats and tables indicated by the middle-aged man. Their seats were in the front row, close to the regional official's own table.
Since it was a dinner party, the table was round. There were two chairs at the table. Alen and Viana sat facing each other.
As soon as the middle-aged man left, Alen said to Viana. "The local official's name is Brien Gerar. He comes from the famous Gerar family in this area. Their family holds the treasury in this area. You should remember him well."
Viana frowned slightly. "Why should I remember him?"
Alen just smiled, saying nothing more.
Viana's eyes narrowed. What a mysterious man!
The party began. The middle-aged man named Brien opened the event with a few words, then invited all the guests to enjoy the food and drinks.
"Dear guests. At this annual regional celebration, we have a very special guest. He is Mr. Rian, a high-ranking official from the capital with his future wife, Miss Viana. Let us welcome them warmly!"
The whole crowd cheered loudly, clapping happily. Alen stood up and gave everyone a smile. Viana followed him awkwardly. Afterward, the two of them sat back down, and everyone enjoyed the party happily.
"A high-ranking official of the capital?" chirped Viana.
Alen unceremoniously pulled out a badge from his pocket. It was a sign of rank in the government. The one he held was the badge of a third-level official, equivalent to a ministry.
Viana was surprised. "You are..."
"No," Alen cut in, knowing what Viana would say. "I'm just an assistant in intelligence. You already know that."
A mere assistant couldn't possibly have the badge of a third-rate official. Viana frowned. "So, that's..."
Alen lowered his voice slightly. "Of course it's fake," he replied lightly. "I'm just an assistant; how could I have a third-rate official's badge like this?"
What Viana didn't know was that Alen had his own official badge as a commander of royal intelligence. His badge was that of a second-level official, which was even higher than all the ministry ranks. As long as Alen showed this badge when examining or deciding cases, no one could obstruct him except the King himself.
But right now, Alen had his own plans. It was not yet time to reveal his identity.
Viana did not bother to think about how Alen had gotten the clone but rather sharply asked, "Are you investigating a case?"
"No," Alen replied without looking at Viana. "I was taking you to dinner here. Didn't you see that?"
Viana looked in disbelief.
Alen chuckled. "That's right, I didn't lie to you. I purely wanted to ask you out and have dinner at this party. Look," he said as he cut a slice of meat and placed it on Viana's plate. "Eat up. You must be hungry since you haven't had dinner yet."
Viana didn't ask any more questions. She really didn't care what this man was doing. After all, it was none of her business. It was better for her to get comfortable and enjoy the party.
Alen saw that Viana was quite good at understanding the situation as expected. She didn't ask questions that were unnecessary and shouldn't have been asked. Seeing this, Alen became a little happy.
She was completely different from the girls he had met. Viana was very good at carrying herself.
Suddenly, someone approached their table. It was Brien, the middle-aged man from earlier. "As your host, I haven't had a chance to personally welcome you properly. Allow me to toast a drink with you," he said politely and warmly.
Alen did not refuse and raised his glass. Their glasses were already filled with wine. Viana also raised her glass.
Alen slightly glanced at Viana. "She doesn't drink wine. I will represent her to toast you."