Chapter 159
Chapter 159. Princess Ophelia’s Birthday Party (1)
The next day, Princess Ophelia’s birthday party was finally held at the Royal Palace.
Although Ophelia was far removed from the Right of Succession, she was the queen of High Society. She had also been secretly building her own power base. On top of that, her reputation was good, so I heard that there were quite a few people who wished to propose marriage to her.
Of course, since she was a member of the Royal Family, whether such proposals would be accepted was unknown, but in any case, it was true that there were many young men who wished to win her heart.
For that reason, I could not really voice any complaint about the long waiting line spread out before my eyes.
Splendid Carriages and Baggage Carriages loaded with luggage were lined up in front of the Royal Palace. Even if they were nobles, they were attempting to bring in outside goods, so an Inspection Check was essential.
“There are an extraordinary number of guests.”
When I murmured, Sapiela, who was sitting beside me, turned her gaze outside the carriage window.
“Ophelia has a lively personality. She is sociable, too. It is only natural that there are many guests.”
“Her Social Status as a Princess must have played a part as well. His Majesty the King will also attend, so this is an opportunity to make Connections.”
Just like me.
I was attending the Birthday Party under Dilen’s identity. As Suhyeon, I had not been invited. Sapiela did not even know that I was the Master of Metis.
“In any case, she certainly has the kind of personality that would be well received in High Society. She is not sharp and difficult like someone else.”
“…….”
“Why are you making that expression?”
“No. I just feel somewhat displeased.”
“Hahaha. Were you perhaps feeling called out?”
“…….”
I should stop joking here.
Seeing that slips of the tongue now came out so casually, it seemed I had also become comfortable around the Young Lady.
When we rode in a Carriage, we usually sat facing each other. After all, if we sat side by side, there would inevitably be physical contact whenever the Carriage shook, and that would be a great discourtesy.
However, after she had enjoyed the soufflé so much at the Teahouse yesterday, we had begun sitting side by side. Sapiela did not say anything about it. It simply happened naturally.
After quite a while, our turn came.
Arthas, who was in charge of the escort, showed the invitation and explained the purpose of our visit.
“You have come from House Adeline. We have confirmed the invitation. Welcome. If it is not discourteous, may we inspect your luggage briefly?”
“Please be quick.”
“Yes.”
The Knights and Soldiers moved busily. Arthas and the Soldiers closely watched their every action in case they damaged the luggage in any way.
Arthas had now practically become a proper Guard Captain.
It seemed the saying that a position changes a person was not empty talk. Ever since he began serving as my Lieutenant and taking responsibility for the Young Lady’s protection, he had gained something like Dignity. In fact, Dignity D-Rank had even appeared among his Status Window Traits.
Once the Knight finished inspecting the luggage, he approached Arthas and gave a Military Salute.
“There are no abnormalities. You may pass.”
When Arthas sent a Hand Signal, the Carriage began moving again, and we were soon able to enter the Royal Palace.
A massive work of art crafted by human hands entered my field of vision.
The Alphrost Royal Palace.
The Royal Palace was located on slightly elevated ground and had been designed so that all the Subjects living in Saint Lucia could look up at it.
When I first saw the Royal Palace, I felt as though a living god resided there.
Its majestic scale, of course, was impressive, but the artistic sense revealed in the graceful curves of the building was truly beautiful. According to Chief Brituang, the Alphrost Royal Palace was regarded as the greatest architectural structure on the Continent.
I acknowledged it. If it had been built in the past, when magical civilization had flourished, then the technology back then must have been far better than it was now, so it was only natural that an even more beautiful structure could be created.
I had heard that in the past, they used servants such as Golems to build structures.
“We are almost there. How are you feeling?”
“I am fine now. It seems the medicine Ophelia sent was effective.”
“That is a relief.”
A short while later, we got down from the Carriage. Various nobles were getting down where the carpet had been laid out, recognizing one another and exchanging greetings. Around them,
Royal Guard Knights stood in formation, maintaining strict security.
Arthas also escorted Hamel and Eluna. The two of them had come along by the Young Lady’s special request.
I gestured inward with my palm and said.
“Let us go in slowly. I will guide you.”
“Have you been to the Royal Palace before?”
“Of course not.”
With a faint laugh, I took the lead and guided the Young Lady. Even if it was my first visit, I could not put her in front. I simply had to follow the people ahead of us.
When we entered the inner palace, it was filled with decorations as splendid as those outside.
If the exterior of the Royal Palace displayed dignity, its interior displayed the height of luxury.
There were many objects that flashed in the light. It felt as though jewels had been set everywhere.
There were also dignified landscape paintings and portraits, and fresh flowers that looked as though they had just been picked were arranged everywhere. It felt as though we were appreciating works of art in a luxurious gallery surrounded by a flower garden.
“Sapiela.”
Because someone called from the side, we briefly stopped walking. None other than Duke Mydas and his wife, Duchess Rosaria, were standing there.
“I offer my greetings to Your Grace. Have you been well all this time?”
“Yes. I heard you have not been feeling well lately. Are you somewhat better?”
“Thanks to your concern, I have recovered.”
“I was about to send our House Physician, but I stopped when I heard the Princess had sent one first. I told the Head Butler to send over some fruit, so make sure you eat it.”
“I am grateful for your grace, Your Grace.”
This time, their gazes turned toward me. The Duke and Duchess were extremely favorable toward me. Setting aside the matter of Metis, I had saved the Duchess’s life.
“Sir Dilen came with you as well.”
“It is an honor to see you again. I heard the news from Master Suhyeon. If Metis, as well as my hometown, hears of this news, everyone will be delighted.”
“I heard you have taken on the role of Consultant at Metis.”
“That is correct.”
“Let us see each other often from now on. Next time, we should perhaps have Luncheon together with Master Suhyeon.”
That was impossible. Unless there were two of me, Dilen and Suhyeon could not coexist.
It seemed I would have to find someone else to play my role.
Simon would solve the problem of the face being different. All I would have to do was have him make one identical face, whether it was Dilen’s or Suhyeon’s, and have that person act the part.
However, to entrust someone with this task, I needed someone reliable.
I would have to think about this more.
“I am grateful for your words, but perhaps it would be better for us to meet together once this business has stabilized somewhat. Master Suhyeon left for the Ture Region today. He must conduct an Inspection before establishing the Production Facility.”
“Ah. That is true as well. It would be burdensome to hold back someone so busy going here and there, so do as you see fit.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
The Duke and Duchess began walking down the corridor. We, who had been held up briefly, were also able to safely arrive at the Party Hall.
“Wow, this is no joke.”
That was my honest impression.
This was my first time seeing such a vast Party Hall. The carpet laid on the floor was soft, as though I were stepping on clouds, and walking on it placed no burden on my feet at all.
The music flowing sweetly from one side was also extraordinary. It was not a String Quartet, but an Orchestra of more than ten people providing the music.
A massive chandelier hung in the center, and the domed ceiling contained Renaissance-style paintings. One wall was completely open in a terrace style, forming an independent space.
I briefly examined the tables.
The tables and tableware were all of the highest quality. No matter where I looked, there was nothing dull about the magnificent place.
“It must be extremely difficult to work in a place like this.”
When I clicked my tongue, Young Lady Sapiela showed interest.
“Do you want to work at the Royal Palace?”
“No. I suppose you could call it a kind of occupational habit. Something like that. It was a good thing I did not bring Arwen.”
After all, there was bound to be some difference between service at the Royal Palace and service at a Marquis House. If she had come here for no reason, she might only have been intimidated, and nothing good would have come of it.
Nobles began gathering one by one.
Sapiela had not gone out to Salons, but she had spent time receiving many nobles. Because of that, there were quite a few people who recognized her and greeted her warmly.
As a result, the gazes of the nobles naturally had no choice but to concentrate on this side.
Even setting aside the tremendous background of the Adeline Marquis House, her figure, dressed to the fullest in a dress, properly showed what the Greatest Beauty in the Kingdom meant.
Of course, in consideration of the day’s true protagonist, she had come wearing the simplest dress.
However, the completion of fashion lay in the face.
Even if the Princess appeared with her tiara shining, the protagonist of the day, as one felt it in practice, was Young Lady Sapiela.
“I once sent you a Letter before, but I am only now able to meet you. I am Quiln. I wonder if you remember.”
“Ah, I remember. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Baron Quiln looked to be in his mid-thirties. He seemed young to have received a Barony, but too old to suit Sapiela.
I remembered that name as well.
It was partly because my memory had become markedly better, but on the day I returned after receiving my Noble Title in the Adeline Territory, a Banquet had been held, and the Young Lady had once canceled a prior appointment in order to attend that Banquet.
The person whose appointment had been canceled back then was this very Baron Quiln.
I felt oddly sorry.
“You are truly as beautiful as I have heard! Would you grant me one chance to dance with you later?”
The Young Lady showed a polished smile.
An unexpected answer came out.
“I apologize, but I have a partner today.”
“Pardon?”
The Young Lady looked at me.
I was wearing a Tailcoat.
No matter how anyone saw me, I was a Butler, so he seemed somewhat flustered that she had pointed me out as her partner.
“I plan to dance with Sir Dilen today. And with my brother as well, since it has been a while.”
“Ah…… Sir Dilen.”
It seemed he had heard about me.
Since I had accomplished something at the Ducal House, rumors must have spread quickly.
An Aura User who had been promoted to Assigned Butler and Baronet before even a year had passed since he became a Butler Apprentice.
The mere fact that a Butler was an Aura User was interesting enough, and since I had saved the Duchess’s life, it was more than enough to be talked about by gossipmongers.
I did not bother refusing that attention.
There was nothing bad about my value rising. I merely had to hide my true strength well.
“What a pity. It would have been truly wonderful if I could have had a dance with you, Lady.”
Baron Quiln had a regretful expression, but he was probably displeased inside.
I had heard that dancing at a party did not carry that much meaning. They said it was like simply exchanging ceremonial greetings. Since he had been refused that, it could only sting.
There was a saying that if you felt wronged, you should grow stronger.
Please come again after being promoted to around Count someday, Baron Quiln.
“In any case, seeing you look so beautiful, I feel as though you are the protagonist of the day, Lady.”
“Would that not be discourteous? Today’s protagonist is Princess Ophelia. I believe there is a need to be careful with your words and actions.”
“Mm…….”
Perhaps Sapiela found him bothersome, because she snapped back at him, and Baron Quiln’s expression stiffened.
“That is true. You are absolutely right. Then I shall take my leave. I hope you have a pleasant time.”
After splendidly driving away one fly, Sapiela let out a sigh. She seemed worried about how many more flies would gather around her.
“Princess Ophelia is entering!”
Everyone’s gazes turned toward the direction the voice came from.
The doors opened, and Princess Ophelia slowly walked in, wearing a splendid dress and adorning her entire body with jewels. Her eyes met mine.
Was it a coincidence?
The Princess looked at me and grinned broadly.