Noble Exchange Meeting (2)

After about half a day’s journey in the carriage led by Dietmeyer to the imperial capital,

“We’ve arrived, Young Master Ethan. Miss Lilith.”

True to the reputation of a competent butler’s carriage, the Blackwood family carriage carrying Ethan and me arrived at the imperial palace annex much earlier than scheduled.

The bustling atmosphere outside the carriage. Peeking through the curtain, I could see noble ladies dressed in revealing gowns meant to catch men’s attention.

“Hmm, I don’t see him here yet.”

“Who? That hero guy?”

“No. Prince Machart. While it would be problematic if Hero Kyetmajosyegigot Bolt doesn’t attend, the most important thing is definitely Machart’s presence.”

If my plan had somehow leaked by now, things would become very troublesome. Though I didn’t think it likely since everyone involved was tight-lipped.

“He’ll be inside. Or maybe he’ll arrive late like last time.”

“…That’s probably it. Knowing that prince, he’s more likely to arrive late.”

Though I agreed with Ethan, my heart refused to calm down. After all, I was here risking my life for a decisive battle against Machart.

The black and red dress I wore made me uneasy as I imagined whose blood would stain it later. My plan only went as far as luring Machart – whether we could actually defeat him would only be confirmed in battle.

‘I don’t see Guwon Sunae or Celista either. Agnes will come with the hero…’

…Well, we arrived earlier than expected anyway. We should go in and secure seats to easily observe when Machart or others arrive.

With that thought, I stopped peeking outside and stepped out of the carriage after exchanging greetings with Dietmeyer.

“Have a pleasant time, Young Master Ethan. Miss Lilith.”

“Yeah.”

“Yes, Mr. Dietmeyer.”

“Then I’ll return to pick you up tomorrow morning.”

Leaving the departing Blackwood carriage behind, as Ethan and I entered the annex banquet hall, I immediately felt numerous noble gazes focusing on Ethan beside me.

As expected of the Blackwood family’s heir – his ability to attract noble ladies’ attention was exceptional.

“Oh, who’s that?”

“…Could that be the Blackwood prince?”

The noble ladies waiting near the entrance buzzed with excitement at Ethan’s appearance. It must be surprising to see someone as upright as Ethan attending such a notorious social event.

They were probably waiting for Machart rather than Ethan, but honestly, Ethan wasn’t inferior in any way.

…Actually, just looks-wise, Ethan was handsomer than Machart. Add personality and swordsmanship skills to that, and there’s no comparison.

In that sense, some ladies might have already switched targets from the highly competitive Machart to Ethan. Though Ethan wasn’t in a position to entertain other ladies’ affections right now, and I’d shut down any attempts anyway.

“The lady beside him…”

“That’s Miss Rosewood, right? The Blackwood prince’s fiancée…”

“Why would an engaged couple attend this exchange meeting?”

“Could they be planning to ‘swap partners’ because they’re tired of each other…?”

Though they were whispering rude comments among themselves, I wasn’t foolish enough to confront them. I’d fully expected to hear such talk when attending this event.

I was more worried about Ethan. If he got flustered or upset by such vulgar talk, it would complicate things.

Fortunately, perhaps due to our earlier conversation in the carriage, Ethan paid little attention to the gossip and entered the hall with me.

‘The male-to-female ratio at the entrance is roughly 6:4 with more women, so Machart’s attendance seems certain…’

Though this was an eroge world, generally the more sexually active gender was men, not women.

So normally more men would attend such promiscuous events, but that changed when Machart was involved.

For noble ladies who enjoyed “one-night flings,” a night with Machart was like a dream come true.

Beyond his looks, he’d hit on any woman of decent status despite his royal lineage (though far down the succession line), making him extremely popular.

That didn’t mean men disliked events Machart attended. Even Machart couldn’t possibly sleep with all the women who came hoping for his attention in one night.

Many noble sons took advantage of the skewed ratio to seduce naive or promiscuous noble ladies who’d come for Machart.

‘…Well, actual medieval nobility was often even more debauched.’

At least there was no incest in this world, and all heroines except one were virgins.

…The more I think about it, the angrier I get. That bastard Machart isn’t even the protagonist – how many virgins has he taken? That asshole single-handedly raised the non-virgin ratio in this damn game…

With such thoughts, I entered the main hall where the noble exchange was being held, and the sight was equally appalling.

About half the early arrivals had already paired up, with half of those already getting handsy with each other.

-Smack

-Smooch, slurp

Some “relatively” chaste couples exchanged discreet kisses while others openly made out without caring about onlookers.

“Mmm, hng…”

Some had even started their private sessions in corners. Witnessing the future leaders of the empire brought tears to my eyes – tears of disgust.

‘No wonder the academy needs generational change with people like this.’

Leaving those future fallen nobles behind, Ethan and I took seats at a small standing table.

Small round tables were for two, larger ones for more people – indicating more promiscuous activities. We obviously chose a small table since we had no intention of mingling and needed to focus on the Machart operation.

Several men who’d been staring at me (especially my chest) looked openly disappointed. I’ll gouge out those fuckers’ eyes later.

My dress showed more cleavage than last time because I’d needed emergency alterations for my larger bust.

“……”

-Squeeze

Ethan, noticing the lingering stares, tightly grasped my hand. He seemed to be realizing what kind of den we’d entered from the atmosphere.

While scanning the hall to confirm our allies’ attendance, I spotted a brown-haired noble lady sitting alone at the largest round table.

Ivelin? Sivelin? Something like that – I couldn’t remember exactly.

Memorizing the heroines and main characters was hard enough – I couldn’t be bothered with minor sluts’ names.

‘But she’s sort of Machart’s alarm bell. Her presence suggests he’s coming.’

That huge round table seated about 10-12 people and served as Machart’s usual spot at these events.

Only “Ivelin the Crazy Woman” or whatever could claim that table early, showing her connections as Machart’s unofficial fiancée at the academy.

Lady Pinkheart – the one who corrupted Machart into a demon and served the Succubus Queen.

One of the few who knew Machart’s secret and his liaison to the demons, so even Machart couldn’t treat her casually. Other women considered her presence in his bed a given.

She was also why Machart slept around so much – succubi could feed on both men and women (making her bisexual).

Though you might wonder if she only slept with Machart, her “Crazy Woman” title wasn’t for nothing.

I overheard her conversation with a noble son:

“Lady Pinkheart, do you have time now?”

“Hmm? My love will arrive soon, so not for long.”

“Then just with your mouth… I mean, even just your hands would be fine.”

“Really?”

“…Please.”

“Then meet me in the women’s bathroom on the third floor in five minutes. You can bring one friend if you want. I should have time for that.”

“…Thank you, my lady.”

As a former unicorn, listening to this made me nauseous.

Thank god she’s a demon. If she’d been a Lumia Academy heroine… *gag*