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Chapter 3-20 : The Visit To House Balvin (part 2)
After about thirty minutes of traveling in the fancy horse-drawn carriage, I could see a tall wall surrounding a huge building in the center. It must be Duke Balvin’s mansion.
As we approached the gate, the escort talked to the gatekeeper. The massive steel gate then slowly opened for us.
I’ve seen the gate to the city, and I think this one is bigger. How can the gate of a duke’s mansion be bigger than a city gate?
We passed through the gate and proceeded into a long tunnel. Judging from the length of the tunnel, the wall must be incredibly thick.
「I wonder why the wall is so thick.」(Kako)
「This city is vulnerable to attacks from neighboring countries. Because of that, the duke’s mansion serves not only for the family’s dwelling but also as a safe place for the townspeople to flee to in times of emergency. They made the wall thick and tall; it must be because they place a great deal of importance on defense.」(Thea)
「I see.」(Kako)
As always, Thea’s explanation was perfect.
Apparently, some nobles, especially the ones who govern the areas vulnerable to attacks from other countries, built their mansions with the safety of their people in mind.
「Well, there are some greedy nobles who only care about luxury and don’t take their people’s safety into consideration at all-nya.」(Nyat)
Nyat added the explanation.
There seem to be many of such greedy nobles, but Duke Balvin doesn’t seem to be one of them.
After passing through the tunnel, I could finally see the mansion. However, it was much bigger than I expected. It was like a castle rather than a mansion.
We traveled through the vast, beautiful front yard and finally reached the main building.
As soon as our carriage stopped, someone opened the door for us.
「Welcome to House Balvin, Lady Kako.」(Raykard)
「Eh?」(Kako)
I thought it was a butler, but his familiar voice made me notice that he was someone I knew.
「Raykard-sama?」(Kako)
It was the second son himself, Raykard, the man who bought my Blizzard Magic Sword and the very person who suggested I visit this city.
「I apologize if I startled you. Since the daughter of Marquis Kushaq came to visit, I was thinking of welcoming you myself.」(Raykard)
He extended his hand to me with a slightly playful smile on his face.
He had an elegant, noble aura. It was so strong that you might mistake him for a prince.
No, wait. I don’t think a duke’s son and a prince are that different.
I like shoujo manga, and I’ve seen this kind of situation many times in manga, but rather than excitement, I felt chills down my spine, perhaps because I realized that we really live in completely different worlds.
「Ojou-sama, take his hand.」(Thea)
「Ah… Un.」(Kako)
Thea’s whisper took me back to reality.
Raykard-sama was so dazzling that I forgot that I was a noble too.
That’s right, Kako. You’re a noble now, so act like a noble lady!
I stretched my arm and took his hand.
「Please mind your step.」(Raykard)
「Thank you very much.」(Kako)
He gently helped me get off the carriage. From every movement he made, I could tell that he was trying so that I could place my feet on the ground unhurt. What a gentleman.
He then escorted me into the building. Nyat and Thea were silently following us.
As I stepped inside, two long lines of maids and butlers welcomed me with a bow from each side.
「「Welcome, Lady Kushaq!!」」(servants)
Uwahh… I’ve experienced being welcomed like this in Father’s mansion, but it wasn’t as grand as this. They have more servants than Father. That’s the ducal house for you.
I thought I had gotten used to this kind of situation, but… It still makes me nervous…
Oh, right. I can use the ‘potato’ trick!
They’re potatoes… they’re potatoes… they’re nothing but potatoes…
I tried as hard as I could to think of these people as potatoes so as not to feel anxious, but Nyat suddenly whispered to me with a teasing tone as if he could tell what I was thinking.
「Face the reality-nya~ You’re a noble-nya~」(Nyat)
「Guh…」(Kako)
This cat! He knew I don’t like being in this situation, yet he teased me rather than helping! I’ll make him pay later!
Aa, that’s right! Mother told me, “If you ever feel nervous while being stared at by many people, you can just smile and wave your hand. That’s what nobles do.”
Alright. I guess I’ll just do what she said.
I waved my hand and made an awkward smile on my face as I walked by the long lines of servants.
「Phu…!」(Raykard)
Suddenly, Raykard-sama held his fist right in front of his mouth and flinched.
Did he just giggle?
Ugh, he must think my face looks funny. This is embarrassing…
「Ahem… Lady Kako, I deeply apologize for dragging you into our conflict with the mermaids. If we could maintain our relationship with them, it wouldn’t have happened.」(Raykard)
Suddenly, he cleared his throat and apologized.
I’ve read the letter. It seems that the Balvins think that I was kidnapped by the mermaids because of them, and they feel bad about it.
「No, it’s not House Balvin’s fault. I’m safe and sound; that’s what matters. Besides, the mermaid island was a fun experience, so I don’t really mind.」(Kako)
「You have a big heart, Lady Kako. Thank you.」(Raykard)
If I were a cunning noble, I would say, “I almost died because of you!” and demand compensation. I’m a merchant, but I’m not that low.
Maybe I can ask the duke to at least support my business in his city?
No, wait… What if he asked me to become his business partner? Doing business with a high-ranked noble sounds appealing, but it might be quite stressful…
Well, no point in guessing. I don’t know yet what kind of person the duke is and what he wants.
I really hope he’s a good noble like Father.
「Ideally, we would like to have a leisurely conversation with you in the reception room after we finish our dinner, but because of how serious this matter is, we want to solve it as soon as possible. Therefore, we would like to discuss it while eating.」(Raykard)
「While eating?」(Kako)
I was taken aback. I thought a high-ranked noble family would have strict rules in their house, such as table manners, but… they allow talking while eating?
「Yes. I have no idea how strict House Kushaq is, but our family is not that strict. We are indeed a ducal family, but at the same time, we are also navies. Depending on the situation, sometimes we prioritize efficiency over maintaining noble appearances. Besides… I think you would prefer it if our dinner is less strict.」(Raykard)
Saying that, he winked.
He must know that I’m a former commoner.
To be honest, that helps me a lot. I want to enjoy my dinner without worrying about strict rules and stuff.
「Yes, I prefer it that way.」(Kako)
「Very well. This way, please. Our finest chefs have prepared fresh seafood that was caught today.」(Raykard)
Fresh seafood~! Oh, I can’t wait!
My heart was pounding with excitement as Raykard-sama escorted me to the dining hall.
「Ooohhh~!! Lady Kushaq! Welcome to House Balvin~~!! Hnngh! Hnnghh!」(??)
「ー!?」(Kako)
As soon as we got to the dining hall, we were greeted by a handsome, energetic young man.
What surprised me was his excessively muscular huge body.
His biceps, his legs, and chest were all bulky with muscles, so bulky that they could tear his suit apart anytime. Even the buttons on his clothes could burst off anytime.
「Hnnghh! Hnnghh!! HHHnnnggghhh!!」(??)
「Umm…」(Kako)
He keeps making bodybuilder poses, trying to show off his muscles as much as possible.
He kinda reminds me of characters from a manga I found on my dad’s bookshelf. I believe it’s called Jojo or something.
*/TL : Jojo Bizarre Adventure
「Oh dear… I’m sorry you have to see this, Lady Kako. I’ve told him to behave in front of you, but…」(Raykard)
Raykard-sama face-palmed and shook his head.
「N, no, it’s alright…」(Kako)
Well, I didn’t expect to see an eccentric bodybuilder here, but more importantly, I wonder who this man is.
He looks as young as Raykard-sama, so I’m guessing he’s his brother.
「Hnnghh! Hnnghh! Lady Kushaq, what do you think of my muscles?」(??)
「Eh? Umm… They are… big?」(Kako)
「Gahahaha! You have good eyes!」(??)
I don’t think it’s a good answer, but he looks happy.
「Geez! I told you to stop asking that weird question to our guests! And stop making poses already! You embarrass me, Father!」(Raykard)
「Gahaha! These muscles are my pride! There’s nothing to be ashamed of! Right, Lady Kushaq?」(??)
「A, ahaha…」(Kako)
Ugh, I don’t know how to react in this situation…
But, hold on… Did Raykard-sama just call him Father…?
「Forgive me for the late introduction. My name is Baldock Elt Balvin. I’m the admiral of the Southern Capital Navy and also the head of House Balvin! It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady! Hnnghh!!」(Baldock)
He introduced himself while striking a flashy pose like a superhero.
Wait… He’s the admiral of the navy and the head of House Balvin?
So this weirdo is Duke Balvin himself!?
「Hnngghhh!!」(Baldock)
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