𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲
“A party? Us?”
ㅤ
“Yes, from the Aubrey Count.”
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Alfred began to speak while stroking his beard.
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“As you know, Iam is always tense because it borders the demon realm. However, at the same time, trade with the demons is also active.”
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Luke had heard that story too.
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Iam is a place where trade with the demon realm is particularly active in the Arrogas Kingdom, which borders the demon realm.
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The high-quality magic stones mined in the demon realm are an important resource for the Arrogas Kingdom, and it is said that 10% of the magic stones used in the kingdom are traded here in Iam.
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“That’s the same for the nobility. And tomorrow, a party will be held at the Azure Palace, inviting the nobles of the demon realm.”
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Alfred continued the story.
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“From today, the next three days will be a holiday in this area. And every year at this time, it is customary to have a party with the nobles of Iam and the demon realm. Usually, a member of the royal family would attend. . .”
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“I see, so that’s why we’re here.”
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Alfred nodded.
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“I’m sorry for the sudden request, but could you consider it?”
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“I don’t mind.”
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Luke shrugged his shoulders.
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“I’m the one who’s being taken care of, so that’s a small task. I’ll ask Alma later.”
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“Thank you very much. I feel relieved to hear you say that.”
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Alfred bowed and left.
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“I expected it, but there really is such a thing. Is this also a duty as a noble. . .”
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Luke lay down on the sandy beach with a sigh.
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He had imagined that there would be official occasions as a noble when Flora made a proposal.
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Iam, a major trading post with the demon realm, is an existence that cannot be ignored by the Arrogas royal family.
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Probably, the reason why the royal family comes to Iam every year at this time is largely to participate in this party.
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“Even during a vacation, there’s work like this, so being a royal isn’t easy.”
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“What’s wrong? You’re sighing.”
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Then Alma came back.
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Her satisfied eyes were sparkling, and her wet black hair was giving off a different luster than usual.
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A drop of water flowed into her deeply cut chest.
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Luke, who was involuntarily fascinated by her appearance, coughed and opened his mouth to explain what Alfred had asked him earlier.
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“Ah. . . well, tomorrow night. . .”
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◆
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The great hall of the Azure Palace was filled with people’s chatter.
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Nobles dressed in splendor gathered here and there, blooming in laughter and conversation.
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As expected in the southern country, the clothes they wore were all open and cool.
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Suddenly, the conversation of the nobles stopped.
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Everyone’s gaze was focused on one point.
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What was there. . . were Luke and Alma, who had stepped into the great hall with their arms crossed.
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“I wonder, am I okay. . . I’m not standing out, am I?”
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“You’re fine. It suits you well.”
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Alma was adorned with a large flower dyed in vivid blue dress, silver accessories, and pure white sandals.
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Her jet-black hair was tied up high and tied with silver lace.
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Luke was wearing a pure white suit made of woven hemp.
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All of them were tailored by Alfred, and they fit the two perfectly without even measuring.
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“I wonder when he prepared such a dress. I just heard about the party yesterday.”
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“He’s really a royal butler.”
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The whispers of the people followed the two who entered the great hall.
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“Hey, who’s that amazing beauty?”
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“That’s Alma Rampart, the only daughter of Rampart Margrave. She’s said to be on vacation in Iam.”
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“You can see she’s here. But what a beauty. I thought this year’s festival would be boring because Flora-sama couldn’t come, but this is great, I’m glad I came.”
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“That’s Alma-sama. . . She rarely appears in such places. I wonder if I can get closer to her on this occasion.”
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“It’s impossible for a lower-class noble like you. Alma-sama is said to be on good terms with Flora-sama. Even now, she’s said to be staying here at the Azure Palace.”
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“Ugh. . . I’m embarrassed. . .”
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Alma, who was attracting the eyes of curiosity and admiration from the party, trembled slightly as if shrinking.
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“I knew it, a rough person like me is not suitable for such a place. . .”
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“That’s not true. That dress suits Alma very well. I don’t want to show it to anyone.”
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Alma’s earlobes turned bright red at Luke’s whisper in her ear.
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“Don’t tease me!”
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The gaze of the party was not only on Alma but also on Luke.
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“That’s the Narejji Count. . . He’s still young. Isn’t my son much older?”
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“Apparently, he ousted his uncle and took the seat of Count.”
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“And he seems to have a strong connection with the royal family. Despite appearances, he’s quite a go-getter. We might be better off having a connection with him.”
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“That’s quite a rumor.”
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Luke let out a bitter smile at the nobles’ murmurs.
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“Luke didn’t oust him, that’s a terrible misunderstanding!”
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“Well, if you look at the facts, there are parts that can be taken that way.”
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Luke shrugged his shoulders at Alma, who bit her lips as if outraged by the nobles’ murmurs.
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“Now, we’re here as proxies for Flora-sama. Let’s fulfill our duties properly.”
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The two stepped into the circle of people with their arms crossed.
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