The Party's True Protagonists

The count's mansion belonging to Dick Kai. The grand hall, built for social ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠gatherings, was spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people. It was a hall befitting a count's family—lavish and imposing. Dozens of magical lights hung from the ceiling, illuminating the interior in a way no commoner could ever dream of affording. On tables draped with pristine white tablecloths sat a lavish feast that made one's mouth water at the mere sight of it. Fine wines and fresh fruits were arranged with care. Servants in elegant uniforms moved about, replenishing empty plates with fresh delicacies. In one corner of the hall, a bard specially invited by Count Dick played his instrument, filling the space with a beautiful harmony that stirred the heart.

It was a scene of perfect harmony. People laughed and chatted, exchanging light gossip about recent events and the weather.

"Have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Apparently, someone from the Pomeranian family is attending today's gathering."

The remark sent ripples of surprise through the crowd. The Pomeranian family was one of the few ducal houses in the kingdom, standing at the very center of power.

"Is that true?"

"Why? Lord Rodrian is famous for never attending social parties..."

"Could it be him...?"

"No, that can't be. Even if it's a count's family, a duke wouldn't personally attend..."

The man glanced around nervously, as if afraid someone might overhear. Though he left the rest unsaid, the others understood the implication and didn't press further. They had something far more pressing on their minds.

"Then who...?"

"I hear Bahun Pomeranian is coming."

"Bahun Pomeranian?"

"That troublemaker?"

At the man's words, the crowd erupted in shock. Bahun Pomeranian was quite notorious in these circles—the Pomeranian family's infamous scoundrel. Three years ago, he had beaten the host of a social party to a pulp simply because he didn't like the way the man looked at him. His reputation for cruelty was well known, and the honor-obsessed Rodrian had forbidden him from attending any further gatherings. Everyone had breathed a sigh of relief... until now.

"No, but why?"

"How would I know? I only caught a glimpse of the news myself."

"Haah... This social party is going to turn into hell."

The guests let out deep sighs mixed with irritation and resignation.

"No wonder the food was prepared so extravagantly."

"Since someone from the Pomeranian family is attending, they must have prepared thoroughly."

"Ah, and there's more," the man added, suddenly remembering something. "There's another piece of information."

"What else is there?"

"As expected of Behen—your information is always reliable. So what is it?"

"I heard the Legrian family is also attending this social party."

"The L-Legrian family?"

"No, why?"

This time, the crowd's surprise carried a different weight.

"After everything that happened, they're still coming to a social party?"

"Why?"

A few years ago, Elena had attended a social party. Coincidentally, it had also been hosted by the Kai family, in this very same hall. The reason she had forced herself to attend despite her hardships was obvious.

"Is she here to beg for help again?"

"It must be difficult to revive a fallen house alone."

"Tsk tsk. Even after being humiliated like that, she's still clinging on? How foolish..."

She had come seeking assistance. After her older brother disappeared and her parents passed away, Elena—the second child—had been forced to inherit the position of family head. It was an unbearably heavy burden for someone so young. With various misfortunes piling up, the family had been sliding toward ruin, and no young woman could hold it back alone. That was why Elena had sought help at social gatherings. But reality had been cruel. Who would willingly aid a fallen house? In the end, she had been abandoned, subjected to all manner of humiliating insults, and after a duel, had been driven out in disgrace.

"And yet she still plans to attend..."

"Is she foolish, or does she have backbone?"

"Knowing her, it's probably just stubbornness and pride left. Not that it will change anything."

"Ah, and..."

At that moment, the music filling the hall suddenly stopped. The abrupt silence made the guests who had been chatting look around in confusion.

"Why did the music stop?"

"Hey, what's going on..."

While everyone was puzzled, the doors to the hall—which had remained firmly shut—swung open. At the same time, the knight guarding the entrance infused his voice with mana and shouted loud enough for the entire hall to hear.

"From the Pomeranian ducal house! Lord Bahun Pomeranian has arrived!"

The booming voice echoed through every corner of the hall, drawing everyone's gaze to the entrance. And there he stood—Bahun, with his imposing physique and fierce appearance. As the bloodline of the man called a Master, Rodrian, the aura he exuded was formidable. Simply standing there, he radiated an overwhelming sense of pressure and presence that words could not describe. The knights beside him were frozen stiff, unable to relax their rigid postures.

"Tsk. Pathetic weaklings. This is why I hate weak people."

Bahun frowned, clearly displeased.

"Welcome, Lord Bahun Pomeranian."

Just then, a man in a neatly tailored suit approached Bahun and bowed with elegant grace. He had a refreshing appearance, and it was clear he hadn't neglected physical training—his well-toned physique was faintly visible even beneath his clothes.

"Who are you?"

"I am Baec Kai, the second son of the Kai family."

"Ah, I see."

Baec signaled the bard with a glance. At his cue, music once again filled the hall, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Baec offered a bright smile.

"It is truly an honor to have you attend my social party, Lord Bahun Pomeranian. Please enjoy yourself to your heart's content."

"...You're quite strong. Interesting."

"You flatter me. Would you like to come this way? I have prepared a special wine just for you, Lord Bahun."

Baec intended to keep a close watch on Bahun, wary of any sudden outbursts. Though he appeared calm on the surface, every word he spoke was measured, fearing he might offend the volatile guest. His heart was filled with anxiety.

"Wine, huh. Good. But if it doesn't suit my taste, you'd better be prepared."

"Hahaha, don't worry. This way, please."

Bahun followed Baec's guidance toward the wine. However, before he had taken more than a few steps—

Thud.

The music stopped again. It was the exact same situation as before. Baec looked toward the bard in confusion, but they too wore bewildered expressions, as if they couldn't understand what was happening. They had been playing diligently, yet suddenly no sound came out.

Why?

Amidst the lingering question, the closed doors opened once more. At the same time, the magical lights on the ceiling all focused on the entrance, illuminating a single figure. A pure white dress that seemed to reject even the slightest speck of dust. Silver-white hair reminiscent of snow resting on a mountain peak, perfectly complementing the dress. And eyes the color of amethysts, contrasting beautifully with her hair. The moment people laid eyes on her, they were speechless, able only to stare in a daze.

In the next instant, the knight who had been standing still once again infused his voice with mana. Unlike when he had announced Bahun, he shouted with such force that it seemed blood might burst from his throat.

"From the Legrian family! Lady Elena Legrian and Lord Albert Legrian have arrived!"

It was the true protagonists' entrance.

"If I'd ridden in on a dragon, I'd have become the center of attention in an instant."

Albert muttered regretfully. He had initially planned to arrive riding Gaster. Being the first human to appear on a dragon would have drawn unimaginable attention. It might even have been possible to push the party's host aside and let Elena take center stage. But Elena had firmly refused.

'Absolutely not!'

'Why? Is it because you don't like red? Or do you prefer black? Just say the word.'

'......'

Elena had been too dumbfounded to respond. If she had said, "I like money! Gold is the best!" he might have actually gone and captured a Gold Dragon. She couldn't bring herself to say anything—especially not to Albert, who seemed entirely capable of doing something so outrageous.

In the end, Elena had arrived in an ordinary carriage. Though Albert had grumbled the entire way, she had done her best to ignore him.

"Let's go in now."

"Ah, understood."

Elena repeatedly inhaled and exhaled, trying to calm her trembling heart.

She's really nervous.

The System seemed quite angry as well. After all, it had heard the story from the nanny.

"Elena."

"Brother?"

"It's fine."

Albert placed a hand lightly on Elena's shoulder.

"You don't need to be anxious. It's different from back then. You're not alone anymore."

"Brother..."

"I'll make sure no one can ever look down on you again. You have me and the nanny behind you. Don't worry."

The trembling in Elena's body gradually subsided until it stopped completely. Thinking back to that time still made her breathless, her chest tightening painfully. But—

That's right. I'm not alone anymore.

Unlike before, she now had her brother—the strongest hunter—by her side. Unlike when she had been precariously alone, she now had a reliable family. A pillar that transcended mere support, like a great mountain upholding the world. With him here, what was there to fear?

"Brother..."

"Don't worry. If anyone picks a fight with you, I'll kill them. If anyone badmouths you, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠I'll wipe out their entire family. Even if you get angry and kill a few people yourself, I'll handle the cleanup."

"......"

"I'm good at this sort of thing. I'll make sure no one even knows you're the culprit, so don't worry about that either."

For some reason, Elena began to feel anxious for an entirely different reason. A sudden question crossed her mind.

Why is he so good at covering things up?

She wanted to ask, but the words wouldn't come out. Just what had he been doing in that other world before returning after 110 years? She could roughly imagine that his life hadn't been smooth sailing either.

"Alright, let's go in."

"Ah, understood."

As Albert nudged her forward, Elena found herself standing before the doors.

"Who... Huh!"

The knight was startled upon seeing Elena. It was only natural—she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Not just her face, but her dress was more stunning than any noble's attire he had seen here before. For the first time, he thought:

Was a dress always supposed to be this beautiful?

"Get a hold of yourself. I understand staring because my sister is pretty, but you still have a job to do."

"Hah! I-I'm sorry!!"

The knight hurriedly bowed in apology. Gazing so openly at a noble was something that warranted a scolding.

"Good. Instead, make sure to announce our arrival as loudly as possible. Otherwise..."

"Hah, u-understood. Th-then, who should I say...?"

"Elena Legrian and Albert Legrian. As loudly as you can."

"Understood."

The two stood before the doors. Loud music could be heard from inside. Beyond them, a glamorous party was surely in full swing.

System.

The Soundproofing skill completely blocked all sound within a certain range. It was a skill Albert often used for covert actions. The noisy music from inside the hall vanished. At the same time, as the knight opened the doors and gathered mana to shout—

"From the Legrian family! Lady Elena Legrian and Lord Albert Legrian have arrived!!"

His voice, amplified by magic, rang out far louder than before. Albert didn't stop there.

Using Telekinesis, he moved the magical lights attached to the ceiling, concentrating their glow on Elena. The pure white dress, bathed in focused light, made her appear as though a beautiful angel had descended upon the hall. The dazzling illumination highlighted her presence. Elena was startled by the sudden concentration of light, but she assumed Albert had done something. Then the music resumed—Albert had canceled the skill.

Go on.

It felt as though she could hear Albert's voice. Elena smiled brightly—like a freshly picked strawberry—and stepped forward. She walked confidently toward Baec Kai, who was staring at her in a daze—the same man who had once hurled insults and humiliated her. As she moved, Albert released his telekinesis, returning the lights to their original positions. Though the artificial light faded, the radiance emanating from Elena did not.

Naturally, gazes gathered upon her. Elena stopped before Baec and offered a graceful, dignified bow.

"Thank you for inviting me to the party, Lord Baec Kai."

"...Ah, y-yes. Elena Legrian, I didn't expect you to return."

Baec quickly composed himself, having momentarily lost his senses at her beauty. She was stunning. Before, she had seemed like a mere child, but now she exuded mature elegance. Had her experiences shaped her into this?

I ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠barely recognize her...

For a moment, he ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠found himself captivated by her beauty. Baec snapped back to reality.

"That said, you're quite shameless. I never imagined you'd show your face again after what happened."

"Is that so? You sent an invitation, so I saw no reason to refuse."

"Hahaha, I didn't expect you to take a courtesy invitation seriously. My mistake."

"Oh my, I sent a reply saying I would attend. If you didn't want me here, you could have refused."

"It would be rude to reject someone who insists on attending so humbly... Oops."

At that moment, Baec "accidentally" dropped the wine he was holding, and the red liquid spilled onto Elena's dress.

"What a shame. I seem to have stained your dress by dropping my wine, hahaha. Did you bring a change of clothes? Ah, but you're poor, so you probably don't have one. You must have gone to great lengths to afford that dress..."

Baec sneered at Elena.

"If you're in trouble, would you like to borrow some clothes? I'm willing to be charitable."

"No, I'm fine."

"But a wine stain on such a white dress is rather..."

"This is nothing. Because—"

At that moment, something astonishing happened. The wine stain on Elena's dress suddenly faded away, disappearing completely without a trace. It was as if the wine had never spilled at all.

"Goodness... The wine stain vanished...?"

"How...?"

Everyone was stunned. The stain that had marred her dress was gone, leaving it pristine once more.

"H-How...?"

"I told you, there's no need to worry. But please try not to make the same mistake again. If the second son of the Kai family—known for using the body as a weapon—can't even hold onto a glass of wine... your father must be very concerned."

"......"

For a family that valued physical training above all, dropping a glass of wine was as shameful as a knight dropping his sword. It was an error that should never occur. Elena had subtly turned the insult back on him.

"...Thank you for your concern. I won't make the same mistake again. By the way, who is the person behind you...?"

Baec finally noticed Albert standing behind Elena.

"Ah, this is my older brother."

"Your brother?"

"Yes. He disappeared ten years ago and has only just returned."

"Disappeared ten years ago... and now he's back."

"Yes."

As Elena stepped aside, Albert moved forward. The moment Baec saw him, he was shocked.

How can a man be...

...that handsome?

Baec had always been confident in his own looks, but he couldn't compare to Albert. With his slender yet well-proportioned frame and an overwhelming presence that radiated even while standing still, he commanded attention. Though they wore similar formal attire, Albert's clothing somehow looked different.

They say the finishing touch of fashion is the face...

It was a face that carried everything. Albert could probably make even beggar clothes look vintage. He was a face tyrant.

Albert smiled—a smile that could make even men fall for him—and spoke.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Albert Legrian. Thank you for the invitation."

"...I am Baec Kai."

"I've heard the stories. My sister owes you quite a debt from a few years ago. So—"

Smack.

In the next instant, Baec's face whipped to the side. Elena and everyone else in the hall gasped, covering their mouths in shock. Albert stared coldly at Baec and spoke in a heavy voice.

"If you lay a hand on my sister, you must pay the price, don't you think?"

He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and threw it forcefully at Baec's face.

"I challenge you to a duel."