Chapter : 85
The social scene buzzed with excitement for the Foundation Festival.
Normally, the social circle would be lively around this time, but this year, it was even more intense.
“Do you think Duke Halbern will attend the Foundation Festival ball?”
“Since it’s hosted by the royal family, wouldn’t he?”
“Then will he dance too?”
“Hoho, the young ladies must be delighted.”
It was a whirlwind of popularity befitting the “#1 Eligible Bachelor” selected by Albrecht Times.
The Marchioness Belpart, who secretly wished for Halbern’s downfall more than anyone else, wasn’t pleased with this atmosphere. Yet, even her influence as a social heavyweight couldn’t go against the trend.
Moreover, rumors about Arelin, which had spread like poison, were gradually disappearing.
“I thought the Duke would leave everything to Prince Mehen and take no interest in his daughter, but I guess I was mistaken.”
“Exactly! I heard the Duke bought out all the jewelers and dress boutiques for the young lady this time.”
“I heard through Sperm that Halbern bought all the rare jewels in the city, so there won’t be anything for this year’s Domel auction.”
“Oh my! He really loves his daughter, doesn’t he?”
It had all been the result of Mehen’s impulsive shopping under stress, but truth often goes unnoticed.
“Hoho, I went to the tea party and met His Grace the Duke in person…”
“Oh my, really? What was he like in real life? As handsome as they say?”
The lady who had seen him in person smiled shyly. That alone confirmed the answer.
“Ah, I want to meet him too!”
“I wish I could be his lover for a night.”
Halbern, here and there, everywhere. In a social circle dominated by talk of Halbern, the Marchioness Belpart had no place to stand.
“Everyone’s talking about Halbern, Halbern…!”
Even though she was present, they openly gossiped about Halbern without any hesitation.
Biting her handkerchief in frustration, the Marchioness finally left.
Just as she tried to storm off, still fuming:
“Madam.”
A strange voice approached her.
“Do you dislike Halbern as well, madam?”
“What do you mean…?”
The Marchioness tried to hide her feelings and move away.
“I have a good proposal. Would you like to hear it?”
“…!”
The Foundation Festival.
It commemorated the day the first Foundation King proclaimed the Kingdom of Albrecht on the ruins of the fallen ancient gods, wishing for the “eternal glory of humanity.”
‘Basically a showy event that says: Humans are the best! Humans never die! Humans are great!’
Perhaps because of this, the Shugra Empire and the Yuyo Alliance, both non-human nations, did not send delegates.
“Many people will come today since it’s the first day of the Foundation Festival.”
The Foundation Festival ball was one of the main events held over five days under the royal family’s leadership.
Emperor Edward and Empress Azeni only appeared on the first and last days, so nobles who came to the capital had to attend, if only to pay their respects.
“The Crown Prince will probably make a brief appearance at the ball as well.”
Mehen, looking particularly radiant in his attire today, spoke.
“Arel, stay here until the Crown Prince moves, then go with me.”
“Okay!”
After all, she had attended mainly to meet Pession. That was actually preferable.
“My dear, I’m here too.”
Valerga, dressed in pristine formal attire, looked slightly disappointed.
Just then, a scream rang out somewhere.
‘…No wonder women were drawn to him back in the day.’
It was said he once rivaled Emperor Edward in romantic exploits, and now she understood why.
At that face, it was strange that women didn’t cling to him.
“Are you ignoring me now?”
“Please don’t bother Arel.”
“Honey, our daughter is ignoring me.”
“She’s ignoring you because it’s warranted. And I told you not to call me that!”
Those startled by the ‘honey’ whispered in surprise, while the professional attendant remained composed.
“His Grace Duke Halbern and his daughter, the Count of Lebohgen, enter.”
My face burned as we entered the ballroom.
Does this man have no sense of embarrassment?
“Why are you staring? Is he really that handsome?”
“….”
Honestly, he was handsome, but seeing him like this made me unwilling to admit it.
His smirk annoyed me somehow. I began to understand Mehen’s feelings.
“Sir.”
“Call me Dad.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“….”
Valerga glanced at Mehen.
“Mehen, your daughter really resembles you in the way she speaks.”
“She’s my daughter, of course.”
“….”
We smiled at each other, leaving Valerga smiling softly to himself.
“I feel left out…”
He stayed close, holding Mehen’s hand tightly.
“Include me. It’s unfair; am I the only one being ignored?”
“Master, perhaps reflect on your own conduct.”
“Karma.”
My comment met his sparkling eyes.
“Our daughter knows what karma is? Smart. Did she take after her mother?”
Take after…? Human.
“Mehen isn’t her biological mother.”
I answered curtly, and he laughed.
“No, I was talking about her real mother.”
“…Huh?”
I froze, blinking stupidly as his kind hand stroked my head.
“She’s pretty, kind, and smart. Just like her mother, our daughter.”
His sad, tender gaze made me reach out unconsciously.
Wasn’t it taboo to talk about my biological mother?
I had buried the question for lack of certainty, but hearing this from him felt okay.
The biological father, with his fragile, pained expression, pressed my hand against his cheek.
Almost like a spoiled child.
“I hope it stays like this.”
His voice and gaze were endlessly gentle.
“I’ll do my best, Dad.”
“….”
I froze, unsure what to say, blinking. Mehen shooed Dad away.
“Go greet them.”
“Ah, the missus is nagging.”
Mehen quietly lifted the ornamental cane, and Dad hurried away, grinning.
“Hah, really.”
I met Mehen’s eyes.
“Aren’t you curious?”
I felt his nervousness. Mehen knew who my biological mother was.
The hand I held conveyed his unease.
I shook my head gently.
“If I need to know, I’ll know. But if not, I don’t want to.”
“My mother is only Mehen.”
Perhaps pleased with my whispered answer, Mehen smiled beautifully.
“It’s inconvenient for now; I’ll tell you later.”
“You’ll tell me?”
“It’s important to you, Arel.”
I couldn’t resist. I hugged Mehen tightly.
“Mehen, I love this so much.”
“Me too.”
Simple words of affection were incredibly satisfying.
“Let’s stop talking about this and enjoy ourselves.”
“Okay!”
The royal ball was more entertaining than I expected.
‘Everyone’s wearing such magnificent dresses.’
A work of art. Absolutely praiseworthy.
The men were no different. I wondered how much their luxurious uniforms, sparkling cufflinks, and tie pins cost.
Thinking about price while admiring beauty… Have I become that worn down?
“God of capitalism, release me.”
As one of the four major social events, watching handsome men and beautiful women dance together was delightful.
Finally, the royals entered.
‘Pession—!’
Dressed neatly in a white uniform embroidered with gold thread, Pession shone as if to embody what a Crown Prince should be.
“Wow.”
Beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Radiant, handsome, commanding presence… the Crown Prince completely stole the scene.
Even without emotions, his appearance alone was impressive. Seeing him shine from afar made my heart ache.
Ugh…
“Arel?”
My fragile heart thumped violently; I couldn’t ignore my feelings.
Mom, I’m doomed. Go on ahead.
Can my heart beat this fast? Am I going to die like this?
I buried my head in my arms, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
“His Highness the Crown Prince is moving; shall I escort you?”
I frowned, unsure. Thinking about meeting Pession up close…
“No, I want to stay a bit longer with Mom.”
Mehen patted my back thoughtfully.
A short while later, feeling calmer, I held Mehen’s hand as we descended.
“Huh?”
Why was he here?
