Chapter 139: Waiting Patiently (2)
Before I knew it, Rosalyn stood beside Ghislaine, smiling quietly.
“Hehe, looks like the Baron is quite popular.”
Ghislaine shook her head, looking exhausted.
“I’d like to decline this kind of popularity. The gazes are so intense I might get burned.”
“Since I confirmed that my illness has healed today, and I’ve heard that my father has become the Baron’s guardian, everyone will be restless. They’re all fidgeting now, trying to hold it together.”
“That’s why I said the feast would be fine. You’re about to become even more famous.”
Seeing Ghislaine sulking, Rosalyn let out a small laugh.
It’s rare to find an event like this where one can build connections regardless of factions and hierarchies.
Yet, finding someone genuinely annoyed by such a precious opportunity is nothing short of fascinating.
“You still have to greet the people who’ve come to see you, Baron.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.”
Ghislaine sighed with a hint of dissatisfaction.
Regardless, the main character of this feast is Ghislaine.
Now that she has officially allied with the Crown Prince Faction, she should at least greet the people in the same boat as her.
It’s nice that all those who represent the Crown Prince Faction are gathered here, so it’s not necessary to visit each one individually, but…
The question of whom to greet first still loomed.
‘Looks like there are three major factions.’
Even within the Crown Prince Faction, factions cannot exist without some division.
They’ve gathered with a common purpose against the Duke Faction, but their individual interests and inclinations can’t possibly align perfectly.
Ghislaine took a quick glance at the representatives of each faction.
‘I know the Ailzbur couple.’
The faction led by Meriel holds significant power over the capital’s finances. They’re a gathering of nobles that are second to none when it comes to money.
‘Over there is Count Biloah Norton…’
The eldest son of the kingdom’s prime minister and the Grand Justice of the capital, representing the kingdom’s officials.
With the authority over law and administration, this faction is undoubtedly powerful politically.
‘Even Marquis Maurice McQuarry has shown up.’
The head of the kingdom’s security and the supreme commander of the Kingdom Army.
Responsible for the royal family’s actual military power, most commanders follow Marquis McQuarry.
‘The fact that such bigwigs are attending the feast shows just how strong Marquis Branford’s influence is.’
Most of the high-ranking nobles who control the kingdom’s administration, military, and finances were gathered here.
They had gathered here.
These individuals could be said to be the true powers moving the great nation of Ruthania.
While having strong backing was a good thing, at this moment, the Marquis’s significant influence was regrettable.
“Haah…”
A long sigh escaped Ghislaine’s lips.
It was obvious that whoever greeted first would feel their social standing diminished.
As individuals with immense power, drawing their ire could lead to trouble down the line.
Meriel, catching Ghislaine’s eye, covered her mouth with a fan and smiled playfully.
Her curiosity about how he would act was quite apparent.
‘Tsk, it must be fun for the onlookers.’
Ghislaine shook his head and turned his gaze away.
Count Biloah Norton, whispering something to the mayor of Kardinia and the Minister of Protocol, smiled at him when their eyes met.
It was well-known throughout the capital that he was fond of his niece, Rosalyn. Perhaps Ghislaine’s healing of Rosalyn’s illness had fostered this goodwill.
Standing opposite Biloah was Marquis Maurice McQuarry, arms crossed and sporting a bushy beard.
‘Ugh, it would be a headache if that guy got sulky.’
Even Marquis Branford remained silent, seemingly waiting to see Ghislaine’s choice without any mediation.
‘Ah, really, everything is such a hassle. Alright, let’s do this.’
Ghislaine made his decision and took a step forward. All the nobles tensed as they watched.
Ghislaine politely greeted Count Ailzbur. While the true power lay with Meriel, Ailzbur was the head of the family in public.
“It’s Baron Penris. I look forward to working with you.”
“Ah, yes! I too look forward to it. If you ever need my help, just let me know.”
“Thank you.”
Count Ailzbur beamed with a satisfied smile.
He was generally viewed as somewhat lacking compared to the leaders of other factions.
However, for Ghislaine to be the first to greet him, backed by Marquis Branford, was a huge boost to his social standing. It was a gift more valuable than any treasure.
So much so that he would forget the twisted roots of Mandragora.
“Hehe, my younger brother shows such loyalty.”
As Meriel fanned herself and laughed, Ghislaine shrugged his shoulders.
“You shouldn’t call me that in public, you know?”
“What does it matter? You’ve saved our faces, so I’m thankful.”
With a sigh, Ghislaine grumbled.
“What’s the big deal about face? Ugh, this is so exhausting.”
“Still, if you’re going to settle down in the capital, you’ll have to get used to it. This time is no different. While we’re grateful, you’ll have quite the hassle ahead.”
Meriel, hiding her face with her fan, subtly pointed her eyes toward Maurice.
He was glaring at Ghislaine, not hiding his displeasure.
“Ahem!”
Maurice cleared his throat loudly, as if to be heard by Ghislaine.
‘How dare you ignore me, the one who holds the kingdom’s military power!’
It was already infuriating to be associated with a faction like Count Ailzbur’s, which merely touched money, but to be pushed aside in priority was unimaginable.
“Is he just a village bumpkin who only knows trade? It seems he’s only comfortable playing with his own kind.”
“But a smart person would come to the Marquis next.”
The nearby nobles tried to soothe Maurice.
However, even despite their attempts, Ghislaine next addressed Biloah.
Despite his efforts being in vain, Ghislaine next addressed Biloah.
Biloah, seemingly unconcerned about being second, greeted him with a constant smile.
“Thank you so much for treating Rosalyn. Her mother was worried sick, and thanks to you, we’ve greatly relieved our burdens.”
“I’m glad to hear that things are going well.”
“I heard you asked the Marquis for help. I’ll make sure the issues with the Slave Trader and taxes are handled as quickly as possible.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Seeing the two chatting, Maurice’s face turned a shade of red, and he huffed repeatedly.
How could he be pushed aside like this, especially with all the influential nobles of the capital gathered? What a tremendous embarrassment!
When Ghislaine approached, Maurice scrunched his face and shot out a sharp remark.
“As the son of a Count, you should come find me, the Commander of the Kingdom, first. Being a village dweller from the North, you must not know what’s important!”
“I have much to learn. Please teach me going forward.”
Ghislaine’s relaxed remark only fueled Maurice’s anger.
“Don’t get cocky just because Marquis Branford is backing you. I can easily toss you aside whenever I choose.”
“I’ll do my best to avoid that.”
“I’ll be watching.”
Leaving a scowling Maurice behind, Ghislaine returned to his seat.
“Ahem!”
Maurice, unable to hide his displeasure, kept downing his wine glass.
He was already annoyed that the Marquis was backing a mere village boy, and meeting him in person only made things worse.
Next to the grumbling Maurice, other nobles busied themselves trying to comfort him.
“It seems that being close to Count Ailzbur’s lady might be the reason.”
“Aren’t Count Norton and Marquis Branford related by marriage? Baron Penris probably had no choice in this matter.”
Though the nobles sneakily shifted positions, watching their displeased Maurice, they were eager to seize the opportunity to introduce Ghislaine while also building their own connections.
When Rosalyn returned to her seat and saw Ghislaine downing water, she leaned in and asked in a low voice.
“Was the order of things intentional?”
“…I just went with what felt right.”
“Huh, I couldn’t tell.”
“Really.”
“Well, that suits a Baron like you.”
The conversation between Ghislaine and Rosalyn didn’t last long.
As the atmosphere eased a bit, nobles who had been observing approached the two.
“Nice to meet you, Baron Penris.”
“This is a small gift.”
“I look forward to working with you. I am…”
Nobles rushed forward to greet Ghislaine, some offering gifts.
Naturally, Ghislaine did not reject any of them.
Of course, they weren’t acting out of genuine respect for Ghislaine.
Their eyes held a subtle disdain.
“Don’t get carried away, you village bumpkin. I’ll show you who’s boss later.”
“For a lowly trader…”
No one truly acknowledged Ghislaine’s sudden rise.
Most who approached him were merely trying to connect themselves with Marquis Branford, seeking to use him.
Ghislaine was well aware of the atmosphere but chose to ignore it.
Sel knew the atmosphere but didn’t care.
No need to waste mental energy on meaningless people.
“Ugh, this is such a drag. I just want to go back and rest already.”
But she couldn’t just leave now because she felt bored.
For now, she had to kill time while maintaining some courtesy with the nobles.
Even if Ghislaine claimed she didn’t care about face, it meant she wouldn’t go out of her way to build a good reputation, not that she would intentionally tear it down.
Once the nobles’ greetings finished, the young ladies from influential families rushed over.
To them, Ghislaine was excellent prey.
Following the lord’s command, it was much better to grab hold of this rural man in front of her than to marry some weird guy through a political arrangement.
“His family isn’t great, but he’s a lord, right? He’s young, and not bad-looking.”
“The conditions are a bit lacking, but with the Marquis Branford backing him, he won’t be easily dismissed.”
So everyone surrounded Ghislaine and threw questions her way.
“Baron, do you have a fiancée or someone you love?”
“Nope.”
“Then do you plan on getting engaged or dating someone?”
“Nope.”
“Come on, you need at least that! You’re quite the jokester.”
“Nope.”
With an utterly annoyed expression, Ghislaine gave vague answers.
However, that distinct annoyance came across as refreshingly charming compared to other men.
The young ladies giggled and continued firing off questions.
At some point, Rosalyn, pushed back by the crowd, covered her face with her fan and gritted her teeth.
“Stay calm, stay calm. It’s a good day… but seriously, these rude ones!”
Some were happy, some were jealous, some gossiped, and some secretly peeked at others—this spectacle was no different from a typical noble banquet.
That is, until an uninvited person made an appearance.
The attendant guarding the door called out, trembling.
“…Count is here!”
Thud.
As that name rang out in the banquet hall, every noisy mouth instantly shut.
“…Did I hear that right?”
“No way. It must be a mistake.”
With forced smiles, people stared intensely at the door.
Thud… Thud…
A gaunt and tough-looking middle-aged man slowly walked into the banquet hall.
One of his legs was heavily bent as he leaned on a cane.
But the aura he projected was solid and intense, enough to overshadow even that physical flaw.
Thud… Thud…
Only the sound of his cane filled the silent banquet hall.
Watching the man enter, the Marquis Branford’s eyebrows twitched.
Ghislaine also hardened her expression upon seeing his face.
Deep within, she suppressed the killing intent bubbling up.
“That guy…”
Though it was her first time seeing him, his name had been drilled into her head in her past life.
The man known as the “Lame Devil” for his cunning and malicious schemes against enemies.
“Count Raoul Joseph!”
The closest aide to Duke Delphine, and an advisor of the duke’s faction, he had now appeared at the rivals’ Crown Prince Faction’s banquet.
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