NOVEL NEXT Chapter 133
133. You’re The Talk Of The Town
“You’re the one everyone’s been talking about.”
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
Count Lafiel said with a friendly smile.
“I couldn’t wait in the parlor, so I decided to come here. Ah, Gordon—you can go now. Thank you for your efforts.”
“Yes, my lord.”
The elderly butler bowed deeply and left.
“I’ve heard a lot about your achievements, Haruto-kun.”
The Count squinted his eyes in delight as he looked at me.
“Thank you for coming today. You’re most welcome here.”
“I’m honored by your invitation, Count.”
I bowed politely.
It’s hard not to feel tense around someone this high up.
I’ve never even met a noble before in my life.
“No need to be so formal. Today’s just a casual party. I’ve invited other top-tier adventurers too,” said Count Lafiel.
“It’s not meant to be stiff, so please relax. Consider it a small token of my respect and gratitude for all you do to keep the world safe.”
A party, huh… Come to think of it, I can smell something delicious nearby.
“Now, this way. I’d like to introduce you to some high-ranking adventurers I’ve invited.”
The Count guided us to the garden.
The beautifully maintained garden was in full bloom with vibrant flowers.
“That last quest was something else. We thought it was just a simple dungeon dive, and then three Class S beasts showed up at once—”
“How did your escort mission for the royal family of Remfila go? I heard the second princess is supposed to be stunningly beautiful…”
“Actually, I’ve been quietly scouted by the Lexid Empire’s knight commander. I’m still trying to decide what to do…”
Such snippets of conversation floated among the dozen or so adventurers.
It seemed to be a casual buffet-style party, with delicious-looking dishes laid out on tables.
“So, you’re the one everyone’s been talking about—”
Four adventurers standing nearby turned toward me.
Each of them exuded an overwhelming presence and aura.
Could it be… these people are—
“All of them are Rank S adventurers.” t
The Count said, introducing them.
The towering swordsman—Baluga, known as Flame Edge.
The slender man in a robe—Fail, known as Wind Demon.
The woman in leather armor—Ali, the Emerald Priestess.
The elder in clerical robes—Rett, known as Holy Light.
“I’ve heard about you. The rookie who shot up from Rank E to Rank A in no time.”
Baluga gave a toothy grin.
“Well, looking forward to working with you.”
“I hear you’re skilled in defensive magic. There’s even talk that you surpass Dorakatio’s [Adamantine Barrier]. I used to party with him before he passed in the Demon General battle. What a shame.”
Fail spoke somberly.
“You’re Haruto Riva, right? Hmm… I don’t sense a great amount of magic from you. But there’s something odd about you, something I can’t quite place… You’re not a spirit, but what are you?”
Ali scrutinized me with a puzzled expression.
“There’s a faintly divine aura about you, but you’re not a cleric, are you? Intriguing…”
Rett also studied me curiously.
Having four Rank S adventurers focused on me like this felt surreal.
I haven’t even been an adventurer for a few months yet—
“By the way… have you heard the rumor?”
Baluga asked.
“A rumor?”
“There’s talk of a major quest happening soon in the Kingdom of Rudilum. Apparently, a fair number of Rank S adventurers will be summoned.”
“Baluga, Ali, Rett, and I have all been invited.”
Fail added.
“They said they’d also be inviting promising Rank A adventurers. Maybe you’ll get the call too.”
“Well, let’s work together if that happens.”
Rett smiled warmly.
Then their attention shifted from me to Lilith and Alice.
“These are my not-so-humble daughters. They’ll be moving up to Rank A soon.”
The Count beamed.
“Oh, congratulations on the promotion.”
“Congratulations, Count.”
Baluga and Fail spoke, but their expressions didn’t match their words.
Now that I think about it, Lilith and Alice don’t seem too well-regarded among adventurers.
I’ve heard people claim they’re only adventurers because of their father’s influence.
Of course, that’s completely untrue.
Both of them work tirelessly to protect others,
and seeing them inspired me to become an adventurer myself.
“Hmm… you two have an unusual magical aura.”
Ali looked Lilith and Alice over with genuine interest.
Her demeanor was the only one that seemed friendly.
“And you’re both so beautiful, with great figures to match.”
“Oh, um, thank you…”
“Hehe, you’re too kind!”
Lilith and Alice blushed shyly.
But then—
“Well, aren’t you two just shamelessly flattering them?”
“Trying to cozy up to Rank S adventurers, are we?”
A snide voice came from behind us.
When we turned around, two petite women stood there.
They had long golden hair, pointed ears, and exquisitely sculpted features.
Elves—
A race known for their long lifespans and powerful magic.
Centuries ago, many demi-humans like elves and dwarves lived alongside humans, but now they’re rarely seen.
I could count the number of real elves I’ve met on one hand.
One of them looked like a warrior, the other like a mage.
Both wore outfits with oddly high exposure, showing off cleavage and thighs.
It was… distracting.
Their resemblance suggested they might be sisters.
“You’re clearly using your father’s influence to get close to Rank S adventurers.”
“And probably hoping to tag along on their quests to boost your own records. So shameless. Typical Lafiel sisters.”
The elves glared at Lilith and Alice with disdain.
Um, you know their father’s standing right here, right…?
That’s some boldness.
“Completely calculated.”
“Utterly calculated.”
“If you’re adventurers, why not prove yourselves with skill?”
“Exactly, like we do.”
“We’re not—”
Overwhelmed by their hostility, Lilith faltered.
The elves pressed on.
“We went all out with our makeup to impress the Rank S adventurers!”
“We even chose the sexiest outfits we could!”
Both of them looked almost manic.
Honestly, aren’t they the ones being calculating?
I thought to myself.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding,”
Lilith said firmly.
“We have other important comrades. We’re not looking to party up with anyone else.”
“Exactly.”
Both of them turned to me and smiled warmly.
Important comrades huh…?
I smiled back.
“Hmph. We’ll see about that.”
“Well, since we’re here, why don’t we show you?”
The elves pointed dramatically at Lilith and Alice.
“What true Rank A power looks like!”
“Power that doesn’t rely on parental influence!”
Whoa, this is taking an unexpected turn…