I walked through the venue, repeating the same greetings over and over. Each time, I was met with eyes filled with contempt and ridicule. It’s likely because word has spread, as Father said, that I can’t use magic.
Well, this doesn’t really bother me. I just think it’s rather obvious, given that they’re nobles. On the other hand, I was more concerned that my irritated brother might explode and use magic.
Other than that, it was just boring. I understand that connections with people are important, regardless of what one harbors inside.
But for me, it was just dull. I’d rather be studying. Of course, ideally, I’d prefer to be swinging a sword.
“Alright, we’ve finished making the rounds,” Father said, wetting his throat with a sip from his glass. I hadn’t been counting, but we must have greeted at least ten other nobles.
“Father… they all looked down on Kraze…!”
My brother, standing next to me, let out a voice of anger. It was the first time I’d seen him this furious. And not because of something related to himself, but because of me, his younger brother.
“Brother, I’m not bothered by it at all, so it’s fine. Besides, didn’t Father mention this when we came to the capital?”
At that time, my brother had been listening and even grinned, showing he wasn’t bothered. So, I didn’t understand why he was angry now.
“Well, you’re right… but seeing Kraze being mocked in person, it just gets to me.”
“I understand,” Mother chimed in.
“Mother, you too…?”
It seemed Mother shared the same opinion. I wondered how emotional and kind she must be. People say wealth brings kindness through peace of mind, but there are still nasty nobles, so I don’t think that’s entirely true. In this case, perhaps it’s simply that both of them are genuinely good people.
“I understand how you both feel. It was unpleasant for me, too. But two years from now, Kraze will be competing in the Magic Tournament. Just imagine the look on the faces of those who mocked him,” Father said with a smile.
My brother and mother followed suit, smiling. My family isn’t just kind; they have a bit of an edge as well.
“Alright, next, let’s go greet the Marquess. The royal family should be making their appearance soon,” Father said.
Having finished greeting the viscounts and counts with whom we had some relations, our next stop was one of the four marquess families in the kingdom. As we made our way, a man approached us.
He was likely a marquess. There are four marquess families: our Reynostia, the genius lady Oriandor, Gyalheim, and Nolsted.
The approaching marquess wasn’t from Oriandor, as the genius lady wasn’t with him.
“Lord Dimitrion, it’s been a while.”
“It’s been a while, Lord Valen,” Father replied.
Valen… He must be the head of the Gyalheim family. If I recall, the Gyalheim family protects the border with a neighboring country, and they have many stationed mages.
Valen, the Gyalheim marquess, whom Father addressed, is himself a talented mage. With his sturdy build, he seems strong physically as well.
Just like Father, the atmosphere around him was different—something I had never seen in my previous life. It was the unique air of a marquess.
“Have you entrusted your domain to your son?”
“Yes, he’s eighteen now. He can’t just focus on magic; he needs to pay attention to managing the domain too.”
“Especially since it’s a border with another country.”
They seemed quite familiar with each other. Like with Count Solstein, the Gyalheim marquess also seemed trustworthy. Perhaps because there are only four marquess families, they might have a close relationship despite the age difference.
“Would you mind if I introduced my sons?”
“Not at all.”
How many times had I done this today? My brain felt like it might short-circuit from repeating the same greeting, but I composed myself and, together with my brother, spoke.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Rowen Reynostia, the eldest son of the Reynostia family.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Kraze Reynostia, the second son of the Reynostia family.”
“Oh…”
I heard a voice from above and realized the Gyalheim marquess had crouched down to meet my gaze. Though slightly surprised, I didn’t look away and continued to meet his eyes.
“Hmph, good eyes,” he said with a chuckle before standing up.
“Both of you gave greetings well beyond your years. Lord Dimitrion, you must be proud.”
“Yes, they are sons I don’t deserve,” Father responded.
The conversation between the two continued. Up until now, Father had exchanged only a few words with others before moving on, but with the Gyalheim marquess, he was having an extended conversation. Perhaps because they trusted each other.
“Well then, we’ll be on our way—”
“Excuse me,” someone interrupted. I glanced at the speaker without being rude.
Another marquess. This one had a genius lady standing behind him, meaning it was Oriandor. The same bored expression she had from a distance… No, now she seemed more polite. Clearly, she had put on a mask.
“Ah, my apologies for interrupting. I thought it best if we greeted each other at the same time,” the Oriandor marquess said.
“…No problem,” Father replied.
This Oriandor marquess… he looked like an orc. Not just his physique and face, but the dark, foul aura emanating from him. It was as if the negative emotions of malice and hatred had congealed.
Well, that’s typical for a noble. But compared to Father and the Gyalheim marquess, he seemed to reek of something rotten. He’s… worse than the bandits I killed in my previous life.
“But Lord Dimitrion, you brought your sons with you. Would you mind introducing them to me?”
Father signaled to my brother and me with a glance. It meant we should greet them. Although I was more interested in the genius lady than the pig in front of me… I had no choice.
Following the proper etiquette, my brother and I introduced ourselves.
“Oh! As expected of Lord Dimitrion’s sons… Future brilliant mages… Hm? Ah, yes, the second son can’t use magic, can he?” the pig remarked, deliberately.
Seriously… for a marquess, he’s pathetic. He reminds me of the bandits I killed in my previous life.
“My apologies, my apologies. Now, let me introduce my daughter. Arcelia,” he said.
Here we go. She swiftly donned her mask… What kind of person are you, I wonder?
“Pleased to meet you. I am Arcelia Oriandor, third daughter of the Oriandor marquess family.”
She finished her greeting and lifted her head. By chance, our eyes met.
…I see.
“As you probably know, Arcelia is a prodigy in magic—”
Despite wearing a mask of politeness, her eyes revealed something deeper. As the old saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul,” and her eyes showed an emptiness.
I was shocked. How could someone with such overwhelming magical talent have eyes so hollow? It was something I couldn’t comprehend.
I wanted to know more about this genius lady. But my attention was drawn back to the present as the venue erupted in noise, and I followed the nobles’ gazes.
“The royal family has arrived,” I muttered quietly.
The star of the celebration, the king, had made his appearance.
