Many nobles attended the banquet.
Of course, the protagonist was Ghislain. After all, it wasn't just any banquet—it was a victory celebration.
Ghislain, who didn't particularly enjoy banquets with nobles, attended out of courtesy. While he didn't plan to participate throughout the days-long event, he intended to make at least one appearance.
"Little Brother! You always boasted about being good at fighting, and it turns out you really are!"
Meriel greeted Ghislain warmly with a bright smile. It wasn't just her; other nobles were eager to shower him with praise.
"The commander of the Northern Army has truly achieved greatness."
"Indeed, a hero who saved the kingdom. A true hero."
"I've known it all along. Even back then, he wasn't just any ordinary man."
The same nobles who, a few years ago, had called Ghislain a rookie and ridiculed him now praised him as though nothing had happened. This was because Ghislain had grown into someone they could no longer dare to look down on.
Still, some nobles, especially those of a similar age to Ghislain, were consumed by jealousy.
'Ugh, why is he still alive?'
'It's infuriating. He should've just died.'
'How can someone like him rise so effortlessly?'
Gathering among themselves, they busied themselves disparaging Ghislain.
"Everything's just luck, isn't it?"
"Of course. He's only succeeded because Marquis Branford and Marquis Macquarie supported him."
"If they had supported me instead, I'd have wiped out the Duke faction by now."
"Exactly. Why hasn't he capitalized on his momentum? Tsk, tsk. He's still far from competent."
Having succumbed to their envy, they constantly schemed about how to obstruct Ghislain's efforts. But no matter what they did, they had no real influence. They could only vent and stew in their resentment.
As the atmosphere of the banquet warmed, those seeking favors began to approach Ghislain.
"The position of Eastern Army Commander is vacant... What do you think of this candidate?"
"If the Northern Army Commander were to recommend him, it would carry significant weight."
"The war is practically over, isn't it? He'd be ideal for post-war recovery."
"We'd be more than willing to show our gratitude to you, Commander."
The position of Eastern Army Commander had previously been held by the eldest son of Marquis Branford. However, the Marquis had replaced his son before the war, citing his lack of competence.
That very commander had died during the war.
Not even Marquis Branford could now place another relative in that position. He had to be content with saving his son.
As a result, everyone was vying for the vacant position. Normally a ceremonial title, during wartime and post-war recovery, it became a position of significant power and influence.
To their subtle requests, Ghislain firmly shook his head.
"That is a matter for Marquis Branford and Marquis Macquarie to decide."
"Oh, come on now. If you were to put in a good word, Commander…"
Ghislain glared at them with an expression of clear annoyance. Only then did they realize the awkwardness of the situation and cautiously withdrew.
Even so, they cursed him inwardly.
'Oh, now he thinks he's all that?'
'Ugh, his military strength is too strong to touch.'
'We need someone in that position who listens to their elders.'
Sensing the discontent among the nobles, Ghislain sighed wearily.
Admiration, jealousy, seduction, flattery—all of it was just tiresome.
The war wasn't even over, yet they were already letting their guard down, calculating only their own gains.
'Fools. There are still many who won't come to their senses until their lives are at risk.'
He found himself sympathizing with Marquis Branford, who had to manage the affairs of state alongside such people.
The young noblewomen no longer dared to rush toward Ghislain as they had in the past. Too many high-ranking nobles now surrounded him.
Even so, they watched him with eager eyes, waiting for an opportunity to connect with him.
'He doesn't have a lover yet, does he?'
'Hehe, if I get the chance, I can definitely win him over.'
'I can't miss out on a man like that.'
They looked like cats eyeing prey. Rozalin, watching this unfold, clicked her tongue.
'Keep dreaming. That man doesn't talk about anything with women except money. He sees women like he sees money.'
To her, Ghislain was a fascinating individual. Most young noblemen his age were obsessed with women.
But Ghislain was only obsessed with money and fighting. Watching him made her feel like she was losing her mind.
While Rozalin was busy judging the other young ladies, a surprising event occurred.
"Oh my, oh my! He's coming this way!"
"Who is he going to see?"
"Look at how confidently he walks."
A commotion arose among the young noblewomen.
Although it was supposed to be a banquet for all to enjoy, young men often ended up lingering in the corners. The center of the hall was reserved for the banquet's main figures and high-ranking nobles.
But Ghislain was cutting through the high-ranking nobles, heading toward the young ladies.
The noblewomen quickly straightened their clothes and smiled. They eagerly watched to see whom Ghislain would ask to dance.
Ignoring all of them, Ghislain walked straight toward Rozalin.
The way he approached was so commanding that everyone was taken aback.
"Young Lady."
At Ghislain's call, Rozalin raised her chin proudly. She could feel the envious gazes of everyone around her.
Receiving their admiring stares, Rozalin smiled and extended her hand slightly.
"Yes, Count."
"I haven't received this month's financial report yet."
"…What?"
'Should I kill him?'
Rozalin forced an awkward smile, mindful of maintaining her composure in such a public setting.
Clenching her fists, she bit her lip and replied with an uneasy laugh.
"We're… still at war. Naturally, sales have declined… I've been handling the situation."
"Right? I just wondered if there was some issue. Hahaha."
Ghislain's bright laughter grated on her nerves. She wanted nothing more than to punch him.
The young noblewomen nearby chuckled under their breath. For a moment, they had been wary, but it turned out Rozalin was just a business partner.
Rozalin's face turned red with embarrassment.
Recently, the noblewomen had been gossiping about her more than ever. As Ghislain's renown grew, they deliberately spread rumors to discredit her in his eyes.
The noblewomen didn't bother hiding their snickers as they whispered.
"See? Just a business associate pretending to be close."
"She's only managing his businesses."
"Honestly, isn't she just using her family to cozy up to him?"
Rozalin's face flushed even deeper.
Though she couldn't hear their exact words, she could tell from their tone that they were mocking her.
She no longer wanted to stay. The humiliation of being ridiculed in front of so many people made her vision darken.
"I… I'm not feeling well. I'll be taking my leave."
Biting her lip, Rozalin turned to leave.
She was upset. This wasn't who she used to be. She used to shrug off others' opinions without a second thought.
Deep down, Rozalin knew Ghislain wasn't interested in her romantically. To him, she was just a business partner.
But anyone would feel humiliated in such a situation.
"Young Lady, wait."
Ghislain suddenly grabbed Rozalin's wrist as she turned to leave. The watching noblewomen widened their eyes in surprise.
Caught off guard, Rozalin stammered.
"W-what is it?"
Was there more business talk to be had? Did it have to be in front of everyone, further damaging her dignity?
Ghislain chuckled softly as he noticed Rozalin's flushed face.
He had heard the whispers around him.
'I can't just let this end like this.'
Rozalin wasn't like other noblewomen. She was an excellent partner and a reliable ally.
She had managed his cosmetics business, persuaded numerous nobles to invest heavily, and saved the royalist faction during a famine by purchasing food on faith.
During the war, she had even sent Piote and troubleshooters to rescue him.
She had also mass-produced medicine during the battle against the Salvation Church, saving countless lives.
There was no way he would allow such a remarkable person to be humiliated by petty gossipers.
"This is a gift."
Smiling, Ghislain pulled out a small box from his coat.
Rozalin, and everyone else watching, were stunned. The notoriously frugal Count Fenris was giving someone a gift?
"What… what is it?"
Suspicious, Rozalin wondered if it was a loan contract or a bond.
Still smiling, Ghislain replied.
"A bracelet. Crafted by the finest dwarf in my territory and enchanted with defensive magic by a seventh-circle mage."
"W-what…?"
The onlookers gasped in shock. Creating such an artifact would cost a fortune.
With trembling hands, Rozalin opened the box and took out the bracelet.
"Wow…"
The intricate craftsmanship of the dwarf-made bracelet left everyone awestruck. It was a true masterpiece.
The engraving, 'Charnel,' was a bit too blatant for her liking, but she couldn't deny its beauty.
Smiling, Ghislain spoke.
"This will always protect you, Young Lady."
"Count…"
Rozalin struggled to hold back the lump rising in her throat.
Though it was obviously a knockoff, receiving such a precious gift was still remarkable. Clearly, Ghislain didn't see her as just a business partner.
After all, hadn't he said something meaningful?
'It will always protect me?
She felt like a princess in a fairy tale. Pretending not to care all this time, and then expressing his feelings like this? What a sly fox.
"Hmph! I'll graciously accept this gift."
Rozalin lifted her chin haughtily and elegantly put on the bracelet. She could feel the envious gazes around her.
Her mood soared as she basked in their jealousy.
'See? Count Fenris isn't interested in any of you.'
Ghislain, too, nodded in satisfaction, seeing Rozalin's happiness.
'Hmm, who should I give the next one to?'
Unbeknownst to Rozalin, there were quite a few of those bracelets.
The bracelets were crafted collaboratively by Galbarik and Vanessa in Fenris. They were enchanted with magic to protect the wearer from strong attacks.
They were made for people like Claude or Lowell, who couldn't protect themselves well.
Rozalin herself had once been in danger from a disguised crusader pretending to be a merchant.
So Ghislain had always intended to give her one. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to both protect her and preserve her dignity.
'She shouldn't end up in danger like last time. And she'll keep supporting my work enthusiastically.'
Unfortunately for Rozalin, Ghislain's gift was purely an act of goodwill. She was a vital part of his plans.
However, unaware of his true intentions, Rozalin couldn't help but believe that Ghislain had finally expressed his feelings for her.
In a way, Ghislain had made his intentions clear.
"That's an incredibly expensive item."
"...I understand."
Ghislain wasn't shy about emphasizing how costly the bracelet was. It was, indeed, a rare and difficult item to create.
It had been crafted using residual powder from Dragon Heart fragments, combined with rune stones, and infused with immense mana by Vanessa.
With one of the kingdom's only two seventh-circle mages using rare and expensive materials, it truly was a priceless artifact.
Rozalin couldn't hide her smile as she admired the bracelet. It made her feel special, as though she had received a unique gift just for her.
The noblewomen watching ground their teeth in frustration.
'Ugh, why would he give her something so precious...?'
'He should've given it to me. I'm prettier!'
'Does he actually like her? Or is it just because of her connection to the Branford family? How disappointing!'
Count Fenris was the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom. Young, competent, and possessing military strength that made all other nobles tremble.
Whoever married him would rise to the top as the kingdom's greatest lady. He had been unattached for quite some time after breaking off his engagement.
For such a man to give Rozalin a "special" gift drove them mad with jealousy.
"Well, I'll be off now. I have other important conversations to attend to."
"Y-yes, please, go ahead."
Ghislain left, brushing off the requests for conversation from other nobles, and moved busily toward his next target.
His destination was Bishop Forisco.
Ever since the incident involving the Saint, Forisco had been riding high. He was so fearless now that he was drunkenly stumbling around the banquet hall.
He didn't even care about the whispers behind his back.
Seeing Ghislain, Forisco cheerfully exclaimed, "Hey, you're here? Haha! Man, you're incredible in a fight!"
Drunk, Forisco had abandoned all pretense of decorum. The nobles around him tried to stop him, but it was no use.
"Ah, let go of me! You don't know how close we are! Huh? I shared food with him! Huh? Ate meals together! Huh? Exchanged gifts! Huh? We've done everything together!"
The nobles clicked their tongues and shook their heads. They had known Forisco was a mess, but now he seemed completely unhinged after gaining public reverence.
'Ugh, to think such a man is called a saint.'
'Wasn't it Count Fenris who distributed all that food?'
'At least the public doesn't know the truth. Tsk, tsk, tsk.'
Aware that the whole thing was a carefully orchestrated show, the nobles dismissed it with indifference.
Ghislain clicked his tongue and dragged Forisco to a corner. Forisco, clueless, muttered.
"What's this about? Are we doing something in secret again? Got something good?"
"Quiet down. I need to ask you something."
Dragging him into a side room designated as a lounge, Ghislain quietly posed his question.
"Have you met His Majesty?"
"Ugh, yeah. The bishops take turns administering holy power treatments to His Majesty."
The king, with his frail body, was only alive because of this.
All the kingdom's mages and priests took turns treating him to keep him alive.
Forisco, being a bishop with some holy power, occasionally visited the king to assess his condition as part of his duties.
Ghislain nodded and asked another question.
"Is His Majesty so frail that it's difficult for him to meet anyone?"
"Absolutely. He's getting weaker by the day. He can barely eat properly. That's been the case for over ten years. Damn, he's so stubborn about staying alive—oops. Did I say that out loud?"
Realizing his slip, Forisco glanced around nervously before continuing cautiously.
"Honestly, no one knows when he'll pass. Among ourselves, we joke, 'Please don't let him die on my watch.'"
It made sense; having the king die during one's shift would be highly awkward.
Understanding that the king's condition was worse than he thought, Ghislain hesitated before speaking.
"The next time you go to treat His Majesty, take me with you."
At those words, Forisco felt as though cold water had been dumped over his head, sobering him instantly.
[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]