Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Reincarnated as the Plum Blossom Sword Guard in a Count's Family
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“Eugene. You came to the banquet after all.”
It was Kyle. Dressed up just as extravagantly as I was, he approached me with a smile.
“I've been feeling better lately, so I figured I'd enjoy the banquet. But don't you hate these things too, Kyle?”
Kyle wasn't the type to enjoy banquets.
“This one's for Father. I couldn't miss it as his son.”
“If you put it that way, what does that make me for skipping all the ones before now?”
“Oh. Sorry. You couldn't help it with your heart condition. Everyone understands—me, the family, even the retainers.”
As he said that, Kyle glanced around. He was clearly looking for someone.
“Eugene. Where's Yuria? I figured your personal maid would be with you...”
“Why are you looking for Yuria? Do you have a thing for her or something?”
“No, that's not it. With your heart condition, I just assumed she'd be by your side.”
Kyle seemed oddly flustered.
Watching his reaction, I could tell he was concerned about Yuria. I wasn't sure exactly what kind of feelings they were yet, but I understood.
These days, Yuria was incredibly popular around the estate. Not only had she received proposals from the butlers, but even visiting nobles—some of them married—had proposed to her. And that was because Yuria was that beautiful.
She really is... exactly Kyle's type.
Of course, that alone didn't prove Kyle liked her.
“Yuria's working in the kitchen. More than half the dishes we're serving the guests today are her creations.”
I had deliberately sent Yuria to the kitchen.
Cooking was one reason, sure. I planned to showcase modern cuisine in earnest and make it seem like I'd invented it myself. The moment one of those dishes satisfied their taste buds and stuck in their minds, they'd remember my name. I needed to make myself known to them somehow.
Plus, if I brought Yuria along, all sorts of men would swarm her. Dealing with them politely would be a hassle.
And above all...
One of today's guests is the heir to House Helbrite.
She and Yuria were half-siblings. Yuria's silver hair and blue eyes were hallmarks of House Helbrite. There was a chance he'd sense something off if he saw her.
“I wonder if there are dumplings among today's dishes?”
“You mean the ones you taught me? Yeah, there are.”
“Really? I should go check.”
Kyle's face lit up. Dumplings were something I'd made after asking him about them—a precaution to avoid pointless suspicion from him.
“Lord Kyle! There you are!”
It was a slightly husky woman's voice. Kyle's expression hardened instantly.
A woman with pink lips hurried toward us. She was a noble lady in a pale pink dress. Her face was toad-like, with acne on her cheeks, and her body was on the plump side.
“Oh my. Young Master Eugene is here too. It's been a while.”
I greeted her with a bright smile.
“Yes, it has. Lady Barién.”
Barién Flavite.
The daughter of the Flavite Marquisate. The Flavite Marquis was the master of the Flavite Magic Tower, producers of the kingdom's finest wines. House Flavite was one of the kingdom's wealthiest families—one of the top ten. In terms of pure wealth, they surpassed even House Prucus.
And she was Kyle's fiancée.
Kyle hated her. ...Well, 'disliked intensely' is more accurate.
There wasn't any major reason. Kyle was a guy, after all—he preferred pretty faces.
In the original story, it came out that House Flavite had contracted with demons, leading to the execution of the entire direct line. The evidence was so ironclad that even Kyle couldn't help them.
Couldn't help my ass. The guy ran off without looking back when the heroine was in danger...
Kyle awkwardly dealt with Barién. She beamed at him, aggressively flirting. She didn't hesitate with physical contact either.
I quietly observed them.
Barién didn't have any real flaws aside from her face. Her personality was actually pretty good, and her family was top-tier. Of course, she was about a million light-years from my type, so my dick would never stand for her. Wouldn't fuck her even if she begged.
Heh. It didn't happen in the original, but... I should step in and help this girl out.
In exchange, I'd claim all of Kyle's heroines.
“Hold on, Lady Flavite.”
“Lord Kyle, you don't have to be so formal. We're engaged, remember? Just call me Barién. Go on.”
“......Barién. I was in the middle of talking with Eugene right now. So could you step back for a bit and we'll talk later...”
I cut in before he could use me as an excuse.
“I'm fine. I'm at the estate, so I can talk to Kyle anytime. But Lady Barién, you don't get to see him often, right? Please, enjoy yourselves.”
“Young Master Eugene, you've matured so much since I last saw you.”
“I can't stay a kid forever. Oh, you two—when's the wedding?”
“I'd marry him right now if I could. But with both families' positions to consider... it's been delayed.”
“...Ha. Haha. It'll happen when the time comes.”
Kyle laughed awkwardly.
Luckily for him, politics were holding up the marriage. More accurately, someone was interfering. If Prucus and Flavite joined, both houses would gain massive wings.
And Kyle had no intention of marrying anyway. Ention was surprisingly lax about marriage and romance.
“Well then, you two have a good time.”
I slipped away from them. Next, I went to find Zent.
“Zent!”
“Oh! Eugene! They say you invented this chocolate thing? It's delicious.”
Zent was my brother, twelve years my senior. Contrary to appearances, he loved sweet desserts.
“Yeah. Inquiries about chocolate haven't stopped coming in.”
“With taste like that, it's no surprise. You're a great boon to House Prucus, little brother. Help me out later. With you and me together, we can bring the family to its greatest era yet.”
“If it's something I can do... I'll help with all I have.”
Empty words. The moment I didn't need Zent, I'd assassinate him. He wasn't a pushover like Kyle.
“Hahaha. Just hearing that makes me feel secure.”
Zent clapped me on the shoulder.
He was friendly toward me. Reasons: no sword talent, same mother, congenital heart disease. To him, I wasn't a rival.
“I saw you talking with Kyle earlier. What was it about?”
He saw Kyle as a rival.
“Nothing major. Just that some of the dishes I developed will be served today.”
“I've tried your dishes too. They were great. Especially that braised short rib dish.”
Zent glanced at one side of the banquet hall. Tables and chairs were set up there for dining. My “inventions” were especially popular, word having spread.
“Lady Flavite seems quite taken with Kyle.”
“She's his fiancée.”
“Tch. Eugene, an engagement doesn't always lead to marriage.”
Zent clicked his tongue. He himself was married to his fiancée. He just hated that Kyle's was from Flavite. If they bolstered Kyle, Zent would lose in the succession race.
“Wouldn't it be good for Kyle to marry soon?”
“Eugene, rushing marriage isn't always best. Remember that.”
“Got it. But if Kyle marries, won't he become Flavite's heir?”
“Flavite has a proper eldest son. It won't happen.”
“Hmm. I see.”
Good for Kyle—Zent opposed his marriage to Barién.
Well, that can play out later. For now... maybe sow some discord. Heh.
Zent wasn't magnanimous like Kyle. Kyle could brush off insults, but Zent punished or retaliated against any slight.
“Zent, I think Kyle's about to become an Aura Expert soon... Did you know?”
“What?! Kyle's already becoming an Expert?!”
His tone was shocked, but his voice was low. Mindful of eavesdroppers. If this got out, Kyle's reputation would soar.
“Not certain. Just my impression lately.”
“......Eugene. Don't say things like that lightly. And don't spread it around. Have you told anyone else?”
“You're the first, Zent. Sorry. I won't tell anyone.”
“......”
“......”
As I shut my mouth, Zent furrowed his brow.
“......Eugene. Tell me more—but only me. What do you mean Kyle's becoming an Aura Expert?”
“I've been hanging out with the Flune Knights lately.”
“Flune Knights...? Oh, that commoner knight order.”
“Yes. They've got real skill.”
“Skill? Hah... Never mind. Go on.”
“As a Prucus, I'm training in the sword too. No talent, though. But I have an eye for it. There's a fresh Aura Expert there... and his vibe matches Kyle's.”
“Haha, that's all?”
“I asked Kyle directly once. He said confidently he's about to break through.”
Zent's face hardened. He whispered,
“......Did Kyle really say that?”
Zent knew his brothers. Kyle didn't bluff. If he said he was close, he was.
“Yes. He did.”
I smiled as I said it. He'd actually said that last time I asked. Even if it was bullshit, Zent wouldn't confirm with Kyle directly—his personality wouldn't allow it.
“......Kyle's seventeen this year, right?”
“Yeah. If he becomes an Aura Expert, he'd be the youngest in the kingdom. Probably unprecedented.”
Assuming Yuria's record didn't exist.
“......”
Zent looked grave.
This world's people loved heroes. Hero tales were everywhere. They craved and admired them.
A seventeen-year-old Aura Expert prodigy. Straight out of a hero story's opening.
If word spread, more retainers would back Kyle. It happened in the original too.
“Oh, right. Kyle doesn't like banquets, but why'd he come to this one?”
“......Why?”
“For Father. Couldn't miss it as his son.”
“......I see.”
To most, Kyle was a dutiful son. But Zent might interpret it differently—like Kyle subtly showing off to Ention.
People are self-centered; anyone they dislike stays disliked.
Even a bastard doing good looks like he's scheming. Prejudice.
And they say bastards only see bastards.
This alone wouldn't make Zent act. But he'd watch Kyle closer, prepare more thoroughly to crush him. And their rivalry would intensify.
Thud. Thud.
Footsteps approached. Zent and I turned toward the sound.
Four men. At the center, a strikingly handsome man with silver hair and blue eyes.
“Young Master Zent. Long time no see. Your exploits at Uturen Castle have reached the palace.”
“Young Master Harioss. As elegant as ever. Ah, this is my blood brother, Eugene.”
He turned to me.
“Pleased to meet you, Young Master Eugene. I'm Harioss Helbrite, son of Duke Makellos Helbrite.”