061: That Child Again
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Eric and I were removed from the main venue by our parents. I was scolded by my father and mother while Eric was thumped by his grumpy father. I was only doing it since Eric ridiculed the Slowlette territory! Of course, Koriat Village in the Slowlette territory is an amazing place, so I should retaliate, right?
Our parents don’t want us to keep fighting, they say it’s not good to go home with this argument remaining. We’re expected to make up with each other and spend some time talking normally. I’m not sure what to do next if something occurs. Apparently my disturbance wasn’t as bad as Eleanora’s, according to Nord.
The Sylford family is a family of knights, with strict education. Eric is getting dressed down over his behavior. I’m curious how a person like him was born from a knight household. Apparently lower-class aristocrats don’t want to cause disturbances, since we’re at the edge of the commoner/aristocrat boundary.
During our conversation, Eric’s father asked me if I was interested in becoming a knight, but I strongly denied any interest. He seemed disappointed and let me know that I was welcome in their territory for knight training. Eric looked to be holding back laughter, so that sounds like a trap. I’d probably get roped into difficult practice sessions, I’d absolutely hate it.
“Ah, my vision is still shaky” Eric
“There are so many chandeliers at this venue” Al
“It’s all your fault” Eric
“Well, let bygones be bygones. Let’s get along and eat some dishes. Of course, no fighting this time.” Al
“It’s only natural, I’ll be forced into a ten person bout when I get home because of you. I don’t want to think about what would happen if I get into any more mischief.” Eric
A ten person bout apparently means Eric will have to apologize and have a match with ten people one after another. What a spartan style of discipline. I wonder if my sister would like to do that, without the apologies, of course. I reach for the food to serve myself. The person next to me is only putting meat onto his plate.
“Eric, get some vegetables too.” Al
“Ugh, you sound just like my mom. I don’t like vegetables, they just taste of green.” Eric
What a child! I mean, we are only seven.
“Well, put this on the vegetables. Would you eat them then?” Al
“Hmm? What’s this yellow sauce? Where did it come from?” Eric
“It was somewhere. Look, just pretend the vegetables with this sauce aren’t vegetables and try this lettuce. I haven’t used this plate.” Al
I hand Eric a plate of lettuce with mayonnaise. He said he doesn’t like vegetables, but he seems interested in the mayonnaise. He stabs some lettuce lettuce with a fork and carries it to his mouth. He looks at me quizzically.
“What is this delicious sauce? I could eat a ton of vegetables with this. I could probably just eat the sauce!” Eric
Eric is now shaking me by the shoulders. A fanatic has been born.
“It should be somewhere around, look for more.” Al
“Don’t you remember where it was! I’ll go look for it, I’d like to try it on more dishes!” Eric
Eric set off on a journey to find more mayonnaise, should I be happy about it?
“Well, it’s been a long time, Al. It’s great to see you made it to the party!” Melna
When I was taking in the evening breeze on the terrace overlooking the garden, I heard a familiar voice.
“Oh, it’s been a long time, Count Melna” Al
Count Melna comes over wearing a red suit with a glass of wine in his hand. His pants are red as well, all his clothes are bright red, which surprisingly works. I’ve played Reversi with him at the harvest festival, but this is a formal event so I’ll need to be polite. I bow my head politely.
“Yeah, you don’t need to be so polite out here on the terrace. Did you get into it with the Sylford son right away?” Melna
“Uhh, I’m not sure who’s around so I’ll err on the side of polite. How quick do you think I am to anger?” Al
“Well, some prideful aristocrats will quarrel every year. You turned that on its head by quarreling over meat with tongs… haven’t heard that one before.” Melna
Melna was getting close to laughing at the end of his response. If he was Thor, I’d push him off the terrace, but I can’t do that to a Count. I’ve already messed up once tonight, I don’t want to compound on my mistake.
“Did I hear something about pushing someone off the terrace?” Melna
“So, what is happening with Count Melna?” Al
“Ah, I don’t have anything, but I was requested to introduce you to someone.” Melna
Count Melna gave me a ‘behave yourself’ look and gestured another man over. He was wearing a well-tailored tailcoat, which matched his calm atmosphere. He had a short beard and mustache, giving him a friendly look.
“This is the Duke of Vladie, the father of Viscount Yurina’s wife, Lynaria.” Melna
Oh, Viscount Lolina comes up again.
“Nice to meet you, I’m the Duke of Vladie, I’ve heard of you from my daughter Lynaria.” Duke
Duke Vladie give me a light bow as I hurriedly lower my head in response. He said he had wanted to meet my family after hearing Lynaria talking about her harvest festival trip. He’s already greeted Nord, so he’s made his way over to me, how polite to greet a child like me.
“I heard that the popular game of Reversi was invented by Alfred. It’s been entertaining to play with my family.” Duke
“Oh, thank you. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it.” Al
“Hmm, after talking with you, I would have never imagined you were dueling with tongs earlier. You give off a pretty normal impression.” Duke
“Maybe he’s the kind of person who casually does it while making a silly face?” Melna
Hey, what does he mean by a silly face, why is Melna being rude?
“It’s just an overreaction, he was the person who developed such a wonderful game.” Duke
“Duke Vladie is a great person, I’ll send you the next game when I’ve completed it.” Al
“Hey, Al? Can you send me one too?” Melna
“I will try? That would be appreciated. I’ve already spent so much time with my daughters playing Reversi and Shogi.” Duke
“Hey, Al. Are you listening?” Melna
“Actually, I have a lot of daughters. I’m happy with it, since with that many daughters, I’ll have good connections with many other houses. I’m proud of all my daughters, they’re so cute…” Duke
This is going to be long, he’s going to be talking a while about his daughters. He won’t stop quickly, he’s a doting father. Melna went off to find the Duke’s wife, so I’ll be listening to the Duke alone. Apparently, he gets a lot of aristocrats who bring in marriage proposals. With his rank, that shouldn’t be abnormal. Many houses would love to have marriage ties with a Duke’s family, but there are so many that it’s problematic for the Duke.
“Why do my daughters only get married off? And there are so many offers from middle-aged men… Was Lynaria too popular or something?” Duke
The Duke’s conversation worries me, this is turning depressing. Someone interrupt this please.
“Oh, Alfred looks to be in trouble.” Woman
Did Count Melna bring the Duke’s wife over? I look back and find a pretty girl with waist-length brown hair. She was wearing a pink dress with large flowers sewn on her skirt, which complemented her cuteness. Is this one of the Duke’s daughters? I don’t care if it stops the conversation, please release me or change the subject.
“Oh, Noel. Sorry Alfred, this is my wife, Noel.” Duke
What is he saying? This has to be a daughter, right?
“Nice to meet you, Alfred. I’m Noel Vladie” Noel
Noel steps forward and curtsies politely while wearing the same innocent smile as Lynaria. Oh Duke, I’m sorry there’s so many marriage proposals for your daughters. There must be a bunch of lolicons in Misfilt Kingdom.
When I returned to the dining area, Eric grabbed me aggressively.
“Hey, I can’t find the sauce anywhere! Where the hell is it?” Eric
“Oh, you won’t find mayonnaise around since I brought it.” Al
“What? It’s so good. Give me some more of the sauce!” Eric
“No more!” Al
“Ugh, you must have more at your hotel. Give it to me!” Eric
Eric is still hanging onto me. This is a hassle.
“No, even if I had it, I don’t want to give you any more with your attitude.” Al
“Hmm, you were touching your pocket before you the lettuce had mayonnaise added, is that where you’re hiding it? Give me some!” Eric
Eric thrusts his hand into my pocket, this is uncomfortable. What guy wants another guy rooting around in his pocket?
“Well, no. Why can’t you just buy it? You’re looking like a thief right now!” Al
This is getting ridiculous, Eric is wrestling with my coat as I try to prevent him. Then a person called out to me at such a bad time.
“Oh, Al!” Ra-chan
“Wait, Ra-chan. I still have to greet more important people!” Sister
Ra-chan just appeared, the lost child I met on my first day in the royal capital.