Chapter 16

The royal family has appeared. Not just the king, but also the queen, princes, and princesses are among them.

From what I heard before, the king has two wives, three sons, and two daughters. Additionally, the king has a younger brother.

That younger brother is the head of a duke’s family. …I don’t think I’m mistaken about that.

Currently, eight members have made their appearance—everyone I mentioned earlier, excluding the brother. Each movement they make is graceful, and their clothing is dazzling.

“—Silence!”

The noise stopped abruptly.

Even though the king amplified his voice with magic, it wasn’t just because his voice was loud that the commotion ceased.

The nobility naturally quieted in response to his heavy and elegant voice, which had an irresistible charm.

“This year—”

I felt the same way.

The dangerous magical beasts I faced in my past life were different, as were the exceptionally talented foes. The nobles present here are also different.

It’s the unique aura that emanates from a “king.”

It draws the eyes of those who face him, instilling a sense of awe and naturally compelling them to pledge respect and loyalty.

I used to think that strength was determined by physical power, but it seems my perception was wrong.

The king before me is undeniably powerful.

I’ve never heard anything about him being particularly skilled in magic, nor have I heard that he can use fighting spirit like I do. Yet, he is indeed a formidable presence.

I can’t help but recognize him as a strong individual. In fact, I feel a slight inclination towards respect and reverence for him—though I managed to hold back at the last moment.

“—Now, enjoy yourselves.”

With the king’s lengthy greeting concluded, the nobles raised their glasses.

I raised mine and spoke.

“‘Thank you for the path of King El Valdia Gracia!’”

Then, once again, interactions among the nobles began.

Though it’s the king’s birthday celebration, the king isn’t doing anything in particular—he’s merely sitting on the second floor, looking down.

Naturally, my attention drifts back to the boastful Marquis Oriondor… or rather, the pig.

I’m not interested in what he has to say, but I wonder what my father and Marquis Gyalheim will do.

Objectively speaking, that pig is one of the worst people I’ve encountered. He must be an unpleasant presence for my father, mother, brother, and Marquis Gyalheim too.

I should leave this place as soon as possible.

However, I’m curious about the genius lady behind me.

Not in a romantic sense, but I want to know about her rumored abilities that are circulating throughout the kingdom.

Even if I can’t ascertain her true skills, I want to understand what kind of person she is.

…It’s a bit embarrassing, to be honest.

Nevertheless, my curiosity is genuine. I’d like to engage with her without coming off as creepy.

“Well then, we shall take our leave.”

The Marquis Oriondor and the genius lady walked away, perhaps satisfied after boasting about themselves.

It’s a relief that the ugly pig is gone. However, this means I’ve lost the chance to interact with the genius lady.

“Finally, that pig is gone.”

Marquis Gyalheim spat out disdain.

He seems to really dislike that pig. I mean, Gyalheim also calls Oriondor a pig…

“He used to be more reserved, but since Arcelia Oriondor was born, he’s grown arrogant.”

“Ah, that pig thinks his daughter’s abilities are his own.”

While I’m not sure of her exact abilities, if the rumors are true, they’re remarkable. A pig like him wouldn’t hesitate to exploit his daughter for his own gain.

“Arcelia Oriondor’s abilities are genuine. It’s truly unfortunate that such talent is overshadowed by that pig as her father.”

“I agree. I don’t intend to flatter her, but… she could become the best magician in the kingdom before long. Of course, that won’t happen if things stay as they are.”

“…No matter how talented she is, she’s still a child. Her environment can influence her significantly. As Dimitrion said, as long as that pig is around, she’ll be squandered.”

“Putting aside personal feelings… I want to help her for the sake of the kingdom as well.”

“That’s true… However, it’s nearly impossible to confront someone of equal rank, like a marquis.”

“It’s difficult…”

So, even if she’s a genius, she’s still a child.

During her formative years, both physically and mentally, the environment is crucial. That’s true for both ordinary people and geniuses.

I’ve been reminded of this, having forgotten due to my good family relations and my memories from my past life.

After a few more conversations, Marquis Gyalheim took his leave.

At that moment, I felt the urge to urinate.

It seems I drank too much.

“Father, may I go to the restroom?”

“Yeah. Do you know where it is?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Then go on.”

In my past life, I would have said I was going to the toilet, but now that I’m a noble, I must use the cleaner term “restroom.”

This is a bit complicated and bothersome for me.

I slipped through the nobles toward the restroom. I could feel their gazes as they whispered, looking down on me.

They thought they could speak in low voices without any issues since they couldn’t use magic. However, I could enhance my senses with fighting spirit, so I could hear them if I wanted.

But I had no interest in their chatter.

More importantly, I had to hurry to the restroom. The urge was becoming unbearable. Even I didn’t want to have an accident.

“Phew… that was close.”

It was a close call. I was about to burst. If I had lost control, it would have been a disaster.

However… the royal castle’s restroom is quite glamorous.

In terms of cleanliness, it’s on par with a mansion… but it has decorations that make you want to call it a “restroom” instead of a “toilet.”

Moreover, since it’s away from the venue, it’s quiet.

My ears felt at ease.

I generally dislike noisy places, so I wanted to stay here, but I couldn’t linger forever, so I left the restroom.

“Oh!”

I was surprised.

Golden, hair like spun gold, a slender figure. The way she walks—her posture indicates a strong core.

The genius lady is right in front of me. Is she also on her way back to the venue? She doesn’t seem to notice me.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; should I say something? No, a group of young nobles is coming around the corner. It’s better to wait until they pass.

The genius lady turned the corner, and as I was about to follow quietly— I stopped.

I heard voices that sounded like a dispute.

So, I peered around the corner to observe.

Wow… a group of young nobles is surrounding the genius lady. I thought I’d seen this before; they resemble the rough adventurers who pick on new adventurers.

There are only four of them in this group, but they were all those who looked down on me when I greeted them.

But that’s beside the point.

As I listened closely…

“Those who are called geniuses have it easy, huh?”

“They’re probably looking down on us ordinary folks.”

“I don’t like that look in their eyes.”

“Hey, say something!”

It’s the usual jealousy.

They envy her not only for her looks and academic prowess but also for her overwhelming talent in magic.

I can’t say I don’t understand that feeling.

In my past life, I lacked talent and envied those who had it.

I understand and can relate.

But I have something to say.

Such words shouldn’t come from nobles like you.

To me, being a noble alone guarantees some talent. After all, there’s a baseline assurance of talent due to bloodlines.

So, I want to tell them to envy her only after they find themselves in a situation like mine in my past life.

Well, I can understand.

Happiness and talent are not absolute evaluations but relative ones. In the end, they depend on who you compare yourself to.

From my past life’s perspective, they have talent. Those who compare themselves to the genius lady feel they lack talent.

That’s how it is.

“Tch… the daughter of an immoral woman!”

Hey, isn’t that crossing the line? It depends on who said it, but that’s quite the insult.

I tried to step around the corner to intervene, but—

“Whoa!”

The four young nobles charged toward me.

I jumped sideways to dodge them.

For a moment, I had glanced away, but I guessed that the genius lady must have blown them away with magic.

“Ah—good evening. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

The genius lady looked dazed.

Was she surprised that she had blown the nobles away, or that I had come out from around the corner? She blinked rapidly.

“…”

She turned her back and ignored me.

But I’m persistent.

“I’ve heard rumors about you, Lady Arcelia. Would you care to chat with me?”

“…”

“I assume that was magic that blew those fellows away. The power you exhibited in an instant is impressive.”

Still no response. This is harder than I expected.

“By the way—”

The genius lady stopped.

She glared at me.

“Your tone is unpleasant.”

That was all she said before she started walking again.

I see, I see… I’ve only skimmed the surface, but I’ve begun to understand a little.

“Alright then. I’ll take off my mask.”

We can’t get anywhere while we’re both wearing masks. I should discard mine first.

“So, I’m interested in you.”

“…Huh?”

“You’re a genius in magic, right? It’s impossible for me not to be curious.”

Hmm, another disregard.

It’s tough in a first encounter.

As I pondered what to do, the genius lady and I returned to the venue.

It seems pushing further would be pointless now.

Well, it doesn’t have to be now.

As long as I can see her reputed abilities someday, that’s fine—

“Ahh!”

At that moment, a scream echoed, followed by the sound of shattering glass.

“What is…?”

It was the window glass that shattered.

A figure clad in black burst into the venue through the broken window.

Two, four, seven… more than ten.

All of them exude a murderous intent.

No doubt about it.

“An enemy attack?”

I see… this is going to get interesting.