Chapter: 843
The number of attendees at the banquet seemed to be increasing steadily.
Even on the first day, there were already quite a few guests milling about the banquet hall, but after just one day, the numbers multiplied significantly.
‘The effect is definitely noticeable.’
I looked over at the three individuals who were likely the cause of this influx.
First, there was the Wise Duke, the leader of the Western region of the Empire. Then came Trixie, the Grand Mage and leader of the Central region, and lastly, Mar, the sister of the Eastern Duke and the treasure of Valenti. Once word spread that these three were in the banquet hall, the nobles who showed up halfway through started multiplying exponentially.
It was an expected situation. Of course, the Wise Duke was there; being a notable figure from a prestigious family in the Western Empire, he was a given. But Trixie, who usually avoids public events, actually appeared at someone else’s family banquet! And even the newly risen Duke’s sister showed up. For the nobility, it was a mouthwatering lineup.
‘The reason for the banquet is also just perfect.’
It’s not like it’s just any gathering; it’s a celebration for the 90th birthday of the Grand Lady! Celebrating the longevity of an elder is something that can be applauded regardless of gender, age, or rank. Naturally, nobles felt free to attend without any social anxiety.
“The wisdom and character of the Grand Lady is a beautiful ideal that the nobles of the Empire should aspire to. Back when I was still a child who hadn’t even yet played my part, I learned about the noble mindset through the Grand Lady’s great name and achievements. It fills me with joy that this person, whom I consider my hero, is still thriving.”
Additionally, most of the nobles, aside from a select few, were people of common sense and etiquette. They made sure to express their warm congratulations to the star of the banquet, Grandma.
No matter how many of them were drawn in by the presence of the Wise Duke, Trixie, and Mar, it would be inexcusable to disregard the 90-year-old elder. If any noble committed such a faux pas, they would be immediately ostracized in high society.
“Hero, my ass. I’m just an old lady hiding in the corner, pushed back by the young ones. But hey, it’s nice to hear.”
Grandma made sure to showcase her presence as she interacted with the nobles, making it seem like she was the main character of this banquet, even with the three dukes involved.
Such a vibrant expression for her advanced age! But I couldn’t help but worry. Dealing with an overwhelming crowd could tire out even a young person, let alone someone as old as Grandma. I couldn’t help but fear that she would collapse from exhaustion.
“Can’t stop greeting everyone now.”
In a mix of frustration and concern, I sighed.
If the greetings suddenly came to a halt, it would split the attendees into those who had been greeted and those who hadn’t. Everyone was there to celebrate Grandma’s longevity, but quietly, a hierarchy could form. Nobles can be sensitive to even the tiniest things.
Plus, appearing weak at a birthday banquet would be even worse. Sure, it’s common knowledge that a 90-year-old would be lacking in stamina, but if we suddenly stopped greeting people, rumors would start flying that “Seems like the Grand Lady is really struggling.” Then, before you know it, whispers about her last moments would spread like wildfire.
“Carl.”
“Yeah?”
While I was lost in my thoughts, Trixy, who had crept up beside me, lightly tapped my shoulder.
“I can’t dismiss everyone, so I was thinking of casting a little magic on the Grand Lady. Would that be okay?”
‘Oh.’
Trixie’s words lit up my mind like a beacon in the fog.
Right! Magic can enhance stamina! Plus, I’ve got the continent’s top mage right here next to me. Why was I worrying about Grandma’s endurance?
Of course, the Masalo family is one of the most prestigious in the Empire, so they must have countless mages at their disposal. Grandma could already be layered with various spells.
‘More magic is better, right?’
But surely, Trixy alone is more capable than all the other mages combined. If she’s able to cast a boost spell, we can just throw on even more powerful enhancements.
If Grandma still feels drained despite the magic, then maybe we should question whether there’s a lack of magic. Those thoughts began to creep in.
“Please do it. Just be discreet since the Grand Lady might feel burdened by it.”
“Don’t worry. That’ll be a piece of cake.”
Trixy nodded willingly, even accepting my added request.
She then turned her gaze back to Grandma, who was still busy chatting with the nobles, and flicked her finger lightly.
“All done.”
“Huh?”
My voice slipped out unknowingly in surprise.
It was such a faint gesture that unless you were right next to her, you’d have no clue it even happened. It was so subtle, you might think the wind just stirred a little.
But apparently, that slight movement activated the magic. If someone else had said something like that, I’d have told them to stop spouting nonsense.
‘Wow.’
Stunned, I glanced back at Grandma, and sure enough, her complexion seemed brighter than before. She looked like she was moving a bit more lightly too.
Impressive! The whole activation and proof of effect must have taken less than a second. Is this the prowess of a Grand Mage?
“I think she noticed.”
“Seems so.”
However, no matter how subtle the magic was, the recipient would still realize something was amiss. Even though Trixy had cast the enhancement spell without any visible indication, the sudden boost in Her Majesty’s condition caught Grandma’s attention, and she turned to look at us.
In a moment, Grandma tilted her head just slightly, enough that you could barely tell. There’s no hard evidence of Trixy’s magic, but plenty of circumstantial evidence. She thanked us for the considerate spell cast by the Duke and the Elder—
“The title of Duke can be quite inconvenient in moments like these. The Grand Lady truly deserves respect, yet here she is bowing her head to me. She could feel free to regard me as simply one of her subordinates.”
I couldn’t help but bow my head subconsciously at those words. Even I, as Trixy’s husband, couldn’t agree with that statement.
What noble in this world would treat a Duke like a subordinate? Especially one who is thirty years their elder?
‘Well, she’s not exactly older…’
I bit my lip hastily at those blasphemous thoughts.
Even though Trixy may be over 120 in elf years, in human years, she’s still young and sprightly in her 20s, being around 60 years younger than Grandma. To say she’s thirty years older is plain disrespect in itself.
Let’s be reflective. Trixy’s age is just 20% of her elf age. Well, that’s a universal truth acknowledged by Enen and countless eternal blue skies, including Constantina.
—
Soon enough, it was the last day of the banquet.
“I don’t know what next year’s birthday will be like, but I doubt there will be a more enjoyable one than this year’s.”
As the crowd of guests began to quiet down, Grandma nonchalantly spoke up in a family gathering.
“That’s an overly hasty statement. We’re planning to celebrate your 100th birthday even more grandly.”
Her words prompted a smile from my father-in-law.
A celebration for the 100th birthday. If the 90th anniversary is this grand, just imagine how extravagant the centenary celebration will be.
‘Should I ask the Emperor to borrow the Imperial Palace for it?’
The palace has plenty of space, especially if it’s not around New Year’s celebrations. Plus, for a hundred-year birthday of a marquis’ family elder, shouldn’t the Empire step in to offer congratulations? You could call her a living witness to the history of the Empire! She’s been alive for about 30% of the Empire’s 300-year history.
“It’s not just about grandeur. This year is special because it’s the first time I’m seeing such a strong family gather like this. How could this year’s joy possibly be surpassed?”
With those words, Grandma stood up and began to take the hands of the ladies one by one, bowing her head slightly.
“Thank you for being good family to our Eri.”
“Grand Lady, please don’t say that. We haven’t been good family to Eri; she’s the one who’s come to us.”
“Such sweet words you have.”
As Mar shook her head in response, Grandma couldn’t help but let a little laugh slip.
“But since she’s my granddaughter, I know her better than you all. If it weren’t for you, Eri would still be my troublesome little finger. I can assure you of that.”
“Grandma, you really don’t have to insist on that…”
Eri, unexpectedly dissed, pouted her lips and grumbled.
In that moment, it’s almost as if not denying it was Eri’s last shred of conscience. Even she knows she’s caused her family quite a bit of worry.
“Before I kick the bucket, will I be able to meet my true match? As we start to leave this world one by one, will Eri manage well on her own? I’ve worried about this several times a day.”
“Grand Lady…”
“Which is why, you who’ve relieved this old lady’s grief. The day when my troublesome little granddaughter brought me my darling great-grandson, I’ll never forget for as long as I live.”
The atmosphere turned somber in an instant. It felt like it was supposed to be a heartwarming, touching moment, but Grandma’s emotional outpour made it too intense to actually feel touched.
If only Eri had been just a little less of a troublesome little finger, it might have been more heartwarming. But alas, she was quite a troublesome little one.
“Yet I’ve lived with this grievance for over ten years; so is it wrong to want a bit more?”
“Of course not. You’re free to say whatever you please.”
Turning my gaze to Grandma, I nodded readily.
She absolutely deserves to be a bit greedy. I’m fully prepared to cater to whatever wishes she may have.
“I don’t know how many more years this old lady will live, but I hope to see you all each year on my birthday.”
“That’s not negotiable! You have to visit on days other than your birthday!”
“You’re getting quite greedy for a youngling.”
At those words, the somber atmosphere lightened up again.
Thank goodness we were able to end the banquet with smiles.
—
And then, the Emperor ruined the opportunity for a happy ending.
“His Majesty extends his heartfelt congratulations on the 90th birthday of Victoria Masalo, the pillar of the Masalo family and a senior noble of the Empire! This is not just a celebration for the Masalo family but a blessing for the Empire as well!”
On the last day of the banquet, an envoy from the Emperor arrived. The envoy bowed respectfully and conveyed the Emperor’s warm words to Grandma.
“The Empire shall surely pay respects to a hero who has experienced both the light and darkness, the glory and cries of our land. This scepter is a gift from His Majesty to you, Victoria Masalo.”
He then presented the dazzling golden scepter with both hands.
That glorious scepter gleamed brightly, contrasting starkly against Grandma’s silver hair—it was beautiful and magnificent.
‘What the hell…’
Suddenly, the world around me swayed.
No matter how important a national elder’s 90th birthday might be, when do you ever give a scepter as a gift?
‘This insane Emperor…’
This fellow’s mindset is completely beyond comprehension.
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