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Chapter 11
“You’re late. Did something happen?”
As soon as Angela spotted me the moment I stepped into the banquet hall, she ran straight over and clung to me as if she would never let go. Even my partner, Sergei, and her younger brother, Corbin, looked bewildered.
“Sister, do you normally allow this level of physical contact with your close friends?”
“…Not really, but why? Is there a problem?”
“No, of course not. If you wish it, I cannot interfere.”
Just as Corbin said, Angela seemed especially attached to me today. Sure, she’s a bit shy around strangers, but I had never seen her rely on someone like this before.
“Come to think of it, her fiancé is the Crown Prince… so why is she paired with Corbin? Are they on bad terms?”
Well, seeing how the Crown Prince ignored his fiancée on his birthday to meet with Charlotte, it was easy to guess that their relationship wasn’t great.
“Maybe Charlotte’s wish could actually come true.”
Of course, I knew that noble marriages weren’t made out of love alone, but removing even one obstacle was better.
“Alright, I’ll ask about the engagement while I have the chance.”
I planned to complete the quest I just received right away—let’s call it the “Homebody Operation.”
Since this quest required meeting both Angela and Charlotte in sequence, it was best to complete it all at once now that everyone was gathered in one place. Like a homebody handling all errands in one outing.
“Alright, let’s do this now.”
However, my plan was immediately ruined by Sergei’s shout beside me.
“Y-Your Majesty, Emperor of the Eternal Glory of the Empire!”
“Emperor?”
I turned my head in confusion and found the real Emperor standing there. Without a moment to be surprised, I, along with Angela and Corbin, quickly bowed.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“Oh, it’s been a long time for both of you. Raise your heads.”
Gustav, the Emperor and father of Crown Prince Debric, addressed only Angela and Corbin. Sergei and I were neatly ignored.
Of course, even though this banquet was for the Crown Prince, the Emperor had personally come—there was no way he would bother speaking to ordinary people like me or Sergei.
“It warms my heart to see the noble lady at today’s banquet. It pains me to have such an incompetent son.”
“Your concern alone is enough to move us deeply, Your Majesty. Please do not worry.”
In place of the stiff Angela, Corbin answered the Emperor. The Emperor didn’t point out Angela’s unbecoming noble behavior and continued.
“One must especially pay attention to the noble lady. Honestly, I care for her even more tenderly than for the Crown Prince.”
Knowing the relationship between Angela and the Crown Prince, those words didn’t feel empty.
“I am truly honored, and I swear to do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty’s expectations.”
Even in this situation, Corbin remained expressionless while responding to the Emperor. I couldn’t tell if it was due to indifference or just a poker face.
“‘Living up’ is nothing. I simply want the noble lady and the Crown Prince to safely wed and bear a healthy heir. Speaking of which, shouldn’t we start preparing for the royal wedding? It has been quite some time since your engagement.”
“I…”
Not wanting to eavesdrop too blatantly on such a personal conversation, I moved slightly away—still close enough to hear most of it. It would have been perfect if Sergei hadn’t followed me like a shadow.
“Serah! Where are you going alone, leaving your partner behind?”
I turned to the urgent voice and saw Sergei’s familiar face, holding two champagne glasses—one in each hand. Was he bringing these for me to drink?
“The banquet is long. What’s wrong with taking a short break?”
“This is unacceptable! Can you just ignore me… no, your partner like this?”
Suppressing my urge to snub him more harshly, I took a glass of water from a waiter.
“Water even here? How boring.”
I was more surprised that Sergei had followed me all the way.
“I’m abstaining from alcohol.”
I had thought he would give up if I ignored him, but he was persistent.
“Sergei, stop trailing me and go socialize with others. I think the Shashamo members are gathered over there.”
I even kindly pointed out their location to send him on his way, but he completely ignored me.
“That’s right! I should show off to the other Shashamo members that I have Serah as my partner. Serah, let’s go together!”
With that, Sergei suddenly grabbed my wrist. Startled, I almost stumbled and shouted.
“What kind of rude thing is that? A partner? That’s something to boast about?!”
It felt as though he treated me like a trophy.
But Sergei ignored my protest and advanced toward the Shashamo members.
“Don’t argue and just follow me. You talk too much, seriously.”
The pull on my arm grew stronger, and it was embarrassing that people were watching our struggle.
Finally, I gave up resisting, hoping at least to walk under my own power.
Then—
“What is this behavior in a sacred banquet?”
Someone firmly grabbed Sergei’s wrist. It was, of course, a hand even larger than his.
“Who… huh?!”
Sergei’s surprised exclamation rang in my ears as he released my wrist.
I looked up at the person, recognizing the smooth, familiar face in my sight. Gentle yet sharp at the same time.
“It’s you.”
The one who stopped Sergei was Julian. It had been the first time seeing him since the day we coincidentally met when joining the Shashamo.
“Eek… Paladin…”
Whether Sergei hesitated or tried to leave, I just kept my eyes on Julian.
He was in formal attire suited for the banquet, rather than the cleric robes I had last seen, but his snow-white hair remained perfectly stacked like fresh snow. His crimson eyes stared straight at me… what kind of gaze was that?
“Thank you for your help.”
I bowed slightly, expressing my thanks. Julian nodded slightly in return and asked:
“I am Julian Eredas, Paladin of the Tripoli Cathedral, serving God from the lowest rank. May I ask your name, Lady?”
“…?”
I was caught off guard by Julian’s sudden question. Why was he asking my name now—did helping me spark some interest?
Normally, I would check my status window for guidance, but I couldn’t call it up in this direct confrontation.
Well, I could give him my name; nothing bad would happen.
“My name is…”
At that moment—
“…And what business do you have with this one?”
Angela appeared as if concluding her conversation with the Emperor. Biting her lip, she blocked my path and said:
“Do you think I would give my name to a suspicious man like you? If you approach with impure intentions, remember you’ll make enemies not only of Arnstadt but also the Schwiden family.”
“….”
Julian blinked a few times without speaking, clearly unsure what to say.
“Lady…”
I pretended to be moved, though inwardly I was flabbergasted.
She just gave away my name…!
“My intentions are not like that, but I apologize for the concern, Lady Schwiden.”
Julian slightly bowed to Angela, then turned back to me. I felt a sincere aura emanating from his crimson eyes.
“I have something I wish to ask the Lady. Please tell me your name directly with your own mouth.”
“….”
I was somewhat surprised. He must have already known my name from Angela’s slip, yet he politely asked again. His honesty showed without pointing out her mistake.
“My name is Serah Arnstadt, Julian.”
I wondered what he intended to ask me with this. Finally, I revealed my name to him.
