chapter 4

The people danced gracefully to the tune of the flowing music. In the midst of the celebration, four people clad in black gathered at the sides.

“Now, everyone, I would like you all to keep a low profile and enjoy yourselves.”, Ait reminded.

“…But, Master, we’re already standing out being dressed like this.”

Ait broke into a wry smile at Elaine’s words. Casually looking around, it seemed that several people were secretly looking at them.

“Hmmm, I wonder what I should do.”

“Just do whatever you want, but, we’ve already greeted the King and the celebrant. Haven’t we already served our purpose? Let’s get the hell out of here before we get into any more trouble.”

Now, Ait sighed at Jin’s blunt suggestion.

“Why, that won’t be very nice. Let’s see, why don’t we just do a couple of dances and go home?”

The ones who disapproved of that suggestion were Syltina and Elaine.

“Oh my, Master, are you telling us to dance like a lady in this attire?”

“That’s right, Master. To tell you the truth, dancing in this attire is a little…”

“My, my, it even seems like the princess hates us now as well.”

That’s a shame, said Ait who smiled without particularly feeling sorry at all.

A man approached the four of them who continued to chat and did not pay any attention to the gazes directed at them.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry for interrupting your conversation.”

The man, dressed in a form-fitting tailcoat, politely bowed and faced Ait.

“I am an attendant of the King, and I am here to guide you as His Majesty wishes to speak to the master of the Dipterous Sword Guild, Ait Blurantë, regarding an urgent matter.”

“Before you guide me to him, can you tell me what he wants to talk about?”, questioned Ait.

“I’m sorry, but I was not given any details. I was only told to show you to the visitor’s parlor.

“Alright. Then please lead the way.”

The four of them quickly looked at each other. The other three gave a small nod at Ait, who also nodded in return, and automatically began to move away.

“So, Master, we’re going ahead to enjoy the party, okay?”

“Please give us a shout when you return.”

“I’ll be back even before the evening wind blows.”

After confirming that his three other companions had already left, Ait followed the attendant.

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The King was already waiting inside the room he was led to.

Ait stood in front of the King when he was prompted, and he let out a sigh so small, that nobody in the room noticed.

“You called, Your Highness?”

“For you to not bow before His Highness……”

The remark was uttered by the Knight standing behind the King with a disgusted look on his face. Ait took one look at the Knight but returned his gaze to the King as if he were not interested.

“And? Why did you call for me?”

“You bastard!!”

The King held back the Knight who raised his voice in anger.

“It’s fine. Withdraw.”

“But!”

“Stand down.”

“Y-yes Your Majesty……”

The Knight reluctantly withdrew and left the room, so only Ait and the King remained.

“I have called nobody else, but you here, to talk about my daughter Carona…”

The King broke off mid-sentence. After a few moments of silence, he looked up once again as if he had made up his mind.

“I invited you together with Jin-dono because I would like him to be Carona’s betrothed.”

“Ahh, I see. And?”

“And……?”

The King’s eyes widen in disbelief at Ait’s overly curt reply.

“Why did you call me to talk about Jin-san? Who he chooses to be his partner is not up to me. Besides, even if I told him that, it’s not something I can do anything about.”

Ait declared clearly. In response, the King argued vehemently.

“But, you are The Dipterous Sword’s Guild Master, are you not? Then, if it’s your word, won’t he naturally follow your command?”

“I have no interest in who my guild members fall in love with. Besides, there is no one in my guild who will follow my every word to a tee. I even went through a lot of trouble to get them to come to this party.”

“……But..”

“Besides, if you want to talk about Jin, you have to go through Syltina-san and not me.”

“Syltina? The Lady who came with Jin-dono?”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“Why her? What relation does she have with Jin-dono?”

“She is Jin-san’s wife.”

“What!?”

The King raised his voice in surprise at the revelation.