Off to the Ball
The two-week preparation period passed by in the blink of an eye.
During that time, Elina and I continued with our usual work, diligently tending to our fields and animals.
Recently, we’d even gained a new familiar—Peter. Technically, he was supposed to be under Vice-Commander Bellows, but he seemed to have taken a liking to the Abbott region’s environment and kept coming by frequently.
“The ball is finally tomorrow, huh. Are you all set?”
“No problems on my end... wait, don’t tell me you’re planning to come too?”
“This is work, you know. Vice-Commander Bellows has ordered me to accompany you and observe the ball.”
“Hmm.”
“Ah! Lady Elina! That look on your face says you don’t trust me at all!”
I don’t mind things getting a little lively… but this might be a bit too lively.
At any rate, there’s no doubt that today is an important day.
Of course, I can’t ignore Hank’s presence, but my job is to do what I must, and do it well.
The journey from the Tryon estate to the McCreed family estate was a long one.
As a ducal family, their territory was naturally located near the royal capital, while ours was in a remote corner of the kingdom. We had to set out early in the morning the day before, with plans to arrive in the evening the next day—a long journey indeed.
Honestly, I’d wanted to leave a bit earlier to give us more leeway, but for various reasons, we couldn’t move as quickly as I’d hoped. Still, leaving the day before gave us plenty of time.
… Assuming no unexpected trouble cropped up along the way.
In the end, my worries were unnecessary.
Nothing particularly concerning happened on the road—in fact, Lord Doyle seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his first long journey.
You’d expect someone to be nervous with a big event like a ball on the horizon, but he didn’t show even a hint of tension.
He wasn’t just putting on a brave face, either—he’s probably one of those types who really shines when it counts.
While I was quietly admiring Lord Doyle’s composure, we arrived at our destination: the McCreed estate.
My first impression? “As expected of a ducal residence.”
Above all, its size was jaw-dropping.
I honestly wanted to ask, “What are you planning to do with a place this huge?”
We entered the manor, parked the carriage, and stepped outside.
From there, we were led to the waiting room that had been prepared for us.
It goes without saying, but the place was packed with high-ranking guests.
Even with my title of Holy Knight, I couldn’t recall ever working security for an event of this scale.
That just went to show how serious the McCreed family was about this ball, which doubled as their daughter’s birthday celebration.
—Well, the real reason was probably what Elina and I had guessed: they were scouting for a potential future partner.
They wanted to choose someone worthy of their beloved daughter.
That’s why they’d reached out to so many important figures… no doubt they’d sent invitations to just about every noble they could.
“Th-this is on a whole other level, Senior…”
“Yeah, it is.”
Even someone as experienced as Elina seemed to be feeling the pressure of the atmosphere.
This might be trickier than expected.
As tension filled the air—
“Well, well, if it isn’t a bunch of familiar faces.”
A deliberately loud voice rang out as a man approached us.
What do you think about this chapter?
Thanks for the chapters