CH 20

C20: Social circles, I’m afraid

As I asked Viscount Hart to connect me with a few people, high-ranking dukes, marquises, and earls were already beginning to enter the hall one after another.

As a result, many of the lower class nobles began to get nervous. This is because the main goal of the lower nobility in social circles is to have relations with the higher nobility.

However, as a matter of social etiquette, it is against the law to talk to a nobleman of higher rank than you. Therefore, I had no choice but to suppress my excitement and wait for the nobles of higher rank to call on me.

Everyone was socializing, of course I was not an exception. Of course, I’m not an exception. My goal is to build a friendship with the three great noble families that surround the Dreschord territory, the Marquis of Alcala, the Count of Piazon, and the Duke of Orar, to prevent them from attacking me.

If I do not build a friendly relationship with the three families equally, I will soon be attacked and destroyed. Right now, my family is only at peace because of the balance of power between the three families, just like the separation of powers. So, I’m one of those people who’s getting nervous.

“Now there is no one else I can introduce you to. I am ashamed of my lack of connections.”

Viscount Hart said apologetically.

“No, no, no. It’s more than enough. Thank you so much!”

“I hope I have been of some help.”

“Thank you.”

Viscount Hart waved and left.

I left Viscount Hart and found myself bored again. I was trying to act graceful and alone so that I could talk to anyone at any time, but no one came to talk to me, so I decided to go to the edge because I was lonely and couldn’t find anyone.

I feel like I’m suffocating. I’m not cut out for this kind of place after all. I’ll just stay at the edge of the room until it’s over. As I sat alone in the corner, munching on the delicious food, the hall became a little noisy and then quieted down.

“Thank you for gathering here today for the coming of age ceremony of Her Highness Princess Amelicia the Second. Her Majesty, His Majesty Gmund, and Her Royal Highness, the Second Princess Amelicia, are about to enter.”

Apparently, the entrance of the King and Princess had begun.

“What beautiful silky hair you have!“

“I’m swooning over your beautiful, warm, ocean-blue eyes!“

“There’s an angel here!”

I couldn’t see her because she was in the corner, but from the admiring looks of the people around her, she must be quite beautiful.

Everyone was quickly gathering around the princess. I decided to join them at the back of the line so that I wouldn’t stand out.

“Thank you for coming to my birthday party today. I have presumptuously prepared a few small delicacies for you, so please take your time and enjoy yourself.”

When the princess finished her speech, there was applause and the nobles leaned forward to exchange greetings.

I’ve heard that voice before. Well, no matter. There’s no need to get so close to a member of a royal family that’s about to be destroyed, and I’ll just say hello later when someone is available.

When I returned to the corner, I found a beautiful girl with cherry-colored hair, beautiful calm eyes, and large mounds in the corner, just like me, eating a dish that had been skillfully prepared. She seemed to notice me and rolled her eyes for a moment before putting down her plate and approaching me with interest.

“Can I have a moment of your time?”

I wonder why such a pretty lady is talking to me without any hesitation.

“Yes, of course. I’ll always have time for a woman like you.”

“You’re good at this.”

The girl chuckled.

“My name is Mist Piazon. May I ask you a question?”

Piazon! The Count of Piazon! I shouldn’t have said that stupid, embarrassing line, I’m getting nervous.

“Count Piazon’s daughter, is it? Please forgive my ignorance. My name is Chris Dreschord. I’ll tell you as much as I can answer!”

Then, Mist opened his mouth with a bitter look on her face.

“You are a viscount. I’m just the Count’s daughter. It wouldn’t look good if you were too formal with me. Let’s talk a little less formally.”

To be admonished by a girl about your age (20 years younger)… Oh, my God! I’m so embarrassed!

“All right. So what’s your question?”

“Why aren’t you going to see the princess?”

What would be the right answer? I can’t just say that the royal family is wasted and that there is no need to rush.

“You know what’s coming, don’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“And you’re so good that after you became a viscount, the Dreschords began to gain power.”

“Thanks to my vassal……”

“I’ll just leave it at that. Even if they ripen later, we should harvest them while they’re still available.”

“What are you talking about?”

When I said that, she murmured in my ear, “It’s about the fruit next to our house,” and walked away. What’s with this girl, she’s scary!