Seduce the hero's mother (GL)

— …Did you guys hear that?! — The lively exclamation of the girl with scarlet hair.

— What now?

— They say that Lady Forex, daughter of the Minister of Finance, is now having an affair with the crown prince of the Rosenberg Empire!

Her other two friends sighed heavily.

— You're at it again,» Emily took a sip of tea.

— Did I say something wrong? — Obelia took offense.

— Of course you did! — Adelina grinned. «Aren't you ashamed of spreading rumors in broad daylight?

The three friends gathered together at Ashford Manor. In the gazebo out back, they discussed their recent experiences. But only one of them spoke.

Obelia's father Clifford was a well-to-do merchant who traveled the country from time to time and heard a great deal. On his return he brought his daughter not only presents, but also the various gossips of secular society. She, in turn, immediately rushed to share them with her friends.

And now, when the three of them just sat down, the girl immediately «fell out» everything: who married who, who killed who, and what intrigues occur in the imperial palace. The other two had to listen to this.

— Aren't you curious? — Obelia dragged disappointedly, «My father is a merchant, and has been to almost every aristocratic manor… Where else would you get such exclusive information?

— What makes you think we need it? — Emily summed it up logically.

— Ha-ha… You're both so boring!

While Obelia leaned back in her chair resentfully, Emily and Adelina looked at each other and laughed.

The three of them had known each other since they were children and had been best friends for years. Which was surprising. Despite their different social status, character, and habits — their friendship remained just as strong. The girls believed it would last until the end of their days.

— Then what about the rumors about you? — Adeline suggested.

— What?» said Obelia in surprise, «What do you mean?

— Ahem… I heard that the Marquis of Windsor's son proposed to you for the ninth time. And you turned him down again.

The expression on the girl's face turned sour. More than anything, she hated discussing topics related to that jerk. That's why she said right away:

— There's nothing to discuss! I'm not interested in him.

Obelia Clifford had always thought that if she ever got married, her betrothed would be some noble gentleman. A prince at best. But not the foolish son of a knight…

This guy had been stalking her for a year and a half. And every time, if not for the people around them, the girl would have attacked him with a sword for sure… However, the young man himself was not the least bit embarrassed by this.

As a descendant of a family of knights, Rodrigue was neither elegant nor educated. On the contrary, he could only swing a sword and barely put two words together in front of her. In other words, far from the guy of her dreams. Obelia kept waiting for him to finally leave her alone…

Every time the girl got mad at him, it added a new reason for her friends to laugh. Now the girls couldn't hold back a smile.

In fact, all three were already of marriageable age — but no one had given it any serious thought yet.

Obelia didn't see anyone worthy in front of her, and Emily was going to stay single if possible. Even though marriage proposals came every month — none of the candidates interested her. Because she knew they all saw her as a beautiful doll…

Except… One guy did attract her a little.

The current Duke Cassius stood out from the rest of the aristocrats. He was not hypocritical and always spoke plainly and to the point. In addition, his very image was rather mysterious. One got the impression that, unlike his frivolous peers, the guy was much more mature.

Rumors of a curse did not worry Emily at all. The girl was not so superficial as to judge a man by silly speculation. And if not for one fact, Emily would have taken the first step toward him by now.

Raymond was descended from the Cassius family. And their families were not friends, to say the least. If Emily were to get involved with such a man, her father would be very disappointed. He might even never want to see her again… The girl could not get over that rule.

So even though Raymond Cassius was her first love, the lady decided to let him go. It would be better for everyone.

Obelia and Adelina also knew this, and the latter nervously took a sip of tea. She felt guilty for her friend — but at the same time there was no way she could go against her brother's plan.

Moreover, even this friendship was entirely his idea. Knowing Henry's intentions to marry Emily, the boy sent her to get close and to investigate the situation in the Ileas family. Everything the girl reported to her brother.

In time, however, Adelina did grow attached to this friendship. And now, every time she had to do so, she felt remorse.

Noticing her friend's strange behavior, Obelia waved her hand in front of her.

— What are you thinking about?

Adelina reacted quickly.

— Nothing!

For a while the girls continued to drink tea and discuss various daily activities. Until one day, at some point, the lady noticed something strange…

A familiar dark peak was visible from behind the trees. Belatedly, but Adelina discovered: that Raymond Cassius was approaching them!

«What's he doing here…?!»

Adelina almost choked.

— What's the matter with you? — Emily was surprised, patting her on the back.

— I… I need to get away for a while!

— What?

— I'll be right back!

Emily and Obelia looked at each other perplexedly, while the girl ran swiftly out of the gazebo and rushed forward. Making sure no one noticed, she grabbed the duke by the arm and dragged him into the bushes.

— What are you doing here?! — she hissed.

— I wanted to see you,» the Duke said nonchalantly.

— What?

— You did not even tell me your name that day… So I have been traveling the estates of the aristocrats for days to find you.

Adelina was speechless. Had he really done such a great job just because she once asked him to dance…?

Meanwhile, the girl was also relieved. It was a good thing Raymond still hadn't guessed which family she came from.

That was her brother's main condition. Until Adelina had completed her mission, the Ashford clan must not be dragged into this strife. The family's reputation was paramount.

— Why-why were you looking for me? — the lady inquired uncertainly.

— I was going to propose to you,» Cassius said bluntly.

— What? — Her jaw dropped.

— My father wants me to marry soon…» he said, «I think we are the right people for each other. There's no point in waiting any longer.

Adelina was still opening and closing her mouth like a fish. She had heard before that all members of the Cassius clan were cold and unapproachable. So the girl did not build false hopes in advance and assumed: that she would have to work hard to fulfill her brother's assignment.

But no way that the Duke would propose to her immediately after the first meeting! Even Adelina was involuntarily embarrassed by such an insistence.

— L-listen, not everything at once…! — Hastily waving her hands.

— Hmm?

— I mean, marriage is a serious business… You can't make up your mind that easily.

Raymond Cassius was surprised.

— Then what do you want me to do?

— Ahem… Shall we go on a date first?