NOVEL NEXT #25
#25
The Gerold family’s dinner was quiet as always. Apart from the sound of maids clearing the next course, only the clinking of cutlery could be heard on the table. It was hard to believe that these people were all family bound by blood.
No one intended to start a conversation until the Marquis of Gerold, the highest-ranking person at the table, spoke first.
How tedious.
Jersian, looking down at his plate with a bored expression, was also one of the guests at this Gerold Marquis family dinner. His dark black hair stood out particularly among the bright and light colors around him.
While it would be nice to eat comfortably wherever he wanted, he was forced to attend this dinner once a week, killing time. Waiting for the long course meal, supposedly for the sake of formality, was torture. It would be better to eat rye bread with the knights. Jersian thought while moving his fork within the bounds of etiquette.
“…”
It was then.
The old man sitting at the head of the table, the Marquis of Gerold, who had been arrogantly observing the silent table, cleared his throat briefly with a “Ahem.”
Immediately, everyone’s gaze turned to the Marquis, Elmerila Gerold.
“Hernin’s birthday celebration is coming up soon. Are the preparations going well?”
Ah.
At Elmerila Gerold’s words, the face of the young man sitting right next to Jersian immediately brightened. He was Hernin Gerold, the protagonist of the celebration. He was Jersian’s close cousin and one of those who always sought to be in the Marquis’s good graces.
Hernin answered with a grin, like a flattering courtier.
“Yes, everything is progressing smoothly under Elmerila’s careful consideration.”
If he had a tail, it would be wagging incessantly towards Elmerila. Jersian stared at Hernin’s face, inwardly sneering.
…Surely he doesn’t think the Marquis is genuinely interested in his birthday celebration itself. If so, that idiot truly doesn’t belong in the Gerold Marquis family.
The Gerolds were a family that didn’t hesitate to manipulate the country with money and power behind the political scenes, and Elmerila was a talent who had inherited that nature. There was surely some scheme to be carried out behind the scenes, taking advantage of this grand party.
A glint appeared in the eyes of those who realized this. Jersian, maintaining a nonchalant face, brought his drink to his lips and mentally noted the names of his quick-witted cousins. It was a list of potentially useful individuals for the future.
One by one, the Gerold Marquis family members seated at the table began to chime in. The reins that had kept their mouths tightly shut as they watched each other were now loosened.
“I heard the birthday celebration is being held at the largest ballroom in the capital?”
“That’s right. That too is thanks to the power of our Gerold Marquis family.”
“Haha, I’m really looking forward to it. If you need a decorator, we have a very famous craftsman at our castle, feel free to borrow him anytime.”
“Oh, I’m grateful just to hear such an offer. But we already have enough decorators on our side.”
It’s just a birthday celebration. Jersian chose to remain silent amidst the people chattering enthusiastically as if it were a major national affair. There was no need for him to add to this chaos.
Come to think of it, the seat right next to him was empty. Usually, the seats were prepared to match the exact number of participants, so it was strange to have an empty seat. Perhaps someone had sent word at the last minute that they couldn’t attend. Of course, it was comfortable not having to forcibly converse with someone.
“…”
Elmerila Gerold, who had glanced at Jersian quietly drinking only his beverage amidst the chattering family members, spoke loudly.
“Jersian.”
Simultaneously, the attention of everyone seated at the table turned to Jersian.
Jersian’s hand, which had been holding a knife with a straight back and elegant manners, stopped abruptly. Calling his name at this timing was unfair. It was as much a bad omen. Jersian answered in a voice that had suppressed its sharp edge as much as possible.
“…Yes.”
“Have you given some thought to what I mentioned before?”
The Marquis?
The eyes of all the Gerold Marquis family members seated around the table turned to Jersian. They were anxious, wondering if they might lose something of theirs. Jersian neatly placed his drink back in its place, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and said:
“I have thought about it, but… it’s not easy to come to a conclusion.”
Of course.
The answer to the Marquis’s proposal disguised as an order was already set. To engage Jersian Gerold to a princess from another country.
Elmerila Gerold’s intention was to make him a person of the Gerold Marquis family in this way. Although he had followed and trusted his aunt under the name of this Gerold Marquis family until now, engagement was out of the question. It would be possible to repay the favors received from Elmerila Gerold in other ways.
Although he had lived as Jersian Gerold for several years… he had no intention whatsoever of living a false life until his death. If he could prove that he was the rightful owner of the name ‘Jersian Del Claude’ before becoming an adult, he would officially become a member of the imperial family close to the line of succession.
Of course, he fully understood Elmerila Gerold’s feelings. She was currently looking for a suitable talent to lead the Gerold Marquis family next.
Although Jersian was still young, he had succeeded several times in carrying out the dirty work that the ‘real’ Marquis Gerold was performing. She was considering Jersian as the next Marquis of the Gerold family, and the perceptive people in the family had already noticed this and were giving Jersian many favors in advance.
Elmerila, seeming to have noticed Jersian’s complex thoughts, spoke first.
“It’s unusual for you to ponder for so long.”
“…I apologize.”
Jersian answered with a face that didn’t look sorry at all.
“It’s not a proposal that should take so long to answer.”
“…”
Should he feel grateful to Marchioness Elmerila for not mentioning the word ‘engagement’ right here and now? Jersian had to deflect the Marquis Gerold’s words while maintaining the most relaxed facade possible.
It was then.
Elmerila, who had been closely observing Jersian’s face, said:
“Is it because of your guest in the annex?”
“Pardon?”
“I hear he’s been in and out of your personal office.”
Cough! Ahem, someone choked on their food and coughed. Checking the direction of the sound, as expected, the stupid Hernin was holding a napkin to his mouth with a red face. Indeed, he was of no help.
Jersian took his eyes off the idiot and opened his mouth towards Elmerila, who was still waiting for an answer.
“No. He has nothing to do with this matter.”
“Is that so?”
Deep wrinkles formed at the corners of Elmerila Gerold’s mouth. It was a playful smile that seemed like it might cause something unsettling.
“Is that really true? It doesn’t seem that way to me.”
Then she picked up a small bell placed on the dining table and gently shook it.
Ding- A clear bell sound rang briefly.
The family’s servants immediately began to move in unison upon hearing the bell. A table mat was placed on the still empty seat right next to Jersian, and shining silver cutlery was set.
What on earth is she trying to do? Jersian’s face across the table gradually hardened.
It was then.
The large double doors of the banquet hall opened wide.
“Come in.”
At Elmerila’s words, someone walked into the banquet hall where the meal was in full swing.
A tall stature with a slender waist and long legs, pointed ear tips visible between long platinum hair falling down the back.
It was Kain Starchis.
As always, his face was cold as marble, devoid of any perceivable emotion.