064: Fun Moments Go By Quickly

November 24, 2020 - 7 minutes read - 1439 words

After that particular event, but not caused by that event, the aristocratic exchange party was greeted by the event’s sponsor, the Duke of Leingeland. He’s a man with a fiery red hair that’s pulled back, but he has a calm atmosphere that conflicts with his hair.

I can that his eyes aren’t peaceful, they’ve got a glare like a hunting beast. I’ll put this guy in the list of people to avoid getting involved with. When I first saw it, I thought he was a predator.

I can’t help but feel that the Duke glanced over at the table I’m sitting at. I’m going to hope that it involved Ra-chan, the daughter of a different Duke. There might be some competitive spirit between the two houses. I’d like to think he was just continuing some gentlemanly competition, right?

As the night winds on, it looks like the first aristocratic exchange meeting day would end on a good note. It seems like there will be another party tomorrow, but I’ll try the ‘I participated tonight, do I really have to attend tomorrow?’ excuse. When I tried it on Nord, he replied happily, ‘Tomorrow a member of the royal family will attend, so you must participate’. Both my mother and I heard that and blanched.

The next morning

“I don’t want to go to the party” Al & Elna

My mother and I overlapped in desires and words, then we smiled at each other for the success. Well, I guess it’s nice that a parent and child are on good terms. When he heard that, my father sitting in front of me coughed painfully since some of the tea he was drinking went down the wrong way. After he clears his throat, he smiles and reminds us about the situation.

“No, no, no. That’s no good. Today the royal family is participating, so we absolutely have to go if there wasn’t a emergency that caused us to leave the royal capital.” Nord

“Eh?” Al & Elna

“We absolutely can’t skip it” Nord

Our protests are rejected in a firm manner. I was wondering if the answer would change from last night to this morning, but it didn’t work.

“It’s so tiring to talk to other aristocratic women, since you have to be careful of every word.” Elna

“I understand, mother” Al

The gazes of aristocratic women at the venue are painful. It’s like your value is being calculated like a slab of meat, whispering about their opinions on the other attendees, or they’re monitoring your body movements for a faux pas. The average aristocratic daughter is desperate to discover a good partner, so there are some unfortunate parts. If Silvio was traveling with us, he would have done almost anything to not attend the parties. He’s amazing.

“Al hasn’t has a terrible time of it. You’re still a kid, and you were happily chatting with a daughter of the Misfeed Dukedom.” Nord

What part of our conversation could be considered happy. You do realize they were picking up knives and forks to attack me at one point?

“I was surprised then, why did you get into a conversation with them?” Nord

After my father mentioned that, my mother leaned forward with interested eyes.

“Well, it wasn’t a big deal, so…” Al

I explained the events of the first day at the royal capital where I met Ra-chan. My father and mother seemed to be impressed.

“Well, that’s interesting” Elna

“I thought Al would get in trouble with the guards. I was worried about a repeat of Eleanora, so it’s nice that didn’t happen.” Nord

“I wouldn’t do such a crazy thing?!” Al

Also, I don’t want to resemble my sister. I don’t think that would be the case…

“By the way, who is the person from the royal family?” Elna

My mother’s eyes narrow, she’s going into hunting mode. I’m worried for Nord, and possibly the royal family member.

“I think it’s her…” Nord

“That tomboy princess” Elna

Elna smiles with her response. Apparently she doesn’t consider this a big issue. Kind of unusual.

“If it’s no good, let me know. She gets angry if I spend too much time in my territory without visiting the capital.” Nord

“Who is the tomboy princess?” Al

“The second princess, Cordelia, she’s a big fan of Nord.” Elna

Ah, so she gets angry if Nord retreats to Koriat Village for too many years. Since it’s so far away from the capital, it’s fine to not come often since we can’t afford it. Because Nord is favored by the second princess, other people can’t complain about him not showing up for functions. She sounds interesting, but I’m worried about the tomboy label.

“Well, that’s why we have to attend” Nord

“If that the case, it can’t be helped…” Al

So we all have to go to this party so Nord doesn’t have to go to a bunch of other parties…

I’m looking forward to getting to see the Dragon Slayer play! I bet the second princess loves it. What should I do today? While thinking about that, I wander down the corridor of the inn…

“It’s weird! Cookies came out the pocket earlier!” Mina

“What are you doing, Mina?” Sarah

I heard some voices from my room.

“There aren’t any cookies!” Mina

“Why would cookies come out of Alfred’s pants?” Sarah

“But, I saw it yesterday! Alfred pulls out the cookies from his right pocket! A few days ago, he pulled out a lot!” Mina

“Is that really possible? Has Mina finally gone crazy from eating too many cookies?” Sarah

“No, not at all.” Mina

Ah, poor Mina. I pull out the cookies using Spatial Magic, not the pocket. It seems like Mina and Sarah are having an easy day. The party isn’t until the evening, so there’s plenty of time beforehand. Nord and Elna will stay in the inn today, for some reason. I’m not planning on leaving either, but for a definite reason. When the party is over, we expect to stay in the royal capital for a few more days, so I can explore more before we have to leave. In the future, I can use Transfer magic to drop by for the day.

Let’s check out the other magic tools I purchased today. I’ll have to examine the properties of the heater magic tool I bought to see if it can be used to make a kotatsu. I’ll also investigate the lighting magic tool, I wonder if I should pick up one for Silvio before I leave?

“Why does time pass quicker when you’re having fun?” Al

I mutter to nobody in the carriage as it sways. I spent my time playing with the magic tools, but then I was dressed into a stiff suit and crammed into the carriage.

“Al, just endure one more night. Don’t look so weary, you were so lively when working with the magic tools earlier.” Elna

Elna tries to encourage me. I wonder if she’s worried I’m getting sick of this and will try to get thrown out tonight? I should have spent time training my magic power earlier.

“I’m not sick, Mom. This is just my resting face.” Al

“Don’t you need to call me Mother at the party?” Elna

Ah, I was too familiar.

“It’s fine since we’re not there yet.” Al

“Didn’t I tell you yesterday to only speak like that in the inn?” Elna

Dang, she remembered the details. I should have paid more attention.

“Oh, we’re almost there.” Nord

A few minutes after Nord said that, the carriage stopped, and we disembarked. Like yesterday, the carriage was taken away by the servants and we walked to the venue. The sky was changing from a setting sun to early evening darkness. There’s lights around the mansion that are already turned on.

It seems like there’s more people attending tonight, I wonder if it’s because a royal family member is attending? I feel like there’s more carriages in line as well as a bigger crowd walking in. Also, there’s more servants and guards set up around the venue, including some knights with armor. I think the sponsor is ensuring nothing will happen to the royal family.

“Al…” Nord

“I know, don’t duel with tongs, don’t make weird movements.” Al

“I’d prefer a response like, ‘I’ll be on my best behavior’.” Nord

Ugh, don’t make me out to be a problem child. Yesterday I got in a fight with Eric like some Walmart Black Friday sale, but that couldn’t be helped.

In that way, the second night of the aristocratic exchange meeting started.