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Chapter 20

VOL . 2 CHAPTER 20: SPEAKING OF THE PURE WHITE DRESS

A Lords job consists of many things but checking the documents takes the most time .

Some nobles may not even check it properly and just skim over it, but I believe it should be done properly . Sometimes I do find a mistake, so its not entirely meaningless .

The moment I signed the paperwork, it was my decision, I couldnt leave anything out . It helped me keep track of whats going on in my territory, which I like about this job .

As I was diligently filing the paperwork, I noticed something that caught my attention .

I asked Damon who had just entered my office at the right time .

Excuse me, can you take a look at this?

What is this?

I know its strange for me to say this since I dont know the market price, but is this the cost to build a water mill?

Yes, at least that much . You will have to hire reliable workers .

Is it more expensive due to the workers labor cost? I dont want to be stingy and cause them to build it half-baked, so I just write my approval .

The new water wheel is going to be built in the newly developed village . It would be located in the area where Patrick had used his magic to clear the land, the houses and other facilities are still under construction .

Those villagers from the desolate village in the neighboring territory that were reduced into bandits would slowly move into the new village soon .

For now, I have finished all the paperwork for today . Since Damon is here, Ill discuss the upcoming event with him .

Ano, I want to discuss something important with you

Shall I invite Patrick-sama to join us then?

No, that would be bad . I want to keep it a secret from him .

I was planning a party to celebrate Patricks Level 99 achievement . Although I havent measured it recently, so I dont know the exact number, I think Patricks would reach level 99 within a few months .

Since there was no other way to celebrate such a happy occasion, I planned to throw a small party to celebrate .

I wanted it to be a surprise for him .

I want to keep it a secret from Patrick . Ill tell him when the time is right .

I understand . What can I do for you?

Damon curiously asked .

Not knowing where the question was coming from, I explained in a whisper .

Err, how should I say this I want a party or a celebration

Ooh! I see, then congratulations are in order! Please pass on my regards to him .

Okay, its about time, right?

I, too, have been eagerly waiting for this!

I knew he was an excellent employee, he immediately understood what I was trying to say .

Furthermore, he was looking forward to Patrick hitting the level cap . I believe it was something worth celebrating .

I wondered what I should prepare and verbally confirmed what I needed to sort it out in my head .

The first thing we need to prepare is the venue, right?

Are you going to celebrate it in the fief? Or in the royal capital?

Celebrating here sounds good .

I understand, the people will be pleased with this celebration .

Do you think they will be happy? Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, afraid that I missed something, I asked Damon .

Anything else I need to prepare?

If its something youre concerned about, it would probably be a cake .

Youre right . We need a cake .

I will arrange for something as grand and luxurious as possible .

The cake is a must for any celebration party . My concern seems to be unfounded as Damon and I are discussing the details for the celebration party .

Now we need to figure out whom to send the invitations . Obviously, the people working in this mansion will be invited, who else should we invite?

Who should I invite?

Obviously, Patrick-samas parents would be there . Along with His Majesty and Her Majesty .

Eh? His Majesty, too?

Indeed . Its a ceremony that would affect the future of this kingdom .

Ceremonies are overrated . But there arent many people that reach the level cap . His Majesty wouldnt be able to disregard Patrick, who is as strong as I am .

The party has become quite a big deal . Not exactly what I was expecting, but its okay .

Damon then listed more things he would require .

Then there are the outfits . Lets tailor a lovely dress that will suit Yumiela-sama .

I have to wear a dress? Me?

As the star of the show, its only natural .

Isnt Patrick the star of the show?

Yumiela-sama is also the star of the show . After all, this is a ceremony for the both of you .

Right, I was also Level 99 . Now I know why I felt so uncomfortable, he was planning to include me in the celebration party intended for Patrick .

But I dont want to wear a dress . I wonder if I would ever need to wear it .

Is the dress really necessary?

s

What are you talking about?! This is already a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, dont leave yourself with any regrets!

Hes right, though . You can only reach Level 99 once in your life . It happened a long time ago for me and I dont even know what it means to wear a dress .

I dont want anything too flashy .

This is a pure white dress decorated with an ornate amount of lace . Although it does look flashy, I think its pureness outweighs the flashiness .

White?! Did he just say white dress?

If I wear a white dress then Ill have to be careful not to spill my food!

Im not certain if I can enjoy the food properly because I was more afraid of getting my dress dirty . But since the cake is the same white as my dress, I dont think it would be noticeable if I spilled any . As long as Im careful with the curry udon, I might be okay .

Would I need a sash that says Im the star of the show? Patrick wouldnt like it and hed leave and Damon would be in tears .

Ugh, I was concerned about what time it would be . Im glad .

Are you happy?

Yeah . This will ensure the Dolknes house would remain stable and prosperous .

Well, if you have two people with max level, stability is something youll have . Still, two is a small number . Its about time someone learned the wonders of leveling up .

Maybe, I should recruit Damon, whose right in front of me . Even though hes old, age has nothing to do with leveling up .

You could be next after us .

Huh? Its already too late for me, but Im fine with the way I am now .

Is Damon at level 99 too? The volume of my voice became louder as I asked back .

Eeeh?! Is that so?!

Yes, my wife supports me from behind the scenes . This is enough for me .

I see, so his current level is enough for him . If considering his line of work, having a high level isnt a requirement . However, I dont know why he is suddenly boasting about his wife but whatever .

There was more to our plans, but Damon said hell take care of everything .

I will notify all servants immediately and make preparations . Everything will be ready in the next few months .

Please do so . Ill be the one telling Patrick

s

Lets put a gag order on it . If you explain the situation, I have no doubt that theyll cooperate .

The party discussion ended with me bowing my head once again to ask for help .

During the day, Damon and I were engaged in conversation and we both thought we were talking about the same event . Thats for sure .