Chapter 78
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Banquet (2)
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Having seized a mountain of gold from those black mages, I spent a bit of it, and the mercenaries' discipline tightened right up.
So much so that anyone would mistake them for a proper army.
Looks like loyalty really can be bought with money after all.
I checked the invitation tucked in my pocket one last time and set off toward the imperial palace.
Ellis, arm-in-arm with me, led the way, followed by the mercenaries glaring fiercely with their intimidating presence.
The back-alley folk scattered in terror, clearing a path on both sides, and even on the main streets, it was much the same...
Well, nobles always get a similar reaction when arriving in carriages, so it should be fine.
Though there was one lady who locked eyes with me, desperately clutching her child to her chest and trembling...
Probably just the capital's nobles being their haughty selves.
Thus, basking in everyone's stares, we proudly crossed the streets all the way to the palace gates.
A long line of carriages stretched from the entrance. Must be the entry inspections causing the backup.
This was different from when it was just Ellis and me. Now, every central noble was glancing our way, watching intently.
So, it was time to show them what House Zahav was made of.
I scanned the line once...
Then ignored it entirely and headed straight for the main gate.
As expected, it wasn't long before an indignant noble popped out to object.
A young man thrusting his plump body out the carriage window, pointing accusingly at us.
"You there! Ruffian! Can't you see this line?! Just who the hell are you to insult countless nobles at Her Imperial Highness's banquet before His Majesty the Emperor?!"
Reacting to their master's rage, the knights surrounding his carriage drew their swords in unison. But...
"How dare you! Do you even know who this is before drawing your blade?!"
Carlo, looking oddly thrilled, drew his sword as well, and the mercenaries raised their weapons as if they'd been waiting for this.
Seems they were hoping for something like this.
They lacked the knights' fine armor or refined aura... but their menace was second to none.
The noble in the carriage scoffed incredulously at the obvious sellsword traits.
"I don't know which no-name house drags mercenaries instead of knights... but you've picked the wrong opponent. I am Deva Stuucy, firstborn son of House Stuucy!"
"Stuucy? Rings a bell..."
I tilted my head, recalling the name from my studies on basic etiquette and imperial history, when Ellis whispered softly.
"House Stuucy runs the empire's third-largest forge. They were originally dwarves... but after moving to the capital, a half-breed like him became patriarch."
"Dwarves? Ah, now I see. Not just a pig, but a muscle pig."
I said it loud enough for everyone around to hear, unlike Ellis's quiet tone.
And sure enough, Deva's face flushed beet red as he flew into a fury.
"Insolent cur! I was going to let it slide for the occasion, but no more! Duel me! I'll beat that arrogance out of you! The capital isn't some backwater village like where you crawled from! Before you get wrecked by someone else, I'll teach you a lesson myself!"
He looked the part of a sleazy noble, but everything he said rang true.
True... I was the rude one this time.
I hadn't displayed our house crest like other nobles' carriages, and I was blatantly cutting in line.
It was necessary, but that didn't mean I wasn't sorry.
Resolving to end it cleanly and offer some consolation gold, I stepped forward.
In the night's shadows, faintly lit by the dim moonlight, I stood before Deva's carriage.
The expensive magic stone lamps on the carriage provided clear visibility. Deva flinched upon finally recognizing my golden hair.
"Enoch Zahav. Duel, you say... Fine. You're the one who brought it up first?"
"...Guh!"
Deva gulped, swallowing hard as realization dawned from my grin and the Zahav name.
But it was too late.
The moment I raised my fist, intending to smash just one carriage wheel...
"...I-I'll be your opponent!"
"Hm?"
A knight hurriedly blocked my path with a desperate expression.
"I serve as Young Master Deva's sword. Thus, I shall face the Grand Duke!"
A young boyish knight. But surprisingly, he was the finest among Deva's escorts.
Likely the most talented knight in House Stuucy. Inspecting his gear closely, every piece was top-quality—no expense spared.
Makes sense for an artisan house; they probably get it at cost.
I smirked, spreading my arms wide.
"Good spirit. I'm feeling generous. I'll yield the first move—come at me with all you've got."
"...Understood."
The boy knight nodded, then his wrist snapped out in a sudden thrust, blurring into afterimages.
A swift draw. Vivid aura rose like smoke, sheathing his blade as it flew precisely at my arm. But...
Ching!
The moment it touched me, the aura scattered harmlessly, and the fine sword snapped in two.
I hadn't done anything special. Just relaxed the strength I consciously held back and took it.
His sword was fast and sharp, but my body was tougher still. That was all.
"H-How..."
He blinked rapidly, unable to comprehend how a man could disperse aura barehanded and break a sword.
Truth be told, even I couldn't have without the fairy's embrace, so I just shrugged.
"Well done."
"Pardon?"
"That skill at your age? Impressive."
"Th-Thank you?"
"But you made one big mistake."
I tapped my nape.
"When you get an opening, don't half-ass a limb—go for the neck first."
"...Pardon?"
"You steel yourself to die, but not to kill? If you're staking your life, hesitate not. Master that, and you'll be an even greater knight."
"...! My gratitude for the lesson!"
The boy knight bowed politely. The surrounding nobles, including Deva Stuucy, sighed in relief, thinking it over.
"Oh, one more thing. Don't let your guard down before the fight's done."
"What do you—"
As the boy raised his puzzled head...
Krunch!
His custom-fitted armor tore off effortlessly under my hand, leaving him defenseless.
Before him, I kneaded the ripped armor like clay into a ball and dropped it to the ground.
Thud!
"Eek!"
The onlookers froze at the sight of metal crumpling; the boy knight even wet himself.
...I meant to stop there, but was that too much?
I scowled deliberately, clicking my tongue as if the mood soured.
"Tch. I've a promise with Princess Cornelia, so we'll call it here."
As consolation, I tossed a few gold coins onto him.
His face flushed crimson—for some reason. Probably embarrassed about pissing himself in public...
"Even in defeat, throwing money like that makes him look like a whore getting paid!"
"Shh. At least he didn't die. Or get dragged to a bedroom by force."
"He's a proper man, however pretty... That's Zahav for you."
"Guess the rumors were true."
"...Yeah. Who knew Princess Cornelia would pull it off."
"First time in imperial history, right? Taming House Zahav of all houses."
"His Majesty must be agonizing. Now the third princess stands out in the succession race too."
???
What the hell was that about?
My mind sharpened at the nobles' chatter. Lingering here would only fuel pointless misunderstandings.
"I'll forgive today's matter. But there's no second time."
With a cheesy third-rate villain line, I led Ellis and the mercenaries to the gate.
"Zahav... forgives?"
Ignoring the voices behind as best I could, I hurried on until we reached the palace gate.
The knight there, having witnessed it all, spoke in a trembling voice, tense as could be.
"Pl-Please show your invitation?"
"Here."
He checked the one I pulled out with swift precision and handed it back.
"All clear! You may enter. B-But the mercenaries behind..."
"Don't worry. They'll wait outside."
I jerked my chin, and as pre-arranged, Carlo and the mercenaries moved crisply away from the gate.
Not too far, though—they held formation at a proper distance.
Mercenaries unused to such drill, but money makes the impossible possible.
The guarding knight's face grew grave—which was exactly why I'd brought them.
It planted the idea in everyone that mercenaries, properly handled, weren't to be dismissed.
With the mercenary guild business ahead, higher status meant more profit. Essential stuff.
"Take care."
I patted the stiff knight's shoulder lightly and entered with Ellis.
Inside, a waiting maid guided us to the banquet hall.
The palace interior was lavish, but the hall exceeded imagination.
Chandeliers twinkled and swayed from the ceiling; below, elegantly dressed nobles conversed with flawless etiquette.
True to the banquet name, the foods lining the grand tables were so beautifully arranged they drew gasps before even tasting.
Amid it all, my slightly disheveled attire felt conspicuous...
Recalling how the previous Zahav—my "father" Cain—paraded in just his underwear, I steeled myself.
Glancing around calmly, I spotted nobles recognizing me and whispering.
They knew who I was, but none dared approach.
...Just what the hell is House Zahav?
As that fresh thought hit, I noticed familiar pink hair a bit away.
Only her back, but the waist-length wavy pink was Cornelia's signature.
As if keeping her word to wear eye-catching clothes, her outfit was lighter and brighter than the others'.
"Ellis. I should honor my promise with Princess Cornelia first..."
"Don't worry. I know my role. I'll stay quietly in the corner—go greet her."
"Thanks."
Leaving Ellis behind, I headed to Cornelia, who was munching desserts alone.
I'd done my "Zahav" bit outside once; time for another inside to balance it.
Not too much, but enough to draw some aggro...
Got it.
Using assassin stealth, I crept behind her and pressed close—without touching.
Hands on her shoulders, chin atop her round head.
This minimized contact while looking like I was groping an imperial princess.
"...?"
Cornelia paused, cheeks puffed with dessert.
The entire hall's nobles froze too.
Anyone'd think time stopped. Grinning, I curled my lip.
"Princess Cornelia. You look even prettier tonight."
"???"
"Yeah. If you're inviting me, this much prep is standard."
"..."
For some reason, Cornelia said nothing.
Too much? Nah, this should be fine...
As timid second thoughts swirled...
A familiar face appeared across the table.
Long, wavy pink hair. Cat-like upturned eyes. But drooping lips.
Another Cornelia.
Her doppelganger(?) spoke with a look like she'd seen something bizarre.
"...Grand Duke Zahav? What's your relation to my aunt?"
"Huh?"
Startled, I spun the woman I clung to toward me.
Identical to Cornelia. But slightly more mature vibe.
Gulp.
Her aunt finally swallowed the mouthful of dessert and chuckled.
"What's so appealing about an old auntie like me..."
"No."
Suddenly, I'd gone from Cornelia's invite to seducing her aunt.
This was too far...!