Chapter 66. Blessing in Disguise(1)
"We have arrived, Sir Yulian."
As Yulian was gazing out at the scenery from the back seat of the carriage, the coachman's voice brought him back to his surroundings.
What appeared before him was the mansion of the Godricht family, one of the four great families of the Adratan Empire.
The mansion was exceptionally large and grand, with crowds bustling even at the entrance.
Once the carriage door opened, and Yulian descended, a man who seemed to be the butler hurriedly approached from the inside of the mansion.
"S-Sir Yulian! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit! Young Master Alba will be delighted!"
-'You've received an invitation to the birthday party of Alba Godricht, the eldest son of the Godricht family.'
-'Understood. I will go then.'
-'What? Really?'
-'Since it is a fervent request from Commander Ordwin, I shall attend this once.'
With an invitation that arrived through Blind Eyes, I visited the birthday party of Alba Godricht.
The butler of the Godricht family greeted me with a polite demeanor, though his eyes were filled with bewilderment.
'Well, Ordwin seemed taken aback as well.'
Up until now, acting as 'Yulian' of 'Blind Eyes', I had only been involved in purging nobles and subduing demons, never touching any other affairs.
The fact that I was to represent 'Blind Eyes' seemed a bit ridiculous to me. Ordwin had explained it this way:
-'Either way, you are the representative of 'Blind Eyes'. Moreover, inviting you to the party demonstrates quite the daring spirit, wouldn't you say?'
Indeed...
Who would extend an invitation to the 'Smiling Executioner' for a party?
If I didn't attend, it would still showcase a bold move to have sent an invitation to 'Yulian'.
On the off chance that I accepted the invitation, they could boast, 'We are of this caliber.'
-'And, did you know? The eldest son of the Godricht family admires you.'
However, the words Ordwin added afterward were beyond my understanding.
Admire me?
Or rather, 'Yulian'?
It sounded like a demon speaking like a man.
'I simply cannot understand.'
Nonetheless, had they extended kindness towards me, I made up my mind to establish a good relationship this time.
In a situation where various plots were entangled and anything could happen, I had no intention of confronting challenges alone like the 'Yulian' in the game.
Moreover...
'Forming a connection with one of the four great families is not easily attainable...'
Led by the butler, as I headed to the Godricht's banquet hall, my eyes caught sight of a bandage peeking out from under my shirt.
A wound inflicted by Pintel at the 'Twilight Flame'.
The slight pain was bothersome, but compressing it with the bandage seemed to alleviate it a bit.
'It's not noticeable at first glance, but on closer inspection, someone might notice.'
No one would likely think it was an injury sustained while acting as the 'Black Knight'.
"Is something the matter, Sir Yulian?"
Momentarily pausing, I noticed the butler looking at me with a puzzled expression, though I bore the discomfort with a smile, replying casually.
"The artworks displayed here are truly impressive, but there seem to be many forgeries. Huhu."
"Ah, no! How could there be forgeries in our family...."
"Is that so? Let us proceed, then."
Leaving the flustered butler behind, I confidently strode toward the banquet hall.
***
The banquet hall was meticulously arranged, distinctly showcasing that the Godricht family dominated the social scene.
Using a dome-like structure, partially open, they distinguished the interior from the exterior, creating a contrasting effect that left observers in awe.
"Sir, Sir Yulian! I never imagined we'd meet here!"
While I was marveling at the interior, a stiff voice addressed me.
Who are you......, oh! Bald head!
It was Allom Chorny, the vice-principal with whom I became acquainted during my time at the Bayer Academy.
A man whose shiny bald head is profoundly memorable.
"I too didn't expect to meet Sir Allom here."
"Ha, haha...! Our Bayer Academy has long maintained a deep connection with the Godricht family."
A connection with one of the empire's four great families.
It likely implies they are patrons. Although Bayer Academy is a national institution, it doesn't refuse sponsorship.
"As someone who is not easily seen at such gatherings, your presence makes it particularly delightful."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, haha!"
"But... It doesn't seem the same for others?"
Allom's boisterous laughter gradually faded at my words. He also seemed vaguely aware of the surrounding mood.
The cluster of nobles was glancing at me disapprovingly, whispering among themselves.
Among them were nobles glaring as if wishing me dead, likely those with connections to someone 'Yulian' had dealt with.
Their stares could kill.
Fortunately, by now, I had grown accustomed to such sharp glares and no longer felt a significant aversion.
It wasn't the first or second time.
"Ev-everyone seems a bit intimidated by your presence, Sir Yulian. After all, the name of the imperial 'Blind Eyes' is no ordinary one. Haha."
Allom tried to interpret the atmosphere optimistically, although he might have realized it was impossible.
"Oh, Sir Julius! It's a pleasure to see you here!"
Then with an awkward smile, allom quickly shifted his attention and met the greeting of another noble farther away.
I, leaving him behind, headed toward the dome. I had just spotted an unexpected person there.
'...... Eleanor?'
As a bishop of the Dawn Society and a 'Barco-rank' mage who had reached the 5th-rank of shade magic, Eleanor D'Micelle had caught my eye.
However, it wasn't the same appearance she had in the Dawn Society. She had altered her appearance using her signature 'shade magic' to attend the banquet.
Or rather, this was probably the genuine 'Eleanor D'Micelle'.
'Should I acknowledge her?'
... Thinking that, but nothing followed the thought into action.
The footsteps were discreet yet not particularly stealthy.
Had they exuded stealth and killing intent, I might have drawn my sword.
Pretending not to notice, I remained still.
"Isn't it a splendid piece? Sir Yulian? It's a work crafted by Eterona, a disciple of Corsius."
Turning my head slightly, a young man with a somewhat timid and meek demeanor came into view.
"E-Eterona was a disciple of the great painter Corsius, who exceptionally distinguished himself not in painting but in the realms of interior design and architecture. You, you must know him well, right, Sir Yulian?"
Indeed, 'Yulian' might be well-versed.
I, however, am utterly clueless.
But this kid must be the one.
'...... It seems this is Alba Godricht.'
The moment this frail-looking young man approached me, the gazes from around subtly shifted.
Indeed, he was the star of this banquet.
Beside the young man stood a stern-looking man.
"Uh, master Alba."
The butler whispered, and Alba, realizing something, seemed slightly flustered.
"I-I apologize, Sir Yulian. I should have greeted you first, but I was just excited to see you...."
The eldest son of one of the four great families of the Empire lies among the nobility dominating the 'social scene'.
'What a clueless fool he is.'
My first impression of Alba was not very favorable.
He mentioned we had met somewhere before, which was good to know.
This meant forming a connection shouldn't be too difficult. Having some shared experience would help carry the conversation.
'Could there be a connection between this meek young master and Yulian?'
It can't be the social scene. 'Yulian' never showed up there.
Judging by his lack of aura... he hadn't trained in swordsmanship either.
At best, they might have had a passing encounter at the royal palace.
"Yes, it has indeed been some time since our encounter at the royal palace."
"...... Pardon?"
Seeing Alba's puzzled face, I realized I had blundered.
Could it not have been the royal palace?
"You, you mean the last time we met was at the symposium held by the Imperial Arts Association...?"
The Imperial Arts Association?
Hearing that name suddenly reminded me.
It was a place listed in the countless invoices I received under 'Yulian's' name, where they extorted money labeled as 'membership fees.'
"Are you suggesting I might be mistaken?"
"No, not at all. Sir Yulian wouldn't make such an error."
Despite his confusion, Alba waved his hand in denial, but my explanation continued.
"It isn't a mistake. The style of the venue held a resemblance to the 'royal palace.' I recall saying, 'It feels as though I'm in the royal palace.'"
After already initiating familiarity, there was no turning back.
Moments like this made acting as 'Yulian' excruciatingly awkward.
I had to shamelessly cover my face and act high-handedly.
"Did you really say that?"
"It seems you don't remember?"
"... The royal palace's style is indeed a complex blend created by various architects and artists, and...ah!"
Alba seemed to realize something, his eyes widening.
"Among the artists who contributed to the palace's construction, someone must have been responsible for that hall's design! Now I understand what you were conveying."
"Hehe."
Instead of answering, I flashed a brief smile.
Alba's intense gaze of admiration became more pronounced.
'...... Could it be the atmosphere fostering it?'
Even when uttering absurd statements, they interpreted for me.
Alba, recalling the events of that time, began speaking hesitantly.
"Nevertheless, it is remarkable. I could never have imagined any stylistic connection to the royal palace..."
"Good day, Young Master Alba!"
As Alba continued speaking, a hearty voice interjected.
"... Sir Gerard."
"It is an honor to be remembered by you. Haha!"
Clean appearance and courteous demeanor.
The air differed starkly from the thug-like atmosphere the night I talked to Pintel.
'The fellow was here as well.'
In the midst of my musings, Gerard briskly approached.
"I owe much to Lord Binran, the head of the Godricht family. Oh, Sir Yulian, you are here too. Hmm?"
Despite having approached with full knowledge, the fellow jested.
Turning with a curious expression, Gerard pointed to my side.
A place where the bandage had caused my shirt to slightly puff. Pointing at it with his finger, Gerard smirked.
"Seems like you bandaged up. Was it an injury from 'Blind Eyes' duty?"
"Yes, fools who besmirch the royal name aren't often those who can be reasoned with."
"Is that true? A-Are you alright, Sir Yulian?"
Listening to the exchange, Alba looked at my side, his face full of concern.
"Yes, it's nothing serious."
"That's good to hear. Still, if any movement causes difficulty, we can..."
"Young Master Alba."
It was the butler standing next to him who interrupted Alba's words.
"Conversations like these are delightful, but as the host of the banquet, wouldn't it be good to speak with other guests too?"
"Oh? But there's still..."
"I believe Lord Binran would want that as well."
Upon hearing reference to the family head, Alba lowered his head, looking somewhat subdued.
"I-I see. I'll be back later then, Sir Yulian, Sir Gerard too."
With a slight nod, Alba followed the butler toward the interior of the banquet hall.
His initial timid demeanor wasn't just an illusion.
"A son who lacks confidence like that as the eldest; no wonder the Godricht family is ruled by concubines vying for attention."
Watching Alba's retreating figure, Gerard muttered under his breath.
The sight of him jovially laughing in front but gossiping behind the scene was awfully ridiculous.
"To think that someone proficient enough to wound someone of Sir Yulian's caliber, it must have been quite the formidable opponent."
I did not bother responding to that statement.
It was wearying to address each and every comment, and getting tangled with this guy was bothersome.
Just as I was about to leave without giving any attention.
"Could it be... was it Pintel?"
Stopping in my tracks, I slowly turned my head toward Gerard.
Indeed, the injury was from Pintel.
But when I sustained this wound, it was during my time acting as the 'Black Knight'.
While the situation is enough to cause some internal panic, I had already received confirmation from Tenelon that the Dawn Society was unaware of this fact.
'...... Seems like you're not entirely certain either.'
Luckily, Gerard didn't seem fully assured. But still, bringing it up was probably his attempt to probe my reaction.
"If, hypothetically, that was true, what would you do?"