Returning to Glacera
Two weeks remain until the ball.
Among us, the one struggling the most is likely Lord Doyle.
Despite being a noble, he has had no involvement with this kind of social gathering. It seems that even his predecessor rarely made appearances at public events. While he has been taught basic etiquette since childhood, he has no practical experience, leaving him visibly nervous.
Moreover, he didn’t have any suitable attire. So, I accompanied Lord Doyle and Mr. Brough to the commercial city of Glacera to visit a tailor.
Elina stayed behind at the station.
Since this was a sudden request with a tight deadline, I was worried we might be turned away.
However, the shopkeeper's response was unexpected.
"Since it's you asking, I’ll make it my top priority and craft the finest attire."
He said this with a beaming smile.
And that smile seemed to be directed at me…
"Thanks to you taking down the Eigenberg Company, business has become a lot smoother for everyone. We’re all grateful. Our shop included. Consider this our way of saying thanks."
"Oh, uh… thank you."
"You did a fine job, Justin."
"As expected of you, Sir Justin."
"N-no, it was just a coincidence."
I wasn’t being modest—this was simply the truth.
At the time, I hadn’t even heard about the ball. More than that, as a knight sworn to protect the nation's order, I couldn’t just overlook a group using such underhanded methods in business.
That incident, however, also revealed that some knights had been accepting bribes from the company and turning a blind eye to their misdeeds.
Glacera is one of the largest cities in the country. While it doesn’t have as many stationed knights as the royal capital, a considerable number are permanently assigned here. And yet, only a handful had been fulfilling their duties properly.
The king was furious when this came to light, and the knights stationed in Glacera faced severe punishment. Those in higher ranks, who were actively complicit in the corruption, were thrown into prison.
Well, they brought it upon themselves. The economic damage they caused the country was immeasurable.
Once Lord Doyle’s measurements were taken and the pickup date was set, we stepped out of the tailor’s shop.
Compared to my last visit, the people seemed noticeably more cheerful.
"The atmosphere in town feels different from before." Mr. Brough remarked.
"You can tell?" I asked, surprised.
"I visit a few times a year for mansion-related business." He explained.
That made sense.
Glacera is a convenient place to shop for various necessities.
While the capital boasts higher-quality stores, Glacera’s sheer number of shops is its strength. There are many niche specialty stores, making it a treasure trove for enthusiasts. Mr. Brough seemed particularly knowledgeable about such places… he’s probably been using his trips for mansion errands as an excuse to browse shops related to his own interests.
Once we finished our business, we headed straight back to the mansion.
"As soon as we return, I need to practice dancing.” Lord Doyle said.
"Perhaps you should rest a bit first?" Mr. Brough suggested.
"He’s right. I understand your sense of urgency, but you should be in top condition for the big day." I added.
"I know, but still…"
Lord Doyle’s unease was evident on his face.
It was understandable.
With such a short preparation period, every task needed to be handled swiftly.
For someone with prior experience, it might not be a big issue, but Lord Doyle is only sixteen. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t even be in a position to serve as head of the family yet.
The same was true for the mansion’s staff.
During his predecessor’s time, the family rarely participated in public events. Since their territory is in a remote region, they were often overlooked for invitations. That past now weighs heavily on the situation.
I wish there was something I could do to help beyond my role as a bodyguard.
As I was lost in thought—
"Huh?"
Lord Doyle, gazing out of the carriage window, suddenly spoke up as if he had spotted something.
What do you think about this chapter?
