Chapter 58 Party Hosted By The Lord (Part Two)
After that, we entered the main hall from the lobby. As Chiyome had instructed, I was with Alice. Morimura was paired with Tsubasa, and Kondo Shuichi was with Shizuru. And as my mentor, Chiyome was at the back, overseeing the whole event alone.
The hall had a height that spanned three floors, with a grand staircase in the center front connecting to both sides of the second floor. The party was a standing buffet style. Multiple round tables were set up, and dishes were lined up in a buffet style on both sides of the walls.
"Thank you all for gathering here tonight."
A young gentleman appeared on the landing of the grand staircase.
"I am Drid Marqifasso, the owner of this mansion."
(So that's Baronet Marqifasso, who governs this entire region.)
With vibrant golden hair and a dignified physique, his facial features exuded a strong and handsome presence. And he was young. Normally, lords are of a certain age, but he seemed to be in his early thirties.
Then, Baronet Marqifasso said.
"As you all know, one of the important towns in my territory, Sakurakand, was attacked by monsters. However, it was said that the young foreign boys and girls who had been in the town for less than a week protected the town. When I heard that story, I was deeply moved. I must commend their achievements. That's why I hosted today's banquet."
And he reached out his hand to us.
"Now, heroes who protected Sakurakand, please come this way."
A man who seemed to be a butler came from behind and said, "Please go to the master." The seven of us obediently ascended the grand staircase and reached the landing.
Baronet Marqifasso approached me with a smile.
"Are you Akito-kun, who is leading this party? I've heard the rumors. I'm glad to finally meet you."
I respectfully bowed.
"Nice to meet you, Baronet. It is an honor to meet you."
"Haha, I am not someone worthy of being called Baronet. But you are unexpectedly refined. You seem just like an ordinary boy from a small town."
"I am just an ordinary boy from a small town. Thanks to the prophecy of The Witch of the Valley, I was able to learn about the monster attack."
"No, no, your leadership in organizing and managing the adventurers was impressive. The youth should be modest."
Saying that, he took my hand and raised it high.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Akito-kun, the leader of the party that saved Sakurakand. Let us applaud him in celebration!"
Applause echoed throughout the venue. However, only about one-third of the people here truly admire us. The remaining two-thirds have indifferent expressions.
(To people from towns other than Sakurakand, it may not matter at all. Even influential people in Sakurakand and adventurers may consider it natural that they saved the town.)
While I was thinking that way, Baronet went around the remaining six people, one by one, asking for a handshake. Among them, he was particularly thorough at Alice's place.
"Is a beautiful girl like you participating as an adventurer? What a waste!"
Alice also hurriedly denies it.
"No, I am a member of Akito-kun's group, but I have never gone outside the town as an adventurer or participated in battles. I specialize in healing..."
"I see, that's good. A beautiful woman like you should not be on the battlefield. If you come to this mansion, I can provide you with even better treatment..."
When Baronet said that, Kondo Shuichi stepped forward.
"My lord. She is our important comrade and she must eventually return to her original country. Although it is a kind offer, please do not trouble her too much."
The choice of words is polite, but the tone is quite strong. Baronet Marqifasso momentarily had a dissatisfied expression, but quickly returned to his usual friendly smile.
"Well, she is an important companion for all of you. Oh, I apologize. I was just momentarily dazzled by Alice-san's beauty..."
With that, he shook hands with Kondo next to me. He also complimented Chiyome, saying, "Are you Akito-kun's mentor? No, someone as young and beautiful as you..." He might be quite fond of women. Well, since he's single, it's probably not a problem to flirt with them.
"Now then, everyone, please enjoy the feast."
With those words, we returned to the main hall downstairs. We also went to get some food. There, various influential people from the town approached us. But the topics of conversation were mostly the same. They asked where we came from, what kind of skills we had, and invited us to be their personal escorts.
The term "escort" here doesn't just mean bodyguards. It also includes being escorts for their shops, businesses, or carriage transportation. In a way, it's like being a private soldier. I tried to politely decline their offers while still maintaining a connection through conversation.
I was too preoccupied with that matter that Chiyome approached me from behind.
"I told you not to take your eyes off her."
She informed me. I hurriedly looked for Alice in the venue. She was nowhere to be seen in the main hall.
(Where is Kondo?)
I immediately thought, but he was sloppily drunk on a sofa against the wall. When I looked up the stairs, Baronet Marqifasso was taking Alice's hand, about to lead her somewhere.
(Darn it! I let my guard down because Kondo is here!)
I hurriedly headed for the grand staircase and rushed up the stairs. Just before the two reached the third-floor corridor, I managed to catch up with them.
"Where are you going, Baronet Marqifasso?"
I called out, and he answered cheerfully without any hint of remorse.
"Oh, well, she expressed an interest in art and the history of this country, you see. So, I thought I'd show her my collection."
"Okay. I have always been interested in art and history, and I think knowing the history of this world will be useful in the future."
Alice, a young lady who knows nothing about doubting others, responded brightly. But in this world, such common sense of hers does not apply. No, even in our world, it's questionable if it applies. So I immediately turned towards Baronet and said.
"I am also very interested in the art and history of this country. I would love to join you."
Then, he surprisingly replied, "Oh, sure. Please join me in looking at it."
From this reaction, I wonder if he had no intention of doing anything to Alice?
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