Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Cluster of Stars
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Cluster of Stars had begun.
The Palace of Evening Swallows in the evening was filled with the chatter of nobles.
I used it as background music as I headed to the hall where the opening ceremony would take place.
I think it was the Third Imperial Princess who was giving the opening speech.
All the other imperial family members had gone to inspect the 'Eight Wings.'
This social gathering was Adelheit's solo stage, in a way.
The hall in the Palace of Evening Swallows was already packed with nobles waiting.
From children who had just turned ten to nineteen-year-olds on the cusp of adulthood.
The empire's numerous young ladies and lords were all eagerly awaiting Adelheit's appearance.
I took a seat a little away from where they were gathered.
I didn't particularly want to thrust myself into their faces to build friendships.
I wasn't a fan of these blatant setups where they just throw us together and say, "Let's be friends."
"Lord Kline!"
At that moment, I spotted a young noble boy running toward me from a distance.
A boy who had just turned ten.
He wore round glasses over his large eyes.
He bowed his head to me in greeting.
"Hello! I'm Marvin from the Drusk Barony. It's an honor to meet Lord Kline of the renowned Leonhart Ducal Family!"
His loud self-introduction came out trembling.
It really meant he was that thrilled to see me.
And that made it all the more awkward for me.
"Uh. Um. Thanks. But you know me?"
"Of course! The swordsman who defeated the White Wing Knights at just eleven years old! There were even rumors that their captain wanted to recruit you specially because he recognized your talent! How could I not know?"
"You're hyping me up too much. I'm not that great."
"N-No way, are the rumors false?!"
"No, that's not it."
"Then you really are amazing!"
Sparkle, sparkle.
I wondered if eyes could literally sparkle with stars in them.
The boy, who had just turned ten, looked up at me and shouted enthusiastically.
His pure gaze was so bright it was dazzling me instead.
'Whoa. This feels pretty good.'
Of course, it would be a lie to say I wasn't embarrassed.
But more than that, it inexplicably lifted my spirits.
Yeah, I am pretty great.
The world's top Kongline, but still, I do have talent.
Having that reaffirmed by a boy who still idolized it purely made my shoulders lift too.
"Alright. Thanks. I'll remember your name, Marvin."
"Yes! Please don't forget!"
Marvin grinned brightly and vanished back into the crowd.
It felt like I'd unexpectedly made a young friend.
Just as I was left alone again after the conversation...
Click— click— click—
The magic stone lamps went out one by one.
It was the signal announcing the arrival of the princess giving the opening speech.
Clack— clack—
The clear sound of heels echoed.
Adelheit ascended the podium in a pink dress the same color as her hair.
"......"
She didn't open her mouth right away.
Her expressionless face looked slightly pouty.
She scanned the audience and our eyes met.
Remembering her plea to at least acknowledge her, I gave a slight nod, and she smiled.
Then she began her speech.
"In honor of the empire's glorious traditions, I extend a warm welcome to all the nobles gathered here today."
There was no need to remember what followed.
It was the usual spiel about how grand Cluster of Stars was, how the participating nobles should get to know each other better, and hopes that this would lead to greater prosperity for the empire.
Waaah...
The nobles seemed satisfied with that alone and clapped enthusiastically, but I just shrugged.
I wasn't the type to attach much meaning to such formalities. Not like the other nobles, anyway.
Besides, Adelheit herself looked utterly bored by the whole thing.
Even if she pretended to be expressionless, I could tell.
Reading emotions is basic when talking to my little sis.
"With that, let the banquet begin. Please enjoy yourselves freely."
Adelheit disappeared, and the orchestra struck up.
Servants placed food on the tables.
But for nobles, devouring food first was for amateurs.
They treated the food as a side dish while approaching each other to converse and build connections.
I stepped away from their flow and sat at a corner table.
'Looks delicious.'
I picked up fork and knife and sliced into the turkey.
As I savored the juicy meat, I noticed young ladies slyly approaching me one by one.
"Um, Lord Kline. Would you care for a chat?"
"I know an interesting story..."
They all looked desperate to talk to me but hadn't mustered the courage yet.
I got it. If I were them, talking to me would be a no-brainer.
But it was a hassle. Forming friendships just to form them wasn't my style.
What can I say? I wished we could meet more naturally.
"No, I'm good. I'm starving right now, so maybe later."
"Ah. Y-Yes..."
They retreated at my polite but firm refusal.
I planned to just enjoy my meal in peace.
My goal here was to meet the prophet, after all.
No need to force myself in this crowd.
As I focused on eating, someone spoke to me.
"You don't seem very interested in mingling."
A familiar voice.
The man I'd met before.
Zeil Stimond.
He'd broken away from the other nobles' groups to show interest in me.
"Yeah. I prefer enjoying the banquet."
"I see. You're quite unpretentious. Even as a scion of the Leonhart Ducal Family, you don't seem very noble-like."
"Just my preference."
"You're probably the only one who'd say it like that."
Zeil seemed to have some purpose with me.
There was a reason he'd approached.
He was just timing when to bring it up.
"......"
I silently sipped my drink and watched him.
Jack had told me. Zeil harbored hostility toward the Leonhart Ducal Family because of his father.
He wanted to defeat Kline Leonhart, son of Gerard Leonhart.
'What a random grudge.'
Someone I'd never even met burning with rivalry toward me.
How was I supposed to respond to that?
"I hope you understand why I said it was unexpected. Your family is practically an idol in noble society, after all."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. The prestige and power of the Leonhart Ducal Family. Many houses aspire to it."
"Hearing it from someone else is embarrassing."
"Not at all. Don't you have the power to achieve it yourself?"
"......"
Zeil's eyes gleamed with some emotion as he said that.
Rivalry. Ambition.
The desire to beat Kline Leonhart.
'Here it comes.'
I sighed inwardly.
I could guess the nuance.
And what would come next.
"I've heard that all my life. And I've kept it deep in my heart."
"That's a strange hobby. If it were me, I'd focus on my own life instead."
"Haha! That's because you're up in the clouds. Everyone looks up to you."
"I've never really thought of it that way."
"Really?"
Zeil smiled and turned away.
He looked like he might leave, but his gaze was still fixed here.
Like a beast eyeing prey.
"I hear there's a mock duel at this Cluster of Stars. Have you heard?"
"Yes."
"I'm definitely entering. I've already chosen my opponent."
"You can refuse mock duels, you know. They don't have to accept every request."
"Haha! True enough. But they won't. We're honorable nobles, after all."
Zeil grinned and walked away.
"See you then."
Leaving behind a line clearly aimed at me.
"Whew."
I shook my head as I refilled my drink.
Teens were teens, after all. Boiling blood made it hard for them to think straight.
That conversation alone could have been politically twisted against him if I'd wanted.
He was from an earldom, and I was from the empire's top ducal house.
I just didn't bother because it was a hassle.
'Do whatever.'
But with him making such a fuss, ignoring him didn't sit right either.
Maybe I should give him a proper thrashing once to make things easier later.
After that, no other nobles approached me.
They'd all read the vibe that I didn't want to be bothered.
No bold ones ignored it and came over.
No one wanted to get on the Leonhart Ducal Family's bad side.
Frankly, I was a bit disappointed.
'The bold reap the rewards.'
If we're making friends anyway, I'd prefer someone with thick skin.
I'd even accept them if they were that confident.
Well, probably no such person exists.
That's when it happened.
"Um, excuse me... hello?"
Someone approached me cautiously.
A gloomy, drooping voice.
I turned to see a girl.
A bit younger than me. Maybe a year or so.
Slumped shoulders, droopy eyes, barely any makeup.
A girl who didn't know how to show herself off.
But her chest area was boldly prominent. On par with Adelheit, even.
Disheveled purple hair and swirling purple eyes.
A lady I'd never seen before, but my instinct told me.
This one was different from the others.
"My name is Elysia Rosnet... Is there, um, space here?"
"Of course. The seat next to me is still empty."
"Y-Yes...? N-No, I didn't mean it like that..."
"Just kidding. Kidding."
"Ah, ahaha..."
The lady who introduced herself as Elysia bowed slightly to me.
Then she sat in the seat next to me, ever so cautiously.
As if minding someone else's gaze.
This was the first meeting with the woman who would later be called the 'Saintess'.