Just like Julia had assured her father, she resolved herself to act like a good host when Henry Younge arrived in the Sol system.
Accompanying her was James who made his presence as minimal as possible to not interfere in Julia's duty as a good host."
"Hello, Julia Knight. My name is Henry and I'll be in your care."
Henry introduced himself with a killer smile that would have swooned any girl off her feet the moment Julia went to receive him and his travelling envoy.
Henry was almost as tall as Alex and had short curly silver hair and eyes that gave him an alluring charm. In his star system, he was one of the top talents and also someone all the ladies wanted to have a piece of.
He knew that and so did everyone around him. And this formed a large part of his personality; an easygoing boy who went with the flow and never got a no for an answer.
However, to Julia, he might as well be the dumbest person in the universe.
'Who is he trying to win over with that smile?' Julia sneered inwardly but actually said, "I'm Julia and it's a pleasure."
She had to convey a polite front to her guests even though being there was the last place she wanted to be. Also, she had a very strong urge to wipe that smug grin off his face.
Henry was very good-looking and he knew it, so why not make use of that charm? It was one of his philosophies.
Starring into Julia's beautiful eyes, Henry had a thought.
'She's more beautiful than I heard. And she's not like the other girls I've come across trying to look difficult to approach yet failing miserably.'
Julia was like a new challenge for him and though all this was arranged by their parents, he was starting to like Julia just from first glance.
Henry realized Julia had no reaction to his charming face at all like it didn't phase her.
'She hadn't shown any reaction to my charm. Hohoho… I'm going to enjoy snatching her away from that bastard.'
After the exchange of pleasantries, Julia along with her envoy led her guest back to the Knight Mansion where she took him on a tour.
The two strangers made small talk with Henry asking the questions and Julia doing her best to answer them.
Along the way, she noticed how Henry tried to get close to her and while she remained quiet for the most part, the fool took it as his cue to get closer.
But a sharp glare from Julia told him otherwise and promptly drove him to create a bit of distance.
"And this section will serve as your living area for the duration of your stay." She gestured towards a section of the mansion designed to receive guests.
"That room is the main one and where yours to use. Your envoy can choose from the rest." She pointed towards a particularly impressive door down the hallway.
"Thank you for your time, Julia." Henry bowed slightly, the smug-looking grin on his face not disappearing ever since Julia met him.
"Of course. If you need anything, you can call them." She turned towards the servant who waited on them and bowed respectfully the moment the two looked in their direction.
She instructed them to transfer their call details to Henry's aid before bidding farewell to leave.
The rest of her duties as a host would have to continue in the venting during lunch and in the morning at breakfast.
The rest of the activities would have to come later.
"Julia…?"
Henry called out softly as Julia turned to leave. However, she did not turn to face him.
"I know my being here isn't very welcome from what I have been told." His expression this time, however, did not have the smug grin he carried with him all the way.
It was now serious and purposeful.
"All I ask is that you give me a chance." His words were simple and clear, conveying his intentions. Without sparing him a glance, she walked away.
Henry remained standing in place long after Julia disappeared from his view. The servants continued to remain with their heads bowed not showing any signs of interest in whatever that was going on.
'This is just the beginning…' He thought with a sly grin and then went to his assigned room.
...….
"Can you believe the nerve of that guy!" Julia bellowed in outrage, complaining about the bitter experience of accompanying him around the Knight Mansion.
"Oh.. 'All I ask is that you give me a chance.'. The nerve!" She hissed in a mocking tone, trying to mimic his tone of voice.
On the large holographic display was a chuckling Alex who couldn't help but find everything funny.
Julia had immediately called him the moment she arrived in her room as she began throwing a tantrum and fits of swearing.
[Calm down, Julia.]
Alex said after managing to get a hold of his laughter.
[I won't pretend to know how that feels like, but from what you've told me. The boy is very good-looking and was probably thinking he could win you over with his charms.
[But you already knew that. So, I don't see why you're complaining so much when the boy's efforts will be futile anyway.]
"Hmph! Who does he think he is? I'm not some girl who would fall for a pretty face." She cried in outrage.
Suddenly, she narrowed her eyes at Alex, staring at his profile with suspicious eyes.
[What?]
Alex tilted his head in confusion not understanding how the girl's mode suddenly shifted as if he was in the wrong.
'I probably am, aren't I?' He could tell that it was something he said or didn't say. He just wasn't sure.
"Why are you so calm when someone is attempting to court me? Are you not going to stand up for me?"
'So that's why.' Alex sighed inwardly and thought of a proper response.
[Should I be worried? I believe in you and the love we share and know for a fact that prince charming won't be able to put a dent in that.]
[So tell me, Julia. Is it right to panic and show my lack of trust in you or stay composed, knowing very well my babe is mine and mine alone.]
Alex spoke with confidence and a knowing smile. There was no way Julia could come up with another argument after that.
And truly, she remained quiet as her thoughts processed what Alex said, finding them convincing. It also showed that Alex believed in her and she smiled sweetly.
She was completely sold.
[That's my girl. Now, let's forget him and talk about our party.]
Julia quickly turned to Alex as this was something she would rather do than sit around or entertain some douchebag. It was also time spent with Alex and she valued every bit of that time.