Chapter 139
Chapter 139 Stay Tuned (2)
Before I knew it, Rosalyn stood next to Ghislaine, smiling quietly.
“Hehe, it seems you’re quite popular with the Baron.”
Ghislaine shook her head, looking exhausted.
“I could do without this kind of popularity. The stares are burning me up.”
“After confirming that my illness has healed today and hearing that my father has become the Baron’s guardian, everyone won’t be staying quiet. They’re all itching to move right now.”
“That’s why I said the banquet would be fine. You’ll definitely become more famous now.”
Seeing Ghislaine sulk, Rosalyn let out a small giggle.
Opportunities to build connections across different factions and ranks, like this banquet, were rare.
Yet, seeing someone so genuinely annoyed by such a precious occasion was odd.
“But you should at least greet the people who came to see you, Baron.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
Ghislaine let out a sigh laced with complaints.
All things considered, the star of this banquet was Ghislaine.
Now that she’s officially teamed up with the Crown Prince Faction, greeting those on the same boat at least once is necessary.
Since all the representatives of the Crown Prince Faction are gathered here, it’s nice not having to go around finding each one…
But the question of who to greet first still remained.
‘There are three major factions.’
Even within the Crown Prince Faction, factions can’t be avoided.
They united for the common goal of opposing the Duke’s House, but their personal interests and inclinations varied.
Ghislaine casually scanned the representatives of each faction.
‘I have an acquaintance with Count Ailzbur and his wife.’
The faction led by Meriel firmly held the capital’s trade routes.
In terms of money, they were unbeatable among the nobles.
‘Over there is Count Biloah Norton…’
The eldest son of the Kingdom’s Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of the capital, representing the kingdom’s officials.
With law and administration in their grasp, this faction’s political power was formidable.
‘Marquis Maurice McQuarry is even here.’
The chief of the Kingdom’s Security Officer and the Supreme Commander of the Kingdom’s Army.
Responsible for the royal family’s actual military power, most commanders of the armies followed Marquis McQuarry.
‘The fact that such big shots are attending this banquet shows how powerful Marquis Branford is.’
Most high-ranking nobles who run the kingdom’s administration, military, and finances were gathered here.
These individuals were the true powerhouses behind the mighty nation of Ruthania.
While having a strong backing is good, at this moment, I couldn’t help but resent the overwhelming influence of the Marquis.
“Hoo…”
A long sigh escaped Ghislaine’s lips.
No matter who she greets first, it was clear the other side would feel slighted.
Each of them wielded tremendous power, so attracting their ire could lead to future troubles.
As soon as Ghislaine and Meriel locked eyes, she covered her mouth with her fan and flashed a knowing smile.
The curiosity about how she would act was evident.
‘Tsk, it must be fun for the onlookers.’
Ghislaine shook her head and turned away.
Count Biloah Norton, whispering something with the Mayor of Cardenia and the Minister of Ceremony, smiled at her when their eyes met.
Everyone in the capital knew that he doted on his niece, Rosalyn. Perhaps Ghislaine gained his favor by curing Rosalyn’s illness.
Opposite Biloah stood Marquis Maurice McQuarry, arms crossed, glaring.
‘Ugh, it would be a problem if that guy gets offended.’
Marquis Branford seemed to want to see Ghislaine’s choice, not intervening at all.
‘Ah, really, I can’t believe this. Fine, I’ll do it.’
Ghislaine made her decision and took a step forward. All the nobles watched her with bated breath.
Ghislaine politely greeted Count Ailzbur. Although the real powerhouse was Meriel, publicly, Count Ailzbur was the head.
“I am Baron Penris. I look forward to working together.”
“Oh, yes. The pleasure is mine. If you ever need my assistance, just say the word.”
“Thank you.”
Count Ailzbur smiled contentedly.
Despite being somewhat overshadowed by the leaders of other factions, his position was made all the more prominent by Ghislaine’s greeting.
This was a huge boost to his prestige. A gift more valuable than any treasure.
As if to forget about the twisted Mandragora root.
“Hehe, my little sister shows real loyalty.”
As Meriel fanned herself and laughed, Ghislaine shrugged her shoulders.
“You shouldn’t call me that in public.”
“What does it matter? Anyway, thanks for saving our face.”
Ghislaine sighed, grumbling.
“What’s with this face-saving business…? Ah, I’m really tired.”
“But if you want to establish yourself in the capital, you’ll have to get used to it. It’ll only get worse from here. We’re grateful, but you’ll have quite the hassle ahead.”
Meriel pointed with her eyes, still hidden behind her fan, towards Maurice.
He was glaring at Ghislaine without bothering to hide his displeasure.
“Ahem!”
Maurice cleared his throat loudly, as if to say he was trying to make sure Ghislaine heard him.
‘How dare they snub me, the Commander of the Kingdom’s military power!’
Being linked with a faction that trades only coins like Count Ailzbur was already annoying, but being pushed behind them? Unimaginable.
“Is it because you’re just a rural kid playing merchant? Looks like you guys are all getting along well.”
“Still, if he had any brains, he’d visit the Marquis next,” commented some nearby nobles, trying to calm Maurice.
But regardless of their efforts, Ghislaine next turned to Biloah.
Biloah didn’t seem to mind being the second one greeted, smiling broadly as he welcomed her.
“Thank you so much for healing Rosalyn. Her mother was worried sick, and thanks to you, we’re relieved.”
“I’m glad things worked out well.”
“I heard you asked the Marquis for help regarding the slave trader and tax issues. I’ll do my best to expedite those matters.”
“I appreciate your consideration.”
Watching the two converse, Maurice’s face turned red with anger as he kept snorting.
Being pushed aside like this, in a room filled with the capital’s influential nobles—what a major embarrassment!
As Ghislaine approached him late, Maurice grimaced and shot a barb at her.
“Being the son of a border duke, you ought to have come to me, the Commander of the Kingdom’s army, first. You rural kids must not understand what’s important.”
“I still have much to learn. Please teach me.”
Ghislaine responded calmly, which only aggravated Maurice further as he ground his teeth in frustration.
“Don’t get full of yourself just because the Branford family is backing you. I could easily cast you aside whenever I please.”
“I’ll do my best to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
“I’ll be watching closely.”
With an angry scowl, Ghislaine returned to her seat.
“Ahem!”
Maurice continued to drink from his wine glass, not bothering to hide his displeasure.
It bothered him that Marquis Branford was supporting a mere village kid like her. Meeting her in person made it all the worse.
Nobles around him hurried to soothe his ruffled feathers.
“It seems he has close ties with Count Ailzbur’s wife.”
“The Nortons and Branford have family ties, right? Baron Penris had no choice but to act that way.”
While keeping an eye on Maurice’s foul mood, people gradually shifted their positions.
Although they were at a banquet to introduce Ghislaine, it was also an opportunity for the other nobles to build their networks and connections.
Rosalyn, returning to find Ghislaine gulping down her drink, quietly asked, “Was there a specific order you intended?”
“……I just went with what felt right.”
“Haha, that’s hard to believe.”
“It’s true.”
“Well, that does indeed suit a Baron.”
However, Ghislaine and Rosalyn’s conversation was cut short.
As the atmosphere relaxed a little, the nobles who had been observing cautiously flocked toward them.
“Nice to meet you, Baron Penris.”
“Here’s a modest gift for you.”
“I look forward to working with you. I am…”
Nobles rushed forth to greet Ghislaine. Some even brought gifts.
Of course, Ghislaine accepted everything without refusal.
It’s not like they genuinely respected her that much.
Their eyes held a subtle scorn.
‘Don’t get too proud of yourself, rural brat. I’ll make sure to take you down a notch later.’
‘How pathetic for a mere trader.’
No one genuinely acknowledged Ghislaine’s sudden rise.
Most who approached her were simply looking to exploit her connections to the Branford family.
Ghislaine was aware of that atmosphere but didn’t let it bother her.
There was no point in expending energy on individuals with no real significance.
‘Ugh, I’m so annoyed. I just want to go home and rest.’
But it was impossible to leave now.
For the moment, she had to keep up appearances and waste time politely engaging with the nobles.
Even if Ghislaine herself didn’t care much about saving face, it didn’t mean she intended to actively undermine herself.
After a round of greetings from the nobles concluded, a swarm of young ladies from the influential families rushed in.
To them, Ghislaine was prime bait.
Following the head of the family’s orders to marry off to some oddball, it was far better to latch onto a rural boy right in front of them.
‘The family might not be great, and he’s just a country bumpkin, but he’s still a Lord, right? He’s young, handsome…’
‘The conditions might be slightly lacking, but with the Branford family backing him, he won’t be easily dismissed.’
Thus, everyone surrounded Ghislaine, vying for her attention.
“Baron, do you have a fiancée or… a love interest?”
“No.”
“Then do you plan to get engaged or date someone?”
“No.”
“Oh, you have to have someone! You’re quite the joker.”
“I don’t.”
Ghislaine answered with an expression that clearly showed her impatience.
Yet that very indifference seemed fresh compared to other men, drawing in the young ladies.
They giggled and bombarded her with questions.
At some point, Rosalyn found herself pushed aside, hiding her face with a fan, grinding her teeth.
“Just hold on, hold on. Today is a nice day… but these rude people!”
Some enjoyed it, some were jealous, some sneered, and others watched with curiosity—sights typical of a noble banquet.
That was the case until an uninvited person appeared.
The attendant guarding the door called out in a trembling voice.
“…Lord Joseph is here!”
Duk!
The moment that name echoed through the banquet hall, the chattering crowd fell silent in an instant.
“…Did I hear that right?”
“Oh, surely not. It must be a mistake.”
People were forcing smiles as they stared intently at the door.
Clack… Clack…
A thin, hardened middle-aged man with a crippled leg entered the banquet hall slowly, leaning on his cane.
But the fierce and intense aura he emitted overshadowed any physical flaws.
Clack… Clack…
Only the sound of the cane filled the silent banquet hall.
As he entered, Marquis Branford furrowed his brows, glaring at the man.
Ghislaine also stiffened the moment she saw his face.
Deep inside her heart, a boiling rage surged.
‘That guy…’
I had never actually seen him, but I had heard his name countless times in my past life.
The cunning and malevolent schemer who had been labeled the “Lame Demon” by his enemies.
‘Count Raoul Joseph!’
He was the closest aide of Duke Delphine and an advisor to the Duke’s house, appearing in the territory of the Crown Prince Faction—an enemy.
