Chapter 68

After Olivia's costume party for Leord, Leord got into the carriage prepared by Beluga. In the carriage were his parents, his twin brother and sister, and the servants, including Gilbert. They were heading to the royal castle to celebrate the successful resolution of the monster panic.

(I really want to go home...)

Inside the carriage, Leord conversed with his parents, but his twin brother and sister only glared at him and clicked their tongues. Leord felt sad about this, but he knew that such treatment was his own doing, and there was nothing he could do about it. All he could do now was try not to make his siblings any more upset.

The carriage ride, which felt endless, finally came to an end. Leord was now looking up at the royal castle he had visited in the early morning. Lights were spilling out from inside, indicating that the party was about to begin.

They were heading to the party hall where high-ranking nobles were waiting. It was a world where cunning and intrigue prevailed, filled with all sorts of devious characters. Although Leord was a member of a ducal family, compared to seasoned veterans, he was like an infant.

That said, Leord had been removed from the line of succession and was living in Zeato. Even if someone were to bring him under their control, there would be little benefit. Therefore, it was safe to say that no one would try to cozy up to him.

However, this time, the event was to celebrate the end of the monster panic. Leord had performed so well that he was to receive an award from the king. In other words, he was one of the key figures who had brought the monster panic to an end. While he was receiving attention, there were those who did not believe in his past behavior.

However, the knight commander, Beinard, had been praising Leord. Of course, he talked about their mock battle.

In other words, it was clear that Leord had achieved his results through his own efforts, without resorting to any underhanded tactics.

Still, some people seemed skeptical.

With renewed determination, Leord entered the hall.

The sight that greeted him was of magnificent chandeliers and a beautiful marble floor. Numerous round tables were set up in the party hall, adorned with lavish dishes. Servants walked around with trays of wine glasses, and the nobles took their favorites from the trays.

It was a scene that Leord had only seen in fiction. His eyes sparkled, but he quickly refocused his thoughts. He had to go in there and return safely.

Some would likely make snide remarks due to his past behavior. However, he couldn't show any weakness, as he was one of the main characters today. As a member of the ducal family, he couldn't act in a way that would bring shame.

The Harvest Duke's party entered the hall, and other nobles immediately gathered to greet them. As one of the main characters, Leord also received greetings. Once the greetings were over, the nobles who had surrounded him dispersed, and Leord felt a sense of relief.

(Nothing was said. Well, I did get some clearly mocking looks.)

More than half of the gazes directed at Leord were condescending. They probably thought he was a fool. However, Leord didn't particularly mind. Even if many people looked down on him, as long as a few truly understood him, he would be fine.

He spent some time with his family, but they eventually split up to join their friends. Leord was left alone. After all, he had no close friends in the capital. While he had people he often interacted with at school, they were parasites who only wanted the power of the ducal family. They clung to the powerful Leord to feed on his sweet nectar.

(Ugh! Alone again!)

He wasn't sad, though, because there was delicious food. Without conversation, his stomach was happy, and he didn't mind the other things.

"Look, the golden pig is using a fork and knife so humbly."

"Heh. Is he even capable of tasting it?"

(I can hear you, you know? If you're going to gossip, do it where I can't hear. Or do you think I won't fight back and are deliberately making it audible?)

Leord ate his meal alone in a distant spot. It would be easy to crush those who gossiped, but doing so would cause trouble for his parents. He couldn't betray the trust of the two people who believed in him.

While Leord was eating alone, he was suddenly tapped on the shoulder. Turning around, he saw Knight Commander Beinard standing there with a smile.

"Commander Beinard!"

"Good to see you, Leord! It's great to see you again!"

"Same here. Although it hasn't been that long."

"Haha! That's true!"

"Actually, I have a question. Did you happen to talk to His Majesty about me?"

Leord was curious about how the king knew so much about him. Someone must have told him, and that someone must be someone the king trusted.

"Aye! My subordinates asked me about you! I thought I should tell His Majesty, so I did!"

"That makes sense..."

Leord had thought he wouldn't be believed due to his past, so it was understandable that he was confused by the king's quick acceptance. However, once he knew the answer, it wasn't a big deal. The words of the trusted Knight Commander, one of the most respected figures in the kingdom, would not be doubted by the king.

"Anyway, are you enjoying yourself? You seemed lonely just now."

"The food is delicious. I just don't get along with the others."

"Ah, I see. I remember, you were always causing trouble and were disliked. Haha! I had forgotten. Well, the things you did were rather cute, but having your fiancée attacked by another man was unforgivable."

"Ugh... Yes."

"However, I can't understand. Looking at you now, you don't seem like the type to do such things. Were you possessed by a demon or something?"

"No, nothing like that. If I must say, it was the shock of being punched in a duel that made me remember a lot of things."

"Haha! I see! The shock of being punched! You should have been punched by your father or that butler much earlier!"

"Yes, exactly..."

Although Beinard wasn't a close friend, he was someone Leord had fought with before. It felt much better than dealing with other nobles. Leord laughed and enjoyed the conversation with Beinard.