Time passed quickly, and the social season had already entered its second month. However, people’s conversations showed no signs of abating, and today’s party topic was a bit grim.
“Another mutant monster has appeared, right?”
“This time, it’s in Wicksvil territory.”
“Before, they only appeared around Findlay territory, but now it’s spreading….”
“If this continues, what will happen if they reach the capital?”
“Don’t say such things. They say words have power.”
Although the partygoers gathered with acquaintances, the topic of conversation was the same. It was the increase in mutant monsters.
Mutant monsters were literally ‘mutants’ of regular monsters. They had even more horrifying appearances than regular monsters and possessed bizarre abilities like scattering poisonous mist or throwing fireballs. Even with the elementalists studying the bodies of those mutants, the cause of the changes remained unclear.
The number of casualties inevitably increased, and although the imperial family periodically dispatched knights to exterminate the mutants, the frequency of these occurrences was rising.
Just the day before, there was dreadful news that a swarm of mutant monsters had devoured an entire village in the Wicksvil territory. It was natural for people to be anxious.
“Among the mutant monsters, there are many with the beak of a predator and the tail of an herbivore…”
“It sounds like an old story of a mad scientist trying to create life by sewing corpses together to make monsters.”
“My goodness, how terrifying.”
“With things like this, I’m a bit scared to leave the capital after the Founding Festival….”
“Oh my, look over there.”
The Third Prince and his wife have arrived.”
The gloomy conversations halted with the arrival of new faces. As Kayden and Diana entered, everyone turned to look at them with a few exclamations of admiration.
“Oh my, they seem to become more beautiful by the day.”
“They say love makes you more beautiful.”
Recently, the phrase ‘in full bloom’ perfectly described Kayden and Diana’s appearance. And this newfound radiance had given Kayden a significant boost as he began to solidify his position.
Kayden’s character, shifting between cheerfulness and seriousness as needed, his respectful attitude regardless of rank, and his astonishingly handsome appearance all made him a person whom the nobles were eager to converse with. Even if he didn’t become emperor, his amiable demeanor and attractive looks were enough to win people’s favor.
Upon entering, Kayden immediately greeted a familiar face. “Nice to see you again, Lady Yelling.”
“Fiona Yelling greets Your Highness Third Prince and Third Princess Consort.”
“…Cedric Haieren greets Your Highness Third Prince and Third Princess Consort.”
Fiona and Cedric responded together.
Cedric bit his lip quietly when no one could see. Again… With his head bowed, he glanced up at Kayden and Diana over their shoulders. Standing there, as always, was Antar, who had an impeccable posture.
Cedric forced a smile as he raised his head and spoke with a fake grin. “Recently… it seems like we meet quite often.”
“Indeed. It must be fate.”
Diana smiled sweetly at Fiona, having grown quite close to her lately, along with Antar. Of course, her true intentions were different.
It’s only natural since I asked Mizel to find out every party Fiona and Cedric are attending together.
Diana deliberately attended only the parties Fiona and Cedric were going to to distract Fiona and provoke Cedric. Of course, even without Diana’s influence, Fiona, as the heir to her family, often crossed paths with Kayden.
Diana calmly took a step back. “Come to think of it, you two have dined together before, right?”
Antar stepped forward at that moment. Fiona looked delighted to see him.
“That’s right. Sir Antar, it’s good to see you again.”
“Greetings, Lady Yelling.”
When Fiona extended her hand, Antar lightly kissed the back of it. As he let go of her hand with gentlemanly grace, Diana linked arms with Kayden and took a step back.
“We’ll go greet the others, so feel free to chat.”
“Understood. Take care.”
“…Take care.”
Fiona nodded nonchalantly while Cedric barely managed to hold back his frustration as he replied.
Kayden and Diana then disappeared to find the host of the party. As soon as they were gone, Fiona cheerfully spoke to Antar.
“Did you finish reading the book I lent you? Isn’t it interesting? It even mentions the story of the first Duke Yelling.”
“I read everything except the last chapter. The story of the five elementalists is indeed fascinating. The way the first Duke Yelling handled the spirits was memorable.”
“Right! Usually, people debate whether Daisy Bluebell, the first light elementalist, or Niota Findlay, the first fire elementalist, was the strongest, but I think Maxi Yelling was the best, not just because he’s from my family….” Fiona chartered excitedly, and Antar engaged with interest.
Cedric, watching their interaction, clenched his fists behind his back in anger. Under his perfectly maintained smile, his ugly thoughts churned. Damn it, damn it!
Fiona, the heir to the Yelling dukedom known for producing earth elementalists, and Antar, the only other mid-level earth elementalist besides the current Duke Yelling, had quickly become close. Because of this, Cedric, neither from a famous elementalist family nor an elementalist himself, couldn’t easily join their conversation.
Why does it have to be that guy… Cedric narrowed his eyes at Antar with a forced smile.
Antar had curly dark brown hair, blue eyes, a remarkably handsome face, a strong build, and a tall stature. On top of that, he was a talented earth elementalist. Everything about him was Fiona’s ‘ideal type.’ The biggest problem was that Fiona, who had never shown interest in men, was actively engaging with Antar.
Cedric recalled the contents of a note Rebecca had sent him. While he should be making Fiona fall more deeply for him, this lowly knight was ruining his plans.
A while later, Antar returned to the third prince couple, and at the same time, the host of the party gave a welcoming speech marking the official start of the party. Cedric took Fiona’s hand and led her to the dance floor. As they awaited the music, he cautiously began to speak.
“Lady.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“I heard Sir Antar is a former pit fighter from an illegal arena… Is that true?”
“Aah, yes. The third prince rescued him and brought him into the fourth order.” Fiona answered casually. As the music started, she moved without hesitation.
Cedric, moving instinctively with her, was inwardly anxious. Even knowing he’s of low birth, you still stay close to him? What on earth…
His lips kept twitching in unease. Raising his hand to twirl Fiona, he spoke. “I’m not sure if I should say this….”
“Why are you hesitating? Don’t worry. I’ll avoid stepping on your toes while you talk.” Fiona laughed playfully, her eyes still warm with friendliness.
Reassured by her laughter, Cedric boldly continued. “I don’t think you should be too close to Sir Antar. He might bring you harm.”
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