I don’t feel like having a party on my birthday somehow. And that’s how Alfried turns seven years old. Because of the party, the birthday celebration is now on hold. Though I think it’s fine that it doesn’t have to be celebrated year after year.

  As for today’s invitation, if I remember correctly the day of this gathering of nobles is organized by a Duke with the name of Ringrande.

  A Duke is a rank very high up in the nobility. One has to have a great contribution along with being a relative of the royalty. If I’m not mistaken, Viscount Yurina, I mean, Lolina's wife, madam Rinalia is also from the family of Duke I think.

  Since the Duke is the party organizer, it is necessary to greet the people of the Duke’s family. Because of that, they warned me to absolutely not make any mistake in calling other’s name, and that I should not be rude.

  Really, Nord-tousan and Elna-kaasan are such a worry-wart. There is no need to involve ourselves with people having such a high rank more than necessary.

  And my actions for today have been decided already.

  First, we’re entering the venue.

  Then Nord-tousan, and Elna-kaasan will attract the people’s attention right?

  While Nord-tousan and the others are being surrounded by the people, I will withdraw from the scene and secure my position at the edge of the venue, eating the delicacies lined up on the table while pretending to be someone unrelated.

  Fufufu………it’s perfect is it not.

  And after things have properly settled down, I just need to put a smile on my face and then make rounds greeting people.

  As for the minor detail, they will be taken good care of by Nord-tousan.

  And then that would be the end of today’s battle.

  「Al, what are you smiling at?　Also, you’ll make your suit creases if you sit like that right?」


  Geh, it’s not like I’m going to make Nord-tousan and Elna-kaasan scapegoat or anything okay?

  「……it’s nothing Mother.」1

  I straighten the collar of my suit and sit up straight. I wonder if I look a bit more ‘noblish’ if I sit like this.

  However, why do I have to wear something so stifling… Let’s just undo some buttons till I get to the venue then.

  「Ara, there’s a pause when you answer. And the way you call me is different from the usual.」


  Elna-kaasan eyes narrowed.

  Mu…………so sharp.

  「No, this is practice so that I don’t call ‘Elna-kaasan’ at the venue later. That is, I almost accidentally use ‘Elna-kaasan’, so that’s why the pause.」


  Un. I’m not lying.

  By any means, it’s not because I’m impatient thinking about sacrificing you guys and to have fun after that.

  「Certainly, that’s possible. Really, Al is so cute.」


  When I answer like that, mother put her hand on top of my hand and gently――applying Iron Claw technique on meeeee!?

  「Mother, it hurts. Something is going to entirely come off if you continue doing this.」


  「Ara, really. I wonder is this is the head that thought about bad things?」


  「Ow, it, it hurts. But I didn’t think of anything!?」


  I don’t understand it. I don’t know why do I have to receive this kind of poor treatment!

  「Don’t play innocent when you’re having such an evil smile okay.」


  「People should have the freedom of imagination.」


  Resist, me. I won’t surrender. Even if I’m subjected to an unfair violence, I won’t change what I thought. To say nothing of the lack of proof, to come to such a decision just because of some speculation and wanting me to bend my knees………ahh, the Slowlett family name will died out!

  「I heard that you will offer me as a sacrifice and then you will take it easy. 」


  「Tha, that’s not………」


  On that day, I couldn’t go anywhere until the party started.

  Riding the rocking carriage, it takes about ten minutes to get to the noble’s street from the inn.

  We’ve arrived at the party venue.

  So this is the venue of the House of Duke Ringrande.

  An elegant, white plastered three-storied mansion.

  Even though it’s currently night time, brilliant light leaked out from the window and there's cheerful music playing in the background.

  Light sources are installed on the table in the verdant garden, as it is also possible to bask in the illumination that can only be enjoyed at night.

  There are a lot of nobles coming with carriages like us. There’s still time until the opening of the exchange, so the one who arrives now would be those with the rank of Baron or Viscount. It’s a rule that those with low rank should arrive promptly.

  All the carriages were smoothly accommodated on the premises by the Duke’s servants.

  We entrusted our carriage to the servant as well, and walked on the high-class carpet towards the entrance.

  The size of the venue grounds is overwhelming.

  This place is probably only used to hold special events like this, and the Duke’s estate would be even bigger.

  And by holding this kind of event regularly, I guess it will serve as a show of force, something like ‘If it’s just this much, our house has the influence’.

  A boy who looks to be the same age as me is walking in front of me, seems like he’s nervous already *kachikachi*.

  His hands and feet are moving at the same time.

  Perhaps his father next to him notice that, the father smack on his head *pashi*.

  Then finally the boy started to walk normally.

  「Somehow I don’t like itー. To intimidate someone all of a sudden makes me ill at ease.」


  「How sharp of you Al. The people from the house of Duke Ringrande, are the type of people who were famous for being strong-willed. 」


  Elna-kaasan answered my small whisper, with an expression that said she was impressed with me.

  I knew it, this person’s true nature comes out. Though I don’t know whether it’s on purpose or not.

  「So every time there’s something happen, stay on the attacking side okay. Even though the opponent is the one who should be attacking, but the opponent is from a Duke family. Or, before being attacked, I think it’s better to give them a frequent, crushing defeat. 」


  Uwa, what’s with this person……dangerous.

  The words almost leaked out of my mouth, but we’ve already reached the place, so I endure it.

  At any rate, we must be careful not to leave any impression whatsoever to the people from the Duke’s house.

  And so with that kind of intention, we entered the venue.

  As soon as I enter the venue, it feels as if I’m entering another world isolated from the outside world.

  Within the wide space that can accommodate hundreds of people, there are already a lot of nobles gathered, wearing gaudy dresses as if to assert their own existence.

  Clothes that emphasize the body line, a magnificently decorated skirt with frills, people wearing dresses with elaborate embroidery.

  At first glance, it is clear that they are considerably expensive.

  A lot of chandeliers hung on the ceiling, the lights made the women’s accessories shine mysteriously, making their beauty more conspicuous.

  I’ve become tired just by looking at it.

  When the three of us entered the venue, the people’s gazes were gathering on Nord-tousan in a flash.

  Groups were gathering immediately, one after another.

  The young noble women who have been chatting amiably up until now cut their conversation short, and their atmosphere changed completely.

  Yosh, now that I’ve got the chance to withdraw………


  Without making any sound in my footsteps, when I was about to erase my presence and retreat, my arm got caught.

  「………it’s the best timing to sacrifice others isn’t it.」


  Elna-kaasan seized my wrist while smiling sweetly.

  Darn it, even though I didn’t tell the detail of the strategy, such foresight.

  「It’s been a long while isn’t it, Baron Slowlett. You hadn’t attended in any party recently.」


  「It is a pleasure to see you in good health. Viscount Kabol (カボール). In the end, I am nothing more than a parvenu, consequently I am not very good at such events. Please forgive me for being disrespectful.」


  「You don’t have to be so modest. Aren’t you renowned as the Dragon Slayer in the royal capital?」


  Uwa, that word came out all of a sudden.

  After that, it will be Elna-kaasan’s introduction, and I’ll be taking the full-brunt of their attention.

  「Incidentally, is this person your son?」


  Viscount Kabol turned his line of sight and glanced at me.

  「Pleased to meet you Viscount Kabol. My name is Alfried, second son of the Slowlett family.」


  And I bow politely.

  I remember the name that I heard for the first time. I’m really amazing.

  「Hou, so this is the second son?　This is……you have a different air than Eleonora-dono and Sylvio-dono.」


  Such an impolite gaze. Scrutinizing me from top to bottom.

  Was it fine to be so candid like that?　So I’m plain compared to my sister and brother.

  Though as one would expect, one would feel depressed when they’re being told that they have a plain look.

  『……that’s Eleonora-sama’s little brother?』


  『That’s not true right?　Such an unremarkable fellow!? I thought he was a servant or something.』


  『……compared to Sylvio-sama, I can’t say that they are similar.』


  I’m sorry. But please don’t say it in such a straight way. 4

  I’m starting to want to cry.

  Nevertheless, those women’s eyes are so harsh.

  I definitely will not come near those ostentatious young noblewomen over there.

  ×　　　　　　×　　　　　　×

  『Oi, did you see it, did you see that movement at the beginning. Inside of this well-lit venue, he was about to erase his presence as if he was about to disappear into the dark night you know.』


  『Please forgive me Father. I was utterly unable to see it.』


  『No, actually I was able to notice it by chance. He doesn’t appear ordinary just like his appearance suggests, he may have something different in him………we will keep observing.』


  『Yes, Father.』