Chapter 26: Celebration Banquet

I certainly am Zest, but who are you?

This really shocked me..Spare me the sudden intrusions, I also have moments I cant keep my calm, you know.

I controlled my trembling hands and drank some more tea while trying to escape reality.

Forgive my intrusion. I am Viscount Bicks, the empires head of internal affairs.

Is he in his 40s? He looks like a rather tired middle aged man..Who is he?

The head of internal affairs..viscount.? Ah! Hes the father of that noble pig!

So, youre Lord Alfs father then?

Indeed. Lord Zest, this time we caused you some big trouble. I am really sorry.

Huh? Hes apologizing all of a sudden?

Not even in my wildest dreams I couldve imagined that my idiot son would do such a rude thing to the young lady of the Frontier Counts Household of all people

Its not really common for a noble to bow his head.

Whats wrong? When he entered the room I thought he looked pretty angry.

When I heard that my son was in the Frontier Counts territoryI wanted to do something to stop him so I rushed here, but..

However, you werent fast enough.

Considering that this was taken into consideration and today was the set day for the framing of the noble pig, hecouldnt have possibly arrived in time.

If thats the case then you are already aware of the circumstances, or?

He seemed to have calmed down considerably and his expression was serene.

So this is how nobles are supposed toact, huh?

Yes, a few moments ago I asked the Magic Division Commander Sonia, and he explained me. Therefore, I rushed over to express my apologies to the fianc, Lord Zest

I see. The Frontier Count said that the people from the imperial capital are making light of him, but I wonder if he was wrong about it.

Was that noble pig the only one who tried to fly?

II beg of you, please spare my family!!

Correction To just what extent are you being feared, Frontier Count.

Still, I cant answer his request non-seriously.

Im sorry, but I achieved what I needed to during our duel. The rest is being handled by my grandfather-in-law, the Frontier Count Razatonia. Therefore, I recommend you to ask him about this.

The viscount lowered his head, and even though he seemed to want to say something more the words didnt come out.

Excuse me, Lord Zest. Viscount Bicks, the Frontier Count is calling for you. Follow me.

Oh, isnt he Albert, the dog knight?

He greeted me and his subordinates grabbed the viscount from under his both arms and left. However, I might have heard the man say something like Lord.Lord Zest! Please put a good word for me!

..Ill pretend I havent heard anything! The Frontier Counts Household sure is scary!

There was a splendid chandelier hanging down from the ceiling.

Some great paintings were decorating the walls, and they were only comparable to the various extravagant meals lined up on the beautifully arranged tables.

The maids serving there were also top-notch.

For a party organized by the Frontier Count, the empires shield, the women that were chosen to serve the guests tonight were the best among the best.

The guards cant be omitted either.

They are the spear of the Frontier Counts Households territory, and it is said that they even exceed the imperial guards of his Majesty, the Emperor.

The one who commands them is none other than the Frontier Count Razatonia.

In this spot in front of the doors that was a few levels higher than all the other seats, some very tall chairswere prepared for the guests of honor.

Everyone, thank you for coming. As you already know, my niece Beatrice is now engaged. Her partner is none other than Zest, the son of the Knights Commander Galef.

These words were the signal for the doors to open.

Wow, everyone is looking at us

The looks were varying from curiosity to jealousy and even worship.

I moved forward while escorting the young lady, who wasnt wearing her witch dress tonight.

She looks like a witch (villain) from the legends..No, theres actually no explanation for the way she looked now.

Im also wearing a black military uniform though

We look completely like the devil queen and her subordinate.

The Frontier Counts Household..really is frightening.

And yet, for the nobles it was an ordinary appearance and no one seemed to be bothered.

It does not mean that they weresilent because theywereafraid. Thats what Id like to think.

Yeah, since all the men are wearing black military uniforms, Im all right! .However, there are no other witches.

For a while now, the young lady was only saying things like Thank you! Im very happy That is indeed so

Im engaged to Zest-sama; Im engaged to Zest-sama; Im engaged to.

Anyway, it started with the curtain raising dance and then we had to handle the procession of nobles standing in a long line that we had to greet.

The me who is very considerate of his fiance is really kind, right?.

I was smirking alone, being intoxicated with myself, when someone suddenly talked to me.

Lord Zest, congratulations for your engagement. Beatrice-samais really enviable.

Ooh! Albert?

Thanks, Albert. I left Beas side for the time being. She seemed a little tired.

We exchanged greeting while smiling.

I have something to talk to you about.Can we go to the terrace?

Hmm, since I figuredit would be about the viscount from earlier I nodded and followed after Albert.

The terrace was very quiet.

A pleasant wind for my hot feeling body was blowing and it was a bit chilly, but I enjoyed that.

About the viscount from earlier, his Excellency the Frontier Count will personally inform you on what happened. If anyone asks you about it, his Excellency wants you to answer with I dont know.

I understand. Ill do just that. Its all right not to inform Bea, isnt it?

Yes, the young lady knows nothing about it, so its all right as it is.

I wonder if they made some sort of a deal? I was told I dont need to know about it so Ill just obediently abide.

In any case, the old man most likely did something not really that good, so not knowing would be better for my stomach.

After that, we started having some foolish talks.

Its not only that though, but also the fact that we both had a very hard time during our training with our master, so naturally we had a lot to talk about. He soon became my conversation buddy.

For me it was a very nostalgic men talk.

We talked about going drinking again, or who among the soldiers got a girlfriend and the sorts; this really reminded me of my time in Japan.

Its so nostalgic. And I can no longer go back.

When I thought about that, my eyes got a little teary.

Havent I already decided!? To survive in this world and to rise to a high position.

No..Its all right even if I dont go back..Living together with the young lady and my comrades is not really that bad either.

Hm? Lord Zest, are you okay?

Yes, I just got something in my eye..

I deceived him with this clichd excuse.

Thats not good. Itll get worst if you rub it! Please let me see!

Nno, its all Please let me see!right.

Albert, like allkemonobito, is a very serious individual.

Ill just quietly obey for now.

Albert started to slowly confirm that there was nothing wrong with my eye.

Thats to be expected of the dog knight.

Gashaaan

An outstanding noise could be heard.

I turned around in shock only to find the young lady standing there.

Zest-sama? What are you doing alone with a man on the terrace so close to each others faces?

Infidelity? Youre having an affair with a man? I wont forgive you Albert, Ill never forgive you!

Under the moonlight, I was suspected of having an affair with a man.

It was the origin of an incident that made me want to die in so many different ways

Albert, go the hell away already!