CH 19

C19: To the party

Finally, the day of the party arrived. The venue for the party was the most prominent building in the city, the Royal Castle, and I felt sick to my stomach every time I saw it.

I walked over a drawbridge and crossed over a moat filled with water. After passing through the solid iron gates of the castle, the guide led me to a hall where I found several noblemen. This must be the venue.

The nobles that I saw here and there were all barons and viscounts. They were either lower-ranked or of the same rank. It is said that it is disrespectful to enter after a high-ranking nobleman. As I stood there unsure of where I was, I was approached by a man in his fifties or sixties with long slit eyes, silver hair, and an elegantly trimmed beard.

“I see you are Viscount Dreschord, may I have a word with you?”

Who is this guy…I think I’ve seen him somewhere before.

“Yes. I was busy, so I was glad to hear from you. It’s a great honor to know someone like you.”

“Hahahaha! My daughter and sons are in your care. How could I not know?”

I see. So this is Viscount Hart.

“I am always indebted to you.”

“Yeah. My boys are good, but they’re too quirky for you to handle, you’ll have to use them somehow!”

I’m grateful, but I wonder what the sons of the Hart family think about working for a mere viscount.

“Thank you very much. Well, I’ve gotten rather used to it, and I’m starting to like it these days.”

“Ha-ha-ha! I see! Then why don’t you marry our Yulis?”

What is this old man saying all of a sudden?

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. I’m no match for the Hart family.”

“No, I’m very serious. Since you became the head of the family, you’ve made an enormous fortune, the food situation in your domain has improved, and now you’re focusing on the development of human resources such as private schools and civil servants. I think it’s safe to say that this is an excellent property, don’t you?”

“You know me very well…….”

“Ha-ha-ha! Aside from Yulis, I wouldn’t send two of my sons to a country viscount’s house without doing my homework.”

“Indeed…”

“I don’t want to force you to get married, because our relationship is going to grow deeper. I’m only asking you because I’m worried about my daughter.”

“Well, I can’t imagine a man who would accept Yulis given her personality. I guess I can’t blame him for worrying.”

“You’re very kind.”

“That’s what parents do. I’m sure you don’t know many noblemen. I can connect you with other nobles.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Of course! Then let’s go.”

It was hard to contain my laughter at the thought that I would now have a major business partner.