episode_0016

The Earl of Somerset’s mansion was very large. It was one of the largest in the Goldpool Valley region where the territory was located, as well as in the southern region.

Rupert complained that it was unnecessarily large (more precisely, that it cost a lot of money to maintain).

Such a large mansion was usually quiet with only family and residents, but today it was crowded.

This is because the news that the Earl of Somerset, which fell rapidly after the Elven Mountain Special Fertilizer Incident, would be holding a banquet for the first time in a long time attracted guests from far and wide, as well as surrounding lords.

Some of them had recently become a hot topic in social circles by making and selling children’s books, and there were also people who came to see Somerset’s second son, who was said to have even received a plaque of appreciation from the imperial family.

On the other hand, the surrounding nobles were concerned that their interests would be taken away if Somerset revived, so some came to spy on them.

“Welcome. Thank you for coming all the way.”

A blond-haired, bespectacled young man who personally greets guests at the entrance of the family’s banquet hall. It was clearly Rupert Somerset, the second son of the Somerset family.

Usually, in these cases, the head of the family takes the initiative, but his son is acting on his behalf.

‘Was the rumor true?’

A nobleman who received Rupert’s hospitality thought to himself.

There is a recent rumor that Earl Bradley, the head of Somerset and the owner of the estate, lost his real power to his son and became a scarecrow.

At first I thought it was just a rumor, but when I came here today and saw it in person, it seemed like it was true.

Originally, welcoming guests was the job of the head of the family. However, the head of the family, Earl Bradley, was alone far away from the entrance.

“It’s scary. No matter how much power he covets, I never thought he would try to overthrow his father and take over the family.”

Although the world of nobles was extremely cold, at least it was not common for a blood relative to be surpassed, especially a direct father.

The nobleman deeply engraved Rupert’s cold appearance in his mind.

I had a preconceived notion that because children’s books were made for children, they would be docile.

‘The rumor was so widespread that if I hadn’t seen it in person, I would have been very mistaken.’

***

“No, father! What decorations have you put here again?”

“Nobles are visiting our mansion, so you’re telling us to show them the same beggars?”

“I heard the price for that from the merchant! They say it’s not much different from a 50 silver statue, but why did you choose it as an expensive decoration?”

“Ah! That guy’s mouth is so cheap.”

I’m really going crazy. I worked hard to save every penny, but my father decorated the banquet hall with expensive items so as not to be looked down on by the attending nobles.

‘It’s not that I don’t understand, but… .’

I also understand my father’s position. Since this is a banquet being held again after several years, I want to show that the family has not fallen.

However, it was somewhat disgusting to see him leisurely wandering around the banquet hall and chatting with other nobles while leaving me to treat the guests.

‘Isn’t this what the head of the family does?’

He must have been upset because he was deprived of control of his fief’s finances last time.

I was exhausted from hastily memorizing the list of attending nobles so that I could have a brief conversation while greeting the invited guests at the entrance to the banquet hall.

Since I already had no talent for dealing with people, it was difficult to have a pretentious conversation with nobles I didn’t know.

‘But surprisingly, he doesn’t talk to me much, does he?’

Both my father and the owner of the store warned me to be careful because there would be a lot of people talking about children’s books and making tricks.

But instead of everyone approaching me. Rather, nothing special happened to the point where I felt slightly distant.

“Hello. Sir Rupert”

While I was greeting the guests, I turned my head when I heard a familiar voice coming from somewhere.

Blue hair and light blue eyes. There she stood with a strong impression that was hard to forget even after seeing her once.

“Hello, Princess.”

Unlike when I saw her before, I unconsciously stared at Amelia, who was fully dressed up in a light purple dress, probably because she was attending a banquet.

It was rude to keep looking at the face of a noble lady, so I came to my senses and greeted her calmly.

She was definitely very beautiful in terms of appearance alone. Rupert, I apologize for calling you a brat. There is enough probability to pursue it.

“No. I apologize for being rude and rude.”

It’s rude. I hadn’t even thought about sending an invitation, but I was embarrassed when the Bluewell Duke family suddenly asked me to attend.

Originally, I didn’t want to get involved with Amelia, the female protagonist of the original work.

but

“Not at all. I really wanted to meet you again. I really mean it.”

I only realized this after becoming involved with the imperial family. The Duke of Bluewell is truly an angel among angels.

‘The amount sent as a real reward was no joke. ‘I could barely resist the urge to sell books every time.’

Unlike the imperial family, which paid off with just a thank-you note, the ducal family, which paid generous compensation, is truly like a high mountain peak.

Unlike before, a smile naturally appeared on my face and a bright tone of voice flowed out.

“… I see.”

oh. Was it too much action? There’s something strange about Amelia Bluewell’s expression.

I guess I acted too burdensome because my cheeks and ears were slightly reddish.

‘You should be careful, I treated you too informally.’

The expression on the middle-aged man’s face behind Amelia was unusual, as if he already didn’t like my behavior.

“Are you Somerset’s second son?”

“Yes, it is. Thank you for coming. Duke Bluewell.”

“Hmph… Isn’t that right, I would personally go to the outskirts like this… evil! Amelia!”

Duke Bluewell, who had been speaking with a dissatisfied expression, suddenly let out a childish scream and looked towards his daughter.

Then the Duke cleared his throat a few times and hurriedly entered the banquet hall with Amelia.

He was such a grateful person that I wanted to at least say thank you.

***

Amelia was angry because her father intervened before she could even feel the afterglow of reuniting with that man.

‘I really wanted to meet you again.’

When I remembered the voice saying that he truly wanted to see me again, I felt like my face would explode again.

Where has the calmness of their first meeting gone? The excited voice and bright expression.

It was a time to confirm that he must have felt the same way as me, but my father ruined it all.

“Amelia, no matter what, what are you going to do when you criticize your father in front of people?”

“Be quiet. Even though I really asked for it.”

After hearing my words, my father kept his mouth shut, as if he couldn’t even make an excuse.

Originally, I wanted to come alone, but my father strongly opposed me, saying that was absolutely not possible, so I came together.

‘I won’t let that damn bastard do anything again!’

I think I’ll cause an accident if I follow you. I had warned my father not to come forward before and during his arrival, but in the end he did it again, so I had no choice but to use pinching his side to stop him.

I could see his expression of disappointment, but there was nothing I could do about it. Because I didn’t want to be interrupted talking to him today.

The Earl of Somerset’s banquet was better prepared than expected.

From what I found out, I heard that they haven’t held a banquet in recent years, so I was worried.

Perhaps with some help, he was able to properly understand the recent banquet trends and, having participated in numerous banquets in the capital city, he seemed to be at a decent level.

Even though my father was grumbling, he was watching with interest the clown stunts of a troupe that is popular these days.

Unlike a social church where a band is invited to dance, at a banquet, invited nobles sit at designated tables, and the main character who hosted the banquet moves around the tables.

I had no choice but to wait for the man’s turn to come to the table.

And finally.

“Are you enjoying the banquet?”

“Yes. I’m really enjoying it.”

-I just kept looking at something happily… .

I kicked my father’s shin when I heard him grumble softly.

Then, I was able to continue the conversation with him again after seeing him leave the room with a loud noise and say he would smoke for a while.

Thank you for coming. Thank you for inviting us. After exchanging formal stories, the topic of the conversation was, of course, children’s books.

“A children’s book created by Sir Rupert. My younger brother liked it very much. It’s still a pain in the ass to sleep in each other’s arms every night.”

“That means I am grateful. It’s a shame, but my younger brother is the same.”

I would also like to see “kyung’s younger brother. It looks very cute.”

Since we both have younger sisters, we surprisingly had some common conversation. The blunt man’s eyes sparkle when he explains about his younger brother.

He was indeed an author who created books for children.

“But this work, The Little Mermaid, is a little different from previous works.”

And when the time came, I wanted to confirm his feelings once again, which was the reason I came.

Is this our story that you portrayed?

He was speechless for a moment, probably because he hadn’t thought about my question. And only after some time had passed did he answer.

“I wanted to depict that there are things that cannot be achieved for people. Therefore, it grows.”

Is it my mistake if I feel like there was some moisture in his eyes when he said those words?

I no longer have the confidence to talk about this topic.

“Ah, are you planning on enrolling in the Imperial Academy, Lord Rupert?”

So I turned the topic to the Academy.

The academy, known as the cradle of the empire, was about to start school, so it was quite a topic of discussion among noble children.

But he answered with a slightly dazed expression, wondering what he was thinking about.

“Yes, I think I will probably enroll. I received an admission notice not long ago.”

I was a little relieved by the answer. If you are sure of being admitted to the academy, there is still time left to face a little more.

***

“But this work, The Little Mermaid, is a little different from previous works.”

Amelia Bluewell suddenly talks about The Little Mermaid. Ah, the nightmare-like memories come back to me again.

‘I have something to tell you about my little mermaid. So that we can quickly enter the imperial palace.’

A mysterious letter I received through a merchant not long ago. When I saw the pattern on the letter, I was once again frustrated.

why! The princess is looking for me again!

Since I had to prepare to leave for the imperial palace as soon as the banquet was over, I felt like crying again when I heard the story of “The Little Mermaid.”

“I wanted to depict that there are things that cannot be achieved for people. Therefore, it grows.”

I barely answered Amelia while holding back my tears at the thought of being taken to the imperial court.

After that, Amelia continued to ask me if I wanted to enter the academy. But my mind was already so full of thoughts of meeting the princess that I couldn’t even remember what I answered.