Written in Blood

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⊱☯⊰

Jin entered the Duchess of Harley's mansion, looking uninterested while scanning the crowd with carefulness. A lot of familiar faces, few high nobility, some high function dignitaries and military officers and the rest fashionable circle of common people, all of them with deep pockets full of gold.

You need to be famous, highly respected or noble to be invited to one of the Duchess's party and Jin was one of her favorite. His careful mask he's been nurturing over the year as Lord Mangata, the wealthy nobleman from the North was blooming and Jin was satisfied. Only the Count and few trustworthy people knew his real name and they were smart enough to keep it a secret. He wondered how the twins are holding on back at Bangtan. Being a cautious man, he didn't contact them or seek any information, not knowing who might be watching and intercept the messages. His gut feeling, however, was telling him that they are fine.

There were slight commotion and whispering, telling Jin that someone of importance just came in and yes, pretty sure, proudly walking into his line of sight was none other, but the wicked Count himself. He smiled and bowed to the ladies as he was walking to their hostess, planting two kisses on each of her flushed cheeks and whispered something to her ear, which made her giggle. His eyes found Jin soon enough and he strolled casually to greet him.

-''Aaaah Lord Mangata, how delighted to renew our acquaintance. Are you in good health?'' – The Count said in a polite tone and Jin bowed.

-''Well my Lord, I believe I am.''

-''Capital. How do you like a party so far? A little dull for my taste.'' – The Count said boringly.

-''Oh I'm sure that some sort of entertainment will occur that will make my good Lord's boredom tolerably bearable.'' – Jin spoke calmly, eyes scanning the crowd, feeling the Count's eyes burning on his face.

-''Oh I'm sure it will.'' – He came slightly closer, raising his fan towards his lips to whisper gently into Jin's ear. – ''We are not alone on this island anymore.'' – The Count said and Jin's jaw clenched, eyes became sharper.

-''He came?'' – Jin murmured, barely moving his mouth and Count hummed in agreement. –''Beware, my darling. I sense danger approaching you. Now, quick, laugh like I've told you some juicy gossip. They all will die to know what it is.''

And Jin did, he laughed suddenly, covering his mouth with his hand as to quiet himself, while he placed one hand on Count's forearm, squeezing it slightly. They could feel the eyes of the people on them, observing the two men exchange of words, curious of what the Count might have said to handsome lord Mangata. The whispers rose slightly around the two men, who seemed to pay no heed.

-''Oh my Lord, how wicked of you, but I must say I thought the same.'' – Jin acted their little game and Count grinned. – ''Similar minds think alike I believe.'' – He said and bowed his head slightly towards Jin, who returned the gesture and they parted in search of fun. They knew that everyone will talk tomorrow how Lord Mangata and the Count nurture a close acquaintance.

A polite nod here, a bow there and Jin found his way towards the upper level, where he had a perfect view of the crowd downstairs, hidden from the rest by the pillars and high plants. The wall was tall enough to hide Jin from the waist down, and he was still visible for the people downstairs if they stood in a particular spot and raise their gaze higher. He knew who was coming and going, who spoke with who, who avoided one another, who flirted, Jin saw it all.

His gaze fell on the Count again who was standing with the Duchess, talking quietly enjoying some new gossips no doubt. He looks handsome as ever, in a gold coat and tight black pants and blood red loose shirt. Around his neck was a velvety black ribbon with Ruby stone, which fitted perfectly with his new cardinal red hair. Ruby ring adorned his hand as he elegantly waved the fan of black ostrich feathers to and fro. The Count felt Jin's gaze and raised his head slightly, their eyes meeting. The end of the Count's mouth curved upwards with interest before he returned his attention to his hostess.