Ch.267267. Crying Suddenly as the Cold Wind Blows

“Unnecessarily flashy.”

The ceiling glittered with luxurious chandeliers, and various artworks hung on the walls.

In the center, a long banquet table was set, where nobles who were already acquainted with each other sat in clusters, engaged in conversation.

As usual, I settled at a corner table to observe the atmosphere when a subtle, fragrant perfume wafted into my nostrils.

“Are you alone?”

When I turned my head, a woman stood there with a half-empty wine glass in her hand.

She had her blonde hair neatly pinned up, and her snow-white skin was striking.

Like Elina Parseche, she had been surrounded by many men since her entrance to the banquet hall, so I couldn’t help but notice her.

“Yes, I’m alone.”

Since I preferred being alone to gauge the atmosphere of this noble gathering, I responded somewhat curtly. She opened her mouth with a slightly surprised expression.

“I’m Isabel Montero.”

“Ah, I’m Sel—no, Levan Pandera.”

“Pandera family… I’ve never heard of it.”

“We’re from the countryside, so most people don’t know us. I’m here because I have a connection with Lady Elina Parseche.”

“I see. May I sit here?”

I could feel the piercing gazes of other men that only I seemed to notice.

Especially the men quietly serving food were emanating killing intent.

They were clearly her knights in disguise, weren’t they?

I had deliberately chosen a corner seat to avoid such situations, but I sighed briefly before speaking.

“Of course, please sit.”

Isabel Montero sat down and turned her gaze toward the central table.

Thanks to her, I could escape those piercing stares for a moment.

“It seems this is your first time at such a gathering, Levan.”

Isabel Montero, who had been looking around the banquet hall, turns her gaze to me and asks.

She continued speaking nonchalantly.

“It’s not my first time.”

“Then why aren’t you mingling with the others?”

“Well, I don’t particularly know anyone here.”

“Isn’t the point of these gatherings to expand your connections?”

“…I’m just attending because of my connection to Lady Elina Parseche.”

Haaa…

I was planning to observe a bit more and approach people slowly, but why does she keep talking to me?

With Isabel Montero around, things were already starting to get annoying.

“You’re Isabel Montero, right? Pleased to meet you. I’m Jorden Everd of the Everd family.”

“Nice to meet you. But how did you know my name?”

“Haha! Isn’t it natural for a man to remember the names of beautiful women in the Eastern Continent? I heard your father has been unwell. Has his condition improved?”

“That’s unpleasant.”

“…Pardon?”

“I find it unpleasant that someone I don’t know is asking about my father’s health.”

“What… what did I do wrong…?”

“It feels like I’m being investigated behind my back.”

As his intentions went awry, Jorden Everd looked extremely flustered.

He quickly bowed.

“I-I’m sorry. I was being unnecessarily intrusive.”

“Since you understand, thank you. And I don’t particularly care for men who remember the names of many women.”

“I… I understand.”

Jorden Everd moved back to the central table with slumped shoulders.

I slowly looked at Isabel Montero’s face.

Now that I observed her, not only her hair and skin but her overall appearance was impressive.

She certainly lived up to her looks.

“…Levan, why are you staring at me like that?”

Isabel Montero’s eyes suddenly met mine.

I spoke with an indifferent expression.

“If my staring makes you uncomfortable, should I leave instead?”

“…What?”

“For some reason, you seem to be in a bad mood. In such cases, it’s best to avoid the situation.”

I shrugged my shoulders, and Isabel Montero hesitated before lowering her head.

“I’m sorry. Was I being too sensitive?”

Then she raised her head and sniffled as if holding back tears, looking embarrassed.

One moment she’s cold as ice, and the next she’s crying?

What’s real with this woman?

“No, it’s just that you asked me, ‘Isn’t the point of these gatherings to expand your connections?’ but it seems you don’t think that way yourself.”

“Was I too rude to him? I should apologize to him later.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Now that you’ve pointed it out, I realize it. I reacted too sensitively.”

This woman…

What kind of character is she?

I really can’t figure her out.

Feeling no need to continue the conversation, I turned my gaze away, but Isabel Montero grabbed my collar again.

“…Excuse me.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I think I was being sensitive because of some personal circumstances. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me. And actually, I remember the names of many women too.”

“…What?”

“I like women.”

Since I needed to move to the central table soon, I tried to draw a line, but Isabel Montero stared at me and then smiled brightly.

“I just said that because I was being sensitive. You can remember many women’s names, of course.”

Now I was becoming curious about why she had been so sensitive.

I rested my arms on the table, propped my chin, and continued.

“What made you so sensitive?”

Just then, someone gripped my shoulder firmly.

I reflexively turned my head.

And there he was.

“Haha, instead of sitting separately, why don’t we all join together?”

I never thought I’d be so glad to see this damn Reagan Strom.

Although I wanted to hear Isabel’s answer about what made her so sensitive, I couldn’t forget my purpose for being here.

I looked toward the central table, and right on cue, Elina Parseche was signaling me with her eyes.

I stood up, pretending to give in.

“Let’s do that.”

Isabel also stood up and moved with me to the central table.

Finally having joined naturally, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Hello. I’m Levan Pandera. It’s an honor to attend this gathering through my connection with Lady Elina Parseche.”

Reagan Strom laughed heartily and patted my back with his palm.

“Well, nice to meet you. I’m Reagan Strom.”

“Yes, pleased to meet you.”

After I greeted him politely, Reagan Strom stared at me and tilted his head.

“Have we met somewhere before?”

“I don’t know. People often tell me I resemble someone they know.”

“Ah… strange.”

“Why?”

“The more I look at you, Levan, the more intimidated I feel.”

“Come now, how could someone like me intimidate Reagan of the Strom family?”

Reagan Strom tilted his head several times.

I had thought he would be playing king here, using his connection to the Etherian princess, but had he come to his senses?

Well, if it weren’t for me, his entire family would have been shaken, so perhaps he’s learned his lesson.

He must have realized to some extent that power can be fleeting.

As the atmosphere of the gathering warmed up with drinks, Elina Parseche carefully spoke up.

“Has everyone heard of hair growth medicine?”

Everyone listened attentively to Elina Parseche with questioning expressions.

I also naturally joined the conversation.

“Ah! You mean medicine that makes hair grow?”

“Oh, Levan Pandera, you know about it?”

“Well, I’ve heard of it. But does such medicine actually exist?”

“Yes, our family has secured a small quantity.”

At that, someone slammed their palm on the table and stood up.

“E-Elina, does it really make hair grow?”

Jorden Everd was trembling with excitement.

After a moment of confusion, I noticed his thinning hair and couldn’t help but nod in understanding.

“Yes, we’ve already confirmed its effectiveness.”

“C-could you sell me some? I’ll pay any amount.”

“Hmm, since we only have a limited quantity, I’m hesitant to share it. And I didn’t bring it up to sell it.”

Once again exchanging glances with Elina Parseche, I naturally joined the conversation.

“Since Lady Elina Parseche hosted this gathering, perhaps you could share a little with us to strengthen our friendship?”

“You too, Levan?”

“My father has been losing his hair lately and has lost a lot of confidence. I’d like to give it to him as a gift, as a way of showing filial piety.”

At my words, the other nobles, except for Jorden Everd, raised their hands as if they each had someone in mind.

“I-I want to buy some too! I’ve been feeling like I’m losing hair lately, so I want to have some just in case.”

“My closest friend is worried about his thinning hair, and like Levan, I’d like to give it as a gift.”

“How much is it? I’ll buy all the remaining medicine!”

The scene was no different from a marketplace.

As I smirked, someone poked my side.

I reflexively turned my head to find Isabel already seated next to me, staring at me.

“Levan, you’ll understand that I was just being sensitive earlier, right?”

Haaa…

Give it a rest, you crazy woman.