Ken yo, kaku katariki – 101
#09 – Provoke
“…We are almost there, Mr. Yukito.”
“Uh, ah…”
While being overwhelmed by the scale and extravagance of the party venue, I was pulled away by my arm. I could not help but straighten my back.
In the carriage, we had gone through a quiet and luxurious residential district, and arrived at a mansion. From there, we were taken to a drawing room and met up with the Count and his wife.
Here, the nobles were announced as they entered, and they walked under a spotlight.
Was that necessary? I wondered. But they acted like it was the most natural thing.
I was participating as Ms. Iria’s partner. In other words, I was not her teacher, and so she called me by my name.
This seemed to embarrass her at first, but by the time we were to enter the hall, she had regained her usual calmness.
“…It is time.”
Said Mr. Graig, and I gulped and took one step forward.
And then the blinding light fell down upon us.
‘…Count Orlando and his wife. And the lady Iria Orlando and her partner, Mr. Yukito.”
We walked through the hall amidst the elegant music and sounds of applause.
The count’s wife, Lady Aria, even turned to wink at me.
—Take care of my daughter.
There were no words said. But I understood the meaning.
“Phew…”
“You look tired.”
As I sighed, Ms. Iria handed me a glass of champagne, which was apparently non-alcohol. I nodded and accepted it.
After our entrance, we had to greet a significant number of nobles, and I was exhausted.
Obviously, I was not used to being in such situations.
Mr. Graig did teach me what I needed to know, but…
And the Count told me, ‘Just act normal and it shouldn’t be a problem.’
Apparently, he arranged things behind the scenes. The only thing he wanted from me was that I behave like a fighter.
Like a fighter? What did that even mean?
In the end, it was only through Ms. Iria’s support that I was able to get through it. I think…
My face muscles felt numb, but a short distance away, the Count was still talking with that smile of his. He did not seem tired at all. We really did live in different worlds.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Yukito. Most of the people here are those who have done well in the tournament.”
“…Indeed.”
A voice suddenly rang from behind, and we turned to look.
There stood a broad man with a beard. He was wearing a military uniform.
“I have heard the rumors about your achievements in the preliminaries. I wish I had been able to see it.”
“Margrave Racrode.”
Ms. Iria bowed her head.
“I know. Why don’t you visit my lands in the south when you have the time? You will be very welcome.”
“Thank you. If there is time, I would be glad to.”
“Yes, yes. My lands are known for their scenic beauty. The Rela lake during a sunset is especially wonderful. It is especially popular with newlyweds.”
“…Huh?”
I almost dropped my glass.
What was this old man talking about?
“I am most envious. After all, Count Orlando’s daughter is known for being one of the most beautiful in the empire.”
“Uh, I think you’re…”
I was about to say he misunderstood.
But then the sound of something shattering suddenly echoed in the room.
When I turned to look, I saw that a man with blonde hair was glaring at me.
But the margrave in front of me seemed like he did not notice at all—no, that was impossible–as he continued to grip my hand and smile.
“When the time comes, please call me. I will be waiting.”
He laughed with a bow and then left.
An incredible ability to ignore. His expression had not changed at all.
As I wondered about this, the glaring man started to walk towards me.
Or so I thought… As he then stopped and bowed in front of Ms. Iria.
“It’s been too long, Lady Iria. Thank you for humoring me at the ball.”
“…No, not at all.”
She answered stiffly.
So it was him. The one who tried to marry her.
He had the typical arrogant air of a young noble, but also had the looks that would make him popular with women. However, there was something forced in his expression.
Also, wasn’t that three years ago?
“In fact, we are hosting a party soon at my house. Would you do us the honor of attending?”
“Oh. Well, I…”
“Now, now. There is a whole group of young people over there. Let us go and join them.”
He said, reaching out for her hand.
I took a step forward to stand between them.
“…Can I help you?”
“I should be asking you that.”
He was going to touch Ms. Iria without asking.
When it was clear as day that she did not appreciate it.
“Hmph… But you’re just a guard. A commoner.”
He snorted as he looked at me.
I then noticed that his uniform was decorated with some badge. Perhaps it was proof that he was a noble.
“Lord Blamfelt.”
A chilly voice rang from behind me.
“My partner is here based on my personal request, and was approved of by my father. And you will not insult him any further.”
“Wha…”
Ms. Iria smoothly put her arm in mine.
The man shook with rage and glared at me.
“The Count…did…”
“Is there a problem? After all, he will be competing in the finals this year.”
“It doesn’t change the fact that he is a commoner!”
Ms. Iria was unmoved.
I had heard that in recent years, marriages between nobles and commoners were on the rise.
This was because the gap between the classes was getting smaller.
While some nobles married strategically, not all of them did. Many wanted the freedom to choose, and people were starting to respect that.
Not that this had anything to do with Ms. Iria and me.
“The tournament…”
The man said with a frown.
“That is good. Very good. In that case… Do you think that you could teach me?”
“Huh…?”
That was not what I had expected him to say. And so I was puzzled.
Ms. Iria was also stunned.
“Indeed! Right here! Show us your magnificent skills with the sword. Unless the barbarian ape does not understand the language of the empire?”
He said, spreading out his arms dramatically, and raising his voice. With a smile, he looked down at me.
