“······.”
“······.”
A discussion hosted by Eve von Roengreen.
Let’s simply refer to it as a tea party. Nevertheless, this tea party resembles more of a gathering between various departments than a salon exclusively for noblewomen from the capital.
Considering the political significance of Jephryn itself, the student council president is akin to the ‘Emperor’ of the Roengreen Empire, and the others are like ministers.
Consequently, where the current student council president stands, what actions they take, and how they assemble the student council executive team are all matters of significant interest, not to mention the substantial budget allocated to Eve’s projects. This includes special budget allocations, task forces for specific assignments, and personnel for fulfilling commitments.
This is why there is such a large crowd gathered just to hear about Eve’s recent interests and passions. Surprisingly, my seemingly unremarkable blood mate possesses incredible talent.
However, considering the arrangements for imperial events, it is occasionally mentioned that royals attend in place of the emperor.
So, even if Eve von Roengreen does not attend this tea party, my presence does not diminish its prestige.
In any case, I decided to attend casually.
“On behalf of Student Council President Eve von Roengreen, His Highness Prince Wolfram von Roengreen arrives.”
Wow, introduced as an actual prince.
Wasn’t there anyone in Jephryn other than Eve von Roengreen?
Well, regardless, I was called and entered, feeling the collective gaze of all the attendees on me.
Have you ever felt the weight of stares?
I mean, the sensation of numerous people looking at you.
Honestly, it’s peculiar.
Stares don’t have substance, so how can they feel like they bear a physical presence?
Yet, now I sense it.
Innumerable gazes fixed upon me.
Some filled with apprehension, others glaring with intensity, some avoiding eye contact, and some appearing intrigued.
Before I entered, the eyes of everyone who had been criticizing each other and seeking opportunities were on me, and though it may sound unbelievable, I felt the substantiality within the torrent of their gazes.
Honestly, it’s incredibly nerve-wracking.
Considering it, this is a banquet attended by nobles in their second year or higher, all of whom have been influenced by Wolfram von Roengreen.
Am I walking into my own downfall of my own volition? Just as my legs were on the verge of trembling,
[Imperial lineage is activated.]
[You must maintain a dignified appearance in all circumstances.]
[You confront the intimidation from everyone around you.]
My mind suddenly sharpened.
Ha, this is no joke, truly a top-tier skill.
In an instant, my mind is razor-sharp.
“Why is Lord Wolfram here?”
“Hmm.”
“I thought you had returned to the imperial palace.”
“······.”
Ah, openly disdainful.
I actually wish I could return, you know?
Truly···.
[The user is being disregarded due to their lineage.]
[A compulsory auto-counter against the mixed-blood individuals in the vicinity is triggered.]
[The banner of the royal lineage soars despite numerous oppressions.]
[The most distinguished bloodline commands all the mixed-blood individuals around!]
[As a result of lineage judgment, a compulsory intimidation effect is applied to those with a tier lower than 1!]
?
What is this?
I didn’t intend to, but my mouth opens.
Huh?
“[Rude. Ignorant. Savage. Impudent.]”
“···Yes, yes?”
“[Have you forgotten that the one before you is Wolfram von Roengreen? The greatest bloodline. Among them, the most legitimate!]”
“Ah, ah···. Uh, uh. Kuk.”
“[Did you really forget that this Jephryn is just a model garden?]”
“Ah, I apologize, I apol—.”
“[The crime of underestimating the royal lineage is treason. Is your family ready to bear that sin?]”
“···Ah, uh. Uh uh···”
“[Answer me.]”
“Sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Sorry···.”
[Auto-counter duration ends.]
[An intimidation status is applied to everyone around!]
······Ah.
Everyone’s eyes are downcast.
Crazy.
“···Eek.”
“Please, spare me. I didn’t do it.”
“Lord Wolfram, I’m sorry. No, I didn’t say anything, I swear.”
What a mess, really.
Everyone is trembling.
So a tier-1 skill automatically counters if the lineage is underestimated, wow, I truly didn’t know that!
After all, in the original story, Eve von Roengreen was never disregarded, and Wolfram just died by the sword, so how would I know?
When I look around, everyone is trembling. But there’s one person who isn’t trembling at all. Instead, she’s looking at me with bright, sparkling eyes.
“The daughter of the Ciel family.”
“Yes, Your Highness Prince. I am Regina Ciel, greeting you. Have you been well?”
“Hmm. Untroubled.”
“Hehe. The display of the imperial dignity you just showed reminded me of last year’s majesty. It made my heart flutter.”
“Hmm.”
“However, the others have also sufficiently realized the imperial dignity anew. I implore you, staking my life, to withdraw that dignity.”
“I shall do so.”
“Indeed, you seem different from last year. Then, I hope you would forgive all faults and act as if nothing happened.”
Saying so, Regina chuckled, and the air, which was tense enough for me to notice, slightly relaxed.
Hmm. Why would she say such a thing in this situation?
Ah, I see. This is that.
Maybe I’ll play along this time.
After all, she’s the one who eased the atmosphere.
“I understand. Let’s consider all that happened as if it never occurred.”
“Could it be otherwise? Everyone, you must have heard, right? His Highness Prince Wolfram von Roengreen only could not forgive those who dishonored the imperial family. There is no personal feeling in this, so let us all comfortably start our conversation.”
With those words, the discourse began, and Regina Ciel sat next to me, whispering very quietly.
“Thank you for heeding my request. I am grateful for the broad-mindedness of His Highness the Prince.”
“It’s nothing. If I had been harsh here, it would have been uncomfortable for me too. It’s fortunate you stepped in.”
“I’m grateful just for your words.”
“So, are you trying to cash in on this favor?”
“How dare I, to the Prince.”
“No, I don’t consider it a favor. What I mean is about the daughter of the Citrus family you shielded… mocking me. You wanted to owe her a big favor, didn’t you?”
Regina Ciel’s eyes widen at that.
Well, it’s obvious.
Regina Ciel is quite calculative. She must have thought intervening as a mediator would make someone feel indebted to her.
“···As expected, I can’t outdo His Highness. My loss…”
“Don’t even utter the word ‘defeat’. Daughter of the Ciel family.”
“Yes, yes?”
“I said don’t mention it.”
“Ah… Yes, I understand.”
If you admit defeat here, it would be the third time you lost to me after the competition and the midterm exams.
That would open your route.
I don’t want to open your route, which involves being part of your tormented psyche!
***
After that, the discussion proceeded more smoothly than anticipated.
To be precise, I simply sat with my arms crossed and listened, while the nobles started conversing amongst themselves.
Deeper conversations were occurring than I had expected, and occasionally, interesting stories came up.
“By the way, isn’t Tristar attending today either?”
“Yes, she tends to have a low attendance rate.”
“That’s a shame. It would have been delightful if Tristar graced us with her presence.”
It appeared that Aila didn’t frequently attend such events.
The girl who mentioned her looked in my direction.
Who was she again? Not a combatant, not a support type either…
Ah, right. She was a character involved in campus reputation activities.
She enjoyed spreading rumors and relishing in others’ love stories, likely a member of the Jephryn Newspaper Club.
If I included her in the party and did something to boost our campus reputation, it would yield better results.
Her name must be…
“Do you have something to say to me, the eldest daughter of the Tabloid family?”
“Huh? Do you know me?”
“Of course. Jephryn Newspaper Club. A faction of public opinion. A second-year in the Magic Department. The future Club head, Daily Tabloid.”
“How, how do you know that…? That I’m the next head… Oh.”
Ah, that was determined in Act 3.
Becoming the head of the Newspaper Club was quite confidential, wasn’t it?
My apologies, I shouldn’t have known that, and you’re the one at fault here.
“Trying to gauge reactions by recklessly mentioning someone’s fiancée, did you forget that the imperial betrothal is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly?”
“I’m, I’m sorry…”
“There won’t be a next time. Be cautious.”
“Yes, yes…”
As expected.
If I had mentioned Aila here, tomorrow’s Jephryn Newspaper would have featured an article like ‘The Prince who appeared alone without his betrothed. Feeling the weight of his love!’
The girl who wavered between being a journalist and a sensationalist belonged to the Tabloid family, with her name being Daily.
Observing the key figures or potential key figures of each faction chatting in groups, I nodded with interest.
As expected of a noble’s tea party, there were quite a few high-ranking individuals present. Interesting. Some of them were characters I often included in parties in the original story, while others were a bit tricky to utilize.
Their development could accompany me until Act 12.
“Indeed, Jephryn is a treasure trove of talent.”
“Oh my, does Your Highness also think so?”
“Hmm. Daughter of the Ciel family?”
“Please call me Regina Ciel.”
“I decline.”
“You are always so aloof. But that, too, is pleasing.”
Wow.
A beautiful elf with flowing golden hair speaking and smiling like that would normally be somewhat pleasing, but if it’s Regina Ciel, it’s genuinely, deeply intimidating.
“Leave me be; I just want to enjoy the discussions of talented individuals.”
“Oh, how fortunate. Perhaps an invitation to Your Highness’s faction may come?”
“I have no such intention. And I don’t have a faction yet.”
“…Hehe. You’re being humble again. But I envy you. I’m just known as a daughter of the Ciel family, but who could seize such an opportunity… Truly, I might even feel a little… just a tiny bit envious.”
Why are you suddenly changing your tone like that? Stop it; you’re genuinely frightening.
“What’s the significance? Just observing talented individuals converse brings me joy.”
“Your Highness mentioned that this place is a treasure trove of talent. So, do you know who everyone here is?”
“Of course.”
“Oh dear, then could you name just ten people here? Hehe.”
“I decline to partake in any game with a predetermined outcome.”
“No, no. It’s just a bit of amusement.”
“Do you wish to engage in a game with me?”
“Yes. If I lose, I’ll follow one order from you. If I win, you’ll consider one request from me.”
Hmm.
I’m not sure what she might request, but naming ten people is simple.
“That lady over there is Hilia Icewind, the second daughter of the Icewind family. A talent in the Magic Department who has mastered ice and wind magic up to tier 6.”
“Oh my.”
And so I proceeded to name the others.
It was enjoyable recalling the backgrounds of each character that I had only read about in books as I introduced them.
After naming nine, I glanced at the person beside me, intending to tease a bit for the final name.
“And lastly, Regina Ciel. A magic merchant. The eldest daughter of the Ciel family.”
“…You consider me a talent?”
“Hmm. To be honest, yes. A genius with a magic power level of 21, an exceptional talent.”
“…Eh. Thank you…”
Regina Ciel covered her face with her hands and bowed her head deeply.
Honestly, she was a remarkable talent.
A magic level of 21 was no small achievement. Even Aila had a level of 19, and the Fairy Queen possessed 20. However, that 21, or even several 21s combined, could never surpass a single 22.
A monster known as the reincarnation of the Demon King. The despair of never surpassing Eve von Roengreen.
“Nevertheless, talent remains on the mountain and never touches the sky, often leading to a desire for death.”
Did I perhaps reveal too much about the nine characters just now? The words slipped out without my awareness.
“Excuse me?”
“Never mind, forget it.”
The tea party was merely a brief amusement during lunchtime, bound to conclude.
“Your Highness, what did you just say about me…?”
“Forget it.”
“But…”
“Forget it. It’s an order. That was the condition of the game.”
“Ah, alright. I must adhere to the condition.”
“Good.”
After the tea party ended and I rose from my seat, something occurred to me.
Upon reflection, she was also a heroine in the original story.
And if she genuinely broke down, she went all the way.
Her bad ending entailed losing the will to live, extinguishing her spirit, and living like a vegetable, with Kelters taking care of her for the rest of her life.
Hmm…
Well, I did have some lingering affection for her, so offering a bit of advice wouldn’t hurt.
“Regina Ciel.”
Ah, I forgot to mention her as the daughter of the Ciel family.
Regardless, let’s just convey the message and depart.
“…Yes?”
“Always wear accessories that protect against curses and blessings.”
“…Why such advice?”
“If you don’t want to collapse, just do it.”
And thus, the tea party came to an end.
In any case, even though I attended in place of Eve, it was beneficial to observe the talents and gain further insight into the secrets of this imperial lineage skill.
“Hmm. Eve will probably hold more respect for me after I handled her duties while she was indisposed. She needs to learn to respect her older brother.”
Then.
Upon Eve’s awakening, I received a scolding for causing such a commotion among the factions. How unfair.
“······.”
“······.”
A discussion hosted by Eve von Roengreen.
Let’s simply refer to it as a tea party. Nevertheless, this tea party resembles more of a gathering between various departments than a salon exclusively for noblewomen from the capital.
Considering the political significance of Jephryn itself, the student council president is akin to the ‘Emperor’ of the Roengreen Empire, and the others are like ministers.
Consequently, where the current student council president stands, what actions they take, and how they assemble the student council executive team are all matters of significant interest, not to mention the substantial budget allocated to Eve’s projects. This includes special budget allocations, task forces for specific assignments, and personnel for fulfilling commitments.
This is why there is such a large crowd gathered just to hear about Eve’s recent interests and passions. Surprisingly, my seemingly unremarkable blood mate possesses incredible talent.
However, considering the arrangements for imperial events, it is occasionally mentioned that royals attend in place of the emperor.
So, even if Eve von Roengreen does not attend this tea party, my presence does not diminish its prestige.
In any case, I decided to attend casually.
“On behalf of Student Council President Eve von Roengreen, His Highness Prince Wolfram von Roengreen arrives.”
Wow, introduced as an actual prince.
Wasn’t there anyone in Jephryn other than Eve von Roengreen?
Well, regardless, I was called and entered, feeling the collective gaze of all the attendees on me.
Have you ever felt the weight of stares?
I mean, the sensation of numerous people looking at you.
Honestly, it’s peculiar.
Stares don’t have substance, so how can they feel like they bear a physical presence?
Yet, now I sense it.
Innumerable gazes fixed upon me.
Some filled with apprehension, others glaring with intensity, some avoiding eye contact, and some appearing intrigued.
Before I entered, the eyes of everyone who had been criticizing each other and seeking opportunities were on me, and though it may sound unbelievable, I felt the substantiality within the torrent of their gazes.
Honestly, it’s incredibly nerve-wracking.
Considering it, this is a banquet attended by nobles in their second year or higher, all of whom have been influenced by Wolfram von Roengreen.
Am I walking into my own downfall of my own volition? Just as my legs were on the verge of trembling,
[Imperial lineage is activated.]
[You must maintain a dignified appearance in all circumstances.]
[You confront the intimidation from everyone around you.]
My mind suddenly sharpened.
Ha, this is no joke, truly a top-tier skill.
In an instant, my mind is razor-sharp.
“Why is Lord Wolfram here?”
“Hmm.”
“I thought you had returned to the imperial palace.”
“······.”
Ah, openly disdainful.
I actually wish I could return, you know?
Truly···.
[The user is being disregarded due to their lineage.]
[A compulsory auto-counter against the mixed-blood individuals in the vicinity is triggered.]
[The banner of the royal lineage soars despite numerous oppressions.]
[The most distinguished bloodline commands all the mixed-blood individuals around!]
[As a result of lineage judgment, a compulsory intimidation effect is applied to those with a tier lower than 1!]
?
What is this?
I didn’t intend to, but my mouth opens.
Huh?
“[Rude. Ignorant. Savage. Impudent.]”
“···Yes, yes?”
“[Have you forgotten that the one before you is Wolfram von Roengreen? The greatest bloodline. Among them, the most legitimate!]”
“Ah, ah···. Uh, uh. Kuk.”
“[Did you really forget that this Jephryn is just a model garden?]”
“Ah, I apologize, I apol—.”
“[The crime of underestimating the royal lineage is treason. Is your family ready to bear that sin?]”
“···Ah, uh. Uh uh···”
“[Answer me.]”
“Sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Sorry···.”
[Auto-counter duration ends.]
[An intimidation status is applied to everyone around!]
······Ah.
Everyone’s eyes are downcast.
Crazy.
“···Eek.”
“Please, spare me. I didn’t do it.”
“Lord Wolfram, I’m sorry. No, I didn’t say anything, I swear.”
What a mess, really.
Everyone is trembling.
So a tier-1 skill automatically counters if the lineage is underestimated, wow, I truly didn’t know that!
After all, in the original story, Eve von Roengreen was never disregarded, and Wolfram just died by the sword, so how would I know?
When I look around, everyone is trembling. But there’s one person who isn’t trembling at all. Instead, she’s looking at me with bright, sparkling eyes.
“The daughter of the Ciel family.”
“Yes, Your Highness Prince. I am Regina Ciel, greeting you. Have you been well?”
“Hmm. Untroubled.”
“Hehe. The display of the imperial dignity you just showed reminded me of last year’s majesty. It made my heart flutter.”
“Hmm.”
“However, the others have also sufficiently realized the imperial dignity anew. I implore you, staking my life, to withdraw that dignity.”
“I shall do so.”
“Indeed, you seem different from last year. Then, I hope you would forgive all faults and act as if nothing happened.”
Saying so, Regina chuckled, and the air, which was tense enough for me to notice, slightly relaxed.
Hmm. Why would she say such a thing in this situation?
Ah, I see. This is that.
Maybe I’ll play along this time.
After all, she’s the one who eased the atmosphere.
“I understand. Let’s consider all that happened as if it never occurred.”
“Could it be otherwise? Everyone, you must have heard, right? His Highness Prince Wolfram von Roengreen only could not forgive those who dishonored the imperial family. There is no personal feeling in this, so let us all comfortably start our conversation.”
With those words, the discourse began, and Regina Ciel sat next to me, whispering very quietly.
“Thank you for heeding my request. I am grateful for the broad-mindedness of His Highness the Prince.”
“It’s nothing. If I had been harsh here, it would have been uncomfortable for me too. It’s fortunate you stepped in.”
“I’m grateful just for your words.”
“So, are you trying to cash in on this favor?”
“How dare I, to the Prince.”
“No, I don’t consider it a favor. What I mean is about the daughter of the Citrus family you shielded… mocking me. You wanted to owe her a big favor, didn’t you?”
Regina Ciel’s eyes widen at that.
Well, it’s obvious.
Regina Ciel is quite calculative. She must have thought intervening as a mediator would make someone feel indebted to her.
“···As expected, I can’t outdo His Highness. My loss…”
“Don’t even utter the word ‘defeat’. Daughter of the Ciel family.”
“Yes, yes?”
“I said don’t mention it.”
“Ah… Yes, I understand.”
If you admit defeat here, it would be the third time you lost to me after the competition and the midterm exams.
That would open your route.
I don’t want to open your route, which involves being part of your tormented psyche!
***
After that, the discussion proceeded more smoothly than anticipated.
To be precise, I simply sat with my arms crossed and listened, while the nobles started conversing amongst themselves.
Deeper conversations were occurring than I had expected, and occasionally, interesting stories came up.
“By the way, isn’t Tristar attending today either?”
“Yes, she tends to have a low attendance rate.”
“That’s a shame. It would have been delightful if Tristar graced us with her presence.”
It appeared that Aila didn’t frequently attend such events.
The girl who mentioned her looked in my direction.
Who was she again? Not a combatant, not a support type either…
Ah, right. She was a character involved in campus reputation activities.
She enjoyed spreading rumors and relishing in others’ love stories, likely a member of the Jephryn Newspaper Club.
If I included her in the party and did something to boost our campus reputation, it would yield better results.
Her name must be…
“Do you have something to say to me, the eldest daughter of the Tabloid family?”
“Huh? Do you know me?”
“Of course. Jephryn Newspaper Club. A faction of public opinion. A second-year in the Magic Department. The future Club head, Daily Tabloid.”
“How, how do you know that…? That I’m the next head… Oh.”
Ah, that was determined in Act 3.
Becoming the head of the Newspaper Club was quite confidential, wasn’t it?
My apologies, I shouldn’t have known that, and you’re the one at fault here.
“Trying to gauge reactions by recklessly mentioning someone’s fiancée, did you forget that the imperial betrothal is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly?”
“I’m, I’m sorry…”
“There won’t be a next time. Be cautious.”
“Yes, yes…”
As expected.
If I had mentioned Aila here, tomorrow’s Jephryn Newspaper would have featured an article like ‘The Prince who appeared alone without his betrothed. Feeling the weight of his love!’
The girl who wavered between being a journalist and a sensationalist belonged to the Tabloid family, with her name being Daily.
Observing the key figures or potential key figures of each faction chatting in groups, I nodded with interest.
As expected of a noble’s tea party, there were quite a few high-ranking individuals present. Interesting. Some of them were characters I often included in parties in the original story, while others were a bit tricky to utilize.
Their development could accompany me until Act 12.
“Indeed, Jephryn is a treasure trove of talent.”
“Oh my, does Your Highness also think so?”
“Hmm. Daughter of the Ciel family?”
“Please call me Regina Ciel.”
“I decline.”
“You are always so aloof. But that, too, is pleasing.”
Wow.
A beautiful elf with flowing golden hair speaking and smiling like that would normally be somewhat pleasing, but if it’s Regina Ciel, it’s genuinely, deeply intimidating.
“Leave me be; I just want to enjoy the discussions of talented individuals.”
“Oh, how fortunate. Perhaps an invitation to Your Highness’s faction may come?”
“I have no such intention. And I don’t have a faction yet.”
“…Hehe. You’re being humble again. But I envy you. I’m just known as a daughter of the Ciel family, but who could seize such an opportunity… Truly, I might even feel a little… just a tiny bit envious.”
Why are you suddenly changing your tone like that? Stop it; you’re genuinely frightening.
“What’s the significance? Just observing talented individuals converse brings me joy.”
“Your Highness mentioned that this place is a treasure trove of talent. So, do you know who everyone here is?”
“Of course.”
“Oh dear, then could you name just ten people here? Hehe.”
“I decline to partake in any game with a predetermined outcome.”
“No, no. It’s just a bit of amusement.”
“Do you wish to engage in a game with me?”
“Yes. If I lose, I’ll follow one order from you. If I win, you’ll consider one request from me.”
Hmm.
I’m not sure what she might request, but naming ten people is simple.
“That lady over there is Hilia Icewind, the second daughter of the Icewind family. A talent in the Magic Department who has mastered ice and wind magic up to tier 6.”
“Oh my.”
And so I proceeded to name the others.
It was enjoyable recalling the backgrounds of each character that I had only read about in books as I introduced them.
After naming nine, I glanced at the person beside me, intending to tease a bit for the final name.
“And lastly, Regina Ciel. A magic merchant. The eldest daughter of the Ciel family.”
“…You consider me a talent?”
“Hmm. To be honest, yes. A genius with a magic power level of 21, an exceptional talent.”
“…Eh. Thank you…”
Regina Ciel covered her face with her hands and bowed her head deeply.
Honestly, she was a remarkable talent.
A magic level of 21 was no small achievement. Even Aila had a level of 19, and the Fairy Queen possessed 20. However, that 21, or even several 21s combined, could never surpass a single 22.
A monster known as the reincarnation of the Demon King. The despair of never surpassing Eve von Roengreen.
“Nevertheless, talent remains on the mountain and never touches the sky, often leading to a desire for death.”
Did I perhaps reveal too much about the nine characters just now? The words slipped out without my awareness.
“Excuse me?”
“Never mind, forget it.”
The tea party was merely a brief amusement during lunchtime, bound to conclude.
“Your Highness, what did you just say about me…?”
“Forget it.”
“But…”
“Forget it. It’s an order. That was the condition of the game.”
“Ah, alright. I must adhere to the condition.”
“Good.”
After the tea party ended and I rose from my seat, something occurred to me.
Upon reflection, she was also a heroine in the original story.
And if she genuinely broke down, she went all the way.
Her bad ending entailed losing the will to live, extinguishing her spirit, and living like a vegetable, with Kelters taking care of her for the rest of her life.
Hmm…
Well, I did have some lingering affection for her, so offering a bit of advice wouldn’t hurt.
“Regina Ciel.”
Ah, I forgot to mention her as the daughter of the Ciel family.
Regardless, let’s just convey the message and depart.
“…Yes?”
“Always wear accessories that protect against curses and blessings.”
“…Why such advice?”
“If you don’t want to collapse, just do it.”
And thus, the tea party came to an end.
In any case, even though I attended in place of Eve, it was beneficial to observe the talents and gain further insight into the secrets of this imperial lineage skill.
“Hmm. Eve will probably hold more respect for me after I handled her duties while she was indisposed. She needs to learn to respect her older brother.”
Then.
Upon Eve’s awakening, I received a scolding for causing such a commotion among the factions. How unfair.
