26. Banquet
#26
After seeing off Ronan returned to the banquet hall with Sita. The main hall of Castle Gallerion had been transformed into the perfect venue for a party.
“There’s a lot of noise.”
“Babe~”
The atmosphere was completely different from when I visited during the practical exam. Ronan looked around the banquet hall and muttered as if he was amazed.
“Should I quit being a swordsman and learn magic…”
Birds made of light were flying and chirping. The enchanted ceiling reflected the blue sky beyond the roof.
Ten long tables that seemed to be about fifty meters long stretched across the hall. Dishes and drinks from each region were embroidered on the table.
Ronan picked up a buttered grilled snow crab leg. It was the last leg left and as soon as the plate was empty a whole snow crab appeared on the plate again.
Even the taste was amazing.
“It looks like a ghost is grabbing her nipples and twisting them.”
Students in school uniforms were walking between tables chatting with people they had met for the first time today.
Since they were still students there was no sound of clinking glasses but they were excited as if they were drunk.
“It feels like a dream to be able to enter Phileon Academy like this.”
“It really is. This was my last chance so I applied with the feeling that it would be my last chance… Wow!”
There was even a student who suddenly burst into tears.
Ronan thought it was worth it. The first effort he made while preparing for the entrance exam was not an easy task.
At that time a familiar voice was heard from behind.
“Hey Ronan.”
“Ha…what is it today?”
Ronan sighed and turned his head. Sure enough Schlieffen dressed in her school uniform was standing there with her head held high.
The elegance radiating from her body was still there but for some reason her expression was not very good. Ronan said taking a bite of her snow crab.
“Why are you looking like that? “Are you going to poop?”
“Has Ms. Iril returned home?”
“ok. “I just dropped you off.”
“Where do you live? “What are you riding on?”
Ronan frowned.
“What are you going to do with that?”
“I guess they didn’t send it without an escort. “If so you are not human.”
“escort?”
Ronan tilted his head. At that moment Schlieffen’s expression hardened. He ran his right hand down his face once as if to maintain his composure and then continued.
“…I asked the old woman and it seems to be true. This is unthinkable in a noble family. Do you know why the Ronan accident was an accident? It’s an accident because it happens in an unexpected situation. Take action now. How long has it been since the carriage left? The nearest mercenary guild is on Western Boulevard. No I’ll just lend you my words. “You right now…!”
Schlieffen began very quickly and accurately listing the steps Ronan needed to take.
Ronan’s eyes widened at the sight which was more interesting than most circuses. It could be said that it was the complete opposite of when I met Iril.
Of course Ronan did everything he could. He hired a carriage from the most respected carriage guild in the system and the driver who pulled it was a retired swordsman with the rank of Sword Expert. Of course there was not a single accident.
“So as long as a wyvern doesn’t come and snatch the carriage it’s okay?”
“It means that if the wyvern comes you will be attacked.”
But Schlieffen was insisting that he beat up the troops to escort the top. Considering the existing measures and the security in the vicinity it was a clear overprotection.
But Schlieffen did not listen as if wax had been poured into his ears. Ronan who couldn’t hear anything touched Sita and said.
“Do you remember Sita’s smell?”
“Pyeol-ah!”
“Follow me home and come back tomorrow.”
Sita spread her wings as if waiting. After leaving Ronan’s shoulder Sita instantly turned into a black afterimage and escaped through the window of the banquet hall.
Schlieffen was still giving his final speech. Ronan said.
“Calm down now man. “Because I just sent an escort.”
“…bodyguard? Could this be the bird that was sitting on your shoulder earlier? Just kidding…”
“It’s not just a bird it’s a fantastic species. “Don’t worry we’re more reliable than most mercenaries.”
Ronan nodded his head with a serious face. Schlieffen who was glaring at Ronan with suspicious eyes opened his mouth.
“…It would be better if we had a decent group of mercenaries. Be sure to speak up if necessary. “Don’t show off your foolish pride.”
“But why are you making such a fuss about what happens to my sister?”
“…”
Schlieffen turned away without answering the question. Anyway annoying guy. Ronan who was muttering that was looking around for food. A loud voice echoed throughout the banquet hall.
“Hahaha! There you are today’s hero! This way! Junior!!”
“Hey Ronan! “It’s here!!”
It was truly a noisy duet. Ronan sighed. It seemed like everyone in the banquet hall heard their voices.
“Fuck it let me eat too.”
When I turned my head I saw Marja and Braum waving their hands in the distance. There were about twenty students gathered around them.
“So junior Marya is what you said true? “You originally knew junior Ronan?”
“Yes Senior Braum! “We have been going together ever since our fateful meeting in Marvas!”
“Oh! What a fateful meeting! “What on earth happened?!”
Ronan shook his head. No matter how exciting Braum is I can’t believe we’re already friends.
Anyway one affinity is that of a girl who has reached the peak. Since he has talent like that he will become the greatest magnate on the continent in the future.
Ronan exchanged greetings with his assembled people. Most of them were seniors who had participated in the competition earlier.
“Hello handsome junior. “I may not remember you because I was shattered by one blow but I’m called Iris who competed with you.”
“Why can’t I remember? You used two short spears right? “He held the left hand in reverse.”
“uh? Ma… That’s right.”
“oh my god! Do you remember all that?! “Do I remember too?”
“Of course. “When swinging a mace it is better to place your center of gravity a little further back.”
Ronan remembered not only the faces of his seniors but also the weapons he used. He even gave advice based on his own experience which caught the attention of second-year students.
“Oh my god they are the same genius but how can they be so different? “If you have any questions ask them!”
“Did you know there’s a secret passage in the library? “On the twenty-second shelf…”
“A phantom species lives at the bottom of the lake. “If you become friends he will bring you the aquatic plants needed for alchemy so keep that in mind.”
The seniors generously poured out the sweet information they knew. Some of them were really helpful for school life.
‘I am indebted to my sister again.’
Ronan smiled. I never thought that something I did simply to reassure Iril would result in such good luck.
“Over there! “You were so cool earlier…!”
“You are Ronan right? “Can I ask for your autograph?”
“Okay okay. “I’m your classmate so don’t be awkward and just talk.”
The fellow classmates who were watching also gathered in one by one. It was about the time when the friendly atmosphere was reaching its peak.
“By any chance Ronan?”
“ok?”
It was a husky high-pitched note that caught people’s attention. Ronan turned her head.
Her Sword A girl with purple hair was approaching with her arms crossed. Looking at the robe-style school uniform it was from the magic department.
The slightly raised eye corners were reminiscent of a cat. Ronan recognized her face and shrugged his eyebrows.
“Erzebet?”
“Oh you remembered.”
At that moment the attention of the chattering students was focused. It wasn’t just because of her beauty.
Erzsebet de Acalusia.
If the martial arts department had Schlieffen the magic department had Erzsebet. The name of a genius who could master the three attributes on his own was known beyond the magic department to the martial arts department. Braum laughed out loud.
“Oh! You are the senior of this magic department! Sorry junior! If you want to talk to junior Ronan you have to wait in line! “Now come here!”
It was a pleasant joke but Erzsebet neither laughed nor responded. She opened her mouth without even looking at her braum.
“I didn’t tell you that.”
-thud!
“What?!”
At that moment a heavy pressure pressed down on Braum’s shoulders. If her legs hadn’t been momentarily strengthened with mana she would have fallen to her knees.
“Oh you’re holding on? “I didn’t grow big in vain.”
“Ummmm…!”
Braum gritted his teeth. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t move his body. His huge hands seemed to be grasping him.
“Then excuse me.”
The atmosphere suddenly froze. Again. As Ergébet stepped forward her group split to left and right. After briefly meeting her eyes Asher hid behind Ronan’s back.
“Hee hee hee…!”
Asher could see the mana flowing from Erzebet’s body. Mana a dark purple color was not something that could be found in nature. Her own mana one of a kind in her world. It was an auror.
‘We’re already at the stage of Auror flowering…!’
She tried to warn but no voice came out. Ronan asked with a straight face.
“What are we doing now?”
“sorry. “I’m so angry that my precious meeting was interrupted.”
“Release it immediately.”
“Of course.”
Erzsebet obediently followed Ronan’s words. With a light gesture the magic holding her Braum was lifted.
“Huh…! omg! Damn it… I’m out of form today…”
Braum sat down on the stairs. Other students ran to help him. Erzsebet saw that and laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“It’s always funny to see a flock of sheep running wild. “Isn’t that right?”
Ronan sighed after hearing those words. Sometimes you can understand a person with just one word.
What a tiring day. Anyway why are all geniuses like this?
‘I was wondering if the underwear was also purple so that’s good.’
Ronan placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. It was a car that was meant to make this helpless girl look similar to the stripper Dairian. Erzsebet continued.
“I was impressed by sparring. “The reason I came is because I wanted to make a suggestion.”
“proposal?”
“yes. I couldn’t stand to see you reduced to nothing more than a sheep. “A lion must roam in a pride of lions.”
“Say it so I can understand. “Be as concise as possible.”
“You’re impatient. “Just wait a moment.”
Erzsebet who was rummaging through her belongings held out something to Ronan.
“Now take it.”
It was a brooch with a large black crystal embedded in it. On the back was engraved the image of a lion roaring at the moon. It was the emblem of Acalusia a great family that stands on a par with the Grancia family where Schlieffen is located.
Ronan’s eyes widened for a moment. Erzsebet noticed the subtle change and smiled slightly.
“This is…”
“Do you by any chance know the meaning?”
“…roughly.”
“Then there is no need to explain. Even this weekend is okay. “Please come visit Akalusia Territory with me.”
Ronan didn’t answer. Ergé Bett turned his body with a coquettish smile in his eyes.
“…Well think about it slowly. “I’m done.”
Ronan never pulled the hilt of his sword. He was staring intently at the brooch that Erzsebet had given him. The sound of Erzsebet’s shoes rang elegantly.
Again. Again. Again…
Padangtang!
“Kyaak!”
Suddenly Hergé Bet fell down with a loud scream. The attention of those around her was focused on her. It was a truly ugly and painful fall falling face first with her arms spread out in front of her.
“Are you okay?”
Braum said that because of how painful it looked. Hergé Bett got up and started walking as if nothing had happened. At a speed about twice as fast as before.
Again. Again. Again. Again. Again!
His ears exposed through his short hair were as ripe as hot iron. The moment she disappeared around her corner Mary stroked Asher’s head roughly.
“Good job cutie! “That kind of mean bitch needs to be punished.”
“I didn’t do it myself…?”
“Eh? “Didn’t you use magic to push it?”
Marja opened her eyes wide. There was nothing around her that would make Erzébet stumble. Asher shook his head.
“He just tripped over his own leg and fell….”
The two looked at each other speechless. Ronan was still looking at the brooch. Marja tilted her head.
“It will break through. “What is that?”
“invitation.”
“what?”
“No it should be called a compass.”
The black crystal was emitting a dim light. It meant that she contained mana. Ronan recalled the conversation he had with Adeshan before he died.
[I was originally a commoner. He proved his talent and became a member of the Acalusia family. “I still can’t forget what I experienced in that strange castle.”
[A castle?]
[Well since there isn’t much left anyway shall I tell you? So around the time I attended Phileon Academy…]
Adeshan leaned against a rock and told the story of how he became Adesan de Acalusia.
Fog surrounding the castle and the gatekeeper. After completing the matriarch’s exam he received treasures and was named a member of the great family.
‘I thought I would receive it only a few years after I distinguished myself as a prosecutor.’
The ideology of the Acalusia family was different from other families that pursued purebloodism. They did not discriminate on race or social status when hiring talent and even adopted boys and girls with high potential.
The brooch that Erzsebet gave was a kind of invitation to enter the Akalusian territory. He takes the matriarch’s test and says he will be given a chance to become a member of the family.
[Is there anything good about being a noble?]
[First your social standing increases. Because there is no one to oppose except Grancia and the imperial family. It is also an advantage to receive full support from the Acalusia family.]
Ronan honestly had no intention of becoming a member of the Akalusian family. Even if I changed my mind later it was an issue I needed to think about much more.
However other secrets that Akalusia Castle contained were stimulating him. In the castle of a great family with a long history there was sure to be something to be gained aside from status and treasures. Maybe he can get information to deal with the giants.
Ronan stroked his chin after guessing his future plans.
‘First of all… I’ll have to get a knife from that blacksmith shop.’
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