Chapter 162 - Chapter 161: The Twentieth Anniversary of Reigning Party
The first day of the first week of the month of Fire.
Early summer, when the temperature does not rise much.
A time slightly too early to be called evening.
It has finally come.
His Majesty the King's Twentieth Anniversary of Reigning Party.
The day Mika decides to execute his 'Direct Petition'.
No, I won't do that.
Because I cherish my life.
"Haa~~~~~~~..."
"Mika, really. You've been sighing too much since earlier. How many times must you sigh before you are satisfied?"
Cleiria admonishes Mika, who lets out a grand sigh.
He has already changed into formal attire and is currently waiting in Cleiria's room.
His hair is tied up, so his forehead feels cool.
Sitting on the sofa opposite him, Cleiria is wrapped in a bright red dress, wearing necklaces and bracelets she usually doesn't wear, along with conspicuous hair ornaments.
She is putting in incredible effort.
Or rather, isn't it more rude not to do so?
If you don't dress up at all to meet His Majesty the King, they might think, "Are you coming here reluctantly?"
Knock, knock.
Just as Mika hunched his back and let out a small sigh, the room's door was knocked upon.
Prompted by Cleiria with a glance, Mika straightened his back and stood up properly.
He can show his slouching self in front of Cleiria, but he cannot do so in front of other Marquis families.
...Actually, he probably shouldn't do it in front of Cleiria either.
Entering were three young men.
They had honey-blonde hair like Cleiria, the eldest around mid-twenties, the youngest around twenty years old.
"Big Brother!"
Cleiria's face lit up, and she ran toward the men who had entered the room.
(Big Brother? Which one? Or rather, all three?)
Mika also stood up for now and looked at Cleiria and the three men.
They exchanged bright greetings and spoke familiarly.
(.........................)
What is this?
It is a completely different world.
Beautiful men and women with golden hair packed to the brim, chatting happily.
That sparkling scene was completely like a movie or a fairy tale world.
Just as Mika was watching with a "Hoke~..." expression, the youngest-looking man approached Mika.
"You must be Mika-kun? Nice to meet you. I am Urbano Leventein."
Saying that, he extended his right hand.
"N, nice to meet you. I, I am Mika Noisheim."
Mika hurriedly extended his hand and shook it.
His voice cracked just a little.
"You seem quite nervous. If you keep up that pace from now on, you won't make it?"
Saying that, Urbano smiled.
After that, they exchanged greetings in order.
It seems all three of these men are Cleiria's brothers, named Haiden, Ixel, and Urbano from eldest to youngest.
Haiden is the eldest son and the heir to the Leventein family.
Currently, he serves as a Battalion Commander in the Leventein Domain Army.
If things go as planned, it is confirmed he will inherit the Leventein Domain in the future, so he is currently studying various things while being trained as a soldier.
Ixel is the second son and seems to belong to the Royal Guards.
He is blessed with extraordinary swordsmanship talent and is currently being molded within the Royal Guards.
The Royal Guards are a military unit directly under the royal palace, independent from the Kingdom Army.
They seem to be an elite group responsible for important facilities directly related to the royal family and protecting the royalty.
Although called an 'Army', it seems the number of people is not that large.
Well, if they are collecting selected elites, that is only natural.
Urbano is the third son and belongs to the Kingdom Army.
He seems to be stationed in the Leventein Domain within the Kingdom Army.
(Can brothers be so scattered like this...?)
Shouldn't they unite as one family to protect their territory?
Thinking that, it seems they plan to do so in the future.
Ixel, who is currently in the Royal Guards, and Urbano, in the Kingdom Army, both intend to return to the Leventein Domain eventually.
For now, they seem to be struggling daily to serve as a link between the Royal Guards/Kingdom Army and the Leventein family.
If they become close with future executives of the Royal Guards or Kingdom Army, the connection will remain even after returning to the territory.
That is deep planning for the future of the Leventein Domain.
Also, since the Domain Army might cause others to be overly considerate, it seems to be the Marquis Leventein's intention to say, "Go get beaten up outside."
I think that is a truly Marquis-like educational policy.
Haiden smiled casually at Mika.
"This is the first time we exchange words, but I have seen you several times?"
That is right, said Haiden.
Mika blinked his eyes.
It seems he had seen Mika several times when Mika was kept at the Marquis's house during the Cleiria kidnapping incident.
"I was the one who went to investigate your hometown, Rish Village. That time was quite a forced march and was difficult."
"Ah."
Mika had heard that an investigation came, but it seems it was Haiden.
To quickly investigate the identity of the mysterious boy, he rode horses one after another and galloped alone at full speed.
"I know it sounds strange, but didn't you have a suspicious part about you back then? You never know what story might come out, and the circumstances of the investigation are what they are. I told them to go alone so that no information leaked to the village or to Sarbengeal."
Sending the heir alone to investigate, don't be reckless, that Marquis old man.
However, the Cleiria kidnapping and the suspicion of escaping the academy.
Since it touched on very delicate issues, it seems Haiden was chosen as the person who could touch upon all that information without issue.
By the way, only the Marquis and the Knight Commander know the results of that investigation.
(During the interrogation, the knight standing next to the Marquis knew about me. So that person is the Knight Commander?)
It was many years ago, and I have forgotten the name.
It was Ma... Ma, Ma... Marguerite?
Wasn't it a name like that?
Suddenly, I want to eat pizza.
My stomach hurts from stress due to nervousness, and I have no appetite.
While talking like that, a servant came to call.
It was time to leave soon, so they were told to gather.
Following the three brothers walking ahead, Mika walked down the hallway alongside Cleiria.
When they arrived at the entrance hall, the Marquis old man was waiting with a honey-blonde beauty.
"Ho, not bad."
The Marquis old man looked at Mika and said that.
"You there. You must not say things like that."
The beauty standing next to him admonished the Marquis old man and smiled at Mika.
"It suits you very well. You are Mika-kun, right? Nice to meet you."
That is right, she smiled at Mika with a very refined smile.
However, unfortunately, that would not make Mika's tension disappear.
"N, nice to meet you. I am Mika Noisheim. T, today is————."
"Rubalwarus insisted on this. I am sorry. Once she starts something, she won't listen."
This person who smiled gently at Mika seems to be Soinlage Leventein.
She is the Marquis old man's wife.
She is also the mother of Haiden and the others, Cleiria's brothers, so she should be in her forties, but she looks incredibly young.
And Haiden, Ixel, Urbano, Cleiria.
All of them are beautiful men and women resembling Soinlage.
Where did the Marquis old man's genes go?
Do your job.
"I was very much looking forward to meeting you today."
Soinlage slowly advanced to the front of Mika and took his hand.
"I have never forgotten my gratitude to you for a single day. Thank you for saving my precious daughter."
"Huh!?"
That is right, he bowed his head.
This made Mika panic even more.
He was already stiff with nervousness, and now he didn't know what to do and was flustered.
"Please do not go that far. You look like you are about to have a seizure and collapse."
When the Marquis old man spoke, Soinlage muttered "Oh my" and looked at Mika.
Seeing Mika's twisted face, she smiled bitterly with a slightly troubled look.
"I was just too happy... I am sorry. I did not intend to trouble you."
Saying that, she released Mika's hand and stepped back to her original position.
"Cleiria, stay by Mika-kun's side today. It would be troubling if she acted alone."
"Yes, Father."
"Basically, we will be attached too, so it should be fine."
That is right, Urbano said lightly.
At Urbano's words, Haiden and Ixel also nodded.
It seems the Leventein family brothers are all out to protect Mika today.
Or rather, why make me participate in such a party even by doing that!?
Mika's inner cry naturally did not reach anyone, and soon the carriage arrived at the entrance.
There were two carriages.
In the first carriage: the Marquis old man, Soinlage, Haiden, and Cleiria.
In the second carriage: Ixel, Urbano, and Mika.
Now, Mika is not even allowed to sigh.
It is the opening of a feast of hell. ...Psychologically speaking.
"You might be surprised, but Mother really is grateful to you. Well, please overlook it."
While moving to the Royal Castle in the carriage, Ixel spoke to him.
It is better that the Marquis old man is not there, but Ixel and Urbano are not people Mika can relax around either.
"Mother dotes on Cleiria. She even said she would live in a separate residence in the capital while Cleiria is in the capital."
At Urbano's words, Ixel smiled bitterly.
(............So that is why?)
Somehow, everyone in the Marquis's family is very favorable toward Mika.
Showing such favor to a commoner like Mika is not quite normal, I think.
Although a bit strict, even the Marquis old man is quite favorable toward Mika.
Otherwise, he would not create opportunities to meet with Mika every time he stays in the capital.
Bringing him to an anniversary party like this is an extraordinary treatment.
Whether that is grateful or not is another matter.
And due to the merit of rescuing Cleiria, the favorability from the mother and brothers toward Mika is extremely high.
That much means Cleiria was loved by her family, I suppose.
Thinking about such things, they approached the castle walls of the Royal Castle.
From before, the Leventein family's carriage was smoothly passing many lined-up carriages.
Maybe all those lined-up carriages are nobles?
The Marquis family's carriage glanced at those carriages and arrived at the city gate non-stop.
There, several knights came to check inside the carriage.
However, Ixel lightly waved his hand at the knight who opened the door.
Then, those knights immediately snapped to attention and saluted, closing the door.
Could it be that you know each other?
Arriving at the Royal Castle very, very smoothly.
Prompted by Urbano, Mika tried to get off the carriage.
Blink!
Knights were lined up on both sides all the way to the entrance of the Royal Castle.
At that sight, something felt like it was whizzing by, and he was scared.
Knights serving as both welcome and security, there were about a hundred of them here alone.
Maybe it is an entrance used only for special occasions for upper-class nobles.
He also saw another entrance where people who got off the lined-up carriages were entering from a distance.
The special treatment for upper-class nobles is too bad for Mika's heart.
I don't want this, I want to go home...
Taking a rest in the private rest room prepared for the Leventein Marquis family where one cannot relax at all, they went to the party venue.
It seems the commemorative ceremony for His Majesty the King's twentieth anniversary of reigning was already held the day before.
There are many related events, and those events have been held since yesterday, so today's party is relatively casual.
Although it is a casual event, it is a completely formal party where nobles from the entire kingdom gather.
Even so, it might be a standing format, so it is not stiff with table manners or anything like that.
"Fah~..."
Unconsciously, his eyes widened, and a voice leaked out.
An incredibly wide party venue.
And it was incredibly dazzling.
Already, dozens of nobles were chatting in various parts of the venue.
It is not just out of place, it is really.
"Mika, over here."
Called by Cleiria, Mika came to his senses.
Mika hurriedly followed the Marquis and Mrs. ahead.
Haiden and the others, Cleiria's brothers, formed a formation to protect Mika and Cleiria, following on the left, right, and behind.
Following the Marquis, he discovered someone he had seen.
It was Maurice, the Academy Director.
Maurice was chatting with an elderly lady, but when he noticed Mika, he was startled and opened both eyes wide.
The first time I have ever seen that old man's eyes open.
Is he participating as a noble quota?
Since he is the top of the national organization, the Magic Academy, maybe he is participating in that quota.
Arriving at a quite front part of the venue.
Or rather, the front row, this is.
On a raised platform, there were splendid chairs where His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen would likely sit, about four to five meters up to that step.
Several knights who seem to be from the Royal Guards are guarding that empty step.
Watching the nobles continuously entering the venue, Mika's tension tightened further.
The Marquis and his wife were chatting with a certain noble couple.
The party had already begun, and a somewhat long speech was being given by an unknown old man.
His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were seated on the chairs on the step, smilingly responding to the nobles greeting them.
Currently, a Duke family is greeting His Majesty the King.
Once the Duke family's greetings are finished, it will be the Marquis family's turn.
Looking around the venue, he found familiar faces here and there.
Students he had seen at the academy's noble cafeteria or passing by in the hallways.
It seems only Duke and Marquis families are allowed to greet the King with their families, but participating in the party itself seems to be allowed.
Ozendorwa and Stellan were also there.
They certainly did not wave, but they seemed to have noticed him.
It was clear they were quite surprised.
Mika looked up at the step somewhat aimlessly.
Sitting in the center was Kernils Ektramze.
The 107th King of the Kingdom of Ektrem, sixty years old this year.
(I never thought I would see His Majesty the King with my own eyes...)
There was no particular emotion.
In an era without television or photos.
Even if you have heard the name, how many people in this country know his appearance?
Ordinary commoners will almost never see him.
Only a very few, such as those who rose to become knights or rose in government offices.
"Mika. Do not stare too much."
Cleiria admonished Mika, who was staring openly.
It is not that he should not look at all, but it seems he was a bit rude.
"Well, it is unavoidable to be curious. Nothing, you will be able to see him up close soon."
"Ugh..."
Urbano's bright words struck Mika's stomach like a knife.
(Can't I stay behind here...?)
I don't want to go up to that step.
However, in vain was Mika's wish, and cruelly, the Leventein family's turn came.
"Congratulations on your twentieth anniversary of reigning, Your Majesty. There is no doubt that these twenty years of peace are due to Your Majesty's majestic power. Please, may you always be that wise————."
"Hahaha. Good, good, Rubalwarus. I have heard your congratulatory speech enough at the ceremony yesterday. It is fine, let you talk to your family quickly."
"H, hahaha! Soinlage."
Interrupting the Marquis old man's congratulatory speech, His Majesty urged him to let him talk to his family.
It was a somewhat rude behavior, but the Marquis old man did not seem to take offense.
It seems they have built a relationship that casual enough for that.
Well, no matter what is done to him, if he shows displeasure, he cannot resist being threatened with "Do you have some dissatisfaction?"
After all, the law does not apply to them.
In the Kingdom of Ektrem, there are three people to whom the law does not apply.
His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
In other words, the three people sitting on chairs on the step can kill everyone in the party venue right now without being charged with a crime.
Such are their existence.
King Kernils Ektramze.
He is said to be sixty years old, but he gives an impression of being vigorous.
However, rather than a warrior, he seems like a man of strategy for a brain-dead nation's king.
Following history, he might be a king belonging to the strategy faction rather than the territorial expansion faction.
In fact, he has never started a war during his reign.
Her Majesty the Queen seems to be around fifty years old.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince seems to be in his early forties.
(......Biologically, there is no blood connection between the Queen and the Crown Prince?)
I do not know how many other princes there are, but I hope they do not start a civil war over the succession issue.
The Queen secretly maneuvering to make her own child ascend the throne is a fairly standard story.
I would like that to remain only in stories.
If you tread the same path as the Seven Duchies Federation, I will laugh at you?
Thinking such things, the Queen and the Crown Prince joined the conversation with His Majesty, and the Marquis couple was talking with smiles.
For now, it seems fine on the surface.
On the surface, that is.
After conveying congratulations to Haiden, Ixel, and Urbano, it was Cleiria's turn.
"Your Majesty, congratulations on your twentieth anniversary of reigning."
She performed a curtsey with very beautiful mannerisms.
"Oh, Cleiria. You have grown up. Do you still remember what happened when we last met?"
"I remember, Your Majesty. While patting my head, you praised this hair ornament, saying it 'matches the color of my eyes and suits me well'."
His Majesty nodded, nodding, breaking into a smile just like a grandfather meeting his granddaughter.
I thought her conspicuous hair ornament was rare, but it turned out to be a memento.
Mika, who was watching Cleiria as if it were someone else's matter, suddenly realized.
(Ah, next, it is me.)
The moment he thought that, he felt his heart being squeezed tightly.
This situation is too painful even for nervousness.
Just as Cleiria finished, it was Mika's turn.
The Marquis came to stand beside Mika.
"N, nice to meet you, Your Majesty. Congratulations on your twentieth anniversary of reigning."
Mika bowed politely.
However, no voice was called out.
Glancing over, His Majesty had a face that said, "Who are you?"
(Ah!? I forgot to introduce myself!)
He was too panicked, and somehow conveyed the congratulatory speech, but he forgot to say his own name.
Feeling like a waterfall of sweat was spurting out, Mika became even more panicked.
Mika was so nervous he did not notice, but originally, it was not a matter of introducing oneself or not.
The Marquis Leventein should introduce Mika, and then he should deliver the congratulatory speech. That would be the correct flow.
The biggest problem was that he deviated because he wanted to end this heart-bad situation quickly.
His Majesty smiled bitterly as if sensing Mika's state of mind.
Then he turned his gaze to the Marquis Leventein.
"Ah... could it be, Rubalwarus. Is she your hidden child?"
"Your Majesty, that is a joke."
The Marquis also smiled bitterly.
"She is someone Your Majesty knows. She entered the middle division of the Magic Academy this year."
"Oh, the Magic Academy... middle division."
Muttering that, he made an expression as if thinking for a moment, but then suddenly realized.
"Could it be, that prodigy!"
"Your insight is accurate, Your Majesty."
Saying that, the Marquis bowed once.
"Ho ho, I have heard of her. Her name was... Mika Noisheim, wasn't it?"
Why do you know that?!
Mika was astonished and unconsciously widened his eyes, freezing in place.
"She has had a slight connection since she attended the Magic Academy in my domain. She is someone I have been watching over."
"I see. She was someone who learned in your domain."
His Majesty nodded as if impressed.
"Children from the Leventein Domain are often excellent every year, but I hear this one is particularly outstanding. Continue to strive in the future."
Mika was spoken to like that, but he was in a daze and could not do anything about it.
Even when the Marquis cleared his throat, he did not notice, and only realized when he was lightly tapped on the cheek.
However, unfortunately, his memory had flown away.
His Majesty and the Marquis's gazes were fixed on Mika, but he did not understand what was going on.
"You may step down."
Spoken by His Majesty, he managed to bow his head and followed the Marquis family.
Just after descending the step, Cleiria called out to him.
"It was nerve-wracking watching you, Mika."
She said that, but Mika was not in a position to respond.
(It is not just nerve-wracking, I thought my heart was going to be crushed!?)
He had almost no memory after delivering the congratulatory speech.
Mika's first audience with His Majesty the King ended in a disastrous result.