Dream Life Vol 3 Chapter 40.2: “Ball: Part 2”

　I was again struck dumb by his words. The Marquis of Seawell is a famous family that is related to the current emperor. The disinheritance of thre heir of a marquisate is a very serious matter politically. It was not possible that the reason for this was that he had made a pass at the fiancée of the second son of a knight in a drunken mishap.

　Perhaps this question evident on my face, but the marquis began to speak with a serious expression on his face.

“You underestimate your own value. If you were to get seriously angry and move the Blacksmith’s Guild… That is right if you were to command all the dwarves in the imperial city of Primus…” (Seawell)

　I couldn’t help but blurt out, “Your Excellency, I won’t do anything like that.” However, without offending him, the Marquis gave a small nod and continued speaking.

“You might not do such a thing. But if such a rumor were to circulate… it might only be a rumor, but the Seawell family could be destroyed. For the political enemies of my house would move with glee.” (Seawell)

　The Marquis turned to Beatrice,

“My son has said something, but I do not consider you just a mistress, nor do I consider the beastfolk to be lowly. In fact, I have taken on a number of beastfolk as my vassals and have made them knights… If you swear fealty to my family, I will take you as a knight. You are worth it.” (Seawell)

　The marquis emphasized the word “my family” to avoid any misunderstanding. He seemed to be saying that as the head of the marquis’s family, he could take Beatrice under his wing as a warrior. Beatrice’s eyes widened in surprise at these words. However, the marquis did not care, but looked down at Jonas, who was being held by his vassal, and continued talking.

“My son, this fool does not know your true worth, but I do not doubt that you are a charming woman. My son must have been intoxicated by your charms and your unfamiliarity with alcohol. I know this is unbearable, but can you find it in your heart to forgive him?” (Swell)

　Beatrice did all she could to say, “No, it is alright, I don’t mind…”

　The Marquis ordered a man who appeared to be a servant to take Jonas to his room, and then apologized to everyone in the venue.

“My son has caused trouble! But the night is still long! Let us change the mood and enjoy ourselves! Later, we will introduce you to our family’s treasured wine. It may not be as good as Lord Zacharias’s, but I hope you will enjoy it! Musicians, begin the music!” (Seawell)

　The audience burst into applause at the Marquis’ words, and the musicians began to play a cheery tune.

　I was impressed by the Marquis Seawell’s ability to talk and win people’s hearts.

　First, by declaring that he would dispose of his son, he gained the sympathy of those who were displeased. Then, he showed the utmost sincerity by not only apologizing without hesitation to me and Beatrice, who are of low status, but also to the invited guests who had caused him trouble. For this reason, Beatrice, as well as those around her, are left with only the strong memory of a sincere apology from someone like the Marquis to them. In fact, his words had greatly weakened the impression of his son’s blunder.

　The appearance of the marquis had somehow taken the venom out of the air, and there was a delicate atmosphere between us. The anger that Liddy and I had felt earlier was still there, but it had not risen any higher, nor had it ended completely. Such subtle emotions were drifting between us.

　Beatrice broke the mood.

“You guys haven’t danced yet, have you? Go on now.” (Beatrice)

　I was hesitant to leave her behind and go dancing.

“Thanks to the Marquis, no one will bother me anymore. Besides, the Seawell family has a bottle of wine on its way. I’d rather drink than dance.” (Beatrice)

　Liddy and I looked at each other at the same time. Then we both erupted in laughter at the same time.

“Oh, well, I’m going to go dance a song, but make sure you leave some for us.” (Zack)

　After saying that, I invited Liddy and entered the dancing circle.

　After that, I and Liddy danced a few songs, and the bitterness I had felt earlier was gone.

　Liddy, who is very shy, was enjoying herself among so many people without worrying about their gazes, and I was relieved that I had pleaded her to join us.

　When I heard why she was wearing a pure white dress, I had to think about it for a moment. The reason why she chose a pure white dress is because I told her that in my original world, it was the standard dress worn by brides.

　Neither of them mentioned the word “marriage.” Personally, I don’t know how to start, but maybe it’s time to seriously think about it.

　When I asked her about this while dancing, she replied curtly, “I don’t really care about getting married. It’s not going to change my life anyway.”

　I don’t know what the truth is, but I intend to formally propose to Liddy and Beatrice in the near future. I have been putting it off because of the mission I have been given, but I want to make sure it is done properly.

　Thinking about this, I looked at Liddy’s face.

“Is there something on my face?” (Liddy)

　She asked mischievously.

“No, I just wanted to watch. It’s polite to look people in the eye at a dance like this.” (Zack)

　We talked about such trivial matters.

　After that, wine from the Marquis Seawell arrived and was served in the courtyard. We also got two bottles of wine – not made of glass, but of china, like a jar – but as it was midsummer, the temperature was too high to drink. We used pseudo-Peltier effect magic to bring them to the right temperature – slightly lower, around 12 degrees Celsius–and poured them into glasses taken out of our storage magic inventory. Of course, since it cannot be served in public, it is looked as if Dan had gone to my room to get it.

　Barbara Harding, the head maid, was just there, so I asked her about it. She told me that the Seawell family’s red wine is famous in the imperial capital, and that even the nobility are not able to taste it.

　The color is a slightly darker, vivid red. When held up to the light of the lamp magic tool, it appears slightly purplish.

　When I took a sip, I found that it had not deteriorated, despite the fact that it had been carried on the road in the middle of summer, and the balance between the sweetness and acidity of the black grapes was very good, even though it was young. It was similar to a medium type red wine from Italy or Spain.

“It is very good. I think it will be even better if you bottle it and let it sit for a couple of years.” (Zack)

　While I was sipping with satisfaction, Liddy and Beatrice also emptied their glasses in the same way.

“It’s really delicious. But I’d like something to nibble on.” (Liddy)

I agreed with Liddy.

“Would you like some of this?” (Aina)

　There stood a young woman in a yellow dress, smiling, and offering a plate of neatly arranged snacks – cheese, bite-sized quiches, bread with rillettes, and so on. The woman was serving hors d’oeuvres.

　The woman was Aina Rushton, one of the attendants who was serving the guests.

“I thought that Sir Zacharias would surely ask for it… and Lady Barbara said so, too.” (Aina)

　As she said that, I laughed.

　I believe she was 14 years old, one year younger than me and Sharon, but her smile looked more mature.

(She looked much younger when she broke the glass and cried… but I wonder if the atmosphere, including what she wears, can change someone this far…) (Zack)

　Liddy glanced at Aina and said, “Why don’t you give her a dance? In return for the side dish,” she said.

　Beatrice also made a gesture of raising her glass, “Me and Lydiane are having a glass of good wine and these side dish.” What a manly line, but the bewitching dress makes me feel puzzled when I see her in a different dress than usual.

　Liddy said, “Hurry up! Of course, you’re going to have a dance with the head maid,” and waved her hand as if to shooing a dog away.

　I turn around, surprised by Liddy’s gesture, and ask Aina, “Would you like to dance a song?”

　“Yes! With pleasure,” she said with a big smile and took my hand.

　We danced one song, and as one would expect from an apprentice in the castle, the steps were superb.

Aina looked like she wanted to dance one more song, but I left her to dance with Barbara Harding, the head maid.