Chapter 170

Chapter 170. Playing Catch-Up (2)

It was a sudden proposal.

While I hesitated, unable to grasp the intention behind it, Gretman continued his talking.

“From what I saw on the way here, there seems to be a lively banquet happening for the princess today. If I send a message, I could receive an invitation straight away.”

Though the affiliation had been severed on the order level, he claimed he could come and go as he pleased if he wanted to.

The confident demeanor of Gretman left me speechless.

But only for a moment, for soon, I understood why he was so self-assured.

‘Indeed, who could stop the strongest of humans anyway.’

Should he choose to force his way through, there’s probably nobody who could stop him, making any restriction on his movement pointless.

‘It’s a formidable influence for a mere individual to wield.’

Even in a situation where priests and holy knights can no longer receive blessings, it’s likely that the continuing existence of the Order of Palao, albeit at a low level, has much to do with that man’s influence.

For such a person to say he’d bring me to the imperial city.

Gretman’s offer was more than enough to fulfill what I desired.

Arguably, it made me suspicious for that very reason.

‘Even though we belong to the same order, what reason does he have to help this much?’

Gretman referred to Palao as a Goddess.

While I had already learned that Palao’s form was feminine, there weren’t many who actually called her a Goddess.

‘It seemed like a term used only by those with deep faith who had formed a direct bond with Palao.’

Even Rashar, who follows Palao, had never referred to her as Goddess.

In contrast, Gretman naturally referred to Palao as Goddess, just like Yuria.

It signified a strong affection or bond he had with Palao.

‘For such a person to contact the imperial family, which mocked the order and ignored Palao, first?’

Just to take someone like me, an Outsider, to the imperial city?

‘What’s he thinking?’

The kindness without knowing the exact reason bred suspicion.

However, the unsettling impression left by Gallonic was too blatant to refuse this offer.

‘Leaving it to the order is not an option.’

These are people who are suspected of deliberately excluding information about Gallonic.

I have no choice but to see and judge for myself.

‘In that case.’

After reaching a conclusion, I nodded and said,

“Please, I’m in your debt and will surely repay you.”

There’s no guarantee that I’ll gain anything just because I follow to the imperial city.

‘At least I’ll have the chance to observe that guy.’

Better than not going at all.

Once I set my mind, Gretman looked me up and down and asked,

“You don’t intend to go in that attire, do you? Don’t they have formal clothing here?”

“Ah.”

I realized my oversight. It was a problem that hadn’t crossed my mind at all.

A banquet is ultimately a party, right?

Having never attended such a gathering, it would be strange to have clothing suitable for attending one.

“…… I don’t.”

I thought perhaps I should ask to have a tuxedo sent from Earth, but Gretman suddenly reached over.

I saw him move, but the thought to avoid it didn’t even form in my mind.

Thus, I had to leave myself entirely to him.

“You’re not as fleshy as I expected.”

I wondered why he did it, then realized he seemed to be confirming my size, not with his eyes but with his hands.

“We might have to adjust my clothes for you, but it’s probably best to try on directly before altering. Let’s go. I’ll head in first, Yuria.”

“But Gretman…”

“I’ll ensure no encounters with her.”

Could ‘him’ perhaps refer to the 2nd princess mentioned earlier?

While the discord between the Order of Palao and the 2nd princess seemed apparent, it wasn’t the right moment to inquire further.

“…… Please take care, Gretman.”

“Yes, don’t worry. You, follow me.”

Gretman took hold of me and moved with firm strides.

“Uh…uh….”

Startled, Kim Yul hesitated to follow, then stopped in place.

It seemed he wasn’t sure if he could join or not.

I was just as bewildered.

‘I know dragging time when I’ve already decided to go is pointless…’

Gretman effortlessly took control, steering things his way.

Perhaps due to his long reign from above, interacting with him felt like a one-way street.

Feeling flustered as I was led by Gretman, I matched his pace to avoid being dragged any further.

Once I matched his speed, Gretman let go, walking faster.

I followed closely behind, sending a message to Kim Yul left in the conference hall.

– K: I’ll inform Lily Evans, so you go to Loborre and bond with the association. Can you do that?

– Kj: Okay, I got it……

The moment I exited the central temple and confirmed Kim Yul’s response.

“How much do you know about the etiquette of the Atar Empire?”

Training and studying key figures were challenging enough without learning such things.

“I haven’t learned anything separately.”

“Is that so? Then I’d better teach you the basics.”

As I honestly confessed, a rapid briefing session began.

Bringing out all my concentration, I listened to Gretman’s advice for a while.

Suddenly, I realized he had been casually addressing me informally from start to finish.

A painfully late realization.

By nature, I was sensitive to the demeanor shown by seniors upon first meeting.

The Confucian tradition of unconditionally respecting elders is to honor the time they have lived.

Yet there are many who chose to live reprehensible lives rather than accumulating respectable time.

Hence, I tended to apply a stricter standard to people older than myself.

However, facing Gretman, such thoughts didn’t even cross my mind.

Indicating I had completely lost my usual composure.

‘…… I’ve been entirely overshadowed by him.’

Indeed, that’s likely why I was easily led here.

‘Though I go in hopes of tracing Gallonic’s background.’

Getting swept away by the opponent was not my intent.

When I’d barely met him before, I had no idea why Gretman himself would want to take me to the imperial city, so I had to steady my focus.

‘If I’m not careful, I might get caught up in someone else’s plot.’

I took a deep breath and looked at Gretman one step ahead, trying to regain my composure.

Though the endeavor wasn’t particularly meaningful.

I had to strain to keep my expression neutral the moment we entered the banquet hall following Gretman.

“Is that the Outsider?”

“My goodness, there’s really something on his head.”

“Isn’t that Outsider called K, by any chance?”

“Gretman returning to the imperial city… could he be appeased?”

“Would he even be in a position for that? It’s probably just that he’s become regretful of severing ties with the imperial family.”

The whispering voices and the blatant stares prickling my skin.

Perceiving each one clearly was torture.

‘I understand, being the only one with a symbol on.’

Despite understanding, the situation of being ogled like a zoo monkey was far from pleasant.

To make matters worse, considering Gretman’s visits to the imperial city had been infrequent, attention fell on us heavily.

Ignoring the gazes showering from all sides, I observed the opulent surroundings of the banquet hall.

At the same time, I recollected and organized the things I’d learned while trying on Gretman’s clothes.

‘The Emperor of the Atar Empire has five legitimate children.’

Four are sons born to concubines, while one is the only child born to the empress, who is a daughter.

‘She’s the emperor’s precious youngest, born when he was over forty.’

It’s not surprising the princess should monopolize the emperor’s affection.

Reportedly, in the past, the emperor clashed with officials over marrying the empress, who had a humble status.

There’s no father who wouldn’t adore a child born with the woman he truly loved.

Emperor’s affection for the princess runs deep enough that talks of appointing her as crown princess aren’t shocking.

Though it seems the emperor has no intention of passing the throne to his daughter.

‘Thus, holding this banquet.’

This banquet spurred solely by the princess’s whims for merriment.

Food replaced promptly if it cooled, even without much consumption.

Wine lavishly filled into fountains to drink from.

Light bouncing off dazzling jewels beams in every direction.

A splendid and extravagant feast lasting a whole week.

Observing the display before me, I could gather easily.

Embedded within this banquet was the emperor’s wish for his daughter to live happily, unburdened by political complexities and troubles.

I tried to read the underlying interests at play in this banquet.

As I did so, Gretman gestured to the various people filling the venue, providing brief explanations.

“That one over there, he owns a mana crystal mine.”

The knowledge I gained pertained mostly to personnel in the order’s military, while my knowledge of the Atar Empire was sparse.

Thus, I attentively absorbed what Gretman explained.

“Do you know what a spirit stone is?”

Of course. It’s currently the item I desire the most.

“I heard it’s an essential material for creating magic tools and the only means to acquire attribute mana post-birth.”

“Indeed, you’re well-informed.”

This was partly why nobles or wealthy commoners bought magic tools.

They let children born without attribute mana hold such tools.

If fortunate, the acquisition of attribute mana could mean upward social mobility.

“After large-scale contamination of spirit stone mine sites in the continent’s south, his influence has soared. Alas, his temper is miserly. He doesn’t deal with those who fall out of his favor.”

Born into wealth, he prioritizes pride over money.

“So should you find yourself involved, do lend him some flattery. Even if it galls you. I hear you’re seeking spirit stones as well. Keeping on his good side wouldn’t be bad. Being quite famous among Outsiders likely caters to his vanity.”

“…… Yes, understood.”

“Over there, do you see the woman with her hair tied strangely?”

“The one in red…….”

“Yes, the most connected matchmaker in Atar.”

From a branch family of a lower noble family, she’s brokered over hundreds of marriages.

“If you stay still, she’ll approach you. You have clear-cut features that women find attractive, and your skin tone is unique.”

Rumor has it, the hottest topic in the current social circles of Gemal involves Outsiders.

Many have become curious about Outsiders.

“Getting treated like a plaything isn’t pleasing, but forging connections will open doors for you. Don’t initiate. Once they seek you out, a nod of acknowledgement suffices.”

“…… Yes.”

Gretman’s information was invaluable.

Not only did he explain, but he also guided me around, introducing me to people.

In a way, what I was doing for Kim Yul earlier, Gretman was doing for me now.

‘Though unexpected, it’s a favorable opportunity.’

Opportunities like these don’t come around easily.

It helped me gain quite a bit as well.

That was undeniable.

Yet, expanding my network within Bihar wasn’t why I came to the banquet hall.

‘Quiet.’

About an hour since the feast began.

Following Gretman, I continuously monitored Gallonic’s whereabouts.

However, Gallonic showed no unusual activity.

He merely engaged in mundane chats with those greeting him.

He gave the impression of brewing something when agreeing to attend.

‘Who did he give the additional invitations to? Were we not meeting here?’

I hadn’t expected immediate results by following here.

But the anticipation deflated somewhat.

‘Just in case.’

Watching Gallonic with plans to pursue if he moved, I had to pay constant attention.

Thanks to Gretman moving incessantly, my vigilance was on high alert.

As a result, or perhaps despite it, I noticed a man somewhere between Gallonic and me, pouting.

‘What’s this?’

A bulky man garmented in Agnotia priest robes.

‘Why’s that guy here?’

Unless doppelgangers exist, that must surely be Vellego.

Damned System