Chapter 142: Coming in Hot (2)
Chapter 142: Coming in Hot (2)
Marianne was happy.
Hehehe, so this is what victory feels like.
Jealous glares rained down upon her as she danced with Patrick.
A quick glance revealed several young noble ladies gnawing on their handkerchiefs in frustration.
Foolish girls.
This was why early-stage investment was so crucial.
Was it not she who had formed a bond and nurtured their love(?) back when Patrick was a mere nobody—a son of a provincial baron from the East?
And now, Patrick had become the most coveted man in the Kingdom of Atronia.
She held that man in her hands.
Holding a trophy high and shouting for victory wasn't a privilege reserved only for men.
At this moment, she was relishing every gaze fixed upon her.
“…Anne? Lady Marianne?”
“Hehehehe…”
“Lady Marianne?”
“Ah, yes? What is it, Patrick?”
“The music has ended.”
“Ah… so it has.”
The next song was a lively waltz.
It wasn't quite to her taste, and she didn't want to linger on the dance floor for too long.
“Shall we take a break?”
“Let’s do that.”
Following the proper etiquette for escorting a lady, Patrick took her hand and walked at her pace, shielding her as they exited the dance floor.
To any observer, he looked exactly like a son of a noble house who had received a perfect education in etiquette.
This is why it pays to learn everything. Thank you, Butler Lawrence.
After leaving the dance floor, Patrick took two glasses of champagne from a passing servant and handed one to Marianne.
“Oh, thank you.”
“Don’t mention it… By the way, Senior…”
“I told you, you can just call me Marianne.”
“I couldn’t possibly. Even if we’re in different departments, how could I be so rude to an Academy senior?”
This guy has no conscience, considering he beats up seniors whenever he gets the chance.
“Oh, my…”
Unaware of his internal monologue, Marianne blushed, looking bashful.
If he was this considerate, he would be easy to wrap around her finger after they married. But then…
“Are you young Patrick Schneider?”
“Yes. But… this is the first time we’ve met. Who might you be?”
Patrick looked at the noble who had addressed him.
The middle-aged man with a stylishly groomed beard and gray hair was a handsome gentleman who likely would have broken many hearts in his youth.
But for some reason…
What is this? His face looks familiar.
Patrick’s question was answered immediately.
“Pardon my late introduction. I am Graham Lowensky.”
“Ah, then you must be Alex’s…”
“I heard my pathetic son owes you a great deal.”
He certainly does.
The words lingered on the tip of Patrick’s tongue, but he simply smiled politely and spoke.
“On the contrary, I’ve learned much from him.”
“Hahaha. What a well-mannered young man. There’s no need to save my son’s face with such empty flattery.”
Yes, it is indeed empty flattery.
Still, he wasn't stupid enough to evaluate a son honestly in front of his parent.
Just then, Marquis Lowensky cleared his throat and spoke.
“Come here, Leila.”
“Yes, Father.”
At his call, a beauty with soft light-brown hair and a calm expression approached with modest steps.
Oh, she looks like the perfect daughter-in-law material.
With her serene, gentle smile and an innocent aura that suggested she could never do a bad deed, she was the embodiment of the perfect wise mother and good wife that men dreamed of.
“This is my daughter, Leila. Have you heard of her?”
“My apologies. This is the first time I’ve heard the name.”
“Hahaha. A wholesome young man who avoids the social circles to focus solely on the sword, I see.”
Yes, thank you for the generous interpretation.
However, based on the conversation, it seemed this lady named Leila was quite popular in high society.
And just as Patrick suspected…
“It’s a bit awkward for me to say this myself, but my daughter is currently known as the finest flower in the kingdom’s social circles. Among the flood of marriage proposals she receives, there are even many from foreign nobles.”
“I’m sure she is a lady worthy of such attention.”
“Do you think so?”
Strictly speaking, she looked like the type who would be more popular with the parents of young men than the young men themselves.
“Hahaha. To be honest, I’ve cherished her so much that I haven’t sent her to anyone yet, but I’ve been thinking it’s about time I look for a reliable young man.”
“Ah. I see.”
Run. Run. Run.
A red alert blared in Patrick’s head. It was obvious what would come next. Fortunately…
“Oh, is that so?”
There was someone beside Patrick who couldn't stand by and watch Marquis Lowensky’s ambitions unfold.
Marianne spoke with an expression that anyone could tell was a forced smile.
“So that was the reason. Because the Marquis cherished her so much, Lady Leila hasn't married even though she’s already ‘twenty-seven.’”
For a noble lady to be unmarried at twenty-seven made her a high-level spinster.
Marquis Lowensky frowned and looked at Marianne.
“And who might you be?”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Marquis. I am Marianne Parmas, daughter of the Parmas family from the East.”
As Marianne gave an elegant greeting, Marquis Lowensky’s expression hardened.
“Ah… I see. From the East…”
“Yes. Patrick and I are from the same region.”
Marianne said this as she linked arms with Patrick, pressing close to him.
What a vixen.
The East and the central government had been at odds for a long time.
Normally, he would have wanted to snap at a provincial girl for being so bold, but he couldn't do so when she pointed out she was from the same region as Patrick and acted so intimately with him.
“Ahem… You two seem quite close.”
“Hohoho. Since our territories are nearby, we’ve seen each other often since we were children.”
Since when?
Memories that didn't exist were being fabricated in Patrick’s head.
This arrogant brat…
So what if you’re a Marquis? How dare you try to push an old maid onto my man?
Invisible sparks flew between the two. To make matters worse…
“It’s been a while, Marquis Lowensky.”
“Oh, indeed. I didn't expect to see you here, considering you rarely visit the capital.”
Count Parmas joined the fray.
Standing behind his daughter, he stroked his mustache and spoke.
“A talent from our East has achieved something great, hasn't he? As the Margrave of the East, of course I had to come.”
“Haha, is that so?”
“Yes. Furthermore, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I am young Schneider’s patron. I was the one who applied for his mid-term transfer to the Academy. I recall there were many in the capital who opposed it back then. Do you happen to remember?”
“Ahem, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Hahaha. Well, no one recognized young Schneider’s true worth back then. I suppose only my daughter and I saw it.”
“Is it true that your daughter has known Patrick since they were children?”
“…Of course. It was quite a sight to see them playing together since they were young.”
What is this? Did this father-daughter duo have a collective memory lapse?
Wow, so this is how powerful people act.
You have to be this thick-skinned to live as a noble.
I’m learning something new again.
Patrick gained another insight into the nature of power. However, Marquis Lowensky launched a counterattack.
“But that’s strange. According to my son, he’s never heard that young Schneider has a fiancée or a woman he’s seeing.”
“Ahem. Is there really a need to go around talking about such trivial things?”
“No, he said he asked him directly.”
“Ah, really? He asks about the strangest things.”
“My son and young Schneider are quite close, aren't they?”
“……”
“He said that when he asked, young Schneider firmly stated he had no fiancée or woman he was dating.”
“……”
“Hahaha, now that I think about it, it’s quite impressive. For a young man and woman to know each other for so long and not see each other as romantic interests… Haha, isn't that a wonderful ‘friendship’? As expected, the camaraderie in the East is truly strong.”
“……”
This old geezer…
What did you say, you punk? What?
The leader of the Eastern region and a heavyweight of the central political scene clashed fiercely.
In the meantime, Patrick quietly slipped away and retreated.
I’d rather fight with a sword.
This wasn't the Radiant Dragon Hero’s specialty.
* * *
“Ugh… They say nothing in this world is easy.”
Be my son-in-law.
Unable to endure the nobles who were relentlessly pushing their agendas, Patrick slipped away to the terrace.
He would have welcomed being surrounded by beautiful ladies, but if the end result was marriage, he had to give it some thought.
I can't just get married recklessly. If I marry now, it’s just another burden to carry while trying to develop the family.
In Patrick’s life plan, marriage was pushed far down the list of priorities.
Developing the territory and making life better for the people around him came first.
Marriage was something to think about after that.
Of course, after that…
Hehehe, I shall fulfill the dream I couldn't achieve in my past life: three wives and four concubines.
Why couldn't he do it in his past life?
Taking a daughter of the Sichuan Tang Clan as a wife meant eating the meals she prepared for the rest of his life.
A dining table prepared by a wife who was an expert in poisons.
No one who hasn't experienced it knows how terrifying that is.
Just then, the terrace door opened, and a man walked in.
He was a man of sturdy build with a vertical scar running through his right eye.
Patrick frowned in annoyance at his appearance.
Isn't this a breach of etiquette?
Someone going out to the terrace during a banquet meant they wanted a moment of rest.
In such cases, it was rude to enter without permission.
“Who are you?”
When Patrick spoke bluntly, the other man replied.
“I am Marquis Derek Nicola.”
“I see.”
Patrick replied curtly.
The man seemed surprised by the response, which suggested Patrick had somewhat expected it.
“Did you know?”
“I should know just by looking.”
Marquis Derek Nicola.
He was the kingdom’s only 7-Star Knight.
Well, until recently, that is.
Born as a low-ranking noble, he had risen to the rank of Marquis through his own efforts.
He was a close confidant of the King and a reliable guardian of the royal family.
While the commander of the Royal Knight Order was Marquis Panola, his presence couldn't even be compared to that of Marquis Nicola.
At his appearance, Patrick spoke as if he were bored.
“I have no intention of getting married yet.”
“Why are you telling me that?”
“…Eh? Isn't that why you came?”
“I don’t have a daughter.”
Ah, I see.
I didn't think of that possibility.
Marquis Nicola shrugged.
“I have one granddaughter, but she’s only two years old.”
“……”
“Are you interested, perhaps?”
“Is that how people issue duels these days?”
At Patrick’s bold remark, Marquis Nicola laughed.
“I would be happy to cross swords with you, but that is not my business today.”
“Then what is it?”
“His Majesty the King is calling for you.”
“Ah…”
Come to think of it, they were supposed to meet.
“Follow me.”
“Understood.”
* * *
Marquis Nicola.
He was also famous for being the King’s loyal dog.
He had been with the current King since the King was still a prince. It was said that the King had discovered him when he was just the son of a low-ranking noble and had supported him ever since.
In truth, the current King was evaluated as an average monarch—neither exceptionally capable nor incompetent.
The reason his royal authority remained firm was that the kingdom’s only 7-Star Knight had sworn absolute loyalty to him.
Well, he’s not the only one anymore.
Still, he was an impressive man.
As Patrick followed him, he carefully observed the man’s back; his presence felt calm yet sharp.
It was a 7-Star Realm that had reached a very high level, beyond mere maturity.
Professor Late, you’re going to have to work hard.
If they fought, there was a 90% chance the professor would get thrashed.
“It’s here.”
They arrived at the Royal Hall, where the King usually conducted state affairs with his ministers.
There, the King was waiting on his throne, accompanied by his knights, and beside him…
Senior Isabella?
Dressed in a gown and wearing makeup instead of her usual Academy uniform, she was far more beautiful than usual.
But the important question was why she was here.
This feels a bit ominous.
“Ahem…”
As Patrick was sensing the atmosphere, Marquis Nicola gave him a look and cleared his throat.
Tsk, these old-fashioned types…
Patrick clicked his tongue but did what he had to do.
He knelt on one knee, bowed his head, and gave a polite greeting.
“To the just and sole ruler of the Kingdom of Atronia…”
“Enough. Etiquette is fine, so raise your head.”
“Thank you.”
Patrick grumbled internally that the King should have said so sooner as he raised his head.
Then the King spoke.
“So. How do you feel?”
“About what, Your Majesty?”
“How does it feel to be the golden stag in the hunting ground known as high society?”
“It’s annoying.”
“Hahaha. I suppose it is.”
The King laughed jovially. Then he looked at Patrick and said,
“I understand your feelings. Even in my youth, I was plagued by it to a tiresome degree whenever I went to a banquet hall.”
“Is that so?”
“I wasn't a hero who proved his skills like you or Marquis Nicola, but I was the heir to the throne.”
That made sense.
As Patrick nodded, the King continued.
“So? Was there any family or lady that caught your eye?”
“None.”
“Ho-oh…”
When Patrick spoke flatly, the King reacted with slight surprise.
At such a young age, one would expect a young man to feel a bit decadent when surrounded by beautiful noble ladies, yet he was so composed.
He really is different.
Patrick spoke calmly to the King.
“If possible, I would like to postpone marriage as long as possible.”
“And the reason?”
“Because I haven't achieved my goals yet. I have no intention of marrying before then.”
“Hmm, even after reaching the 7-Star Realm, you still feel lacking?”
The King nodded.
He’s only sixteen…
A powerhouse who had achieved the 7-Star Realm at that age.
His passion and obsession for the sword must be extraordinary.
Perhaps he really would reach the 8-Star Realm in the future.
The King had already made one such person his own.
Derek Nicola, the man standing proudly beside him.
He, too, had cared for nothing but the sword in his youth.
To bring such a man to his side, the King had put in careful effort over a long period.
It was time for that experience to shine.
“I understand that you wish to focus purely on the Way of the Sword.”
“Ah. Yes…”
I don’t really feel that way.
The Way of the Sword, my foot…
I have to make sure my family is well-off first before I can even think about that.
Unaware of Patrick’s true feelings, the King nodded and said,
“I suppose that is what youth and passion are all about.”
“……”
“Fine. I shall resolve the issue of all those people pestering you.”
“Really?”
Patrick was actually quite grateful for this.
Seeing Patrick brighten up, the King smiled warmly and asked,
“Do you like that?”
“Of course. I couldn't be more grateful.”
“Good. Then it’s simple. Isabella.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Marry this young man.”
“Yes. I understand.”
Wait, what?
That was a bit sudden.