Chapter 485
Chapter 485: I’m Curious About Something (3)
The banquet was attended by many nobles.
Of course, the protagonist was Ghislaine. It wasn’t just an ordinary banquet; it was a victory banquet.
Ghislaine, who didn’t particularly enjoy banquets with nobles, still attended out of courtesy. She didn’t plan to show up every day for the several-day-long feast but thought she would at least make an appearance for a day.
“Younger sister! You talked big about fighting, but wow, you really can fight!”
Meriel greeted Ghislaine with a bright smile. Not just her, but other nobles were scrambling to shower Ghislaine with compliments.
“I knew Commander of the Northern Army would pull it off.”
“Of course, you’re a hero who saved the kingdom. A hero.”
“I noticed it from the beginning. Wasn’t she something special even back then?”
Nobles who used to call Ghislaine a newbie just a few years ago were now praising her, as Ghislaine had grown to the point where they dared not look her in the eye.
Still, there were those consumed by jealousy—nobles around Ghislaine’s age.
“Ugh, why is he still alive?”
“I’m so sick of it. I wish he were dead.”
“How can someone like him keep rising?”
They gathered among themselves, busy belittling Ghislaine.
“It’s all just luck, right?”
“Of course, it’s because Marquis Branford and Marquis Macquarie are supporting him.”
“If only they had pushed me instead, I could’ve wiped out the Duke Faction by now!”
“Exactly! Why is he just sitting still when he’s got the momentum? Tsk. Still so lacking.”
These dark-hearted nobles, completely consumed by envy, gathered at any chance to insult Ghislaine. They even schemed on ways to hinder her.
But ultimately, they could exert no influence whatsoever. Complaining and feeling bitter was all they managed.
As the atmosphere heated up, those wanting to make requests started to appear before Ghislaine.
“The position of Eastern Army Commander is vacant… What about this friend?”
“It would look great if the Commander of the Northern Army recommended him.”
“Isn’t the war practically over? He should be fine handling the aftermath.”
“We are prepared to show a great deal of sincerity to the Commander.”
Originally, the position of Eastern Army Commander was held by the first son of Marquis Branford. However, the Marquis replaced him, citing his son wasn’t capable enough before the war.
And that Eastern Army Commander had died during the war.
Even Marquis Branford couldn’t just put his own kin back in that position again. He had to be satisfied with saving his son.
Thus, everyone was greedy for the vacant position. Though it was nominal in peacetime, during and after the war, it was a position with considerable interests.
Ghislaine shook her head at the nobles’ subtle requests.
“That decision belongs to Marquis Branford and Marquis Macquarie.”
“Oh come on, don’t say that. If the Commander of the Northern Army could say a word…”
Ghislaine glared at them, showing her annoyance. Only then did they realize the atmosphere had turned awkward and carefully stepped back.
Yet they didn’t forget to curse internally.
“Look at that, he’s finally grown up, huh?”
“Ugh, that guy’s military power is so strong that we can’t even touch him.”
“The one who should be in that position is someone who listens well to adults.”
Sensing the nobles’ resentful glances, Ghislaine shook her head in fatigue.
The nobles’ admiration, jealousy, temptations, flattery—all of it was just a nuisance to her.
The war hadn’t even ended, yet they were already relaxing and calculating their own advantages.
“Pathetic. There are so many who can’t come to their senses until their lives are at stake.”
She thought about how tiring it would be for Marquis Branford to govern the nation with people like this.
The noble ladies couldn’t rush at Ghislaine as they used to. It was because there were too many high-ranking nobles surrounding Ghislaine.
Still, they shone their eyes, watching for any chance to connect with Ghislaine.
“Does he still not have a lover?”
“Hehe, if I get the chance, I can seduce him.”
“I can’t let such a man slip away.”
They all wore expressions like cats eyeing their prey. Rosalyn clicked her tongue at the sight.
“Pfft, go ahead and stare. That guy won’t talk to a woman except about money. He acts like women are worth as much as coins.”
In her eyes, Ghislaine was truly an odd person. Most young noblemen were crazy about women at that age.
But this one was obsessed with money and fighting. Watching him made Rosalyn feel like she might go insane herself.
As Rosalyn looked down on the other noble ladies with pity, something astonishing happened.
“Oh my, oh my! He’s coming this way!”
“Who is it? Who is he coming to meet?”
“Look at that stride!”
A commotion rose among the ladies.
Though it was said to be a banquet for everyone to enjoy together, the young men had no choice but to stay at the edges. The central area of the banquet was taken up by the hosts and high-ranking nobles.
But Ghislaine was pushing her way towards the ladies, parting from the high-ranking nobles.
The noble young ladies adjusted their attire and smiled, their eyes sparkling with expectations of who Ghislaine might ask for a dance.
Ignoring them all, Ghislaine headed straight for Rosalyn.
Her forceful approach shocked everyone.
“Lady.”
At Ghislaine’s call, Rosalyn lifted her chin haughtily. She could feel everyone’s envy directed at her.
With a brilliant smile, Rosalyn slightly extended her hand.
“Yes, Count.”
“I think the monthly settlement hasn’t come in yet.”
“…”
‘Should I kill him?’
Rosalyn forced a smile, trying to maintain her composure in front of so many people.
Clenching her fist tightly and biting her lip, she awkwardly replied, “The war… is still going on, right? So, of course, sales have dropped… I’m just trying to sort it out now.”
“Right? I was just wondering if there was any problem. Hahaha.”
Seeing Ghislaine’s bright smile made Rosalyn smile back. She truly wanted to punch him.
Nearby ladies snickered, their laughter echoing around. She was momentarily on guard but quickly realized it was just a business partnership.
Rosalyn’s face turned red with embarrassment.
Not long ago, there had been plenty of talk among the noble ladies about Rosalyn. As Ghislaine’s reputation rose, some were deliberately trying to slander her in society.
That way, negative rumors would reach Ghislaine’s ears.
The noble ladies didn’t hide their snickering.
“Well, of course. Acting close even though you’re not lovers.”
“Isn’t she just doing the business for him?”
“To be honest, isn’t she just trying to worm her way into the Penris Count’s good graces?”
Rosalyn’s face flushed red once more.
Though the words weren’t precise, she could tell they were talking about her from the atmosphere.
She didn’t want to stay there any longer. The embarrassment of being humiliated in front of so many people made her vision darken.
“I… I will be leaving now; I’m not feeling well.”
Rosalyn turned her body, biting her lip.
It was frustrating. This wasn’t the kind of person she used to be. She had never blinked regardless of what anyone said.
In truth, Rosalyn knew Ghislaine had no interest in her. He treated her strictly as a business partner.
But it was only natural for anyone to feel embarrassed when they were laughed at by others.
“Lady, wait a moment.”
Ghislaine suddenly grabbed Rosalyn’s wrist as she turned to leave. The onlooking ladies gasped in surprise.
Rosalyn was flustered by the sudden situation.
“W-what is it?”
Is he going to talk about money again? Does he have to do it in front of everyone? Does he have to wound a lady’s pride like that?
Ghislaine chuckled, noticing Rosalyn’s reddening face.
He too had heard what others were whispering about.
“Well, I can’t just let you go like this.”
Rosalyn was different from the typical noble ladies. She was not only a remarkable assistant but also a solid supporter.
She had taken charge of the cosmetics business, persuading several nobles to secure significant investments.
During the drought, she had earned their trust and purchased food, saving the Crown Prince’s faction from crisis. During the war, she had sent Piote and Resolvers to protect herself.
Even when fighting against the Salvation Society, she had produced large quantities of healing potions, saving many lives.
He couldn’t allow such a magnificent person to be humiliated by those who slander her.
“This is a gift.”
With a smile, Ghislaine produced a small box from his pocket.
Both Rosalyn and the onlookers were taken aback. The notoriously stingy Count Penris was giving someone a gift!
“What, what is it?”
Rosalyn narrowed her eyes suspiciously, thinking it might be a guarantee contract or a bond.
Ghislaine still wore a sunny smile as he replied.
“It’s a bracelet. The best Dwarf in our territory made this. And a 7th circle Mage carved a defense magic into it with great care.”
“W-what…?”
Everyone gasped in surprise. It would take a staggering amount of money to make an artifact of that caliber.
Rosalyn, with trembling hands, opened the box and took out the bracelet.
“Wow….”
Everyone watching couldn’t help but admire the bracelet, showcasing the Dwarf’s exquisite craftsmanship, truly a work of art.
‘Sharnel’ engraved on it felt a bit too obvious, but still…
Ghislaine smiled and said, “It will always protect you.”
“Count…”
Rosalyn fought back tears.
It was blatantly a fake, but to receive such a precious item as a gift? He really didn’t see her merely as a business partner.
Surely he had said something meaningful!
‘He’ll always protect me, right?’
She felt like the princess in a fairy tale. To be treated with interest while pretending to be indifferent all along? What a sly fox he was.
“Hmph! I gratefully accept this gift!”
Rosalyn held her chin high and donned the bracelet haughtily, sensing the envious looks around her.
She felt even happier under those gazes.
“See? Count Penris has no interest in you.”
Ghislaine nodded, watching Rosalyn blissfully.
“Hmmm, who else should I give one to?”
Rosalyn had no idea, but he had made quite a few of those bracelets.
This particular bracelet had been jointly produced by Galbarik and Vanessa in Penris. It had a magic that protected the wearer from strong attacks.
It had been created for those like Claude and Lowell, who found it hard to protect themselves.
Rosalyn herself had nearly been caught by a Holy Knight disguised as a Merchant Leader a while ago.
So it was something he had initially intended to hand over, but he had now given it to save her pride.
‘She mustn’t fall into danger like last time. She should help me diligently with my work.’
Unfortunately for Rosalyn, Ghislaine had merely given the gift out of pure goodwill, since she was an essential figure in his plans.
However, unable to read his true intentions, Rosalyn could only assume he finally expressed his feelings for her.
Of course, in some ways, Ghislaine had indeed expressed his feelings clearly.
“That’s really an expensive item.”
“…I understand.”
The bracelet was indeed something expensive and challenging to make, enough for Ghislaine to flaunt its value openly.
The remaining powder of Dragon Heart was combined with Runestone to process it, infused with an immense amount of Vanessa’s mana.
Made by a 7th circle Mage, of which there were only two in the kingdom, it certainly was a precious item.
Rosalyn couldn’t suppress her smile as she looked at the bracelet, feeling as though she was the only one receiving such a special gift.
The onlooking ladies were grinding their teeth.
“Ugh, why does she get such a rare item…?”
“Why not give it to me? I’m prettier!”
“Does he really like her? Is it just because she’s a part of the Branford family? So disappointing!”
Count Penris was the kingdom’s most eligible bachelor. Young and capable, he also possessed military strength that made all nobles tremble.
If they could just catch him, they would ascend to becoming the kingdom’s finest lady. Moreover, he had been single long enough, with no fiancée.
That such a man would give Rosalyn such a special gift made everyone feel envious to the point of madness.
“Well then, I’ll be off. I need to have important discussions with others.”
“R-right. Please, go ahead.”
Ghislaine briskly moved on, refusing other nobles’ requests for conversation.
His next target was none other than Bishop Porisco.
Since the saint incident, Porisco, now thriving, had nothing to fear in the world. He seemed so carefree that he was completely drunk in the banquet hall.
He showed no concern for the whispers behind his back.
Upon seeing Ghislaine, Porisco happily shouted, “Hey! You’re here? Wow! You really kick butt!”
The drunk Porisco had completely tossed etiquette aside. Nobles nearby tried to intervene, but it was no use.
“Hey, back off! How close I am with this guy! I shared food! We’ve had meals together! And we exchanged gifts! We’ve done it all!”
Nobles clicked their tongues, shaking their heads. They knew he was a wreck, but now that he was being revered, he had completely lost his marbles.
“Ugh, that guy’s rumored to be a saint?”
“That’s all thanks to Count Penris sharing his good fortune.”
“It’s fortunate that people don’t know. Tsk.”
The nobles, aware it was all a charade, just let it be.
Ghislaine clicked his tongue as he dragged Porisco to a corner. Porisco babbled cluelessly.
“Hey, what’s up? Planning something sneaky again? Got something good?”
“Please be quiet. I have something I want to ask.”
Dragging Porisco into a room meant for relaxation in the banquet hall, Ghislaine quietly asked, “Have you met the king?”
“Ugh, I have. The bishops take turns providing him with healing through divine power.”
That’s why the king, despite his frail body, still clung to life.
All the wizards and priests in the kingdom took turns healing him.
Porisco, still a bishop, could exert some divine power. It was one of his roles to visit the king occasionally and check on his condition.
Ghislaine nodded, then asked again, “Is His Majesty’s health that fragile? Is it hard for him to meet other people?”
“Uh-huh, he’s really getting weaker as days go by. Can’t even eat properly? It’s been over 10 years already. Ah, what a stubborn life. Oh no, what am I saying?”
Porisco, who had misspoken, cautiously continued, glancing around.
“To be honest, we have no idea when he’ll die. We’re all secretly hoping it won’t be my turn.”
Surely, if he passed away during Porisco’s turn to heal him, it would put him in a very awkward position.
Learning that the king’s condition was more serious than he thought, Ghislaine pondered briefly before saying, “Next time you go to treat His Majesty, take me with you.”
Porisco felt as if he had been doused in cold water, abruptly sobering up.
