Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Escape
Langris's POV
After a few hours of rest watching the clouds and sun, I finally made it back to the Vaude manor.
"My little Langris!!!"
I had barely returned when I was greeted by my mother Liliane Vaude's energetic embrace.
"Where were you?! You're all dirty!" she exclaimed while checking me from head to toe.
"It's nothing serious, I just did a bit of training," I replied, half-honestly.
In reality, I was simply lying on the grass with Finral, watching the clouds and enjoying the moment. It's almost impossible for me to get this dirty while training; the guards are simply not at my level for me to seriously tire myself out.
Once calmed down – thanks to my few reassuring words – my mother dragged me to her relaxation area.
"Your father told me you wanted to socialize with children your age."
She seemed in a very good mood, judging by her tone. Apparently, my casual attempt to improve my relationship with Ledior had paid off... maybe a bit too well. How far were my parents willing to go to have me make acquaintances among the nobles?
"As it happens, the birthday of a young orphaned noble named Rill is coming up."
Her voice betrayed her enthusiasm.
"Plus, he's almost your age. And... I heard he's... quite peculiar," she added more softly, almost reluctantly.
Because of my physical training, which stands out in this world where magic reigns supreme, I've acquired a certain... let's say, peculiar reputation myself. But honestly, why should I care?
I can't solely rely on magical reinforcement to improve my physical abilities, and there's no way I'm settling for being 1.66 meters tall like the old Langris.
That's why I've established a strict routine of regular stretches and training. My goal? To reach at least 1.70 meters, though ideally, I'd like to flirt with 1.80 meters.
Anyway, I couldn't care less about what weaklings think, as long as I see results in my progress.
"Did you say Rill? As in Rill Boismortier, from the noble house of Boismortier?" I asked for confirmation.
"Exactly! I see you possess some general knowledge," she replied with a hint of approval in her voice.
Just when I was recently lamenting the lack of worthy opponents in my training, I was finally going to have one!
Rill Boismortier.
He's destined to become the future captain of the Aqua Deer magic knights company and masters a magic of unique versatility: painting magic.
This guy is simply a monster disguised as a human. Honestly, if Asta or Yuno hadn't been in the equation, I'm certain he would have ended up becoming the Wizard King.
Just imagining a version of Rill Boismortier with real motivation, freed from his reclusive life in his room... I feel my emotions and mana bubbling with excitement at the prospect.
"It's thanks to mother's genes that I'm so intelligent," I said, throwing in a little flattery to improve her mood.
"Yes, but you also inherited your father's naughty tongue, hehe~," she replied laughing.
We chatted a bit more before she had to leave for an appointment.
...
Narrator's POV
It wasn't long before the birthday mentioned to Langris finally took place.
'As expected, mother managed to get an invitation,' thought Langris while looking at the envelope and the gift prepared for Rill.
Knowing Rill's obsession with painting, he had opted for illusions inspired by Yu-Gi-Oh cards. Although he had never seriously practiced the art of painting or drawing, his natural versatile talent was almost frightening.
'That's precisely why mother wants to find me a worthy painting teacher.'
His talent had impressed his family, and since painting was a highly regarded activity among nobles, they felt he shouldn't neglect this aptitude.
"We have arrived, young master," declared a middle-aged man with graying temples.
This was Claud, the butler who had served the Vaude family since the time of the previous head of family.
After getting down from the carriage, Langris saw Claud close the door before directing him to walk towards another man, dressed just as elegantly.
"Good evening, dear guest. My name is Walter, and I am in charge of ensuring the smooth running of this evening in honor of Rill's 11th birthday," the man declared courteously.
(Image)
Langris couldn't help but observe Walter carefully.
He was the second person from the Black Clover manga that he had met, besides Finral. Of course, he wasn't counting his parents, since their role was relatively minor.
"Thank you for honoring us with your invitation. Please accept this modest present," declared Claud while giving Langris a meaningful look.
Getting the hint, Langris handed his gift to old Walter, who politely took it before passing it to a maid.
After these formalities, Walter invited Claud and Langris to follow him inside the Boismortier manor.
"Impressive," whispered Langris while admiring the beauty of the party hall.
"Thank you for your praise, young master Vaude," Walter humbly replied, though a hint of pride pierced through his tone.
After introducing Langris to a number of guests present, the old butler excused himself and went away to welcome other guests.
"I will have to leave this place as well, young master," Claud suddenly declared.
"As you may have noticed, adults don't belong here," he added while heading towards the stairs leading to the second level of the reception hall.
Langris noticed several adults gathered up there. Apparently, he was now in the children's area.
'Ok, I'm stuck in a room full of spoiled rich kids,' he thought while glancing around.
There were no familiar faces among them, but this didn't discourage Langris.
Langris started walking, looking for the evening's host.
It didn't take him long to spot his target: Rill Boismortier. The latter was surrounded by noble children, but Langris didn't recognize anyone from the manga.
Seems like official events really aren't his thing... he thought while observing Rill's face, marked by a clearly uncomfortable expression.
Deciding to come to his aid, Langris calmly approached.
"Good evening, you're Rill, right?" Langris asked once close.
(Image)
"Yes, nice to meet you!" Rill suddenly exclaimed enthusiastically before grabbing Langris's extended hand to shake it.
Then, as if nothing had happened, Rill suddenly put his arm around Langris's shoulders, literally dragging him out of the circle of guests. But a voice broke Rill's flagrant escape attempt.
"And you are?" asked a child about Langris's age, not really hiding his bad mood while observing him.
"Just Rill's friend, borrowing him for a bit," Langris replied shamelessly before leaving with Rill.
"How can they be friends when he just asked his name?" asked a noble child with a confused expression, before realizing the trick.
Unfortunately for them, Langris wasn't there to explain the bro code principle.