Chapter 197: Hide, Executive Manager (2)
Finding the host was an easy task; they typically get swept up in the crowd.
“Oh, Executive Manager.”
“Sir.”
The Invincible Duke noticed us first, prompting me to bow as a polite greeting. He called me ‘Executive Manager’ instead of my name since there were many watching, but it didn’t really bother me.
Anyone influential enough to be here would know about my close relationship with the Invincible Duke. However, knowing something privately and acknowledging it publicly were two different matters.
We must avoid creating the impression of the Executive Manager socializing with specific nobles, or of the military’s de facto leader having favorites.
“Ah, the Executive Manager has arrived.”
Well then, you should reign it in too, you jerk. The Crown Prince teasing his subordinates is an even worse look!
Anyway, the Crown Prince turned his gaze toward me, following the Invincible Duke’s look. He came over with a slight, almost mocking smile. What’s he up to?
I felt a wave of instinctive unease. Was the Crown Prince’s usual restraint taken off? But the Crown Princess was right next to him.
What was going on? Even he wouldn’t dare act up in front of the Crown Princess, right?
“I greet Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
It would be impossible to ignore a superior who spoke first. As Marghetta and I bowed, the Crown Prince patted me on the shoulder and continued.
“Lift your head. It’s embarrassing to be the only one getting attention at a celebration for the Crown Princess.”
“The true star only receives attention at the end, doesn’t it? Please don’t worry too much.”
At that comment, the Crown Princess smiled faintly.
Oh, that actually worked.
I wondered every time it happened. Why did such words resonate here?
Was it the unique sensibility of the people in this world, or was life at the palace so dull that even little jokes brought them joy?
No matter what, I’d probably never fully comprehend either reason.
But I do it because they like it.
When the higher-ups are pleased, the underlings strive to entertain. That’s how social life works, right?
“The Executive Manager is right. Naturally, supporting characters draw attention before the main act comes on.”
The Crown Prince burst into laughter, seemingly satisfied, and the surrounding nobles joined in on the chuckling.
Now that’s power.
No matter how old or powerful you are, when the Crown Prince laughs, you must laugh along. That’s the fate within a hierarchical society.
Of course, I laughed in compliance too. I was part of that hierarchy, after all.
“Looks like we’re already enjoying ourselves. I hope the Executive Manager enjoys the banquet as well.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
The Crown Prince turned away, sporting a meaningful smile, and the Crown Princess nodded as they departed.
Damn it.
From prior experience, I knew that I shouldn’t take his laughter lightly.
That smile was the same one he wore just before I ended up in a sticky situation. Rather than mocking me openly, he was now teasing me through his expressions.
He’s fast on the uptake.
He probably knew that the Iron-blooded Duke had plans for me.
Feeling merry in this situation, are you?
I could already envision the future: the Crown Prince watching from afar as I got laid low by the Iron-blooded Duke.
“The Crown Prince seems to have a soft spot for the Executive Manager.”
Following the imperial couple, the Invincible Duke approached with a hearty laugh.
“I’m undeserving of such kindness.”
I wanted to quibble over what exactly constituted a ‘soft spot,’ but I held my tongue. It wasn’t entirely incorrect if I thought of it as him not cherishing a person but merely looking after a favorite toy.
“You’ve come at just the right time, as His Highness mentioned. I hope you have a pleasant evening.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
As I bowed, the Invincible Duke patted my shoulder. Although the touch felt the same as before, the sensation was oddly different.
“Enjoy your time, Lady. It’s fine to enjoy with your partner, but don’t forget the Iron-blooded Duke.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you for the advice.”
With that, the Invincible Duke moved on to greet other guests, and Marghetta responded with a slight smile.
*
Attending the banquet was a tiresome affair. The reason was simple.
“It’s been a while, Executive Manager.”
“Ah, Chairman. I hope you’ve been well.”
Just showing up meant I’d be roped into a forced greeting marathon with all sorts of people.
One or two acquaintances were manageable, but once I started greeting, it opened the floodgates. It was like a spontaneous flash mob of greetings.
Naturally, ignoring someone who greets you first is bad manners, and it’s even worse if you recognize them but can’t recall their name. Trying to remember who someone is while simultaneously greeting them? It’s a challenge worthy of an Olympic event.
“I see it’s your first time with a partner, Executive Manager.”
The stoic Council Chairman, Count Vardon, remarked, making Marghetta bow her head slightly.
“I’m Marghetta of the Valenti Dukedom.”
“A pleasure to meet you. It seems I’m finally getting to see Valenti’s treasure.”
Her face turned crimson at that.
Treasure…
I almost let out a laugh but managed to stifle it. That embarrassing nickname was born from the Iron-blooded Duke’s proud proclamations.
When Marghetta was born, the Iron-blooded Duke, thrilled to have a daughter late in life, bragged to acquaintances: “She’s already talking, she recognizes her father, she can turn over…,” and so forth.
The sharp-witted nobility wouldn’t miss the shine of the Iron-blooded Duke’s cherished daughter. At the tender age of one, Marghetta was showered with praises and titles in high society, with “Valenti’s Treasure” being the one that stuck the longest.
“Th-thank you…”
What would it feel like to carry a nickname from birth to eighteen? Looking at Marghetta, it certainly didn’t seem like a pleasant experience.
Her lips quivered slightly, her words faltered. Marghetta always tried to uphold her grace, but it seemed she couldn’t shake off the shadows of her past.
“Forgive this old man’s familiarity.”
Noticing her reaction, the Chairman then turned back to me.
His tone was rigid, but the corners of his mouth were slightly turned up, like someone who had just enjoyed a moment of amusement.
“It was good to see you after such a long time. Let’s meet again if we get the chance.”
“Yes. Next time, I’ll make sure to greet you first.”
With a light nod, the Chairman disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared—almost ghost-like.
Still, calling himself an old man and vanishing with a slight smirk seemed to be his way of showing consideration.
My gaze instinctively flicked to Marghetta. Even the usually aloof Chairman stepped aside after witnessing us together.
Is this an elder thing?
Had my marriage prospects become a gossip topic in social circles? Were wagers being placed on when I would tie the knot?
As I casually glanced around, I spotted a noble who had been approaching me getting intercepted by the Chairman instead.
…Well, I might not know about the social circuit, but it seemed I had become quite the talk among the imperial nobility.
“Mar, shall we take a break?”
I grasped her hand, trying to ignore the bizarre situation unfolding around us.
We hadn’t been around long enough to need a break, but confronting her with an old, embarrassing nickname surely must’ve weighed on her mentally.
“So soon? Hasn’t it only been about an hour?”
“Wouldn’t it be sad if that treasure gets a scratch?”
Marghetta looked at me as if I had gone too far.
I’m sorry. The word ‘treasure’ was just too striking to pass up…
*
The calm demeanor I had been putting on crumbled the moment we stepped out onto the terrace.
It was so embarrassing. I barely managed to suppress a scream.
I had just been confronted with a nickname I wanted to forget, especially not from someone much older than me. And worse, it happened in front of the person I treasured the most.
That’s too much.
Glaring bitterly at Carl, he responded with an awkward smile and took my hand.
Do you think this will make it better?
Of course, it did. That’s why I wasn’t blowing up at him right now.
Objectively, it was just a nickname. But to me, that nickname was a brutal reminder far older than my own memories.
If it were a recent nickname, I might find it embarrassing. But since it was one I had heard since childhood, it brought back the memories of my childish, immature days.
Father…
With nowhere else to direct my resentment, it turned towards my father. I didn’t know who exactly coined that nickname, but it was clear he was the root of it.
What a sad banquet this was. I was hit with a major emotional blow right from the beginning.
It’s okay.
Still, the event wound up being rewarding too.
I successfully showcased my relationship with Carl in front of the Chairman of the Imperial Council.
Now, word would spread starting from him to the other council members, and then from them to the rest of the nobility.
Yes, that should suffice. This momentary embarrassment was a small price to pay for such gains. Right…
…Right?
Just as I reassured myself, I noticed a commotion near the main entrance.
I could hear nothing, but I could see the guards at the entrance bustling about, and someone stood prominently in front of them.
Who is it?
The party had already started. It was a celebration in honor of the Crown Princess, held at the Invincible Duke’s mansion—how many would be late for such an occasion?
“Ah.”
Carl murmured as he followed my gaze toward the main gate.
“A distinguished guest has arrived.”
It seemed Carl noticed them even from this distance. He then placed his hand on my shoulder.
With that, my curiosity piqued further. If Carl was reacting this way, then it must be someone of high status.
Is someone significant arriving?
No. The imperial family goes without saying, and both the Gold Duke and the Wise Duchess stayed in their territories; they only made appearances at the New Year’s Ball.
Even the Mage Duchess, also in the capital, was notorious for attending only one day of the New Year’s Ball. So, could it be a Marquis?
“Let’s head inside. They seem to be arriving shortly, so we should at least greet them.”
“Ah, yes.”
That’s right. As Carl said, it was a guest we were bound to meet anyway. There was no need to fret excessively—
“Baby.”
What…?
As I turned to re-enter the banquet hall, I heard a voice from behind.
“To see my baby before I even step in? How fortunate for me.”
That languid voice continued.
“Were you waiting for me?”
Yet, there was an undeniable authority woven within her tone.
“Fufu, you must be pleased.”
As I carefully turned around, I saw a woman with white hair.
It was someone I never expected to see here.
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