Chapter 97

A few days later.

Viola and her party were able to arrive at the Haileys Marquessate without any trouble.

Through the four temporary large-scale teleportation gates opened in the east, west, north, and south, they could feel the power and wealth of the Haileys family.

'To mobilize a magic tower to operate a temporary large-scale teleportation gate...'

It was a service for guests coming from all over the continent.

'Even if I don’t know much, it must have cost a fortune.'

If compared to the modern world, it was like building a private airport and sending out chartered flights for those attending the banquet.

There were three hotels prepared for the banquet attendees in the Haileys Marquessate, and the Bellato family was assigned to the 'Moon Shadow' hotel.

The place was bustling with young men and women who had come for the water lily banquet and their attendants from all over the continent.

"We will go and complete the registration procedures."

Xeon and Ersa headed towards the reception desk.

Meanwhile, someone approached them.

"Oh, who is this? Isn't this Lady Hera of Bellato, with whom I have a close relationship?"

It was a young noble lady, clearly very flamboyant, wearing an excessively ornate red dress and sparkling jewelry.

She was about fifteen years old.

She had at least seven rings on her fingers, all of which looked expensive.

Viola smiled inwardly.

'It’s a talent to match such expensive items so poorly.'

Hera replied with a gentle smile.

"Lady Senna. Nice to see you. It’s been a while."

The person who approached was Senna.

The third daughter of Marianto, who had always mocked and ignored Hera.

The noble lady whom Viola had promised to crush.

She was already wandering the lobby, having completed her registration.

"Yes, it’s been six months, hasn’t it? I was a bit disappointed that you didn’t accept my invitation."

"I’m sorry. I’ve been very busy recently and couldn’t come to see you. It would be nice to have a warm tea and a chat next time."

"Sure. You must keep that promise."

"Of course. I was just thinking that I wanted to see a highly civilized and mature society with my own eyes."

"Lady Hera is always welcome.

But who is this lovely young lady next to you?"

"This is my younger sister, the 6th daughter, Viola."

"Ah! The famous 6th daughter! You are the 6th daughter of Louvarthen, the noble guest!"

Viola lightly bowed, placing one hand on her chest.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Senna. I am Viola Bellato."

"Goodness, I’ve heard all sorts of nasty rumors about Lady Viola. But they were all wrong. It was the fools who were slandering Lady Viola."

"What kind of nasty rumors have you heard?"

"They say your blood is made of iron. Moreover, there’s a ridiculous rumor that your hands are very cruel and barbaric."

It was not proper etiquette for a noble to directly convey unfavorable rumors about oneself.

It seemed she was completely disregarding etiquette.

"That’s a strange rumor, indeed."

"Of course, it is. Such absurd rumors about such a delicate and lovely young lady."

"Of course, they are. How could such a delicate and lovely young lady accomplish such grand and excellent deeds? I want to say it’s all just a rumor, don’t you think?"

"...What?"

"How could such a young child have exterminated bandits, purchased land for the Golden Road, and been dispatched to the Storm Fortress and the Seal Viscountcy to handle difficult tasks? It’s absurd, isn’t it? I can see that you find it cute."

Viola laughed lightly.

Senna was slightly startled but soon smiled leisurely and looked at Viola.

"Lady Hera’s younger sister has a good sense of humor."

She continued with a smile.

"But a joke is only a joke if the other party enjoys it too.

Lady Viola, I think it would be better if you used a more social tone of speech and showed a bit more respect and consideration towards others. For the sake of a good relationship."

"Why did you treat my sister differently when you know that a joke is only a joke if the other party enjoys it?"

On the surface, the atmosphere between the two seemed very friendly.

Meanwhile, Ersa and Xeon returned after completing the registration.

"Oh, it’s Lady Senna. I will greet you. I am Viola’s butler, Xeon."

"I greeted you last time. I am Hera’s butler, Ersa."

Senna ignored their greetings, considering the status of a butler and a noble lady to be as different as heaven and earth.

She thought that even greeting her was a great honor for them.

"Lady Hera, you’ve come with your younger sister who has a rather strong sense of humor. I heard she is also a White Bellato."

Senna laughed deliberately.

White Bellatos are just dropouts, after all.

Her true feelings were evident.

"I hope you have a pleasant time at the banquet. See you later. I have an appointment with Lord Jermi."

By emphasizing her relationship with Jermi, she seemed to be showing off her superiority.

Hera, who had been lying on the bed after entering the room, asked.

"What are you thinking? The other party is the third daughter of the Marianto Marquessate."

"I said I would crush her step by step. I don’t lie."

"Really?"

Hera was a bit surprised.

She thought Viola would try to build a good relationship with Senna.

'What picture are you drawing?'

Indeed, Viola did not move as she expected.

She must be seeing a bigger picture than what Hera could see.

'I’ll look forward to how you become the protagonist of this water lily banquet.'

She was genuinely looking forward to it.

Her heart was pounding with anticipation.

However, Viola’s true thoughts were the opposite.

'I’ll just give up on this opportunity.

She decided to postpone her chance to the next time.

She resolved to act like an energetic young child in front of Selina.

'An unruly young troublemaker who causes discord with the third daughter of Marianto at her first banquet. This position would be best.'

The Marianto family would decline and fall within ten years.

So it was fine if their relationship soured a bit.

'The original story has changed too much. It’s full of variables.'

Therefore, she judged that she would gain little from this place.

Looking somewhat immature.

Thus, staying out of Selina’s sight.

This was Viola’s best judgment for this time.

Three days later, the water lily banquet began.

Numerous young nobles gathered from all over the central continent to the Haileys Marquessate’s banquet hall.

The opening remarks of the banquet began.

"Thank you for attending the banquet I am hosting."

The real power behind the Haileys Marquessate, Lady Selina, spoke, and everyone fell silent.

"Thanks to the distinguished guests attending the water lily banquet, my family and I will shine even more."

The speech lasted about five minutes.

"…Therefore, I wish you all a joyful and happy seven days and nights."

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Applause erupted.

However, the speech was not over yet.

As the applause died down, Selina spoke again.

"I have a proposal for the distinguished guests."