059: Aristocratic Exchange Meeting

I dislike having to go to the aristocratic party on my birthday. This should be a day I can celebrate turning seven years old. I have to delay my birthday celebration because of the party. Well, it’s only a few days, my birthday didn’t get cancelled. Today is the first day of the aristocratic get-together hosted by Duke Leingeland.

A duke is a very high rank. A person would need to be related to the royal family and achieve a great achievement to get that rank. I think Viscount Yulina’s wife, Mrs. Lynaria, was the daughter of a duke. Since they organized the party, I’ll have to greet the duke and duchess. For that purpose, I have had the correct greeting drilled into my body. My father and mother are really worried I’ll screw it up somehow. Do they not want to get involved with such a high-ranking person more than necessary?

I’ve already got a basic plan of action for today. First, I’ll enter the venue, paying attention to Nord and Elna. When Nord has been surrounded by admirers, I’ll sneak away to the fringes of the party, pretend I don’t know Nord, and eat the delicacies. Heheh, isn’t is a perfect plan?

After that, I’ll smile and say hello when I should. Nord can handle the diplomacy for today. That will do it for today’s battle.

“Al, what are you laughing about? Don’t sit like that when you’re wearing a suit, you’ll wrinkle it.” Elna

“Nothing… dear mother” Al

I straighten my collar and straighten my spine, does this look more aristocratic? This suit is so stuffy, can I unbutton it some while we’re on the way to the venue?

“Hmm, there was a weird gap in your reply, and why did you call me that way?” Elna asks while narrowing her eyes.

“Uh, I was practicing how to call you for the venue. I realized I was about to speak in a casual manner, so I had a pause.” Al

That wasn’t a total lie. I wasn’t rushing because I wanted to think through my reply.

“That’s true, Al is just being cute” Elna

My mother gripped my head with a gentle Iron Claw.

“It hurts, dear mother. My head might start oozing weird liquids.” Al

“Oh, would it be the parts that make you think about naughty things?” Elna

“Woah, no. It hurts! What bad things were I thinking of?” Al

I don’t get it, why am I being treated like this?

“You always have a evil smile when thinking of naughty things.” Elna

“Kids should have the freedom to imagine.” Al

I can’t give in, I won’t give in. Even if I’m on the receiving end of furious violence, I won’t censor my own mind. Not to mention the lack of evidence, just bending the knee to a judgement based on speculation. How awful.

“I bet you plan to use me as a sacrifice so you don’t need to socialize” Nord

“Um, ehh” Al

We ride the carriage from the inn to the aristocratic district, eventually arriving at the party venue. The venue seems to be a three-story white-painted mansion. Night had fallen, but the inside was lit well and upbeat music could be heard. Light sources and tables were placed in the mansions garden as well, so attendees could enjoy the night sky as well. There are many aristocrats arriving in carriages like us, there’s still some time before the official start time. This is when the lower ranks like barons and viscounts should arrive, politeness demands that lower ranks should be ready when higher ranks arrive.

The carriages are effortlessly directed by the duke’s servants stationed around the premises. We leave the carriage to the servants and walk over the carpets to the entrance.

This setup is overwhelming, especially since this is unlikely to be the Duke’s actual residence, which must be even more amazing. This must be a demonstration of the Duke’s opulence by regular events.

A boy of the same age as I is walking ahead of us, he looks quite nervous. His hands and feet are moving in sync. His father thumps him on his back, at which point he starts walking normally.

“Something seems off. I’m suddenly feeling intimated and uncomfortable.” Al

“You’re sharp, Al. The duke is famous for his strength” Elna

Elna responds to my muttering with an expression of admiration. I’m not sure that was entirely intentional…

“If something happens, I’ll be on the defending side, the attacking side will be the duke’s house.” Nord

Hmm, that person is getting noisy. I was going to say something, but we’re on the premises, so I’ll be quiet. I need to be careful to not leave an impression on the duke’s family. While considering such thoughts, we entered the venue.

When we entered the venue, it was like a different world, formed separately from the rest of the city. It seems large enough to handle hundreds of people, and it’s filled with aristocratic women wearing gorgeous dresses. Some highlight the lines of the wearer’s body, others are bright colors with frills, others with elaborate embroidery. They all look extravagant.

Many chandeliers hang from the ceiling and illuminate the jewelry of the beautiful women under them. I’m tired just looking at the crowd. Once we had entered, multiple people looked over at Nord. It seems a group of people are forming up, aristocratic daughters are wrapping up their chats, the atmosphere seems to be changing.

Perhaps, this is the time to disappear. Without making a footstep, I erase my presence and start to retreat when my arm is grabbed.

My mother is holding my wrist while smiling.

Damn, how was my plan seen through even though I hadn’t said anything.

“I haven’t had the chance to see you for a long time, Baron Slowelette. It seems you haven’t been to any parties lately.” Viscount Kabor

“It look delightful, Viscount Kabor. But I’m an upstart, so I’m still learning how to handle these events. Please forgive me.” Nord

“You don’t need to be so humble. Aren’t you the capital’s famous Dragon Slayer?” Viscount Kabor

Wow, that title just popped out.

After that, Elna introduced herself, and the attention fell to me.

“By the way, are you here with your son?” Viscount Kabor

“Nice to meet you, Viscount Kabor. My name is Alfred, the second son of the Slowlette family.” Al

I say that while bending at my hip in a polite manner. I remembered the name even though I only heard it once. I should be praised!

“Hmm, so this is the second son. This is, hmm… He has a different atmosphere from Eleanora and Silvio.” Viscount Kabor

I’m looked over from top to bottom, so rude. Just say it clearly, my looks are mediocre compared to my older sister and brother. Although it would be too far to say that I’m ugly.

“Is that Eleanora’s younger brother?” Aristocratic Daughter A

“Are you joking? Such a dull boy. I thought it was a servant or someone.” Aristocratic Daughter B

“He doesn’t look anything like the handsome Silvio.” Aristocratic Daughter C

Actually, forget what I said. Don’t say it like that. I want to cry. Those women’s eyes are overly strict. I’ll never approach those aristocratic daughters.

“Did you spot it? In this bright venue, he erased his presence to the degree of a dark night.” Bystander A

“Sorry, father. I couldn’t see it at all.” Bystander B

“It was just a coincidence that I noticed. That wasn’t an everyday skill, it may be someone with strange skills, we’ll continue to monitor him.” Bystander A

“Yes, dad” Bystander B

Translation

Good Job!

Do Better!

Chapter

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FFS!

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