Another update! What do you think actually happened to Auguste? Also, good job for those of you who caught the hint in the last chapter!
TL: clover
ED: clover
The banquet was done in a hall called Lion.
The royal castle itself was vast, and the hall was at least as big as a gymnasium.
On the pillars and walls of the hall, there were many lion sculptures as its name suggested.
Although I thought it was strange since it was a country of dragons, it seemed that lion was also an auspicious beast of Ignitia.
Between the lion decorations, a lot of big tables were put in, and the party was ready.
The lighting was a huge chandelier with dozens of candles.
Perhaps they were beeswax candles, the entire room smelled a bit sweet.
Under the orange flickering light, nobles invited from all over this continent were arrayed.
The royal aristocrats of Ignitia had put a small dragon on their shoulder or on their feet.
It was a living accessory but also serving as a security guard.
The nobility of Lucanrant had a sheathed large sword for ceremony on their waist, and the aristocracy from Harvan wore robes and held a staff.
As expected the appearances seemed to be quite different depending on the place of birth.
By the way, nobility of Aurelia was modestly carrying several wands, which was quite plain.
……I removed a lot of accessories that was attached on my body in large quantity that was for showing off.
Somehow, the vacant seats for Harvan nobility stood out.
Aristocratic women were still there, but I couldn’t see the appearance of most aristocratic men.
I wondered what happened?
I pulled my father’s sleeve and asked.
“Did Otou-sama know what happened to the Harvan people?”
“Oh, it seems there were grave robberies in several places at the same time. It seems that every excellent mage is on hand for the investigation and post-treatment.”
“……Grave robbery, huh?”
“Don’t worry, Erica. Harvan’s aristocracy are experts in this kind of thing. They will solve it soon.”
“Yes……”
My father gently stroked my head.
Certainly, Harvan’s people were experts on such things like evil spirits, so that gave me more peace of mind rather than entrusting that task to somebody else.
But, recently there were too many grave robbery cases.
Even in my ears who were ignorant of the situation, now and then the stories of the grave robbery case jumped in.
“This time, is it the cemetery tomb of Cascadia?”
“I don’t know about that……Erica, you had better not to say that word on the party’s seat.”
“Ah, yes. I apologize, Otou-sama.”
I quickly held my tongue.
I carelessly chatted with the conviction of people of Aurelia.
However, from people in other countries, the story related to Cascadia was a rather delicate topic.
People of other former kingdoms – especially Harvan and Lucanrant people – seriously didn’t like Cascadia almost to the point of vampire phobia.
Even now they had been subjected to thorough anti-vampire training up to the low level worker.
It was not unreasonable.
When Cascadia existed on this continent, Harvan and Lucanrant had been forced into slavery for a long tie.
The slavery status continued until Ignitia came and the three countries combined forces and exterminated Cascadia.
The current Union Kingdom had a strong aspect as ‘an alliance to oppose Gigantia that oppresses slave ranks, uses giants and dishonors the dignity of human beings,’ but the purpose of the alliance formation at that time was different.
It was ‘an alliance to annihilate Cascadia and vampires that oppress slave ranks, play games with life and dishonor the dignity of human beings.’
About this point, Aurelia, the Visitor’s Clan who came after Cascadia ceased to exist, seemed to be an outsider.
Assuming that it was related to Cascadia, even if there was no particular trouble, the Duke would be investigating it straight away.
Klaus and the Duke of Harvan wouldn’t be able to come to the banquet until the tomb cases were resolved.
I could see the figure of the Duchess of Harvan at a distance, but the walls of people were thick and I couldn’t see the figure of Ann.
Whatever.
I’d be happy if I could meet Ann if possible, but I would be in trouble if I met Klaus and he applied for a duel.
I wondered what that was, that letter of challenge……
I wondered if Klaus kept track of his strength properly.
Even if I or someone else competed with him, I could only see the future where I lost in the blink of an eye.
“Do you feel lonely when you think that you cannot meet Klaus?”
“Eh? There is no such a thing……ah, it’s alright. I will greet the Duchess and Ann-sama later.”
“……I see. Hm. I seem to have gotten ahead of myself. Forget it.”
Why did only the name of Klaus come out just now?
Somehow, Otou-sama had a dejected facial expression for some reason.
Perhaps, because we seemed to be on good terms, he was thinking of engagement or something.
But, for Klaus, I was a rival.
I wanted to be at least an ordinary friend with Klaus.
While thinking about that, the court musicians’ orchestra began playing music.
Matching the timing, maids and cooks came bringing a silver dish on which the dish was served.
Looking at the dishes with variety of sweets, the children of aristocratic from each country gave a childish cheer.
“It has started, huh.”
“Ah, no, Erica, the banquet for the Advent Festival is not a formal thing. Drink as you like and enjoy eating as you like. You can enjoy a conversation, you can sing, you can dance. The custom to welcome guests who came to the festival was a bit elegant.”
“Is that so?”
“It will be just right for practice before entering society. You should get used to it gradually while enjoying yourself without putting burden on your shoulders.”
“Yes, Otou-sama.”
While answering, I was already mindful about it.
A confectionery craftsman carried pure white sugar confectionery on a big silver dish which might be one meter in diameter.
It was in the form of the Island of Messenger.
It was such a waste to eat.
Someone suddenly tapped my leg lightly.
Tirnanog, hiding under the table cloth, looked at the castle of sugar candy with his face peeping through the gap.
『Erica, what is that? Even though it’s a building, it has a delicious smell?』
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