I Love You, Miss Genius

Vera asked, "The Shepard family's status in Pyralis isn't any lower than Benedict's status as Mr. Hamish's apprentice, right? So why are we the ones being barred?" Gresham shrugged. "I can't figure that out either."

Vera frowned deeply upon hearing this. "It looks like we'll need to discuss this with Dad when we get back and have him investigate the reason. Our family can't be driven away without knowing why." Gresham nodded in agreement. "That's our only option."

Trina bit her lip to prevent her from speaking as she listened to their conversation while seated in the rear seat. She had a vague suspicion about the situation but didn't dare voice it.

Trina had often suspected that Bonnie might be Ivor's fiancée, but it was only a suspicion, not a certainty. Today's events seemed to validate her suspicion, though she still needed more evidence. Meanwhile, Gerald and Welma were greeted by Benedict as soon as they entered. "Dad, Mom, why did you arrive so late? The wedding ceremony is already over."

Gerald looked embarrassed. "Your mother and I thought we'd bring you and Bonnie some local specialties from home, but it took longer to pack them, and then we got stuck in traffic. That's why we're late."

Benedict glanced behind them and saw the bodyguards holding nylon bags full of local specialties. "If my sister and I want to eat them, we can go home ourselves. You came all this way and brought so much stuff;

wasn't it tiring?" he said, feeling both

touched and exasperated,

"It wasn't tiring at all," Welma said while craning her neck to look inside. "Where's Bonnie? I've been dreaming all night about seeing her in her wedding dress. I want to see her now." Although Bonnie had sent many photos, none compared to seeing her in person.

"Don't worry," Benedict said with a smile. He took the food items from the bodyguards and led his parents inside. "Sis is waiting backstage. I'll take you to her."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

As they walked, Welma marveled at the opulent surroundings and then quickened her pace to walk beside. Benedict Benny, do you think bringing these bags of local specialties makes us look too shabby? Maybe we should leave them here and sneak them to your sister later?"

She recalled the whispers and judgmental looks they had

encountered upon entering, feeling a bit downhearted. "Your sister is so outstanding, but we look so poor. I'm worried that bringing these things will make people look down to

on her."