Chapter 38
“Oh? You know who I am?”
Duke Caesars, whose striking looks brought the phrase handsome middle-aged man to mind, looked surprised.
In a sense, Jade had only just made his debut in high society.
Even so, Caesars was quite surprised that Jade knew him.
“As a citizen of the kingdom, how could I not know you, Duke Caesars?”
“I understand you have not spent much time in the palace, but it seems you studied quite diligently.”
“I have much to learn, as I acquired most of my knowledge through intensive study.”
“You certainly don't look it.”
Duke Caesars smiled pleasantly.
Though Jade answered humbly, it was evident in his eyes.
The confidence of a high-ranking spirit mage was evident in his eyes, permeating his entire body.
But that did not bother him.
‘If a spirit mage capable of freely commanding high-level spirits also possesses swordsmanship at the peak of the Expert level, it would be stranger if he didn't act this way.’
He was not merely someone whose abilities were a matter of speculation; he had personally demonstrated them on the battlefield.
That was why the duke had come to Jade himself.
Jade was someone worthy of being treated like a Master wherever he went, and even in the Empire, he was certain to receive at least a count's title.
‘And I can assess my opponent while I'm at it.’
Though his lips wore a faint smile, his eyes were different.
He observed Jade's every move with utmost composure and coldness.
He had already had Jade investigated through his subordinates, but that was merely for reference.
In the end, nothing could compare to seeing him for himself.
‘Investigating him is one thing, but simply approaching Jade like this can put pressure on the Crown Prince as well.’
He was the kingdom's sole duke, as well as the leader of the aristocratic faction.
Simply speaking to Jade like this would put considerable pressure on the Crown Prince.
Haines might have become a marquis, but he was now a setting sun.
Knowing Haines had little time left and was clinging to Jade for that very reason, Duke Caesars smiled faintly.
‘The easiest way to weaken the Crown Prince's faction is to poach its talent.’
Lloyd had changed because of the Second Prince's rebellion.
Duke Caesars knew that better than anyone.
That was why he wanted to bring Jade over.
Recruiting Jade was the way to keep Lloyd firmly in check while strengthening his own faction.
“Thank you for thinking so highly of me.”
“I hear you have been refusing invitations from the nobles.”
“I still have much to learn. There is much I don't know, so I have been declining them.”
“Everyone knows that. Even so, they send invitations because they want to meet the marquis.”
“Once I have adjusted a little more, I intend to accept them.”
At Jade's gentle but firm refusal, Duke Caesars looked amused.
It had only been a few words, but they were more than enough to assess Jade.
Besides, it was even more amusing because the Crown Prince and Princess were reacting right before his eyes.
“Then what about me?”
“You mean your ducal family?”
“As it happens, my eldest daughter's birthday is next month. I would like the marquis to come and honor the occasion with his presence.”
“There is still some time, so I will think about it.”
Jade responded tactfully to the probing remark.
The duke's smile deepened.
“I'll look forward to it. Then we can have a deeper conversation.”
“I look forward to seeing you again.”
Perhaps sensing the unusual current in the air, those aligned with the Crown Prince, who had been receiving congratulations from many people, began gathering around Jade one by one.
Though he was young, Jade was the second pillar of the Crown Prince's faction.
Seeing Duke Caesars approach him so openly, they had sensed something strange and gathered around.
“I hope to see you in my territory next time.”
Duke Caesars knew that as well, so he backed off with a sly smile.
There was no need to bare his claws today.
In the first place, he had only intended to exchange greetings.
“Marquis Jade!”
No sooner had Duke Caesars withdrawn than Raynie hurried over.
Her eyes were filled with anxiety.
She was anxious because she knew all too well why Duke Caesars had sought Jade out.
“Princess Raynie.”
“A-are you all right?”
“Yes. We only had a brief conversation.”
“Oh.”
Raynie's face flushed.
She had only belatedly realized that she had rushed over without thinking, driven by her anxiety.
Embarrassed, she could not raise her head.
“What do you think of Duke Caesars now that you've met him in person?”
Seeing this, Lloyd smiled inwardly and spoke at just the right moment.
Unlike during the title conferment ceremony, he had returned to his usual self.
“He seems exactly like the person I heard he was.”
“To be honest, the thought of facing him from now on is daunting. I've only just entered politics, while Duke Caesars has stood at the very top for decades.”
“You will do well, Your Highness.”
“I intend to work hard, so I hope you'll help me a great deal too, Marquis.”
Lloyd said this with a meaningful smile.
He was obliquely expressing his wish that Jade would remain by his side in the future.
“As Your Highness knows, I am not someone with any particular desires.”
“I know. My sister seems quite worried, but I'm a little different. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not anxious.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“I certainly hope so. I want to remain alongside you for a long, long time, Marquis. Ah, but that does not mean I intend to restrict the scope of your activities. I have neither the right nor the desire to do that. Personally, I don't think it would be a bad thing for you to attend a party hosted by the duke.”
Raynie and Steven, who had been listening silently, looked at him as if asking what he meant.
It was strange that he would encourage it when he ought to have been trying to stop it.
“Just as Duke Caesars is trying to win you over, there will certainly be people from that faction who approach you as well. They may be united under the name of the aristocratic faction, but they are merely allied according to their respective interests. Every faction has its cracks.”
Lloyd smiled slyly.
Despite having come close to death, Jade could not hide his bitter feelings at seeing a smile so unbecoming of a fifteen-year-old.
It was nice to see him grow, but this aspect of him was somewhat uncomfortable.
“Honestly! What are you doing, smiling like that? A Crown Prince ought to have some dignity!”
“What's wrong with it? It's only us here. Isn't that right, Marquis Haines?”
“……I believe there is no harm in exercising caution, Your Highness.”
Though Haines now undeniably held the status of a high-ranking noble, he remained unchanged.
He answered stiffly, as though determined to remain faithful to his duty as a guard knight.
“You know we'll be incredibly busy once today is over. So let's enjoy some free time today, at least. You too, Sister.”
“What is there for me to enjoy? I just have to sit here.”
“Quite a few men are looking at you, though.”
“Hmph.”
Raynie gave an imperious snort.
Most were either nobles who could hardly be considered influential or sons of noble families.
It was obvious to anyone that they were hoping to reverse their fortunes, so Raynie did not even give them a glance.
“Your Highness is not exactly having it easy, either.”
“I can't help it. I suppose I have to meet as many people as possible and dance with them. That's why I made sure to eat a hearty lunch before coming, too, Baron Steven.”
“What foresight!”
“Foresight? Nothing of the sort. I just prepared in advance. But quite a few eyes are on you too, Baron Steven.”
Lloyd wore a pleased expression.
Steven had once been hailed as a genius and a promising talent.
Though he had failed to live up to the expectations around him, he still possessed exceptional magical ability.
Moreover, there was no question about his loyalty, so Lloyd gave a playful smile and glanced around.
Most of the women's eyes were on him and Jade, but every now and then, a young lady from a noble family could be seen watching Steven.
The interest from noble families belonging to the neutral faction was particularly strong.
They knew all too well that the Crown Prince's faction was gaining formidable momentum.
With two Master-level powerhouses and the War Elf race supporting them, their numbers might fall short of the aristocratic faction's, but their overall strength was, if anything, the opposite.
“I don't intend to marry; I plan to remain by Your Highness's side until the very end……”
“I don't expect you to go that far, so marry if you meet someone good.”
“I was only worried I might cause trouble for the two of you.”
“Steven will know what to do. I trust him.”
“Wow, Your Highness.”
Steven wore a moved expression.
He truly hadn't expected Lloyd to say so much.
“I feel the same way.”
“I wish Marquis Haines could have an heir as well…….”
“I'm afraid that will be difficult.”
“That is a shame.”
Lloyd wore a genuinely regretful expression.
It wasn't only Haines's age; Lloyd also knew that it would be difficult because of the severe injuries Haines had suffered during the civil war.
“You needn't worry about my swordsmanship. It won't die out with me.”
“That is not the only reason.”
“We won't need to worry for another ten years.”
“Phew.”
Both Lloyd and Raynie let out quiet sighs.
Ten years could be a long time or a short one.
“Um, Your Highness. There is a small problem.”
“What problem?”
Just then, Steven approached Lloyd and whispered in his ear.
He did so while sneaking a glance at Jade.
“Marquis Jade hasn't learned how to dance.”
“Huh?”
Lloyd wore the exact same expression Steven had a moment ago.
As if he had never imagined that such an unforeseen problem might arise.
“I can hear you, Baron Steven.”
“Ahahaha.”
Steven laughed awkwardly.
But even that reaction was expected.
He had once been called a genius and knew Jade's abilities well; there was no way he could have failed to anticipate this situation.
“Don't worry. Just follow me.”
“Pardon?”
“Dancing isn't difficult. You have a good sense for it, Marquis, so after a few dances, you'll pick it up in no time. Compared to swordsmanship, dancing is nothing. And the most important thing is the feel. In the end, dancing is just a set of movements and moods synchronized with the music.”
“Uh……”
Jade was momentarily dumbfounded by the long speech delivered so naturally.
He was flustered by the unexpected, aggressive barrage.
“You don't need to worry about Whid. The three of us can dance together.”
Kyuuh?
Whid, who had been sitting quietly in Jade's arms, blinked.
She seemed to be wondering what this was about.
Though young, Whid had seen enough by now, and when she heard that the three of them could dance together, she tilted her head in confusion.
“Whid can just cling to my back like this.”
Kyuung!
Raynie moved to demonstrate for Whid, who was cutely tilting her head from side to side.
She took hold of Whid and guided her into position.
Whid then looked satisfied.
Being held in Jade's arms was nice, but clinging to Raynie's back was more fun than she had expected.
“There, see? Now, shall we go?”
Her unexpected forcefulness left Jade flustered, and she pulled him away by the hand.
Lloyd and Steven snickered as they watched.
“You two make a good match.”
“Indeed. Now that Marquis Jade has shaved as well, the two of them really do look like a handsome man and a beautiful woman.”
Count Aus and his companions spoke up as they watched Jade quickly shed his initial awkwardness and adapt to dancing.
Loyalty was one thing, but flattering remarks like these were sometimes necessary as well.
“I hope this works out.”
“It will. I will support them behind the scenes.”
“I'll take your word for it.”
“Ahem! I will help out as well.”
As Lloyd and Steven exchanged covert glances, Haines quietly threw in his support.
He, too, was rooting for the two people before him.