Chapter 120
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Invitation to the Princess's Party
Revealing Lena's background and talents, or even Jeon's talents, wasn't particularly difficult.
But that only worked if the other person had the insight to recognize them and the demonstration produced clear results.
The person standing before them now wasn't a mage who had learned magic or a knight who had mastered aura.
Though she had met many high-ranking people, Celli was just a designer.
So Jeon chose a very simple method over a magical demonstration that might require lengthy explanations.
"Th-the Empire Guardian Medal...!"
Empire Guardian Medal.
Celli's pupils and voice trembled noticeably upon seeing it.
The furrowed brow she had worn until now smoothed out, her face filled with nothing but astonishment.
The item he had received from Lucian and merely kept stored away was finally displaying its true prestige.
"Is it possible?"
Jeon asked while holding the Empire Guardian Medal in one hand, and Celli nodded her head vigorously in response, as if entranced.
She had clearly given off the vibe of a cynical, haughty designer.
But simply showing her the Empire Guardian Medal had erased all traces of her previous demeanor, leaving Celli looking almost broken.
"Sh-should we, uh, sit down first?"
As proof, her speech stuttered as she couldn't decide between formal or casual address.
"Just speak comfortably like before."
"Ah, um. R-really?"
Her fumbling only improved slightly after Jeon's words to relax and after she sat in a chair and took a moment to breathe deeply.
"...I was just so shocked to suddenly see something I never expected."
"Was it that surprising?"
"Of course! Do you think people who can receive an imperial medal are common?"
Celli widened her eyes and scolded Jeon as if chastising him for his reaction of 'Is that all?' after showing her such an extraordinary item.
"Besides, the Empire Guardian Medal implies a connection to the imperial family. And the privileges it grants are incredibly generous."
"...Hmm."
Jeon nodded in agreement with her words.
The Empire Guardian Medal was indeed a somewhat unique honor.
Not only was it special in that it connected one to the imperial family, almost like receiving a gift from them, but unlike other medals that bestowed honor or power, it came with a special authority—albeit single-use.
"That's why I'm even more curious."
"About what?"
"Why would someone with such an incredible item ask me for an introduction?"
"Well... I want to resolve this without getting too entangled with the person who gave me this."
"I see..."
Celli shook her head at Jeon's words.
But she also made a face that showed she understood.
Someone who could bestow the Empire Guardian Medal likely wouldn't have an identity they could reveal easily.
"Well, everyone has their circumstances."
With that understanding, Celli finally regained her initial composed demeanor and adjusted her posture.
"I get that with something like that, introducing you won't cause me any issues. But separately from that, getting involved with the imperial family in the capital isn't exactly a path to a happy ending."
"That's what I was wondering about. Why do people say it's so dangerous to get tangled up with the imperial family?"
"It's like... a poisoned chalice. The capital Eldrasil is the heart of the empire, and forming ties with its highest echelons means you can mingle with the top figures, but it also means you could become their target."
"Target?"
"You know the saying about shrimp getting their backs crushed in a whale fight? That's it. You're perfect as a sacrificial example to send a warning to your rivals."
The capital Eldrasil, center of the empire.
As the place where the most imperial family members resided, conflicts between them were frequent—even aside from the current heated power struggle between the First and Second Princes.
"You can't just kill someone's close aide over a minor slight, right? So they swiftly eliminate anyone they've been seen getting chummy with lately as a show of force."
As she spoke, Celli casually drew her hand across her neck.
It looked infinitely lighthearted, just a gesture for emphasis, yet it somehow conveyed the feeling that ordinary people's lives were treated that lightly.
"...Do they only treat royalty and nobles as people?"
"Don't worry too much. Even among nobles, those with ambiguous status are fair game. To the imperial family, slaves, commoners, and middling nobles are all about the same."
Slaves, commoners, and middling nobles—all treated similarly.
'Not much comfort there.'
It made him newly realize what kind of place the capital was and what position the imperial family held.
"Well, still... someone with an Empire Guardian Medal probably won't end up in a bad spot."
Celli gazed at Jeon thoughtfully for a moment before moving on.
"Anyway, you want an introduction to that imperial family member I know... right?"
"Yes, exactly."
"And the goal is to investigate Towns's activities?"
"That's right."
After briefly confirming Jeon's group's purpose, Celli nodded and abruptly stood from her seat.
She had sat down saying they should talk, but now she shot up suddenly. As Jeon watched her, she jerked her head, signaling for them to hurry and follow.
"Alright, shall we go?"
"Pardon? Where to...?"
"You asked for an introduction. Better to do it right away than drag it out, no?"
"Does he come here?"
"Today happens to be the day I'm picking up some clothes I commissioned. How about it? Want to meet him now?"
They had only just arrived in the capital today.
Jeon had expected it would take at least two days to meet an ally and connect with the imperial family, but things were progressing more smoothly than anticipated.
The top floor of Eldrasil Luxury Shop wasn't solely occupied by designer offices.
Among the various rooms and areas on the top floor, there was one space that oozed luxury at first glance.
It was a special room prepared for VVIP customers.
"Oh, Celli. Long time no see."
"It's been a while for me too, Lord Dillingham."
Upon arriving there, Celli exchanged warm greetings with the blond-haired, golden-eyed man waiting in the special room.
'Mid-30s, maybe?'
The imperial family members Jeon had seen so far—like princes and princesses—had been relatively young.
But this imperial, Dillingham, had a handsome beard to go with his blond hair and golden eyes, giving him the appearance of someone in his mid-30s.
'He gives off a similar vibe somehow.'
Though they all shared the genetic traits of blond hair and golden eyes.
The imperial family was quite numerous.
Yet Dillingham exuded a similar atmosphere to the princes and princesses Jeon had met, making him wonder if he might be closely related to the current emperor.
"By the way, who are the people behind you...?"
"Ah, these are some people I recently got to know. They're becoming VVIPs of our shop, just like you, Lord Dillingham."
Dillingham, having exchanged simple greetings, took interest in Jeon's group as they entered the VVIP room following Celli. Seizing the moment, she naturally introduced them.
"Have you heard of the Langley Kingdom?"
"Hmm... Sounds familiar, but maybe not?"
"It's the kingdom where the Foxkin live, and that lady over there is Lena Silvermont, daughter of the Silvermont ducal family there."
"Out for a stroll in the capital?"
As Celli explained Lena's background, Dillingham looked at the group with evident curiosity.
'A socialite darling, just as she said.'
On the way from her seat to here.
Celli had briefly described the Dillingham they were about to meet.
'Someone whose desire for attention far exceeds his actual influence.'
The reason he was close with Celli was to draw eyes at social parties through his attire.
He always wrapped himself in the finest fabrics and favored unique designs.
Thus, he had no choice but to rely on Celli, who fulfilled all his demands while delivering top-quality garments.
"Hmm... There aren't many Foxkin in the capital, that's for sure. And one from a ducal family, no less..."
Dillingham, ever the attention-seeker, eyed Lena with sparkling interest.
But there was no filthy greed in it.
It was simply innocent curiosity, like 'I'd get some looks if I attended a party with her.'
'What a consistent guy.'
He seemed exactly as Celli had described—refreshingly unpretentious, in a way.
And though he craved attention, he was said to be a good person at heart.
"Oh, pardon my late introduction. I am Dillingham von Eldraon."
"Pleased to meet you. I am Lena Silvermont."
Dillingham, who had only heard Celli's explanation until now, approached Lena with curious eyes and introduced himself.
Lena returned the introduction and greeting to him.
'From here on, it's all about how well Lena handles it.'
The reason Lena had accompanied them on this trip to the capital.
A mere commoner like Jeon would struggle to deal with royalty or nobles, so she was brought along to handle that role.
And right now, Lena was performing that duty far better than expected.
"I didn't know much about the Langley Kingdom, but you've broadened my horizons."
"Not at all. I was equally ignorant about the empire and the capital, but thanks to you, Lord Dillingham, I've learned so much."
After ten minutes or so of exchanging greetings and conversation.
The two were already chatting amiably, smiles on their faces.
"So, Lady Lena, have you just arrived in the capital?"
"Yes. That's why I'm dressed so casually."
"I see. What brings you here, then?"
"Well, while part of it is to broaden my experiences in the capital, there's also an event I really want to attend. So I came to get some clothes fitted for it."
"An event you really want to attend?"
"Yes. I heard there's a birthday party for the Second Imperial Princess this time."
Lena usually disliked attending social parties, but at this moment, she embodied a girl's excitement at the prospect of the grand event that was the princess's birthday celebration.
'Does noble etiquette include acting as well?'
Of course, etiquette inherently involved some pretense, but Lena's performance was so convincing that anyone short of her closest confidants would be fooled.
"Well, since it's a rare occasion, you should attend while you're here. I'm sure the princess would be delighted to see you, Lady Lena."
"I hope so. However..."
"However?"
"Since I didn't receive a formal invitation, I'm not sure how to attend."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes. My enthusiasm got ahead of the process a bit."
"I see. In that case, may I offer some help?"
As the conversation continued, Dillingham eagerly bit on the bait Lena subtly dangled.
"You, Lord Dillingham?"
"Yes. If it's not overstepping, I'd like to assist. You've come a long way, and I want you to attend the princess's birthday party."
"Even though we just met today, is it alright for me to impose...?"
But one shouldn't reel in the line the moment they bite.
Lena showed a hint of concern and hesitation in her eyes.
It was like gently pulling back on the fishing line.
Dillingham tugged harder in response to her demeanor.
"Haha, what does that matter? Some bonds stay shallow after many meetings, while others deepen after just one."
"Wow... That's a wonderful saying."
"Haha, so you won't refuse my help?"
"Yes. It wouldn't be polite to turn down such kind words."
"Hahaha! Excellent."
After a brief game of push and pull.
Lena secured permission on the spot for the entire group to attend the Second Imperial Princess's birthday party.