Chapter 91
Chapter 91
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Absolute Banquet (2)
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'Why on earth did the imperial family invite me to a banquet?'
The letter I'd received yesterday tormented me straight through until the next morning.
Even as I savored a luxurious brunch with coffee.
I'd planned to eat something as delicious as possible before heading back to the prison.
But my mind was so full of that letter, I couldn't even taste it.
'Are they testing me, now that I've been announced as the princess's official aide?'
It made sense. The princess had never had anyone close by her side before, and now the first one turns out to be from the empire's most notorious delinquent family...
Even I'd be suspicious.
'They must want to test if I'm really worthy of standing at Camillia's side.'
From what I remembered, all the imperial family members in this world's lore were sharp as tacks.
The original novel this game was based on depicted them at the height of their glory, so their standards were sky-high.
To them, I was just a crafty schemer at best.
"It'd be nice to build some rapport with them while I have the chance."
Camillia and the crown prince were at odds, but the rest of the imperial family mostly stayed neutral.
The moment they leaned one way or the other, it could tip into civil war.
They were wiser than most nobles in that regard.
Which meant they had a keen eye for people.
"Not sure if beating Steelman covers for all my family's screw-ups."
I let out a groan while sipping my black tea.
As I pondered how to satisfy those picky royals...
I heard footsteps approaching from the hallway.
Not one set, but two.
"Come in. It's open."
Someone peeked through the door crack.
A very welcome face.
"Miss Eri?"
"Nice to see you, Derek—"
The pink-haired lady with her usual innocent smile.
She stood with her hands behind her back, tilting her head slightly.
"May I come in?"
"Of course. But it seems you brought someone along?"
"Ah, I ran into this person on the way here—they wanted to see you too. Right outside the doctor's office."
Eri stepped aside, revealing an unexpected figure.
"I saw your performance. Impressive work, Warden."
Grand Elder Dark.
He'd come to visit in a refined white suit.
Carrying a gift box in one hand.
"Grand Elder? What brings you all the way here?"
"I was out for a stroll since it's the same northern region. You won't punish a prisoner for escaping, will you?"
He chuckled and placed the gift on the desk.
A top-shelf box of cigars and a lighter.
Curiously, the flame-spitting part was designed like a snake.
Seemed custom-made for me.
"There's always an exception to the rule. Have a seat, both of you."
The novelist and the Grand Elder sat side by side.
Both had such striking looks, they almost seemed like father and daughter.
"How's the body holding up?"
"Just a nick on the back of my hand. Nothing else."
"Good to hear. I was worried the flames of purification had stuck to you."
"That's the strange part. I figured I'd at least get burned, but my skin's fine."
As we talked, I glanced at Eri.
"It was so effective, it felt like there was a buff mixed in with the treatment you gave me at the ball."
"Oh come on, I don't have that kind of power. Must be your sturdy body, Warden."
The pink-haired woman covered her mouth and giggled.
The Grand Elder watched her pure charm fondly, ready to let it slide.
But then.
He noticed the lips she was hiding were twisted into a sly grin.
And a sinister aura creeping up, clashing with her virtuous appearance.
"...?"
While the sharp political titan tilted his head in confusion.
Eri smoothly changed the subject.
"Anyway, there's quite a bit of time until your next match. How are you preparing?"
"I've got my training routine all planned out. But first, there's something more important to handle."
"Something important?"
"Yeah. Thanks to catching some high-profile attention, I got a good opportunity."
I didn't go into details.
The letter from the imperials had specified keeping the meeting secret.
"A good opportunity? Sounds like a promotion."
The Grand Elder, legs crossed, toyed with a cigar as he asked.
He was holding off on smoking out of consideration for the much younger woman.
"No, I'm happy with my current position. Besides, if I stay at Berryhill, you can build your retirement villa in peace, right?"
The Grand Elder's eyes lit up with satisfaction at me addressing his concern first.
"You always know just what to say. Puts my mind at ease."
"Exactly. I'd feel a bit lonely if you left the north too, Warden."
Eri chimed in with a bittersweet smile.
I wondered when I'd built up so many connections here in the north...
It made me quietly proud.
"I need to prepare before the gathering, but I'm waiting for Her Highness to return."
"When's the gathering?"
It would be a grave discourtesy to leave without greeting the imperial who granted the favor.
The Grand Elder, who knew that well, asked casually.
"Tomorrow."
"That's tomorrow! Can't afford to slack off. Got something fitting the dress code ready?"
He prodded like a worried father.
I waved it off, no need to worry.
"The guys at Bacar Firm will handle it perfectly."
"Bacar? Those mafia types...?"
Grand Elder Dark recalled their rough faces.
Suited up, yet still intimidating and dangerous-looking.
"Yes. So no worries."
"Hearing that name alone makes me worry. You're already tangled with the Assurance Mafia, and now you're having them run clothing errands?"
He looked exasperated just thinking about it and took a sip of black tea.
Midlife model material, elegant as ever.
'Come to think of it, first time seeing him in a suit.'
I'd rarely met him in past playthroughs.
Anyone who sought him out usually hastened their doom.
Unlike other nobles, he had a reputation for being gentle and refined, and his outing attire confirmed his superior fashion sense.
"True, Derek's a good guy, but to newcomers, they do look intimidating."
Eri agreed.
Her outfit matched her beauty perfectly.
A dress hugging her goddess-like curves.
She knew exactly how to dress to accentuate her figure.
"This won't do. I'll pick out your outfit myself."
"But leaving the doctor's before seeing Her Highness would be a problem."
As I hesitated, the Grand Elder raised a hand.
As if he had a way to accommodate both his precious niece Camillia and me.
"Don't worry. I've got it covered."
He snapped his fingers.
A clear snap echoed down the hall.
Soon enough.
"You called, Grand Elder?"
A knight with neatly braided golden hair appeared.
So stealthily, I hadn't sensed her approach.
Which meant top elite from the Black Knights Order.
"Sorry, Keira. Mind lending a hand?"
"Of course. I'm here for your convenience, Grand Elder."
Fit for the king of nobles—his bodyguard was top-tier.
Yet he maintained proper decorum with his retainers.
"Who's the most famous designer in the northern palace?"
"Lutton, who once handled His Majesty's wardrobe."
"Ah, that guy's around here? Perfect."
The Grand Elder pulled a monocle from his suit pocket and put it on.
Then, with an unlit cigar in his mouth out of habit...
He handed over a check worth a whole carriage.
"Bring him here. Mention my name, and he'll come running."
"As you command."
Her golden hair swayed as she vanished like a shadow.
"Black Knights Order, huh? Vice-commander level at least."
"How'd you know?"
"They give concise replies even to superiors. Keeps responses to orders swift and discreet."
"Spot on. I sponsored her family and raised her myself."
He looked pleased that I'd guessed her background from her speech alone.
Not just the incoming designer—he had a knack for spotting talent early.
Investing in them ahead of time to secure loyalty and build his faction. That was his specialty.
And perhaps thanks to that loyalty.
"Grand Elder, I've brought him."
Keira returned in mere minutes with the designer.
A plump middle-aged man.
"Grand Elder, long time no see."
"Indeed, Lutton. Doing well?"
"Of course, thanks to you."
"The client can't leave the ward, so tailor a new suit for him."
The designer eyed me intently, his lips parting slightly.
"Oh, aren't you the young lord of Minster who beat Sir Steelman?"
"Yep. If even you, who just stitches clothes, knows him, our warden's really made a name for himself."
The Grand Elder pointed at me fondly, my rising fame warming his heart.
"An honor to dress such a gentleman."
He pulled out several measuring tapes from his travel case.
"Mind if I take your measurements? It'll take time, so let's start quick."
"Sure. Guess I'll need to take off my shirt then..."
I glanced at Eri, the only woman present.
Being so refined, I figured she'd look away shyly.
But...
"If it'll take long, I'll measure you myself."
"Pardon...?"
The designer tilted his head.
"No, that's my job as the expert."
"You're busy. I can do it while you prep the fabric—save time."
The hands-on plump man eyed the much younger woman offering help with displeasure.
The moment he met her red eyes.
"That fine with you, Designer Lutton?"
"........."
The middle-aged artisan's focused gaze dulled for a moment.
He stared blankly, lips agape, then nodded.
"Of course. Thrilled to have such a 'lovely' lady assist."
"Didn't expect that. You borrowing outside help."
"Haha... She's got spirit. A 'beautiful' daughter-figure stepping up."
"If you and Warden Derek are fine with it, no issue."
The designer kept emphasizing how pretty Eri was.
He seemed dazed for a second, then prepped the fabric deftly. Reassuring.
"I'll step out for a smoke."
"I'll prep the fabric outside too..."
The Grand Elder and designer filed out.
Keira followed, but paused, sensing something off, tilting her head.
Judging it not her business, she went back to her duties.
Leaving just me and the lady in the room.
"Alright, Warden. Arms out?"
She smiled brightly, tape in hand.
Everyone had approved, so I complied readily.
"Sure."
I spread my arms lightly.
She stepped behind me and started measuring my chest.
"Excuse me for a moment."
She pressed right against my back.
Her hands slowly roamed my body.
Almost like a back hug.
"You measuring properly?"
"O-Of course. First time, so..."
Stepping up so eagerly for a newbie task.
Eri really was a kind soul.
If only our inmates took after her half as much.
"80cm... Quite thick."
"I keep up with workouts."
A sweet apple scent wafted from her closeness.
I closed my eyes, enjoying it.
"...Shoulders next."
Her soft touch caressed my skin through the thin dress shirt.
"56cm... So broad."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
After shoulders, she came around front.
"Lower parts now."
She knelt before me.
Her abundant hair in the way, she started tying it up.
"Hold on, hair's bothering me."
'The mood's shifting a bit.'
With her hair tied, she reached slowly for my thighs.
Swallowing hard, very slowly.
Her bright, intelligent red eyes darkened like a sea of blood again.
"No need to tense up. Just taking measurements."
Her crown exposed right at my crotch.
The awkward position made me clear my throat.
"Right, just measurements."
Her hands slipped between my legs, stroking gently.
Eyes wide, as if measuring something she'd never seen.
"Something wrong? You paused."
"Be quiet a moment."
Her face flushed as red as her eyes.
Like she was admiring something profoundly impressive.
'What's the issue...?'