Chapter 265: Beyond Perfection
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 265: Beyond Perfection
Vrrr...
Following Adelaide Margarita’s declaration of surrender, the subspace magic began to collapse with about five minutes remaining on the time limit. Since the space had to withstand an Orichalcum-grade explorer, the preparation time had been long and the amount of mana consumed was astronomical.
Even so, because it was impossible to perfectly replicate an Orichalcum-grade explorer's environment, this subspace was merely a temporary measure—expanding the existing space into an infinitely wide, mana-sustained dimension to relocate living beings within its range.
Once the barrier was deactivated, Yoo Eon stepped out of the Palette, carrying Adelaide in his arms.
"Healer! Call a healer, quickly!"
"They’re already here!"
The exclusive healers of the Guild Headquarters could not hide their horror as they took in Adelaide’s condition; her entire skeletal structure was shattered. When would she ever have needed a healer’s touch before? Adelaide’s body was such that minor scratches healed just by breathing, and most attacks couldn't even leave a mark on her.
"Who on earth did this...?"
As the head healer scanned the surroundings, his gaze landed on a man he had never seen before. It was the culprit who had left Adelaide in a near-death state: Yoo Eon.
Was it really that man...? To do this to an Orichalcum-grade explorer...
Adelaide groaned in pain even as she received treatment, and the spectators were breaking out in cold sweats. Amidst the total chaos, Yoo Eon stood there nonchalantly, scratching his head before speaking up.
"So, what’s the word on my promotion?"
He had just utterly crushed an Orichalcum-grade explorer—the pride, the ultimate power, and the highest-valued asset of the Guild Headquarters. Yet, he walked right up to the three Chief Examiners as if nothing had happened and asked about his evaluation. He was a freak of nature in every sense of the word.
Of course, no one dared to say that to his face.
"F-first of all, it will take quite some time for us to measure and analyze the records of this duel... At least a month or two..."
"Ah, I see. But from what Adelaide said, she mentioned she could decide on the promotion herself?"
"It is true that the duel examiner’s opinion carries great weight... but it isn't the absolute sole criterion..."
"So you're saying it can't happen right this second."
The Chief Examiner nodded weakly, cold sweat pouring down his back. Having just witnessed that monstrous display of combat, there was no way he could feel at ease.
Why are they acting so timid? Yoo Eon wondered to himself.
"Looking at the time... Ah, I'm not late yet. I have a schedule to keep. Is there anything else I need to do here?"
"A-ah, no! Not at all! You are free to go. The Guild will provide a carriage to your destination—"
"That’s fine. Someone is coming to pick me up."
"I-I see..."
* * *
"What did they say? How was it? What did you do?"
"Nothing much. They just asked what happened and had me do a duel for the promotion exam."
"What?! They made you duel? We have the social gathering tomorrow! What if you got hurt? Who did you fight?"
Theodora was worrying needlessly. Yoo Eon didn't think she needed to worry about his body, but it felt good nonetheless. Having someone care about him was surprisingly comforting.
"Adelaide Margarita. She’s with the Guild Headquarters."
"Adelaide... Wait, the Orichalcum Grade one...?"
When Yoo Eon nodded slowly, Theodora’s jaw dropped.
"Careful, you'll catch flies."
"W-wait a minute! Seriously?! Why her?!"
"Is there a problem? I said I wanted to do it."
"Are you... are you for real? I can't believe this..."
Theodora massaged her throbbing temples and shook her head. They were currently in front of the Guild Headquarters' main building. A member of the Lymain family, who had been waiting for Yoo Eon to emerge, had immediately called Theodora to come greet him.
"It’s 7:00... What do you want to do for dinner?"
"You haven't eaten yet?"
"I was waiting for you. How could I eat alone?"
"Hmm."
They say women get sensitive when they're hungry. Was it less so for Beastkin? No, come to think of it, shouldn't Beastkin be more sensitive when hungry?
That might be a rude thought.
Regardless, it seemed Dora had skipped dinner to wait for him.
"We’re busy. We have a lot to do after dinner."
"Wait, what else is there? Isn't the social gathering tomorrow?"
"Don't tell me you were planning on going in those clothes? Did you hit your head during the duel...?"
"Ah."
* * *
"Dora, I'm tired."
"Me too. I have so much to think about."
"No, please stop thinking."
They had started around 9:00 PM after dinner, and for nearly two hours, they had done nothing but look at clothes. The massive department store the Golden Glove Syndicate owned in Roanmarie had been huge, but the capital was on another level entirely.
There were so many people, the scale of the department store was staggering, and above all, the modern atmosphere felt incredibly alien.
Calax really is a developing region.
Still, since the Southeast District was being cleared out and a massive commercial complex was being planned using the full capital of the Golden Glove Syndicate, he figured Calax’s situation would improve in a few years.
"How about this outfit?"
"I honestly can't tell the difference between this and the last one."
"Look with different eyes. You'll feel the difference."
This wasn't a problem with his eyes; it was a problem with his chromosomes. He tried looking with the Evil Eye, the Umbra Valkyrie’s vision, and various other eyes he had acquired, trying to find the difference between the previous outfit and the current one.
What the hell is the difference?
"I admit defeat. What's the difference?"
"The brand is different."
"How on earth am I supposed to know that?"
It was an absurd problem—asking him to judge based solely on sight when the fabric, color, and design of the semi-ready-made clothes were virtually identical, with only the brand being different.
"There’s a dress code, so we have to match it."
"What kind of code is it?"
"An outfit worth at least 100 gold coins in total."
"That’s just wrong."
He remembered times when he couldn't eat because he was five bronze coins short, and now here they were—not with a combat power requirement, but this. He figured that since they were nobles, he just had to accept it. He had to get used to it now.
"When did your hair get this long? Haven't you cut it recently?"
"Ah, well. I haven't really had a reason to."
In the past, his hair got in the way during combat, so he would roughly chop it short whenever it got long. It was a matter of life and death, so he did it despite the hassle.
These days, however, his entire body changed during combat anyway, so he hadn't really thought about cutting it.
"Don't tell me we're spending another hour on my hair."
"Hmm~ No, it’s fine. Slightly long hair suits you well."
"Phew."
"But we still have to style it. Don't worry, we'll do that tomorrow anyway."
"Spare me, please."
And so, Yoo Eon performed his role as a living mannequin for the young lady of the Lymain family until 1:00 AM before returning to their accommodations in Veritas. The time spent with Theodora in the evening was more exhausting than the battle with Adelaide in the afternoon.
Dora is Orichalcum Grade in her own way.
"Entry is at 3:00 PM tomorrow."
"But what exactly do we do there? I've never attended a social gathering, so I have no idea."
"We just... chat and hang out with other wealthy people. Build some connections, and those without fiances might look for a partner."
What on earth was he supposed to do there? Nothing came to mind, but since it was like a banquet, he figured he could just find a spot to sit and snack on delicious food.
"You’re obviously following me around. What are you thinking?"
"Oops, you caught me."
Lack of sleep is bad for the skin. Since they had stayed up until 1:00 AM, Theodora planned to wake up around noon the next day.
"Go to sleep. So there are no problems with tomorrow's schedule."
"Fine... I get it."
* * *
Eastern Veritas. The social gathering, featuring famous figures from all over, began at "Serenity Nest," a massive banquet hall rented by the Latras Foundation—a name Yoo Eon had never heard before.
Entry began at 2:30 PM, with the official start at 3:00 PM. A parking lot as vast as the fortune spent on the building was located behind the hall, filled with carriages engraved with various luxurious sigils.
"Every family has their own parking spot."
Even among nobles, there was a hierarchy. To prevent any disputes over parking space, the Latras Foundation had spent a fortune to install elegant signs at every parking stall.
The closer a spot was to the entrance of the banquet hall, the more influential and famous—or rather, the wealthier—the family was.
"When is Dora coming?"
"She should arrive by 3:00 PM for sure. The Young Lady asked that the Young Master head inside first."
"I see."
He was getting used to being called "Young Master" now. Well, as the son-in-law to the youngest daughter of the Family Head, he supposed he was a "Young Master" to them.
The Lymain family’s parking spot was much closer to the entrance than he had expected. As soon as he stepped out, a servant from the banquet hall approached to escort him to the entrance.
Is the Lymain family a merchant group recognized even on a national scale?
He had entered without difficulty thanks to the Lymain crest, but the social gathering hadn't truly started yet. More importantly, without Dora by his side, he had no idea what to do.
Still, since it was an expensive venue, just walking around and taking in the sights was enough to kill time.
"Are you Lord Aven? Lady Theodora Lymain has arrived."
"Ah, I see."
A short while later, after Theodora arrived, there was a call from the entrance.
"Welcome, Dora."
"O-oh, you look quite good today. You dressed up well."
"Well, you picked everything out for me."
"T-that’s right! I told you I have an eye for these things."
After saying that, she turned to head inside the hall, but then she grabbed his hand and hesitated for a moment.
"Then... what about... what about me? How do I look...?"
"Hmm."
"You look beyond perfect."