Chapter 161
Chapter 161. Princess Ophelia’s Birthday Party (3)
As the party continued, members of the Royal Family entered one after another and made their presence known. Among them, the Princes drew the most attention by far.
Since the Royal Family still had not decided on an heir, even a strange tension lingered in the air.
Among them, Morata, the Third Prince who had consistently shown interest in the Young Lady, searched for Sapiela as soon as he entered.
“He is that devoted. Should I have let him meet her at least once?”
Just as I was murmuring and drinking wine, Hamel suddenly appeared.
“Who?”
“The Third Prince.”
I gestured to one side with my eyes. It was something that went against etiquette, but Young Master Hamel did not show it.
Rather, I thought such unconventional behavior was what helped me become closer to him.
Treating him humanely instead of strictly observing etiquette. That was the strategy of friendship I had chosen with him.
After confirming that Prince Morata was approaching the Young Lady and trying to win her favor, Hamel frowned.
“What are you doing? You disloyal slave. Go and repel the enemy!”
“Is the Prince our enemy, too?”
“He may not be our enemy, but he could become your enemy.”
After tossing that out, he disappeared to one side again. Only after a moment did I understand what he meant. Something like saying Morata could become my romantic rival over Sapiela.
“How amusing.”
I laughed faintly.
No matter who approached her, I was confident.
She was already completely taken with me, and I had not yet fully displayed my abilities.
Whether in ability or character, I was confident I would not lose to anyone.
“Things worked out well with the Princess, too, so shall I loosen up my tongue?”
My feet were already heading toward the Young Lady. In the meantime, Prince Morata was using gestures as he struggled to win her favor.
“Hahaha. In any case, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. So much time has passed since I first sent a letter, and to think I am only now meeting you feels like a dream.”
“I apologize. My health has not been good recently, and there have been several matters within my House, so I had to be cautious about meeting anyone. I ask for your generous understanding.”
“Ah, there is no need to worry about that at all. I know what is happening in the Adeline Territory as well.”
The Prince smiled broadly and tapped his chest with his fist. It was an excessive expression of confidence.
“Personally, I do not like what the Count Astria House is doing. I believe I understand why you rejected the marriage talks and came to the Royal Capital. To raise troops in an age of peace—it is something that deserves condemnation.”
Is that not a rather dangerous statement? Seeing that you lowered your voice, your words and actions do not seem to match.
The Astria Family was one rank below us in noble title, but their power was far from small. That was because the massive group known as the Delfino Merchant Company stood behind them.
That must be why he could not say it loudly.
“It is reassuring to hear you say that. If Your Highness looks after us, perhaps this matter may be resolved more easily.”
“Hahaha! Leave it to me. I will formally report this matter to Father.”
He was casually saying things he did not mean at all.
I could not bear to watch any longer, so I slipped in. I naturally approached behind the Young Lady and offered my greeting.
I could feel the Prince’s uncomfortable gaze asking why I was interfering.
But it did not matter.
“It is my first time greeting you, Prince Morata. I am Dilen, Head of House Medici. I am attending as the Young Lady’s Attending Secretary. I hope to see you often in the future.”
“Oh! Sir Dilen. It is good to meet you. I had something I wanted to say if I met you, in fact.”
The Prince, who had clasped his hands behind his back, glared at me with an overbearing expression. He did not look particularly pleased.
Well, since I had continued postponing their meetings until now, he naturally could not have good feelings toward me.
Of course, the Young Lady’s intentions had also been involved, but schedule management was handled by Sir Brituang and me for the time being.
“I hear you became an Assigned Butler in the shortest time. And an Aura User as well. I also heard you saved the life of the Minister of Internal Affairs’ wife. Thanks to that, rumors about you are often heard even in the Royal Family.”
“Is that so? I am only ashamed that such a small talent of mine has been viewed so highly.”
“Hahaha! You are a humble fellow. You may take pride in yourself. You are assisting the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom.”
The Prince gazed deeply at Sapiela. Are you planning to make your move today? Wake up, man.
Just as I was about to say something, Sapiela stepped forward first. She wore a bright smile that was difficult to see from her.
“It is an immeasurable honor that you view me so highly. Then, Your Highness, I hope you enjoy the rest of the party. There are many people I must greet, so I will take my leave.”
“Take your time with the greetings. Why not have a dance with me?”
“I apologize, but I already have a partner today.”
“You have one?”
As she answered like that, Sapiela looked at me.
She confirmed that the person was me. In that instant, the Prince’s expression stiffened.
It was very common for a Lady to dance with her Attending Secretary. In this world, dancing was no different from exchanging greetings.
However, Sapiela had said that she had a separate partner, and the gaze she sent me was mixed with affection.
There was no way the Prince would not know that.
Likewise, I had heard that cases of a Lady and her Attending Secretary falling for each other were also frequent. Although rare, there were even cases where they eloped for love.
“……If that is the case, then it cannot be helped. I will look forward to next time.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
The Young Lady bowed politely and left. I thought she was truly like herself. No matter who the other party was, she said what needed to be said. Especially to men.
Since it had happened before anyone could stop her, Prince Morata smacked his lips bitterly.
“I will also take my leave now. Your Highness, I hope to see you again.”
“Do that.”
After stepping away, I checked the respective locations of Young Master Hamel, Sapiela, and Eluna.
Young Master Hamel was meeting high-ranking figures. With his distinctive intellectual humor and unconventionality at the forefront, he was becoming close with people in a short period of time.
Sapiela was targeting the women. She dealt with various Noblewomen, including the Duchess, and did her best from the position available to her.
Eluna was the same.
He had become especially close with Dame Cassiopeia, and through her introductions, he was mingling with other Knights and young nobles, exchanging all kinds of conversations.
The people these three were dealing with were all different, but their goal was one.
To save the Adeline Territory from chaos.
“Now I only need to do well.”
Just as the atmosphere of the party had ripened, the person I had been waiting for finally appeared.
“His Majesty the King is entering!”
The massive doors opened, and the Guard Knights appeared first. Behind them, the King appeared, leading his small body forward.
King Henry III looked older than I had expected. The fact that he had difficulty moving and held a cane was one thing, and the age spots blooming on his face also made his age clear.
He did not look so unhealthy that something would happen to him immediately, but I did wonder if the succession would soon be decided.
“I understand why Prince Morata is acting so impatiently. If he is not designated as the heir, he will become nothing more than an ordinary person.”
Far from winning the Young Lady’s heart, he might not even be chosen by the Adeline Family.
From the Adeline Family’s perspective, they would want to play their card in a more future-oriented situation.
Of course, my hope was that the Young Lady would choose her life partner of her own will.
That was why I intended to provide the Adeline Family with a new option. Namely, pushing forward a Political Marriage with the Master of Metis.
In the end, I did intend to reveal my identity to the Young Lady, and if that happened, then on the surface it would be a Political Marriage, but for the Young Lady, it would be what she herself had wanted, so it would have the effect of killing two birds with one stone.
This was no longer mere Premature Expectations. The two of us had already confirmed each other’s feelings.
“I am pleased that so many Guests have gathered. It seems all the Kingdom’s prosperity and blessings have gathered here.”
After beginning like that, the King began looking around with a benevolent smile. Not even breathing could be heard. Everyone was listening for the King’s words.
“Are there, by chance, Guests from Adeline and Astria here?”
At the King’s august summons, Young Master Hamel and an unknown young man stepped forward. He was not Young Master Otto, and seemed to be another young master.
So someone from Astria had come, too.
Well, if they missed such a large event, they would likely be swept up in the false accusation that they were plotting treason. At the very least, someone of the eldest son’s level must have come.
“You two, come closer.”
The two young men glared at each other once, bowed their heads, and slowly walked forward.
“Hamel of Adeline offers his greetings to Your noble Majesty the King.”
“Joaquin of Astria offers his greetings. Have you been well all this time?”
The King nodded with the same benevolent expression.
“You are pillars who will shoulder the future of the Kingdom. Have you spoken with one another?”
As if that would happen. It would be fortunate if they did not grab each other by the collar and start fighting.
As expected, when neither of them could answer, the King erased the smile from his face.
“The reason you attended this party cannot simply be to offer congratulations. I hope you both return to your respective Houses with positive results.”
The two young men lowered their heads even more. The King drew his gaze away from the two of them and spoke to everyone.
“I have heard that unsavory incidents have been occurring in the rear regions recently.
Regarding the many problems that seek to turn back this peaceful age, I will seek your counsel later. However, today is Ophelia’s birthday. Since this is a place to celebrate her birthday, I will not speak at length. I hope all of you spend this time joyfully, without any worries or concerns.”
After finishing his words, the King turned and sat in the Seat of Honor.
Soon, a Maid handed him a Wineglass, and the King received it, accepted greetings from various Ministers, and toasted.
The solemn atmosphere ended with that.
As the Orchestra’s performance began, the party’s excitement returned. It did not take long for people’s murmuring to regain its liveliness. And at the center of that liveliness was Princess Ophelia.
“Father!”
“Yes. Are you satisfied with the party?”
“It is the best! I think it would be wonderful if I could be born as Father’s child again in my next life, too.”
Preferably as a son, it felt as though those words had been omitted.
“Are the Ministers not watching? You are no longer a young child, so you should show a dignified appearance.”
“It is my birthday, so I should be allowed to act a little spoiled~”
“Hahahaha.”
The King burst into hearty laughter, as if he was in a very good mood. The high-ranking nobles gathered around also burst into laughter. The atmosphere was not bad.
At that moment, Ophelia smiled and approached closer, then whispered something to the King.
Seeing a hint of surprise appear in his expression, she seemed to be talking about me.
I infused Mana into my hearing and moved a little closer.
“……If that is so, I should meet him once. Bring him here at once.”
“There are many eyes watching, so please wait in the side room for a moment, and I will bring him.”
“Do so.”
When the King left with the Royal Guard, Ophelia came down the stairs. Since I was standing in a clearly visible place, our eyes met quickly.
“It seems you are looking for me.”
“As expected, you are quick to notice. Come this way. I will grant your wish.”
I carefully followed behind the Princess. I had properly learned how one should act when having an Audience with the King. Since this was my first time, it was best to do as I had learned.
After moving to a private chamber, I stood before the King, knelt on one knee, and showed the courtesy of a Subject.
“Dilen, Retainer of Adeline and Head of House Metis, offers his greetings to Your noble Majesty the King. It is an honor to meet you.”
“I heard the story from Ophelia. She said you gifted my daughter an interesting item.”
“In truth, there is an even more wonderful item.”
“An even more wonderful item?”
With a confident smile, I took a box from my breast pocket. When I opened the box, the smooth Pen Nib sparkled under the light and revealed its elegant form.