Chapter 23: The Incident at the Social Party (1)

Just as Kevin's training was heating up, a single fact announced by Baron Romero turned the area around Dmitry upside down.

"The engagement between Dmitry and Lawrence has been called off."

The news of the broken engagement spread. People knew what this word meant.

It meant that the protection Dmitry could have provided to resolve the conflict with Barco was now gone, and thus the Lawrence family was left to prepare for war on their own.

In such a situation, people had a lot to say.

Baron Romero announced that the Lawrence family's irresponsible attitude was the reason for the broken engagement, but the public's interpretation was different.

"Reason for the broken engagement? It's obvious. Lawrence's precious daughter decided to go through with the engagement for the sake of the family, but after actually experiencing Dmitry's idiocy, she couldn't bear it. There's no other reason why Lawrence would unilaterally demand a breakup. If they made such a decision even as Barco's blades were at their throats, it must mean that Dmitry's idiocy is even worse than the rumors suggest."

"Are you kidding? What if the family is wiped out? And there are rumors that Dmitry's eldest son has eliminated the Blood Gang?"

"Do you believe those rumors? A boy who has been called Dmitry's idiot for over a decade wouldn't suddenly eliminate the Blood Gang. It's probably just a reputation management strategy in preparation for the breakup. It's not that Roman Dmitry is lacking, but it's surprising that Lawrence would demand a breakup even with such a remarkable man."

This was the general public's opinion.

That's why reputation is so powerful.

Roman Dmitry had lived his life as an idiot, while Flora Lawrence was praised as the flower of the Lawrence family.

One event.

Different reputations.

People naturally blamed Roman Dmitry, and even though his image had improved due to the elimination of the Blood Gang, it couldn't completely change the one-sided perception.

The Dmitry family didn't show any special movements in response.

They knew that no amount of explanation could change the facts, and it was an undeniable reality that Roman Dmitry had lived as an idiot for so long.

However.

Roman trusted him.

The recent Roman was completely different from the rumors, so he could laugh off people's reactions.

In such a situation.

The day of Barco's social party arrived.

* * *

"…Are you really telling me to wear this?"

Roman's expression stiffened.

His eyes sparkled.

Adorned with golden embroidery, the luxurious and eye-catching outfit made Roman look disgusted.

Hans said,

"Master. This is the first time you'll appear in public after the breakup. Given the status of the Dmitry family and yourself, you can't just wear any clothes. To explain about this outfit, it's a masterpiece by the craftsman Pierre, who operates in the northeast. We had to pay a huge sum to secure a custom-made suit, cutting through dozens of people on the waiting list. Since he's not just motivated by money, it took quite a while to persuade him even after bringing a large sum. But surely you're not saying you won't wear this masterpiece, the fruit of my blood and sweat?"

Two weeks ago.

Immediately after Roman expressed his intention to attend the party, Hans searched for clothes for Roman every day.

He tried different fabrics to see which colors suited him and contacted famous craftsmen, which made Roman realize how exceptional Hans was.

And now.

With a firm attitude that wouldn't accept refusal, Roman could only nod and smile.

"Alright. I'll wear it."

In the past.

People associated the word "thousand-mile horse" with a devil.

A monster without blood or tears, who would behead his subordinates in a single stroke.

It was true at times.

During his rise to power, Roman had punished his subordinates with a heart like that of a thousand-mile horse, but in everyday life, he didn't ignore their efforts.

Hans was someone who dedicated himself to Roman.

While the Dmitry family provided him with daily necessities and a salary, Hans sought out craftsmen and brought back clothes out of genuine concern for Roman.

What was the reward for such actions?

Hans didn't seek material rewards; he just wanted Roman to accept the clothes with joy.

Therefore.

Roman smiled.

It was an action that didn't require much effort.

Despite the luxurious outfit being visually overwhelming, he forced a smile to hide his stiff expression.

'If just looking at it makes me feel suffocated, then if this is the etiquette of the world, I must follow the rules.'

When you go to the empire.

You must follow the laws of the empire.

It's an adaptation period.

Just as he adapted to reality by following instructions in a dark cave when he was young, Roman knew when to take the lead and when to follow pre-established rules.

The decision to wear the luxurious outfit. It meant accepting reality, and Roman was adapting to the new world in this way.

It took quite a while to change into the outfit.

Finally, when Roman emerged in the new clothes, Hans's eyes turned into hearts.

"…You really, really look great."

The harmony of black and gold.

Roman, with his dignified and charismatic black background and the golden embroidery, looked like a nobleman of high repute.

At that moment.

Hans was certain.

The protagonist of this social party would be none other than his master, Roman Dmitry.

* * *

Two people accompanied Roman to the social party.

Chris and Kevin.

As bodyguards, they were dressed differently from usual, equipped with weapons.

Clank, clank.

The sound of metal armor echoed loudly.

Chris wore a custom-made suit of armor he received with his knighthood, and the silver armor that fit his body perfectly gleamed in the sunlight.

And his golden hair, fluttering in the wind.

It proved why Chris was called a handsome knight, and his composed posture accepted his handsome appearance as a matter of course.

Swish.

He checked the sword at his waist.

A sword of appropriate length, not touching the ground, with the symbol of Dmitry engraved on it.

"Where is he taking so long?"

Kevin hadn't come out yet.

As bodyguards, they were supposed to be ready before their master, so Chris showed a slightly displeased expression.

At that moment.

From a distance, a small figure came running.

Clank, clank.

"…I'm sorry!"

It was Kevin.

His appearance.

Completely different from Chris.

Until recently, he was just a commoner, and there was no such thing as a custom-made suit of armor for him. At his mid-teen age, it was impossible to find a perfectly fitting size.

So he wore a suit of armor from the blacksmith that roughly fit his size.

The problem was that even this was too big for Kevin, and the helmet was so large that it mostly covered his sweating forehead, making Chris laugh in disbelief.

'To have to guard with such a guy.'

Kevin.

He looked like a young soldier.

Not knowing the military system, his appearance was as rough as his armor, and he couldn't even stand properly.

During their sparring.

Chris didn't like Kevin's attitude.

While he understood Kevin's situation, Chris was annoyed by his lack of awareness.

Perhaps because of this.

Seeing Kevin constantly trying to keep his helmet from slipping, Chris said in a sharp tone,

"We are the face of our master and the Dmitry family. No matter what happens outside, don't act rashly. Our actions affect the reputation of the young master, so you must be especially careful with your words and actions."

The last sparring.

After that, Chris decided to truly follow Roman.

In the past, he wouldn't have cared about the reputation of Dmitry's idiot, but now he couldn't tolerate Roman being disrespected anywhere.

He was his master.

Roman Dmitry's reputation was his own, so he knew he had to be especially careful for his master's sake.

Therefore.

Kevin worried him.

A boy who knew nothing about etiquette might make a mistake at a social party where etiquette was important.

In response to Chris's words.

Kevin nodded seriously.

"…I will keep it in mind, Sir Knight."

"Good."

The title "Sir Knight."

Chris's face broke into a smile.

Kevin and he were in the same position, but Kevin still called him "Sir Knight," perhaps because he found Chris difficult.

Perhaps because his heart was a bit softened.

Chris approached Kevin and adjusted his tilted helmet.

And.

The time had come.

When Roman appeared, Chris and Kevin gathered their things.

It was time to head to Barco.

* * *

Barco's social party.

The most talked-about topic at this party was the attendance of Dmitry's eldest son, who had broken off his engagement with Lawrence.

The party had already started.

A nobleman, sipping his drink, said to the man next to him,

"What is Roman thinking? He forced a political marriage despite knowing that Barco's eldest son clearly wanted Flora, and then suddenly broke off the engagement and announced his intention to attend Barco's party."

"That's why he's called an idiot. If he had any sense, he would have pushed one of the two options firmly."

"Indeed. Either he should have pushed the political marriage to the end and opposed Barco, or he should have ignored Lawrence from the beginning to maintain a good relationship with Barco. Because of Roman Dmitry, the Dmitry family's position is now very ambiguous. They are powerful in the northeast, but after touching Lawrence, trying to maintain a good relationship with Barco is just greedy