The Alchemists

The music played by the orchestra aired loud enough to be enjoyed but quiet enough so that guests could still chat with each other. Their faces looked very happy, and from the conversation she heard, Finland knew that this party had been awaited by Alchemists for decades.

"Let's go forward to meet Aldebar," Caspar said later.

Caspar took Finland across the room toward a small stage prepared for the host, and the sea of people present moved aside to give them way. When people saw Caspar holding a girl's hand, the atmosphere quickly became silent.

These guests had been coming to parties held by the Schneider family several times and they had never seen Caspar nor Aldebar bring a partner. Tonight's event was enough to make a lot of people curious.

Guests began whispering among one another.. Finland glanced towards Katia, and found that Katia was looking at her with a very surprised and hateful look. If a gaze could kill, Finland might already be dead…

Finland's attention was focused back on Aldebar as he walked on stage. All orchestral musicians had left except for the harpist who also played music for Caspar and Finland's wedding ceremony yesterday. Apparently the harpist was also an Alchemist. Her pair of green eyes shone brilliantly.

Everyone stopped talking and paid attention to Aldebar. This time he wore a more practical outfit,

something from the Edwardian time so he still looked like a prince from the past.

"Everyone, welcome... Thank you for coming from all over the world to celebrate my 200th birthday party. As always there will be a musical, great music, lots of foods and drinks that are specially prepared by the world's best chefs... There will be a short opera, and of course, the best drinks from our cellar. Let us welcome the new year together. "

Someone suddenly exclaimed, "Happy birthday to Aldebar, may his life be beautiful and blessed by the universe and always filled with happiness, now and forever!"

People lifted their glasses and reply, "Now and forever!"

Aldebar smiled and thanked him. He then continued the announcement.

"This year's party, in addition to celebrating my second century anniversary, welcomes the 2019 Gregorian new year, tonight we also welcome a new member in our family. My brother Caspar is now a married man."

Instantly the whole room became noisy. They were all talking to each other and everyone's views was immediately addressed to Finland who was sitting next to Caspar. The man immediately grabbed her hand and invited her to walk on the stage where Aldebar was standing.

He took the microphone and greeted all the guests.

"Good evening everyone. My wife and I got married yesterday evening here. We don't want to steal the spotlight from Aldebar because this is his birthday party, but I have to introduce my wife to all of you." He pulled Finland gently to his side and pointed the microphone at her. "Her name is Finland von Schneider. In ten years we will hold another meeting here, and then we will also celebrate our wedding. We kindly ask for your blessings so that our marriage will last and ten years from now we can bring children - our children to meet you. "

Caspar laughed when Finland pinched his waist. Her face looked red when she finally spoke and greeted the guests.

"Ah, Caspar is just joking. Good evening everyone. My name is Finland, and I'm very happy to finally meet you all."

Flora brought two glasses of wine and handed them to Caspar and Finland. She then took her glass from Louis, and in a loud voice she raised her glass and called out to the guests.

"Let's toast for Caspar and Finland, who have become husband and wife, may they be blessed with happiness now and forever."

"Now and forever," replied everyone while raising their glasses and then drinking them.