Imperial Banquet (4)
Imperial Banquet (4)
A man appeared on the third-floor balcony inside the hall.
Brilliant silver hair and clear blue eyes.
A strikingly handsome man with beautiful features, wearing a uniform of blended white and blue.
Aether Argenwald.
The First Prince of the Empire and the main male lead character of [Lady Maker].
Since Irion possessed a body in this world, he was one of the core figures he was seeing for the first time since Renoa.
'To be honest, I was hoping we wouldn't meet.'
Irion liked the character quite a bit, so a part of him wanted to see him, but unfortunately, now was not the time.
Because Aether is like a hero in the game who defeats the villainess Renoa and brings about a happy ending.
In the story, Renoa has feelings for Aether, but Aether is devoted only to the female lead.
When Aether doesn't accept her advances, Renoa commits all sorts of atrocities against the female lead.
She doesn't stop at simple bullying; she uses black magic to cast curses until she is discovered by Aether.
Furthermore, through his efforts, he uncovers that the Edelheid family deals in black magic.
He plays the role of the female lead's supporter, contributing greatly to the downfall of the Edelheid family.
In other words, to the current Irion, Aether is the most dangerous person. It's best not to get involved with him.
He didn't want to come to the banquet right now, but since his master Renoa's attitude was firm, he had no choice but to come.
The nobles filling the hall held their breath as they looked up at the third-floor balcony.
They waited only for today's protagonist to open his mouth.
With everyone's eyes fixed on him, Aether began to speak.
"Nobles, who serve as the steadfast pillars of the Empire."
His voice was as clear as his bright blue eyes.
"Tonight, under the name of the Imperial Family, is a blessed occasion where the young blood who will shoulder the future of the Empire are reborn as full adults."
A soft smile and a polite tone.
Beneath it, an aura of dignity that one would hardly dare to approach was firmly established.
"On behalf of the Imperial Family, I express deep praise and a warm welcome to the noble young ladies and lords who have taken their first steps into high society."
Aether paused for a moment. He moved his head, scanning every corner of the banquet hall.
"Starting from this coming-of-age ceremony today, as one who represents the name of the Imperial Family, I wish to announce one significant decision."
Aether spoke with a determined expression, his smile fading.
"This coming spring, I plan to formally enroll in the Imperial Academy."
There it is.
Irion swallowed those words internally.
On the other hand, the entire hall was covered in a buzz at Aether's statement.
Aether was not swept away by the atmosphere and calmly continued his speech.
"As a descendant of the Imperial Family, in order to govern the Empire fully, I must reach out and understand the lives of the people from the closest proximity. Therefore, I intend to cast aside the privilege of status and learn at the same eye level as everyone else."
"......."
"The Academy is a noble ground for learning. There, transcending the heights of status, nobles and commoners alike will be proven only by their wisdom and skill."
Aether's blue eyes swept over the numerous young talents gathered below the balcony.
"So, among you who will lead the bright future of the Empire, if there are any who wish to join this meaningful journey, I will gladly welcome you. In the upcoming new semester, in the hall of learning where the facade of status has been cast off, I wish to stand side-by-side with you and discuss tomorrow."
Sophistry armed with idealism.
At the same time, it is the prelude, the prologue that pierces through the worldview of [Lady Maker].
In the sense that the height the protagonist can reach varies depending on how much effort the users put into character development.
The Imperial Academy, the stage of such a game.
A place of learning where the doors are open to anyone who craves knowledge, regardless of status.
However, that was merely a facade presented on the surface.
High-ranking nobles at the center of power do not set foot there.
And for good reason; a family with immense wealth and power could simply bring the Empire's best educators to their mansion for private, top-tier tutoring.
There was absolutely no reason to stay in the same space as low-class commoners or humble lower-ranking nobles.
But the Prince had declared that he would enroll in the Academy himself.
A noble move to willingly lay down the privileges he rightfully enjoyed and move forward side-by-side with commoners.
Spotless, clear idealism and the spirit of sacrifice to put it into practice.
'No wonder the heroines fall head over heels.'
Even as a man, he thought it was cool, so what about the women?
Even the young ladies here right now had their eyes sparkling like girls in love.
'As for Renoa...'
Irion rolled his eyes and glanced sideways. Renoa was also looking up at Aether.
The key was what kind of attitude Renoa would show after seeing Aether.
He decided to test the waters a bit.
"His Highness the Prince made quite the statement."
"Indeed. I was quite surprised."
"And he's very handsome, too."
"Is that so?"
"Don't you have any thoughts?"
"Not particularly."
"Really? You don't have thoughts like wanting to make him yours even if you have to kill every woman by his side?"
At Irion's unnecessarily specific question, Renoa turned her head.
"What is that question?"
"No, I was just honestly curious."
"If you're going to keep talking nonsense, shall I send you outside?"
"Hey now, I have to protect you by your side, My Lady."
"Then keep your mouth shut. You're being a distraction."
"Yes, ma'am."
Irion quietly shut his mouth.
'What the...'
He thought Renoa would fall in love with Aether at first sight or something, but her reaction was extremely plain.
'Was she originally not interested in Aether?'
It was a gaze as if she were looking at a stone on the street.
He thought that if it were Renoa, who aimed for a life reversal, she would naturally be interested in him...
Aether raised the hand holding his glass.
"I have spoken for too long. For tonight, please set aside etiquette and status for a moment and enjoy yourselves to your heart's content. I pray that the future of the Empire will be as brilliant as your own dazzling futures."
As his resonant congratulatory speech came to an end, the music filled the hall cheerfully once again.
The nobles broke into a round of applause all at once.
The Prince disappeared beyond the balcony. People chattered fervently about the Prince's statement.
"What should we do? Shouldn't our family send our child to the Academy as well?"
"That goes without saying. With His Highness personally attending, where else would there be a more certain opportunity to form a connection with the Imperial Family?"
It didn't take long for the conclusion to enroll in the Academy to come from the mouths of those who absolutely loathed mixing with commoners.
The Prince is entering the Academy.
It wasn't a matter where they could simply brush it off with a 'You do you.'
He is the Prince.
And the First Prince at that.
The person closest to the position of the next Emperor.
Being able to converse in the same space as him was no different from a political lifeline that could establish one as a top aide to the Imperial Family in the future.
"It's obvious that children from numerous noble families will flock to the Academy to win His Highness's favor."
"If we don't participate, we'll fall behind in forming social connections."
"If a rival family happens to build a good relationship with His Highness..."
It was all Aether's calculated move.
He packaged it as a voluntary invitation, but in reality, it was bait thrown after grasping the habits of nobles who feared being left behind.
So that they would have no choice but to come to the Academy.
Of course, the impressions of Irion, who had possessed a body from the outside, were slightly different from others.
'It's a game setting designed to make it plausible for a prince and nobles to learn in the same space as commoners, but...'
Still, seeing a scene he had only viewed in a game in person gave him a fresh sense of emotion.
I guess this is why people pay big money to watch 4D movies.
"His Highness is no ordinary person."
"He wouldn't be able to make the decision to enter the Academy otherwise."
"How about it? Has your mind changed a bit now? Don't you want to have him even if you have to kill all the women by his side?"
"Come here. I'll kill you first."
"Just kiddin'."
It was while Irion was sharing trivial words with Renoa.
"Pardon me for interrupting your conversation."
Aether, who had descended into the hall at some point, approached the two.
Irion and Renoa bowed their waists at the same time.
"We greet His Highness Prince Aether."
"I've been interested in you two since I saw you from above, so I came over right away. You must be the Lady of Edelheid and the rumored slave knight."
"I am simply overwhelmed that Your Highness would know of a lowly person like me."
Irion acted without panic even with the Prince right in front of him.
It was thanks to the three years he spent with Renoa. There was no being in this world scarier than her.
Even if he were to have a private audience with the Emperor, he wouldn't be afraid anymore.
"Do not lower yourself too much. The story of selecting a knight based on skill alone, without being bound by status, was a heartwarming tale that even the Imperial Family wishes to emulate. Is that not so, My Lady?"
Aether's blue eyes naturally turned toward Renoa.
"You must have contributed greatly to leading him this far, My Lady. I envy that discernment."
"I do not know what to do with myself after receiving such excessive praise. I simply took in someone suited for use and kept him by my side."
"How is that as easy as it sounds? Even His Majesty has offered his praise, so you may take pride in it."
Renoa still had her head bowed. Aether smiled broadly and continued speaking again.
"Then, let's end the formalities here. Both of you, raise your heads. Is there any need to act stiffly on a joyous occasion like today?"
Aether suddenly dropped the formal speech in a much lighter tone.
Irion and Renoa cautiously raised their heads.
"Since I've only been in the capital, I've been quite thirsty for news of Edelheid. It is such a closed-off family, after all."
"My apologies."
"Right. Is Brother Cassius doing well?"
"That is..."
"There's no need to feel burdened. I've known the older brother since we were young. Seeing as you came instead of him, he must be frantically busy with the affairs of the estate."
Affectionate informal speech asking about personal well-being.
It was a casual and sly attitude, as if treating an old friend.
"As you said, the Young Lord is preoccupied with looking after the safety of the estate, so I have come in his stead."
"I see. Brother is really something. To think he had such a beautiful sister and never mentioned it once. He must cherish you quite a lot, My Lady."
"......."
"I'd like to talk more, but there are so many people looking for me. Will you be coming to the Academy as well, My Lady?"
"I believe I will have to discuss it after returning to the family."
"I really hope you come. I want to have a deep conversation with you. And."
Aether's gaze turned toward Irion.
"You as well."
"Regrettably, he is a slave."
"I don't discriminate based on status, so what does it matter if he's a slave? Don't decline. I'll give permission in my name."
"I will discuss that as well upon returning to the family."
"Alright. It was a pleasant meeting. I'll be going now."
Aether moved along with his vassals. He passed by Renoa's side.
"Ah."
Then he stopped as if he had forgotten something.
"Is that bracelet not uncomfortable?"
"The bracelet... you mean?"
"It's something the scholars put a lot of effort into making this time. Since Edelheid is a famous family of mages, I wanted to hear some feedback. Would you tell me honestly?"
Renoa looked at the bracelet.
"It interferes with the flow of mana so much that I wouldn't dare dream of using magic."
"Is that so? Then what if a wicked witch were to wear it?"
"Forget a witch; even a Great Mage would be no different from a child while wearing this."
"I see.... Since an Edelheid says so, the performance must be certain. Thank you. I hope to see you again."
Soon, Aether moved completely away. He began talking with other nobles.
"Huuu...."
Even for Renoa, the meeting with the Prince must not have been easy, as she let out a small sigh.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. No problem. I was just a little nervous."
"Nervous? As expected, toward His Highness...?"
-Bba-ak!
"Ugh!"
Renoa stomped on Irion's shin with the tip of her shoe.
"That's punishment for teasing your master. Take it gracefully."
"Uuugh."
Irion bent over and rubbed his shin.
Renoa looked down at Irion pitifully before staring at Aether, who was mixed in the crowd.
Aether Argenwald.
The Prince of the Empire.
He was certainly a shining person. More than anyone else participating in this banquet.
If it had been the Renoa of the past, she might have willingly risked her life and clung to him to monopolize him.
No, she definitely would have.
Because he was the most certain lifeline that could pull her out of the birdcage called Edelheid.
Since that would have been the perfect success and salvation that Renoa had craved so much.
But now, in Renoa's green eyes as she looked at Aether, there was no longing or thirst.
While she was surprised at herself, Renoa herself knew the reason best.
"......."
Renoa's gaze slid from the Prince's profile and toward her slave, who was making groaning sounds.
Aether's brilliance was a spotless light from within a greenhouse, handed to him from the moment of his birth.
It wasn't something he had won for himself; he obtained it simply because he was born lucky.
But Irion was different.
It was a light won by rolling in the mud and being covered in blood at the bottom of a miserable basement.
That rugged radiance, which did not fade even in the face of death, could not even be compared to something like a light in a greenhouse.
In Renoa's eyes, the light possessed by a mere slave seemed far more brilliant than that of the Empire's Prince.
Since she had already obtained a being of her own, by her own, and for her own, she no longer coveted someone else's blind light.
Renoa quietly raised the corners of her mouth in secret.
"Let's head back now. If we drag this out any longer, Bibi will start grumbling."