The Noble Escort
The Vespa Royal Academy, home to the overwhelming majority of nobles, is said to have a famous dance hall. Honestly, it seemed like a place I'd have zero connection to, so when I once overheard about it casually, I just thought Oh, that exists and promptly deleted it from my memory. But just like they say, life doesn't go your way—and here I was, actually visiting.
Damn, there really are a ton of people.
By now, I had a pretty good grasp of the Abatus count family's influence, so I wasn't all that surprised. Most of the faces passing by were total strangers, but they were probably high-ranking nobles or heirs from prominent houses. I could see students who looked like retainers surrounding and protecting their lords.
I wonder if Noel or Erica have people like that. If they did, what would those retainers think of me? As I pondered that curiously—
“Is it really true? She came?”
“No way. Good thing I came just in case!”
Suddenly, the area grew noisy. Soon, the familiar tap-tap of a cane echoed through the crowd.
“Lord Aizen.”
Noel was approaching alone. She wore a light green dress that matched her golden blonde hair, her face subtly glowing from makeup. Not a single attendant in sight—she walked by herself. She was close enough for her voice to carry, so I turned toward her, and suddenly someone burst from the crowd.
“Lady Noel Nexia! I am from the Count Langfer family—”
“My partner is waiting. I must politely decline your escort.”
The guy, whom I didn't even know, got shot down the moment he appeared. Noel brushed past him and looked up at me confidently.
“You'll escort me, right?”
“Of course.”
As Noel had taught me before coming, I took her hand and slowly headed toward the hall. Matching her pace, step by step.
“Damn it. Why is that guy with no title with the lady of the Nexia ducal house...!”
“I heard she always heads to that weird workshop, so I thought this was my chance!”
“You're stirring up some envy, Lord Aizen,” Noel said softly, looking up at me with a smile.
“I knew you were the duke's daughter.”
“You didn't realize until now?”
“Not that I didn't know—it just didn't feel real. You're just Noel to me.”
I answered while shrugging off the jealous, even murderous stares around us, and Noel laughed—a bit brighter this time. It made me feel good, but just then—
“Hmm, gonna get an earful from Father? For not staying by her side.”
“Shut up and detour. Hurry—we gotta shake 'em.”
“Yeah, they showed up after all.”
“They followed us, those two... How boring.”
I pinpointed the familiar voices amid the chatter and giggled along as we kept heading to the hall. Just walking together had people whispering, their jealousy and malice washing over us like background noise. Then Noel's quiet voice came.
“It's noisy around us, but for some reason... I don't mind.”
“You've probably never been to many events like this. Sorry.”
“I'll make allowances for you.”
Her limbs were fine, but she needed a cane because her body was so frail. She probably rarely attended parties. I apologized for my thoughtless remark, and she graciously forgave me with a smile, continuing to walk. Matching her slow gait made our progress snail-paced, drawing even more attention as we entered the hall.
The highborn students already inside, chatting among themselves, spotted us and split into three groups: those eyeing us like they might approach, those turning away indifferently, and those glaring with clear hostility.
“The ones who wanna talk are probably after Noel. The hostile ones must be Abatus lackeys.”
“Not lackeys—more like allies. Noble houses, especially titled ones, are forces in their own right.”
With magic, even minor nobles could muster real power. The Arclight family had no title or wealth, but we handled monsters easily with earth magic. In a way, the Vespa Kingdom was a gathering of such small and large powers under noble titles.
“Still, I figured there'd be a guide if they invited me.”
“It's not a snub. Hosts barely get a breather. And... here he comes.”
I saw Noel tense up. Her face was calm and smiling, but she was clearly on guard. Following her gaze to its end, I was a little surprised.
Is this what they mean by 'painted to perfection'?
A tall man with white hair. But not elderly. Towering height—even I, not short, would have to look up a bit. Solid build, straight posture. Healthy complexion, soft curves to his eyes and mouth. Gentle golden eyes. If you sculpted him and put him on the street, the artist would despair at failing to capture that perfection.
Maybe that's why.
“He doesn't seem human.”
“I thought the same.”
Too picture-perfect—it was eerie. He smiled and spoke warmly, but his eyes barely crinkled. No human warmth, despite the distance. Just the unease of a painting approaching. And the painting soon turned toward us.
“My word. For Lady Noel Nexia to grace us. Your refusal felt like the world crumbling, but you've returned to honor us—my deepest thanks.”
The painting knelt on one knee before Noel, leaning as if to kiss the back of her hand. But she slyly withdrew it with a smile.
“My health kept me away at first, but declining the Abatus count family's kindness too firmly would be rude. So I've come with a trusted partner. May the kingdom's glory be with you.”
“...Thank you for your blessing. Congratulations on finding a trusted partner.”
Her withdrawal seemed to catch him off guard for a split second, but he soon smiled softly and rose. Then he turned to me.
“And to learn that very partner is my honored guest—I'm truly astonished. Thank you for coming, Lord Aizen Arclight.”
Does he really mean that? As I wondered—
“I am Cardio Abatus, eldest son and heir of the Abatus count family. May you spend meaningful time here.”
The painting named Cardio Abatus introduced himself with an inscrutable smile.
****
Just inside the hall was a lounge. Noble parties weren't just eating and dancing—networking drained stamina, so rest areas existed for those needing a break. The Phoenix count's ball had changing rooms, so guest lounges were probably standard here. Of course, there were rooms for hosts and VIPs, so Noel and I were led there.
Not without interruptions, though.
“A room for the Nexia ducal lady is prepared, so if you'd—”
“I plan to stay with my partner.”
Cardio said nothing to Noel's refusal. Instead, he smiled at me.
“Lord Aizen has Lady Noel's favor. From a rural territory, yet with renowned talents—your reputation holds true.”
Smooth words from a smiling face, but was it praise? Or gripe about a nobody from nowhere getting ducal favor? Not outright insult, but it scratched at you.
Noel smiled and spoke.
“Lord Cardio's fame precedes him too. Especially that portrait-perfect beauty—I've heard many ladies eager to meet you.”
“An honor. If Lady Noel is among them, I'd gladly make time. You are truly exquisite.”
“Flattering words, but I must decline. One body can only be in one place—best to spend precious time wisely.”
“...Precious time, indeed.”
“Yes. Precious time.”
Are they talking in code? The nuance felt like Cardio praising her status, and her retorting that her precious time wouldn't be wasted on him. I needed a translator.
“It's a party—don't overthink it.”
“Lord Aizen is right.”
Noel pressed closer to me. Cardio smiled, but his cheeks seemed stiff. Was this how casual words got politicized?
“Should I stay quiet unless needed?”
“That would be best.”
She smiled softly at my whisper. Cardio led on again.
“In any case, welcome once more, Lord Aizen Arclight. I'd love to commemorate your presence brightening this event, but first things first.”
“Is that where we're headed now?”
The public reason for my invitation. Cardio smiled.
“Yes.”
Short, but cold. The room we entered was lavish. Cardio gripped the doorknob.
“As mediator, I'll handle this. It might be unnecessary, but procedure calls—I’ll introduce you.”
With gentlemanly poise, Cardio opened the door. And—
“His Highness, Prince Gilford Rex Vespa.”
The prince I'd seen before stared at us, his face uneasy.