Royal Palace Party (1)
Two days later, it was time to attend the palace luncheon party.
Since there were many guests, it seemed it would be a standing buffet.
I looked around, but everyone was an adult—no children.
I thought I was the only one, until Raphael appeared along with Duke Clondale.
“Hey, Reinhardt. Long time no see. When should I give you that tour of the palace library?” He greeted me, as casual as ever.
“I’d be interested, but the palace is so crowded right now. Could we save it for another time, please?”
“That’s a shame. Well, I’m busy with hosting, but I’ve finished my rounds of greetings. Would you mind keeping Raphael company for me?”
“I’d be glad to. I was feeling a bit out of place surrounded by nothing but adults.”
“Good. There are light dishes and desserts too. They may not compare to Westland cuisine, but they’re decent enough. Do try some.” With that, the duke took his leave.
When I glanced at my parents, they were surrounded by strangers, so Raphael and I moved over to the buffet table.
As we picked out light dishes and desserts—
“Thank you, Raphael. If not for you, I would’ve been surrounded by nobles by now.”
“No, this is just the beginning. I don’t know how much use I’ll be, but I’ll stay with you. But why are you here? You said you wouldn’t come to the capital.”
“Father got angry and sent me a letter ordering me to.”
We set our plates on an empty table and chatted as we ate. Atre sat properly on a chair, while Lucas sat on the table itself, happily munching on cakes and cookies with us.
That’s when a young lady about Brother Chris’s age approached us.
She had blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and though her dress was simple, it was clearly made from expensive fabric.
Raphael stood, so I rose to my feet as well.
“No need to prepare a seat, this won’t take long. I am Jacqueline Maybelle Ronda. I only wished to greet the White Dragon and the Fenrir. One so rarely has the chance to see them—I wanted to witness them up close.”
She gave Atre and Lucas a polite greeting, then stepped back.
Both of them pretended not to notice.
“Atre, Lucas—someone just offered you a courteous greeting. It’s not right to ignore it.”
“If I answer here, I’ll have to keep doing it. No way.”
“I’ve no intention of doing so,” Lucas said silently, so only I could hear.
Wait, what? Same as Atre? Lucas can switch modes like that?
“Don’t be angry with them. I came on my own accord, after all. I only wish to boast of it when I return home. They must have understood that. But if I come to be more involved with this country, then please treat me kindly.” With that, she departed.
Ronda Kingdom… that’s the one bordering the East Springs domain, isn’t it?
I glanced at Raphael.
“She’s one of the candidates for Crown Prince Gilbert’s fiancée. This auction is only a pretext—really, it’s a matchmaking occasion.”
So that’s why our crown prince still doesn’t have a fiancée. His previous betrothed died in an accident, and there were no suitable candidates of the right age left within the kingdom.
The previous fiancée had been the daughter of the Soleil Empire’s king’s younger brother.
Creepy. The daughter of a royal prince dying in an “accident”? Really?
She should’ve had a whole squad of guards…
After that, several foreign high nobles came over, but they only wanted to see Atre and Lucas, then left right away.
“Raphael, foreign nobles are surprisingly restrained. I thought they’d be more pushy.”
“I thought at least one of them would say they wanted Atre or Lucas. But they all back off so easily—it’s strange.” He tilted his head.
Just then, a flashy-looking young man strode up, trailed by guards. Both his hands glittered with oversized gem rings.
“Normally, you would have come to greet me. Since you didn’t, I came to you.”
… Who the heck is this guy? I glanced at Raphael.
“Why, thank you for coming over. Prince Harold. We were told to remain here for refreshments, so I must apologize.” Raphael inclined his head lightly, so I copied him.
“Which one of you owns the White Dragon and Fenrir?”
“That would be me,” I said.
“Then hand the White Dragon over to me.”
“Your Highness, a familiar contract cannot be undone at our convenience. It isn’t something so simple,” Raphael said, gently refusing.
“That boy only needs to order the White Dragon. That’s all,” Harold insisted, pointing at me.
So I answered firmly, “Even if you are a prince, that is impossible.”
“Oh? Then you mean our kingdom and Aranfes Kingdom are enemies?” His eyes narrowed in displeasure. Honestly, he seemed like a fool of a prince. But then, all of a sudden, his face went pale.
“Prince Harold, you’ve turned pale. Are you all right? Shall I arrange for a room to rest in?” Raphael asked.
“Y-yes, perhaps I drank too much wine.”
Raphael signaled, and a butler arrived.
“Please escort Prince Harold to the lounge.” With his guards in tow, the young man departed.
But even his guards looked pale. What was that about?
“Which country is he from?”
“The Third Prince of the Suberia Kingdom. Their succession disputes are fierce. Gaining Lucas would have given him an advantage—he’s the son of the current queen, you see.”
“Doesn’t seem like he was very—”
“Exactly. The First Prince, son of the former queen, is very capable. But the current queen’s faction is strong. Since their kingdom doesn’t border ours, I don’t think we need to worry too much.”
After that, others came too, but only greeted Atre and Lucas before leaving.
Hmm… strange. But since even domestic nobles kept their distance, maybe this was normal.
Maybe they just thought Atre and Lucas were useless since they looked like children.
If that’s the case… well, that would be great for me.
While I was mulling that over, someone else approached—this time a young man with indigo hair and golden eyes. His guards stayed back, watching from a distance.
“Now, now, don’t be so wary. I came to apologize.”
What do you think about this chapter?
