Chapter 44

The dinner party—this year it’s an event—but according to the information Sheila has gathered, it’s usually a rather orthodox affair where guests enjoy dinner and conversation. However, it’s a bit different in that knights display their training results through martial arts demonstrations and trials while the guests watch.

The purpose is for the Verdgar Kingdom’s knights to showcase their training results to the royal family, demonstrating the excellence and bravery of the prestigious kingdom’s knights.

This year, it seems they will add a layer of meaning to honor the courage of the fallen soldiers and renew their vows to protect the kingdom’s peace.

When attending such dinner parties, it’s customary for guests to bring their fiancés or spouses if they have them. Dinner parties and balls are often used by the nobility to find potential marriage partners, so they judge whether to approach someone based on whether they have a fiancé or not.

So, I’m heading to the royal castle Theorem with Grace and Ashley.

Grace is not wearing her usual apron dress but an evening gown. It’s primarily black with bright blue decorations, which suits her well, given the original maid uniform’s color scheme. This dress was made for her to wear at dinner parties and evening events when she’s not in a servant’s role while staying at the Gartner mansion.

As for Ashley, she’s wearing a dress primarily white with a lavender-like, light purple bolero. The frills and ribbons are dyed the same color. It’s a refined and cute design that suits her well.

...No, they’re quite a sight when they stand together.

As for my attire, it’s the usual formal suit. It’s a rather strict and formal outfit, so I’ve resigned myself to the fact that as long as I look presentable, that’s enough.

This is because, compared to the two of them, who are exceptionally beautiful, I think I’m rather average or ordinary in appearance. Whether I balance out standing next to them is a bit questionable.

Well... there’s no point in complaining about this. I’ll just have to be careful not to make any mistakes in my role as their escort.

Both of them have colored flowers in their hair, which apparently means they already have partners and don’t want to be approached. The man they’re with is automatically considered their partner. They probably matched their decorations on purpose.

“Shall we go? Hands?”

“Yes.”

“Haha.”

The streets of Termwill, dyed red as dusk approaches.

I escort the two of them to the carriage that has come to pick us up from the royal castle Theorem.

“Be careful.”

“Yeah, I’ll be back soon.”

We wave goodbye to Sheila, and the carriage sets off.

“Although I know there might be something more to it... I’m actually quite happy to have Theo escort me like this.”

“Yes, it’s exciting to go out with Lord Theodore like this.”

The two of them seem quite pleased. If they’re happy with such things, perhaps I should create more opportunities like this—going out somewhere for fun, not just to balls.

...Right. Since Termwill is close to the sea, maybe we should go there next time.

The carriage proceeds into the royal castle Theorem, crossing a drawbridge and entering the towering stone structure. The term "royal castle Theorem" refers to a collection of buildings inside the castle walls. The central building, which stands out, is the King’s Tower where the royal family resides.

The event this year is being held at the Reception Hall adjacent to the Knight’s Tower and the training ground. It’s not a structure created by the labyrinth but was added later for various purposes by the knights.

The training ground, a wide open space, is brightly lit by magical lights and bonfires. The knights are waiting with their horses and dragon mounts, indicating that they will perform martial arts demonstrations here.

The ground floor of the hall is connected to a café terrace with tables, designed specifically for such events.

Already, elegantly dressed guests had gathered, but after handing over our invitations, we were escorted to a balcony seat on the second floor.

...VIP treatment, I guess. Hmm.

I’m not sure what the knights’ intentions are. Are they challenging me or showing respect?

“Ah, Theodore.”

The one who called out with a smile was the deputy head of the Adventurer’s Guild, the Sword Saint Oswald.

For a knight-sponsored martial arts event, it’s only natural that he would be invited.

“Hello. It’s a nice evening.”

“Yes. There’s an empty seat over there. Well, if you don’t mind sitting at the table next to this old man.”

“Watching the martial arts with you—sounds quite interesting.”

I sit at the table next to him as suggested.

“I think it would be more interesting if you performed. I missed the famous aerial battle and your staff handling during the demon incident because I was busy with evacuation and protection.”

“Unfortunately, I’m just an escort today.”

Even my attire shows that I’m not dressed for combat.

I spread my hands and answer, and Oswald nods, looking at Grace and Ashley’s hair decorations. I’m not sure what he’s agreeing to, but I’ll leave it at that.

After introducing each other, I ask Oswald.

“Do you get invited every year?”

“Officially, yes. I do show up, but lately, it’s been a bit dull with no interesting participants.”

“Is that so?”

“The current Knight Commander was quite something, but it seems he’s no longer in a position to wield a sword.”

Oswald shrugs, looking at the training ground.

“Do you know a young knight named Chester?”

“That dragon rider? He stands out among the current knights.”

Chester, the dragon knight. He’s a different kind of knight, one who rides dragons.

According to Sheila’s investigation, he’s praised for his excellence in both martial and scholarly pursuits, but we both find him suspicious. His behavior doesn’t match his reputation.

If that’s the case, his behavior must be deliberate, but I’m not sure why he’s doing it.

“Wishing you good luck in today’s trial, Sir Chester.”

“Please be careful.”

“Ha ha. Don’t worry. There are excellent healers on standby, and the weapons are blunted. Nothing serious will happen.”

As I ponder, I hear such a conversation. Chester, dressed in ceremonial attire, appears on the balcony with a group of noble children, drawing attention from the crowd. He’s clearly a rising star in the knights. He greets the young ladies around him and then approaches Oswald.

“Sir Oswald, thank you for coming. I’m a bit late, so I came to inform you and apologize.”

“I see. I’m looking forward to your performance today.”

“I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.”

He bows to Oswald.

“And Theodore, thank you for coming today.”

“Yes, Sir Chester.”

“Enjoy our performance.”

“I will.”

His attitude is the same as before.

“And—beautiful ladies, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Chester.”

Chester greets Grace and Ashley, but Grace gives him a cold look and only nods. Ashley also doesn’t smile and just gives a brief bow.

Well... that’s understandable. They’ve heard about his behavior in the guild and from Sheila. No matter how charming he acts now, it’s not worth trusting, and the more he tries to be charming, the more suspicious he seems.

Still, they made a formality of greeting him, probably because of my position. It seems that way, at least.

Perhaps because he didn’t get the reaction he expected, Chester’s smile froze for a moment.

“This is awkward. You must be shy. I have other greetings to make, so I’ll take my leave.”

He quickly recovers and leaves.

Is it endless positive thinking, or just a facade? I’m not sure, but it’s clear they weren’t blushing. That was a pretty cold response.

“He reminds me of Byron,” Grace says.

Ah... He was good at putting on a facade in front of adults.

In other words, Grace’s evaluation of him is rock bottom.

“He’s a bit of a mystery. Anyway, the embroidery on this tablecloth... it’s so intricate and amazing.”

“Yes, it really is. I’ve never seen this technique before.”

The two of them seem to be trying to cheer up and start chatting about the tablecloth.