Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: The Standing Egg
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Lowering myself is something I do for my own sake. I can do it over and over.
But when our family's honor is on the line, that's a different story altogether.
I'm not outright bragging, but I can't keep putting myself down anymore.
Even if it means inviting even greater misunderstandings, I'll gladly bear it.
That said, the moment that noble standing next to the prince spat out those words, my eyes nearly rolled back in fury.
"Young Master Kael is impressive, of course, but a pillar is just as crucial. Anyone can come up with a flash of wit once in a while, but holding steady in your role isn't something just anyone can pull off."
In a formal banquet like this, downplaying yourself can be called humility.
But downplaying your opponent—whether indirectly or not—is straight-up provocation.
Even if it's just some momentary cleverness that anyone could think of.
Even if the guy who pulled it off knows it and is deliberately humble about it.
'Look at this punk. Thinks he can get away with anything just because he's glued to the prince's side?'
Does he seriously think I wouldn't catch that subtle dig?
Or is he underestimating me as some fresh-faced kid who's barely an adult?
My vision nearly went red. If no one had been around, I might've grabbed him by the collar.
I can guess the reason. Being next to the First Prince marks him as a clear Dove Faction noble.
On the flip side, our Clauvitz Family—holders of the Bertier Imperial County—leans toward the Hawk Faction.
So, this is just a check, the kind of jab you trade all the time in court politics.
And since I've been humbling myself, he saw an opening and took his shot.
Too bad for that noble—I'm no kind-hearted pushover.
I might not care about much, but when it involves my family, I can turn into a rabid dog.
'Time to hit him where it hurts. Hard.'
Of course, I have no desire to stoop to his level and play dirty.
That would tarnish our family's honor too, so I have to hold back.
How do I make a guy who says, "Don't overhype it—it wasn't that impressive," feel the burn?
"...Ah."
My eyes landed on the finger foods pushed off to one corner of the banquet hall. And there, among them, boiled eggs.
The sight sparked something in my mind. A perfect scenario unfolded.
Sure, people might argue about who invented it or point out its flaws, calling it all nonsense.
But would anyone here even know? Could they counter it on the spot? No way.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Your words ring true, my lord."
Kael stepped toward the center of the banquet hall and bowed slightly, as if apologizing.
"As this gentleman said, the strategy I came up with... Ah, even calling it that embarrasses me. It was just a flash of wit—something anyone could think of with a little pondering."
Isabel nearly shot back reflexively: 'No! Your strategy was brilliant! Who else could come up with something like that in the heat of the moment?!'
"This has made the mood a bit awkward on my account. As atonement, how about I pose a fascinating quiz?"
A quiz? Out of nowhere?
"Everyone."
Kael casually held up the boiled egg he'd been holding.
"Is there anyone here who can stand this egg upright on a table?"
The sudden proposal caught everyone off guard. People tilted their heads in confusion.
Stand an egg on a table? How the hell do you do that with something so round?
A few eager types stepped up, volunteering to give it a try.
But they all failed. As expected.
How do you balance something curved like an egg on a flat surface?
"No one else?"
Kael scanned the room, then suddenly strode toward someone.
It was the Dove Faction noble who'd subtly checked him earlier.
"If I may ask... do you know something?"
"..."
"No clever idea coming to mind?"
His polite tone felt more blatant than any outright taunt.
The noble decided to play his best card.
"Why don't you give it a try, Young Master Kael? You posed the riddle, so you should know the answer."
"Fair enough. Then allow me to demonstrate the solution."
He approached the table, egg in hand. All eyes locked on him.
Everyone pretended otherwise, but they could sense the tension between the two.
Hawk Faction versus Dove Faction. The rising star versus the established player.
Whose pride would win out?
"The way to stand an egg upright on a table..."
—Crack!
"...is this."
He cracked the tip of the egg, creating a flat surface.
Then set it on the table. That was it.
Onlookers let out incredulous sighs.
That was it? If you can do it like that, anyone could!
We thought it'd be some brilliant, witty solution, not this cheap trick!
"Is that all?"
"Yes. That's everything."
"Young Master Kael, this is practically child's play—"
"It looks easy, doesn't it? Something anyone could do. Yes, exactly. It's simple. Anyone can manage it."
Kael stepped back from the table and pointed at the egg.
"When you see it like this. From a distance. After you already know the answer."
The murmurs died down as realization dawned.
They were starting to grasp what Kael was driving at.
"That's how it always is. Things that seem easy. Things anyone could do. That's only because we already know the answer. Of course the first step is hard, but if the rest stays just as tough, doesn't that mean the person's lacking?"
A wit anyone could think of? Could you have done it in that spot?
Talking big about something after the fact. When you can't even stand a single egg right now.
Where does that put your level, dismissing what someone else pulled off?
Flashing a bright smile, Kael peeled the rest of the shell and took a bite.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ You said you're no strategist. Just got lucky, right!
Then what was that? Crushing your opponent with a little action and a few choice words!
Isabel swallowed gasp after gasp inwardly while barely keeping her composure.
As the banquet's host, her priority was restoring order to the messed-up hall.
"Come on, everyone! What an intriguing quiz, Young Master Kael. You've really livened up the party!"
Has it really livened up? Who knows. But damn, it felt good.
Those damn Dove Faction snobs. Acting like they're the only ones with brains!
As if responding to Isabel, the guests resumed their chatter.
But every one of them kept stealing glances at one spot.
There stood Kael, wearing his usual affable smile.
"Isabel."
She turned to see the prince calling her.
Normally, she'd brush him off with, "Yeah, in a bit."
But this time, she followed her brother without a word.
Soon, the two stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air.
"Make it quick. The host can't be gone too long."
"Right you are."
The prince fiddled with a cigarette in his pocket before letting it go.
"That young man earlier."
"Young Master Kael."
"Yeah, him. The eldest son of the Bertier Imperial Count."
Isabel nodded instead of answering.
That confirmation hit the prince with another wave of nicotine craving.
"Never heard of the Clauvitz Family having someone like that."
"Tell me about it. He popped up out of nowhere this time."
The prince had chills just thinking about the egg story.
Not from his eloquence or wit. From the intent hidden behind it.
'The guy who humbled himself so much suddenly flipped, radiating an aura like he'd kill anyone in his path.'
His target today was unlucky. Probably saw him as some green kid he could handle.
Wrong. The opponent was far more scheming than expected.
Inappropriately young. No rumors or track record to speak of.
"Anyway, you need to manage your people better? He shows up, ruins the vibe, and leaves without even breaking even—utterly crushed and deflated."
"...Yeah, that's next on my list."
The siblings leaned on the railing, sharing similar thoughts.
Kael had singled one guy out, but maybe it was meant for everyone.
Reviewing a past situation when you already know the right answer is worlds apart from the moment itself.
I'm the one who did what you couldn't, and I'm doing it willingly.
So if you think I'm a pushover, drop it now.
'Looks like we've provoked a pretty scary guy.'
'One more thing to tell big sis.'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After Kael's egg demonstration, the greetings and introductions poured in even more.
Everyone here got the message. Ah, can't underestimate that kid just because he's young.
Nice smile on the surface, but poke him and he goes feral like a whirlwind!
Honestly, it was a hassle, tiring even, but thinking of it as all for our family kept me going.
So why poke the bear and cause all this trouble?
'I promised not to show off anymore. But no choice now.'
It felt like becoming that grandma drawing the Hell Sword.
And right on cue, invitations started flooding in from all over, beginning the next day.