Chapter 524: Wild Evening Party

Leavat Territory Feudal Lords Mansion.

Oh God, were here.

Dont say that. Youll upset the them!

Nonna places her finger on my lips.

Of course, her enormous breasts press against me when she clings to me.

That instantly sends my feelings of annoyance flying.

Ive come to the evening party hosted by the Leavat family.

Knight Baron Leavat. He is a new noble who gained territory after his military exploits in the great war. The land is located west of Rafen and borders our house. In my personal opinion, most knight baron nobles are subordinate to other noble familiesits quite rare for them to possess their own land. Someone of such a family status does not require madam, let alone the master of the house, to go greet them.

Marta explains.

Celia is always beside me to assist during the war, but Marta is more knowledgeable when it comes to advising on social life and relations between nobles.

She stops halfway and defers to Nonna, who is breathing hard and eager to give her thoughts.

This invitation is to deepen the relationship between noble families in the surrounding area. Its unthinkable for a major feudal lord in the Hardlett family to not be present. Another point to note is that the invitation was to me and not Aegir-sama.

Celia speaks, giving Nonna a cold look after her impassioned speech.

A short while ago, the head of the House Leavat paid our mansion a visit. He praised the vases, the candle stands and complimented Nonna-sans taste, even asking if it was possible to get his furniture critiqued too.

I see.

Nonna is as weak to flattery as much as she is weak to works of art, jewels, and gold coins.

She must have gone with the flow and replied.

Buuu!

I caress Nonnas cheek when she pouts to cheer her up.

Nevertheless, that dress is incredible.

Nonna is wearing an extravagant red dress.

Details aside, it is very fluttery to the extent that if she flapped her dress like wings, it feels like it would be possible for her to fly.

Its the latest trend to wear fluttery dresses. Luxury was banned during the war and everything looked like mourning clothes so I was a little frustrateddid I overdo it?

The other participants are wearing similar styles, I dont think she stands out.

Well, theres something else that attracts attention more than the frills

The deep slit in her chest area that exposes her cleavage would definitely draw mens eyes more than her clothes.

I also considered whether I was showing too much, but I need to let some of it out or else I would look fat. Because Im thin and only my boobs are big, covering them poorly will make me appear vulgar.

A flat-chested maid who was eavesdropping bites her lip and leaves.

Nonna made another enemy.

Aegir-sama should also follow the trends. That formal wear is lovely, but youve already worn it ten times.

Am I not allowed to wear it ten times?

I was going to wear it until it breaks.

But that fur scarf is new and nice. Its a bit barbaric, but it suits Aegir-samas physique and aura. I want a matching scarf too.

Hahaha, its really warm.

Its alive after all.

When I wrapped the fox that was hiding in the carriage around my neck so Nonna wouldnt find out, it was cozy.

Its truly high qualityalmost like blood is flowing throughout the tail.

The fox squirms when Nonna tugs on its fur.

That is when I feel the stares of chatting women who have gathered by the window.

I almost thrust my hips out to ask if they fell for me that quickly, but Nonna is looking, although I dont sense any hostility.

Isnt that lady over there an acquaintance of yours?

Mu, yes. Theres a little time before the start so Ill go say hello.

Nonna and her two maids slip away.

I am left with Marta, who is dressed in a similar attire with the maids, and Celia, who while in a military uniform, is also wearing eyeliner and red lipstick.

The organizer has not announced the start of the evening party yet. Plus, some people havent arrived.

Now should be the time for small talk and banterno, not just that.

Nonna and company seem to be chatting happily, as well as pointing out others poverty with sympathy while casually showing off their own wealth in an ego battle.

Boasting among the wives of the nobles is part of being good friends. Even so, Nonna-sama is blessed. At the very least, she doesnt fight internally.

She argued with Carla again yesterday though.

Apparently, Carla was lying on the sofa in the living room eating snacks, and when Nonna told her she was in the way, she brushed Nonna off with her foot.

Enraged, Nonna sprayed a potent perfume, causing Carla to choke and sneeze, showering Nonna from head to toe in saliva and cookie crumbsor so I was told in the carriage on the way.

How silly. When Im thinking about Aegir-samas safety, I dont care about those two.

Theyre just joking. Normally, the conflict between the legal wife and concubines are messierthe mansion will be like hell, where cliques are formed in the household, and bribes, abortion drugs, and infidelity are invovled.

Id hate such a place.

I hug Celia and pet her softly.

Wah! Were in the middle of the hall!

She doesnt resist despite protesting verbally.

Ill pat her head so her makeup doesnt get smudged and kiss her forehead lots.

That person wasnt a guard? why are they kissing in public?

Lord Hardlett doesnt need a guard when outside of battle. If the girl has makeup, thenyou know?

Dragging his mistress along to a party means hes as big of a womanizer as rumored. It must be humiliating for his wife.

Dont create strange rumors.

See, theres Nonna with her super hearing, threatening with an angry pose.

Ladies and gentlemen, my apologies for keeping you all waiting.

Oh, the organizer is here.

The party is about to start then.

First, Id like to thank everyone for gathering this evening

Nonna returns to my side with brisk steps, knocking Celia away with her breasts, and then pinches my butt.

The displaced Celia circles around to the other side and begins jostling with Marta for position.

This small house is merely Knight Baron status and the size of our territory does not come close to what all of you possess, but

To mediate, I alternate between fondling Martas tiny ass and Celias perky bum.

Both of them shake their heads in surprise, but nobody should be able to see because they cant look away from the feudal lord speaking in front.

Although the great war ended in victory for our glorious Goldonia, popular sentiment deteriorated and overall rule worsened much more

I notice Nonna staring, so I also extend my hand to her soft squishy ass.

Therefore, in order to build stronger bonds with those governing the nearby areas, we have come tonight to

Someone clears their throat from behind.

I turn around to find a middle-aged man watching awkwardly.

Oops, I forgot people can see from the back.

!!

I smile as the three of them pound their fists against me.

Now then, I will conclude my speech hereand let our special guests, Margrave Hardlett and his wife, honor us with a few words!

Me?

I panicked when my name was suddenly called, but Nonna seems to have known this was coming, and takes my arm before walking with her breasts pushed out proudly. Her subtle glance backwards was probably to intimidate Celia and Marta.

Ahem. Well then

In the end, Nonna spoke for 90% of the five minute greetingand I only said the last sentence, asking everyone for a toast.

Regardless, the party has begun.

My first encounter is with someone whose name and face aligns with my memory.

Hardlett-dono, I havent seen you since the line of defense!

Dingus, you came too?

Dingus is the commander leading the eastern division of the royal army who fought alongside me in the war.

Hes a competent guy who was able to endure the harsh attacks of the insects.

Yes. I was granted the rank of Baron and land with two cities thanks to my valor in fighting with you!

Were neighbors, huh? Then I should bring booze over to your place some time.

Since its close, I can make it back home within the day on Schwartz.

You are welcome to come. The Military Commissioner also stated that he wants fellow new nobles to unite. Lets hunt together with a few other neighbors.

When that time comes, I will go too.

The one who cut in was Celia.

As someone who was always by my side during the war, Dingus should know her well.

hm?

Dingus peeks at Celias face and makes a surprised sound.

Oh my, if it isnt the adjutant! Youre so beautiful with makeup on that I thought you were another person!

Dingus shrugs as if to say he was completely fooled as Celia brushes her hair elatedly, meanwhile my clenched fists loosen.

If I saw him trying to woo Celia, I would have had to punch him in the gut under the guise of a playful reunion greeting, but he was simply admiring Celias tidied appearance.

I see Rinuga is here too.

Rinuga steps out from behind Dingus with hesitation.

He was originally a commander from South Yuguria, but when the fortress he was affiliated to was destroyed by the insects, he and his group of remaining soldiers and citizens he met along the way were fortunate enough to run into us.

Even after the war, because of his low status and the fact that he did not directly engage Goldonia, he did not receive any punishment. I ended up taking responsibility for the citizens and soldiers, while Rinuga himself disappeared somewhere.

Although he is still mediocre, I assigned him to be my knight for the possibility that he might have a shred of talent.

He was once a member of the enemy nation, but he was also on the same side of the battlefield against the hell that was the insects.

A person who has shared those experiences is much more trustworthy than a random half-wit.

Nonna pokes my side.

She wants me to introduce her.

This is my wife, Nonna. Beautiful, isnt she?

Oh Aegir-sama, you and your compliments.

Nonna remains humble and politely bows.

If you bend over that much, your already greatly exposed cleavage will be emphasized even more

Mu?

I naturally thought Dingus and Rinuga would stare with a typical males gaze, but they just praised Nonna with oh, how beautiful and so this is what a peerless beauty looks like, and didnt fixate on her chest.

Are you guys sane? Cant you see how big they are?

What are you talking about?

The two of them agreed to send an invitation to hunt in the near future and then left together.

They were pleasant individuals. I didnt feel their eyes on my breasts or ass.

Unbelievable. Id be angry if they looked too though

I wonder if the war broke their hearts if Nonnas rack cant draw in their eyes.

As I watched the two backs and pondered what was wrong, both of them reached out and gently held each others hands.

hn?

Ah!?

Celia and I exchange looks and dont say anything, pretending we didnt see anything.

Marta curiously stares at us, who are awkwardly silent, and then decides to speak.

Baron Dingus is your stereotypical friendly new noble and military household. A certain amount of failure is unlikely to crack the relationship, but please be careful that you dont treat others in the same way.

Others? Isnt this party hosted by House whatshisface of the new nobles? Everybody here should be friendly, no?

Nonna shakes her head.

You cant hold a drinking party just among friends. If its a formal evening party, its courteous to invite everyone in the area, unless they are of extremely low rank. Its especially true when claiming the party is for the lords of the land.

Nonna continues the restin a hushed voice.

Actually, there were people who scowled openly when we were addressing everyone.

I mean, you dont have to come if you want to.

Wait, doesnt that make me look shady?

Lord Hardlett, may I have some of your time?

I turned around at the sound of an unfamiliar voice and saw a somewhat weary middle-aged man.

With swift motions, Marta and Nonna whisper in my ear.

Count Couraud. He is a traditional noble who had territory in the north up until recently, but was relocated on the back of the rewards for the great war.

Rumor has it that he was rude to the Military Commissioner and the Domestic Affairs Commissioner didnt cover for him. His pedigree is first class, but his territory is quite smallI also heard he had to lay off a considerable number of servants and knights.

I see, thats why he looks so worn out.

On an unrelated note, because of the two elves, I get hard whenever people whisper from either side regardless of what is said to me.

Count Couraudif I recall? I dont mind.

Upon closer inspection, I see bags under his eyes and his eyelids are drooping powerlessly.

Strands of white are mixed in with his head of hair and his grip is pitifully weak when I shake his hand.

I wonder if hes really alright, it feels like he could lay down and die at any moment.

I heard the rumor. Man, being relocated must have been hard on you.

Hiie!

Nonnas shriek causes those in her vicinity to stir.

Werent you the one who told me?

Who in their right mind would say it to the persons face!?

The aforementioned Count, while initially shocked, laughs feebly and then mutters.

Haha, youre as bold as they say. I guess there is no need to keep up appearances. My house has a long and distinguished historyand was called one of the twenty four Heavenly Kings of Goldonia at one point.

Thats not very impressive. Youve gotta make it at least the four Heavenly Kings.

When a new noble rises in power, its inevitable for someone fearing for his position to follow Lord Baldwin my house has been ruling the land harmlessly for generations and has tried not to stand out among the traditional nobles, safely staying in the background.

Even though we are indoors and its supposed to be nighttime, it feels like the sky got darker.

Everyone was up in arms at Radhaldes ineptitude that led to the sudden heavy casualties at the end of the war, which was later attributed to the Military Commissioners incompetence.

That last incident was probably an insect attack.

I guess for those not in the know, massive losses in a situation where we have an absolute advantage may seem like a blunder.

To keep up with the excitement of those around, I joined in

The soldiers of the kingdom are the soldiers of His Majesty! It doesnt matter if youre the head of the military, you must take responsibility for the losses!

Now that its come to this, all of us should question Radhalde!!

Us traditional nobles are not ashamed to show our loyalty! Lets openly call him out and hold him accountable!

T-thats right! Let me send out a summons!

As expected of Count Couraud! Please do!

theres no going back now. Of course, no one else signed the summons calling the Military Commissioner but me.

Pfft.

I cant suppress my laughter.

Erich and Kenneth are both candidates to succeed the king as the second highest authority holders.

Id understand if he was going to compete as a group, but itd be too disadvantageous for him to go one-on-one, even if he is from a prestigious family.

Afterwards, when His Majesty and the Domestic Affairs Commissioner discovered that the nation was in danger due to an unknown monster, the blame for interfering with military affairs fell on me without a thorough investigation and I was forced to relocate The area of my land was halved, my income was reduced to a fifth of what it was, and my apprentice nobles, stationed knights, and purveyors slipped through my fingers like water.

Count Couraud stares at the floor with his mouth half-opened.

New nobles near him could hear what is being said but felt too sorry to hurl curses.

Furthermore, the place I transferred to is full of new nobles and connected to Lord Hardlett.

Dont refer to me like Im some kind of boss monster.

Additionally last night, there was a sword fight between a village in the new territory and a village in your territory over water supply

Thats just adding insult to injury huh.

Its clear that blood will be spilled if the Hardlett household is involved. Women young and old will be violated, and men will be gutted and turned into an ornament.

I wont do such things!

Count Couraud lifts his head up in surprise.

No, dont be surprised by that. Im not the demon lord.

Its better if you discuss water usage with fellow domestic affairs officials. Attacking you out of the blue isnt something I would

I think for a bit.

Attacking people isnt something I really do often.

Oh no, the gossiping is getting louder.

Count Couraud isnt much of an enemy despite being a traditional noble since he was abandoned by Kenneth.

Then again, the reason for his relocation was Erich, so hes not an ally either. I guess hes neutral.

After consolidating my thoughts, I see a female figure behind Count Couraud.

My wife returned to her noble family home. However I cant attend the party aloneso I invited the wife of my younger brother who died prematurely. She is 35 years old and not at an age where shes looking to remarry, but shes a sensible and mature woman.

She notices my gaze and nods together with the Count.

If you dont mind, can I leave her with you as a sign of friendship?

I should get along with him for the future.

I get down on one knee, take the womans hand and greet her politely before embracing the widow.

Ive accepted that youll be lured by girls, but dont hold them in your arms!

Woah, not good, not good.

If Celia didnt speak up, I would have started another bad reputation.

I feel a tug on my sleeve that prevents me from further interacting with the widow.

Nonna and Marta are looking with grim faces.

My my, if it isnt Hardlett-dono. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

A young man. He appears to be in his early twenties, even younger than me.

He has a slender yet muscular build, is about 185 cm tall, and his groomed red hair is fluttering around like crazy.

He has a pompous and dislikable face.

Im not jealous of his handsomeness or anything.

I respond appropriately to the person who doesnt make an effort to hide his animosity.

It seems this is indeed our first meeting. To whom do I owe the pleasure?

I pass the widow to Celia.

Kyaa!

Hngyah!

Celia isnt strong enough to hold her and they both fall to the floor.

Ah, she understands well that purple is an appealing color for a mature widow.

You dont recognize me?

Youre the one who said were meeting for the first time, how am I supposed to know?

He snickers and then replies loud enough that those nearby can hear.

I am the second son from the prestigious family that has sent a multitude of ministers to the palace since the early days of the kingdoms creation, House Schmidt

He pauses to check my reaction.

All I could tell was that youre the second son.

insolent!

Dont be absurd.

Its fine that youre from a great family and what not, but you cant expect me to know without you explaining it.

This is the second son of Margrave Schmidt, Viscount Ormud, Reval Schmidt-sama.

The widow says, followed by Marta nodding.

What a waste of time, if he had just said Im Reval in the beginning, we wouldnt have to go through all this.

As a noble, shouldnt you at least be aware of the lineage of high-ranking nobles?

I barely know the head of houses, how would I remember their sons?

Aegir-sama, youre thinking out loud!

Revals comple