Chapter 128

The journey continued leisurely.

In the warm forest with elves for two days.

Three days at a scenic winter seaside.

Another three days touring famous eateries near the capital.

Two relaxing days sightseeing in the capital.

Before we knew it, the 29th day of winter had arrived, and tomorrow was the day of the grand banquet.

As invited guests holding the princess’s invitation, we had no worries about lodging upon arriving at the capital. This allowed us to fully enjoy the unique blend of medieval and magical culture without restraint.

This family trip had truly been an excellent choice.

“Since I won’t be around tomorrow, can you all manage for a day?”

“Of course. We can just stay at the inn if needed.”

Evangelin replied while adjusting her necklace, her words always carrying a sense of trust. Perhaps it came from the calmness and serenity she exuded.

The once expressionless face that spoke sparingly now bloomed with cheerful smiles. Her small gestures had grown into blush-inducing shyness.

“This trip is fun.”

Jack was already asleep in the room, but Yul – despite being part demon – showed remarkable stamina for a child. The image of him running tirelessly through forests and beaches came to mind.

“Should we go again next time?”

“Really? Where will we go?”

“Hmm… Maybe we’ll visit cities next time. This trip was about nature.”

“Anywhere is fine.”

Anne’s soft voice carried an enchanting subtlety as she spoke, emphasizing the word “fine” with a gentle breath. Whether intentional or not, this instinctive charm was one of Anne’s talents – along with sewing.

Though piles of work awaited us back home, thinking about them during travel would be rude. The essence of vacation lies in full immersion in enjoyment and rest.

Thus, skills like combat, farming, mining, and magic were completely out of mind. Matters related to system-based growth, crafting, and construction were similarly forgotten.

The only work done was some tinkering with carriages, trying to create an automated version that didn’t require horses. It took until our arrival at the capital to partially achieve this, though looking back, high-level magic proved surprisingly versatile.

“If anything happens, let me know.”

“Okay.”

“Shall we call it a night?”

“Sure.”

As the 29th night fell, perhaps the final night of our journey drew to a close.

* * *

“It’s been a while.”

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Please maintain proper etiquette.”

The princess smiled as she placed a refreshing beverage before the Petri Marquess. Theirs was an old connection.

From the Petri family’s origins as wealthy merchants profiting immensely from war trading between nations…

To using that wealth to dramatically accelerate national development…

Their collaboration had always been fruitful, built on mutual respect and understanding.

“Familiar drink, isn’t it?”

“Has news reached your side?”

“You mean cocktails? We’ve established trade relations.”

“Indeed. Your information network remains unparalleled.”

“Do you know? The quality of their equipment is quite impressive.”

“Equipment? That good?”

“Especially armor – it perfectly represents our house.”

“Is that so? Are these works of Baron Meolone?”

“Likely so.”

“His capabilities seem greater than expected.”

With that, the princess raised her glass. The clinking of crystal marked their pleasant meeting.

“Non-alcoholic version?”

“How about this instead? Much better than regular cocktails, don’t you think?”

“A stronger version might also sell well.”

“Will commoners drinking themselves drunk appreciate such subtlety?”

“Isn’t chasing trends and money more important?”

“Then we’ll leave it to you again.”

“Thank you.”

A brief silence followed before the Petri Marquess broached the hottest topic of the moment: Marco’s ascension to marquis.

“There are rumors Marco is becoming a marquis.”

“Considering his achievements, he deserves it.”

“Was the merchandise from the ruins really that valuable?”

“That valuable. If you’re curious, why not deal with Marco directly?”

“Don’t you remember how strained our relationship is?”

“I thought you’d consider it worthwhile. That’s the value of the ruin merchandise.”

The princess cut off further inquiry firmly, clearly indicating direct investigation was required. The Petri Marquess chuckled wryly, suppressing his curiosity. Dealing with Marco personally would be unpleasant from the start.

Moreover, attempting to profit from ruin merchandise as a mere merchant seemed beneath him. While fundamentally a merchant, the Petri family maintained noble dignity. There was no need to trade with someone so lacking in noble decorum.

What mattered more was establishing trade relations with Baron Meolone and fully assessing his abilities. He valued these pursuits more highly.

Still, seeing Marco peddling goods was amusing. Who knew what treasures remained hidden?

“Perhaps I’ll focus more on Baron Meolone.”

“You have interest there?”

“Didn’t the royal family do something similar by granting nobility based on fruit production?”

“We thought that was all there was.”

“So did I.”

“Turns out, when left alone, he produces excellent results without interference. A light nudge when progress stalls seems sufficient.”

“We lack such patience.”

“Handle it as you see fit. I trust you’ll do well.”

“As you wish.”

“Then I shall take my leave.”

The Petri Marquess bowed respectfully before withdrawing. Releasing a deep breath outside the room, he reflected on how meetings with royalty always demanded constant tension.

Such interactions reminded him again how unsuitable Marco was for noble company.

Moving toward the banquet hall early, he noticed several nobles conversing. Finding their gathering distasteful, he deliberately positioned himself in a secluded corner to avoid attention.

Despite his efforts, certain disagreeable nobles sought him out anyway.

“It’s been a while.”

“Multein.”

“You look well, Petri. Living comfortably?”

“Hmph. Is living any different?”

“Better than pretending to be highborn.”

“Better than tormenting others ignobly, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Would you call it maintaining noble values? Elevating market vendors to nobility? Tsk tsk.”

“Funny. It was a royal decision.”

“True chefs don’t eat their own cooking, right? Isn’t it for connoisseurs to judge?”

The smooth words dripping with honey grated against Petri’s nerves. Multein’s skill in balancing authority and rudeness without stumbling revealed genuine talent, though earned through title-grabbing tactics.

“Isn’t providing interesting spectacles one of a noble’s virtues?”

“Making others’ struggles entertainment lacks nobility.”

“Nonsense. Judging qualifications is the true role of nobility.”

Their differing philosophies explained Petri’s distaste for Multein. Still, he saw no reason to confront him directly given the extensive network Multein had cultivated throughout the nobility.

Whether viewed as a malicious web or proof of noble solidarity depended on perspective. As a skilled individual, Multein deserved recognition despite his objectionable character. Conversation remained unappealing regardless.

“Even farmers become nobles these days.”

“Referring to Baron Meolone?”

“Who else?”

“That man has proven his worth. The fruits on your table come from his produce.”

“Not so fast.”

Wagging a finger dismissively, Multein sneered.

“When did we start granting titles to food producers just because they supplied decent crops?”

“We recognize value.”

“Are there chef nobles? Maid nobles? Blacksmith nobles? Hmph hah hah! Princess made a mistake here. If the goal was to establish ability-based ennoblement…”

“Hmm.”

Who was right remained unclear. Everyone had their own standards. Petri firmly believed his perspective aligned more closely with truth. Especially knowing who created the popular cocktails filling tonight’s banquet…

“Still as dull as ever. Don’t bother me anymore.”

“Will try.”

With that, Petri watched Multein turn away with a sigh. Approaching only to irritate then leaving after venting frustration was hardly proper noble conduct.

Picking up some hors d’oeuvres helped soothe his sour mood. How could those who failed to appreciate the subtle joys of fine cuisine discuss such matters?

Commotion arose nearby. Multein seemed to be plotting something with a group including the newly-minted Number Baron and Weaponry Baron.

‘Hmm, already recruited?’

Should he be relieved Baron Meolone remained independent?

Or lament that he became a target?

Regardless of formalities, the initiation ceremony felt burdensome since he never viewed it as honorable.

‘Aha.’

Baron Meolone entered the hall. Normally he should attract no special attention, yet his handsome appearance drew many gazes. The glares from unmarried noblewomen were particularly sharp.

Though married, would he maintain fidelity after becoming nobility?

An interesting point to observe tonight.

And surely, ‘that’ operation would begin before the princess arrived.

Announcing new titles officially provided opportunity to undermine spirits.

Yes.

Simple humiliation.

Not evaluating qualifications but causing embarrassment disguised as judgment.

Multein’s cunning deserved acknowledgment – like a drowning man keeping his head above water.

Thus, Petri chose to quietly observe from the shadows.

Watching how Minho, recognized as talent, handled the situation.

Ready to help if necessary.

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