Chapter 103
Chapter 103
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: An Ill-Timed Pageant
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The moment I returned to the new building’s penthouse, I stored my acquisitions in a safe place.
Festivals and all that could wait; this was far more important right now.
Besides, all I needed to do was watch the beauty pageant, and my part would be over.
"Well, securing the funds is a sure thing now."
The remaining balance for the house in the Pennant Marquisate was 25,000 geld.
I didn't know how much was in the treasure chest from the secret tomb, but it would probably be enough.
Based on my sharp intuition, it seemed to be worth at least 30,000 geld.
Of course, I couldn't put a price on its historical value.
Fundamentally, this chest was an imperial treasure.
When you got down to it, I was nothing more than a grave robber.
'But to just hand this over to the imperial family? No way.'
If I was going to do that, why would I have gone through all that trouble to explore the underground tomb?
It wasn't like I was going to pledge my undying loyalty to the empire.
"I should sell it on the black market and pocket the cash. Next up is this, I suppose?"
I had snatched the old box the imperial princes were fighting over.
A good while had passed, yet they hadn't come looking for me.
Which meant, just as I'd predicted, it was an ownerless item.
Click!
Despite its old appearance, the lid opened quite smoothly.
Revealing a gleaming, jet-black gauntlet.
I recognized the item immediately.
"The Herculean Gauntlet? I can see why the princes were fighting tooth and nail for it."
This was a top-tier artifact you'd expect to find only in the imperial treasury.
Of course, why the Herculean Gauntlet was placed on a castle wall like that was still a mystery.
But when have I ever been one to dwell on the process?
"As long as the result is good, that's all that matters."
Clank! Whirrr!
I immediately put on the gauntlet and pressed a button on the wrist.
A heavy metallic sound was followed by a gentle tightening sensation.
The gauntlet was automatically adjusting to fit my hand.
A feature befitting such an expensive artifact.
'This last one... I can't tell if it's any good.'
The legendary weapon said to have been used by the empire's founding emperor, Troike—the Calipe Sword.
An incredible power surely lay dormant within it.
Even a cursory glance told me it was far better than the Black Dragon Sword.
But for now, I couldn't use it, making it just dead weight.
"I'll put this one aside for now. In any case, not a bad haul."
Just as I was gazing at the treasure chest and the Herculean Gauntlet with a satisfied smile...
Bang, bang, bang!
At the sound of rough knocking on the door, I quickly closed the safe.
"Who is it?"
I opened the door nonchalantly to find Frixon standing there.
The moment he saw me, he shouted in an urgent voice.
"Hey, what are you doing just hiding out in here, President?"
"Why? When have I ever worked hard?"
"Huh? That's... true."
Instantly convinced, Frixon scratched the back of his head and blinked.
Of course, his dazed expression didn't last long.
Unlike Kamil, this guy's way of thinking wasn't strange.
"This is no time for that. The distinguished guests are looking for you."
"Who's looking for me? Someone from the imperial family?"
"Technically, yes... but a collateral branch, I guess?"
"So who is it?"
"It's Duke Richter."
"Come on, I thought it was someone impor—... What?"
Just as I was about to brush it off as nothing, my head snapped up and I shouted.
Frixon then reminded me of the guest's identity once more.
"The Chancellor came and said he wants to see you, I'm telling you!"
Whoosh!
I moved with incredible speed, as if time itself had sped up.
Just moments ago, I was wearing whatever I'd thrown on...
...but in an instant, I had changed into a luxurious outfit.
Watching this, Frixon's jaw dropped as he shook his head.
"If you entered a clothes-changing contest, you'd definitely win first place."
"Talk to me when they make a contest like that. Where is he? Let's go, quickly."
I hurried Frixon along and rushed out of the penthouse.
There's no time to waste! My future father-in-law is waiting.
* * *
As I hurried to the fountain, I could see the distinguished guests enjoying the party.
The beauty pageant was still in preparation, but the hot springs were fully operational.
As a result, the festival grounds would occasionally fill with a fine mist.
Perhaps due to the mystical atmosphere, the guests' reactions were positive.
"Ho ho! Is this all the student council president's idea? What a creative young man."
"We were surprised as well. We never imagined there would be so much to see."
"This might just become a specialty of Troben."
Amidst the compliments from all around, I straightened my clothes and entered the VIP section.
Then, a handsome, sharp-featured middle-aged man caught my eye.
There were no introductions, but I instinctively knew who he was.
Though his aura was different, his features resembled Adel's.
'So this is the empire's greatest mind, Chancellor Richter.'
Unlike my usual self, I played the part of a respectable young man and offered a polite greeting.
"A pleasure to meet you for the first time. Father-in—... I mean, Your Excellency, the Chancellor. I am Ray Carter, the student council president."
"Ah, so you've come? A pleasure."
Chancellor Richter, who was soaking his feet in the warm water, smiled and extended his right hand.
I accepted the light handshake and took a seat beside him.
Of course, I didn't enjoy the hot springs as Aiden Richter did.
My status was still too low to be so casual with the distinguished guests.
I had to make a good impression on my future father-in-law, so my behavior was more cautious than usual.
"I've heard much about you. You've done something truly great. I called you here to express my gratitude."
"Haha! You're too kind."
"Not at all. Not only did you save my daughter, but you also revealed the culprit behind the assassination request. That is no small feat."
"It was only natural, as her friend and colleague."
"I'm truly grateful you think so. Still, I'd like to give you a fitting reward. Hmm! What would be good...?"
Chancellor Richter rested his chin on his hand with a pleasant expression.
'Hehe! Something amazing, please, Your Excellency.'
Despite my humble exterior, I was laughing slyly on the inside.
It wasn't that I protected Adel hoping for some grand reward, but I couldn't refuse if he was offering.
But Aiden Richter avoided giving a direct answer.
"Nothing comes to mind at the moment."
Ah, why is he so indecisive?
You know what I mean, right?
The most precious thing in your family.
I was hoping he'd tell me to get along well with Adel, but there was no sign of that.
As I sat there, smacking my lips in disappointment, Chancellor Richter continued.
"I'll invite you to my home next time. Let's have dinner together."
"You're not just saying that, are you?"
"Of course not. Since you're close with my daughter, you can join us."
"I'll look forward to it."
Honestly, just this was satisfying enough.
It seemed I'd already made a decent impression, so things should go smoothly from here.
All I had to do was win him over with my brilliant eloquence and social skills.
Of course, since my opponent was the empire's finest talent, I couldn't overdo the flattery.
'I'll have to subtly figure out his tastes and keep making a good impression. While sneaking in some boasts about myself, of course.'
Just what I'd achieved since coming to Venderford was, in fact, a great accomplishment.
I'd beaten all my formidable rivals to always take first place.
Wasn't that something even the top disciple of the Sword Duke, who was approaching right now, couldn't do?
'Come to think of it, he was here too. Huh? But why is he coming this way?'
A white-haired, middle-aged man boasting an immense physique.
He appeared to be the same age as Chancellor Richter, but in reality, he was over twenty years older and the empire's greatest warrior.
It was Duke Jeffrey Enders.
The Sword Duke's clear eyes flashed as he thrust out his right hand.
"Are you the student council president I've heard so much about?"
"Ah, yes. I am."
"I've heard all about you from my disciple. You're much more... impressive than the rumors suggested."
Thud!
I found myself unexpectedly shaking Duke Enders's hand.
His grip seemed light, yet I could feel immense strength in it.
Moreover, a tremendous pressure washed over me without any warning.
'Nothing is actually happening. It's just my own delusion, brought on by his presence.'
The spirit of the empire's greatest knight, indeed.
"Please take good care of my successor. He's a fellow who is lacking in many ways."
"You mean Solberg Kaien? I feel I should be the one asking you for favors. If we had fought directly, I might have had to give up the president's seat."
"Huhu! Thank you for saying so."
As I exchanged pleasantries with two dukes at the same time, I could feel the gazes of those around me focusing on us.
'This isn't bad at all.'
The nobles of Troben, attending as distinguished guests, looked at me with envious eyes.
It seemed to be because the greatest figures in imperial politics were with me.
Just then, the festival's event began on the runway set up in the middle of the hot springs.
"Oh! Did you say you planned this as well?"
Duke Richter, who had been subtly exchanging glances with the Sword Duke, looked at the stage with sparkling eyes.
"Ah, yes, that's righ—..."
I stopped mid-sentence, a sudden sense of dread washing over me.
I had just realized what event was scheduled for this evening.
I wanted to do some damage control, but the event was already starting.
"The Venderford Beauty Pageant will now begin! Contestant number one, please come forward!"
The moment the announcer shouted this, a beautiful woman in a bikini walked out through the thick mist.
Watching her, Aiden Richter's jaw dropped.
The contestant had appeared wearing a swimsuit barely the size of one's palm.
After a moment, Chancellor Richter turned to me with a shocked expression and said.
"I'm sure I'm mistaken, but... you are never to meet my daughter."