Survival 59

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A chandelier lavishly adorned with various precious metals.

The pure white marble floor that proudly reflects its light in full splendor.

Food and drinks made from regional specialties.

The view of the banquet hall at a glance was truly worthy of high nobility.

Of course, for someone like me, whose only experience with money was the allowance from a baronial family and a servant’s salary…

…How much would all that cost?

The beauty brought a sense of burden before wonder.

“Look over there. That’s Luciana from the Speda family.”

“Is it true she defeated a demon?”

“Honestly, it sounds exaggerated. How could someone our age take down a high demon?”

Nobles openly gossiped about Luciana, without any attempt to hide their conversation.

Their talk was rife with doubt and distrust.

“Everyone’s looking this way.”

“Not exactly pleasant, is it?”

Those daring to doubt and discuss her achievements weren’t going to be looked upon kindly.

Naturally, they received Luciana’s cold gaze, which, combined with the inherent prejudices of the North, led to even greater caution.

“Look at those fierce eyes. She looks savage.”

“Typical of northerners, resorting to threats and drawing swords at the slightest provocation. Barbaric.”

It couldn’t be helped.

Climate, culture, environment…

Even within the same Manhett Empire, there’s a world of difference depending on the region.

This often leads to rejection and rivalry between people from different areas.

‘I remember feeling that way when I first came to the North.’

Now, the situation was reversed.

Nobles from other regions, especially the Central, looked down on Luciana.

Ah, wait a minute.

I narrowed my brows, recalling a memory.

There was a scene like that in a game trailer.

The crown prince attended the academy’s tea party with the female protagonist.

Luciana, ignoring him outright, shone brilliantly like a diamond on the snow.

I had focused intently on the illustration, captivated by her radiant appearance, holding a teacup, biting a fork…

But there was a moment when Luciana, usually enduring insults, exploded.

It was when…

– Look at that. The poor Speda, robbed of the prince by a commoner.

– It must be disappointing because she’s from the North. Fits the barbarian who knows nothing but to wield a sword.

– …Are you done talking? I hope you’re prepared to face the barbarity of the North you dare speak of.

Insults to the North.

To those who demeaned her honor as barbarism, Luciana showed no forgiveness.

Those twin sisters who acted big among the noble factions?

They challenged her to a duel, faced a humiliating defeat, and withdrew in shame.

“I came here with high hopes to see the future leaders of the Manhett Empire.”

As expected.

Our lady chose to confront the issue head-on.

“I didn’t expect to come and see cowards who only talk behind others’ achievements.”

Silence.

The bustling banquet hall fell quiet at Luciana’s words.

“Why. Go on, talk more. That the North is full of barbarians, full of pretense and bluster, and that the lady has a foul mouth.”

Gloves adorned with golden embroidery, contrasting with her purple dress, were stripped from her hands. 

“However, be prepared if you intend to speak up.” 

-Thunk. 

The gloves fell to the floor of the ballroom, resonating. 

“Dare to tarnish my honor, and you shall pay the price. Instead of cowardly chatter, pick up the glove I threw and strike your face with it. I will accept your challenge.” 

A sign of duel. 

Upon seeing this, someone swallowed hard, and another could not hide their displeasure. 

And I, closely analyzing the situation, thought hard. 

‘Things are getting overheated.’ 

The response wasn’t bad. 

It was a remark that insulted not just Luciana personally but all the northern nobility. 

Even more so, it was a mockery exchanged openly within hearing distance. 

Had it been left unchecked, the situation would have only worsened without any self-correction. 

The problem was the wide-scale provocation against the nobles gathered in the ballroom. 

‘It even drew the attention of those who were previously uninterested, not to mention the nobles who were merely scratching the surface.’ 

No one would dare challenge Luciana, who is rumored to have slain a high demon. 

But if someone actually picked up that glove, it would be a major incident. 

And if left as is? 

The atmosphere would turn as somber as a funeral, though it’s merely a ball. 

-Swoosh. 

So, I picked it up. 

“…Hans?” 

“Please stand back, Lady Luciana.” 

I slowly walked towards her and handed her the glove. 

Not towards her face, but back to where it belonged. 

“There’s no need for you to personally intervene. Such matters should be handled by us, the lower ones.” 

“…Oh? A proxy duel, is it?” 

Her eyes, which had been cold till now, suddenly filled with interest. 

“Very well. You’ve all heard, haven’t you? If you have a grievance against me, challenge my servant to a duel.” 

A moment of silence. 

Even the professional musicians hesitated, freezing in place. 

Curious glances were directed our way. 

Soon, whispers spread like waves around a few individuals. 

“That servant, isn’t he the one? The one who won against Lady Speda in the martial contest…” 

“Ah, the scion of the baronial family that was all over the headlines with ‘The Counterattack from the West’?” 

“It’s a trap. Anyone foolish enough to challenge him will only face humiliation.” 

I paid close attention to the scorpion and worm patterns amidst them. 

The conductor, noticing the situation, subtly resumed the symphony. 

As if the duel declaration was never heard, the ballroom slowly regained its liveliness, previously frozen by Luciana. 

Of course, the disdain for the north and the tension had vanished. 

Naturally. 

It was a kind of performance. 

Maintaining Luciana’s honor duel declaration in form while cooling down the heated atmosphere caused by ‘the provocation of a lady’. 

Moreover, that servant is a genius known even in other regions. 

‘To respond to the provocation and be humiliated would be a disgrace.’ 

Today’s gathering was a social event exclusively for high nobility. 

Any fool who failed to notice this would have been exploited and driven out long ago. 

In the end.

The Lady of the North had perfectly seized control of the social scene. 

However, Luciana was unaware of all this. 

In other words, it was only because I, being competent, packaged it as ‘the preemptive strike intended by the lady.’ 

In reality, it was the lady’s uproar caused by irritation, that was the truth. 

‘Well, if another challenge comes, just smashing it down is enough.’ 

However, beautiful and kind, cherishing her subordinates, even her indignant appearance was adorable. 

But it was problematic that Luciana, as the future crown princess and needing to attend the academy, would react so impulsively going forward. 

Today was within my ability to cover, but there’s no guarantee for the future. 

‘The Duke only asked me to assist. But the social world is not one where you can survive on that alone. And yet, to bring in a private tutor…’

Just as my concerns deepened, “Hans.” 

Luciana approached and handed me a glass of drink with her beautiful hand. 

Thankfully, she seemed to have no intention of provoking further. 

“It’s an honor.” 

“There was no need for you to intervene.” 

“Ha-ha. How could I not? It’s your debut in the capital’s social circles; you must leave a good impression on others.” 

‘Right. Getting through this moment well is what’s important.’ 

There surely were those who harbored resentment. 

But it was clear to me. 

There were those who found interest in Luciana, who stood up honorably against insults. 

“Well, good job.” 

Luciana smiled brightly. 

Just as I was about to enjoy the drink while savoring her smile, “Lucy! That was amazing just now!” 

An unwelcome guest interjected. 

“Oh, Hans is here too. Hello. My fiancé was quite splendid.” 

Though she pretended to be pleased on the surface, she skillfully sent me a sign language message visible only to me. 

-You really don’t belong there. 

Essentially, a message telling me to get lost immediately. 

Indeed, her words had some merit. 

The surroundings were filled with children of nobles of at least the rank of earl. 

As the second son of a minor noble, it indeed wasn’t my place to mingle. 

There were also those who looked disdainfully at me being there. 

-I refuse. 

But I couldn’t yield either. 

Besides my duty as a dedicated servant and the request from the Duke, 

Look at that ominous gaze. 

The obsessive greed intent on engraving from Luciana’s head to her toes! 

‘As if I would cater to such selfish desires.’ 

“I am thankful for such praise.” 

“Hehe. It’s natural to wish well for one’s fiancé.”

Even without words, there is something that connects fanatics to each other. 

On the surface, I laugh and joke, 

-It’s your turn to give in this time, isn’t it? Haven’t you had enough chances? A unique flavor of emotion is pouring out right now.

-Are you oblivious? Staying this long at the banquet is also a nuisance to Lucy. 

Beneath the surface, a fierce battle of wits was waged to secure the seat next to the goddess. 

However, it’s like preparing a ritual without even having something to offer. 

“Haha, it’s nice to see you two getting along. Then, I have some business to attend to as well, so you guys stay here.” 

“Ah, Lady!” 

“Lucy!” 

Our cries, mine and Elizabeth’s, were in vain as Luciana, in her purple dress, drifted far away.

***

Surviving the insults of nobles from other regions was not so difficult. 

“Such matters should naturally be handled by those below us.” 

The thoughtful gesture of putting the thrown glove back on one’s hand. 

Even if other nobles caused trouble, there was nothing to fear as long as Hans and she joined forces. 

But the real problem was something else. “Again? This uncomfortable feeling.” 

An indescribable unease pricking at the heart. 

Luciana knew best what the cause was. 

Was it the pair of mandarin ducks from the east, symbolizing marital harmony, causing this? 

Elizabeth, who naturally joined them. 

Ever since she saw her talking intimately with Hans, the feeling of alienation persisted. 

The result was this. As if fleeing, she stormed out of the place.

“Cast aside your distractions.” 

It was the love between a dear friend and a cherished subordinate. 

Rather than blessing them, expressing displeasure was pointless. 

“I should focus on what I rightfully should do.” 

She fiddled endlessly with the letter personally given by her father, trying to ignore her current feelings. 

Then, “You must be Lady Luciana Speda.” 

The knight, clad in golden full plate mail, approached without a sound, his presence alone hinting at his high caliber. 

It was a timely moment. 

Luciana turned towards him with a subtle sense of relief. 

“…A royal guard.” 

“His Majesty is waiting. This way.” 

Passing through the corridors of the royal palace, she arrived at a room. 

The solemn red carpet and the golden doorknob welcomed her. 

“His Majesty, Lady Luciana Speda has arrived.” 

“Let her in.” 

The most revered person in the Manhett Empire. 

Luciana bowed deeply to the emperor, who sat on his throne looking down at her. 

“The eldest daughter of the Speda family is honored to be in Your Majesty’s presence.” 

The etiquette of lifting the hem of her dress was performed flawlessly, pleasing the emperor who nodded in satisfaction. 

“I thought the girl to be my daughter-in-law was only outstanding in swords, but she’s perfect even in court etiquette. A happy miscalculation indeed.”

It was, of course, a given. Luciana, destined to be the future mistress of the Manhett Empire, had perfected even this simple greeting through hundreds of practice sessions. 

“Hmm, how is the Duke doing?” 

“Of course, he is well. Moreover, he has sent this letter to His Majesty.” 

The intention of her father sealed within the envelope. 

Although curious about the content he entrusted her to deliver, she had no intention of opening it. 

If it’s the will of the family, naturally, it must be followed. 

Why preview it and decide what to do?

“That he has sent a letter himself is unexpected. He’s not one to send letters over trivial matters.” 

“He said to leave the judgment to His Majesty.” 

“Haha, I am curious what story the wise Sword Saint of the north has shared.” 

Suddenly, His Majesty clapped his hands. 

“Come in. With this, even your high standards should be quite satisfied, shouldn’t they?” 

Shifting to a more relaxed tone, shedding some of his solemnity. 

Luciana, still tense, clenched her fist around Hans’s glove, which retained his warmth. 

“Well, I suppose.”

Although it was the first time hearing it, instinctively, she knew who it was. 

Looking up, she saw the face she had seen countless times in portraits there in real life. 

“The Crown Prince, Your Highness…” 

The man destined to be her partner, arranged by their families. 

“Garon. What are you doing? Hurry and greet her.” 

“Pleased to meet you, Speda.” 

The blue hair symbolizing the royal family. 

The other half she had longed for.

‘But, why?’

 Luciana instinctively knew. 

Affection, expectation, interest. 

There should be at least some form of resistance. 

Yet, nothing but indifference resided in those green pupils looking back at her.

“…Tsk. Is that all to your sentiment?” 

“Yes. For now, it’s merely an engagement. The formal vow of marriage is not until after graduation from the academy. Until then, I have no intention of being entangled with her.” 

With those words, the Crown Prince left the room abruptly.

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to give you a chance to greet each other. But that child turned out this way.” 

“…It’s okay.” 

Her voice trembled naturally, though she tried to hide it. 

‘It’ll be okay if I make an effort.’ 

Destined to live by his side for a lifetime. 

Though the first meeting was less than expected, it was a problem that could be solved by advancing the relationship. 

For the sake of not bringing shame to her family, she had to do her best. 

Besides, nobility is destined to prioritize duty over perishable love. 

Consoling herself, Luciana overlaid her face with the mask she had practiced thousands of times. 

“I will be entering the academy the same year as His Highness, the Crown Prince. I will stand by his side.” 

“Having a daughter-in-law so considerate, I see my worries were unnecessary.” 

The Emperor stroked his blue beard with an awkward expression. 

“Though it’s a bit late, go enjoy the social gathering. I’ll make sure Garon isn’t late either.” 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” 

Once again, she lifted the hem of her dress in greeting. 

Entering as before, but this time, the fabric felt significantly heavier.

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