Opportunity in the Game Becomes Reality Chapter 166
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Opportunity in the Game Becomes Reality Chapter 166
40. Victory Commemoration Ceremony (1)
Thinking about it, it might only be natural that Duke Lawrence came out to receive them.
No matter how much they were a delegation from the Bringham Empire, the members were noble-centered, weren't they?
Meanwhile, countries like the Prius Republic and the Kingdom of Roberto had their leaders visit in person, so the King of Rhinehearts had no choice but to show his face there.
Since the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts has not yet been decided, and all of the current King's children are young, high-ranking nobles represented the kingdom in receiving the delegation.
'The highest noble of the current Kingdom of Rhinehearts is without a doubt Duke Lawrence. Considering the international standing of the Bringham Empire, it would be unthinkable for anyone other than Duke Lawrence to receive the delegation.'
Duke Raphael, still mentally unprepared, couldn't help but be flustered that his disciple, who thought himself the greatest in the world, had come face to face with Duke Lawrence, who truly was the greatest in the world.
"I've heard of your name since I was young. It's an honor to meet you, Duke Raphael."
A duke of the kingdom and a duke of the world's most powerful empire, the Bringham Empire, cannot hold the same standing.
Normally, even a duke of the kingdom, upon meeting Duke Raphael, would add 'Your Highness' to address him with respect, but....
"I am merely skilled with the sword. Being praised by a young hero of many talents makes me feel ashamed. It's a pleasure to meet you, Duke Lawrence."
There was no choice but to acknowledge Adrian El Lawrence.
Rhinehearts' prestige had risen sharply beyond the level of a kingdom, and even Adrian himself had shown one remarkable achievement after another.
'A 7th Circle Grand Mage, a genius investor, the Sponsor of the Saintess, the one credited for the Prius Republic's regime change, the resolver of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts' civil war, the resolver of the Kingdom of Roberto's civil war, the master of one of the world's four great Mage Towers, and the one who brought down the Croysen Empire.'
Countless other achievements followed him like tags.
Even the cold-hearted Duke Raphael found Adrian's path shocking in itself.
Magic, business, politics, strategy, combat one wondered if a single person was allowed to possess so many talents.
If one considered individual achievements alone, even Duke Raphael himself could not dare compete.
The problem was that his disciple did not properly understand just how extraordinary that opponent was.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Count Friedrich."
"Pleasure. Duke Lawrence."
Following Duke Raphael, Adrian exchanged greetings with the delegation members.
But then his disciple, Count Friedrich, committed the outrage of addressing Adrian, whom even his master Duke Raphael had spoken to with respect, in casual speech without even an honorific.
Originally, it should have been 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness Duke Lawrence.'
At that, Duke Raphael sighed inwardly and quickly apologized.
"I apologize. My disciple is not yet familiar with the diplomatic stage."
This must be why the Emperor had included Duke Raphael in the delegation.
Seeing his master quickly apologize and smooth over his actions, Count Friedrich's expression twisted.
But Adrian's reaction was calm itself.
As if it were nothing, he did not lose his composure.
"Haha, no. It's refreshing to see a young noble full of vigor."
For the record, Count Friedrich, at 26, is quite young, but Adrian is 21 five years younger than him.
To Count Friedrich, Adrian's words sounded like a jab at his low mental maturity.
But he couldn't get angry.
After all, he was the one who had committed the rudeness first, and the other had taken a position as if forgiving it.
Seeing Adrian serve a dose of humble pie in a truly noble manner, Duke Raphael felt that his disciple was no match for him.
"Then I will now guide you to your lodgings. Shall we go together?"
Adrian dealt with the Bringham Empire's delegation in a thoroughly businesslike manner.
Duke Raphael followed behind him and warned the greatly excited Count Friedrich.
"Did you come here to play?"
"But!"
"I hope you do not disappoint me with the same mistake."
"...I'm sorry."
How many steps did they take like that?
"Sir Adrian."
Adrian and the Bringham Empire delegation crossed paths with Arcia, who was returning from guiding the Elysian Coalition delegation.
A genius of the century who had become a Grandmaster at the mere age of 21.
Moreover, at the appearance of Duke Arcia Klein, who was also a peerless beauty, not only Count Friedrich but even the composed Duke Raphael opened their eyes wide and showed interest.
"You've worked hard. Go back to the mansion first."
"Yes, I will."
However, Adrian, far from holding her back, sent her off cleanly.
As a result, those waiting for an introduction could not hide their disappointment.
"That was Duke Klein just now, wasn't it?"
"Yes, that's correct. The Lady has much to prepare for tonight's banquet. I ask for your understanding that she hurriedly took her leave."
A grand banquet is scheduled for this evening.
At Adrian's words, Duke Raphael nodded as if there was no helping it.
After all, Arcia was Rhinehearts' finest lady before she was a Knight.
But Duke Raphael, who absentmindedly glanced to the side, couldn't help but startle.
There was his utterly impertinent disciple, staring blankly in the direction Arcia had disappeared, unable to take his eyes off her.
'It's going to be a tiring day.'
Seeing his disciple like that, Duke Raphael thought he would have to keep his wits about him all day.
'His Majesty is too much. Everyone has their own place.'
And he resented the Emperor for making him nothing more than a babysitter for his disciple.
* * *
There are people like that sometimes.
People who rate themselves far higher than how the world perceives them.
Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Self-love often becomes a stepping stone for growth, and confidence helps greatly in charging toward one's goals.
But when it goes too far, a real pain in the neck is born.
And that pain in the neck is right in front of me now.
[Count Zeras Friedrich / Aura Master]
Race: Human
Age: 26
Affiliation: Bringham Empire Capital Defense Commander
Talent: Aura (Supreme), Physical Ability (Supreme), Learning Ability (High), Intellectual Ability (Medium), Command Ability (Medium), Mana (Low)
Traits: Rapid Growth, Outstanding Instinct, Arrogant Genius
Relation: Cynical / Hostile
Status: Observing / Displeased
Extremely outstanding talent.
But his character falls short of that talent.
I let out a wry smile at Count Friedrich, who was glaring at me as if trying to bore a hole through my back.
'He must have been spoiled too much. Look at his own master getting annoyed with him.'
His confidence certainly has its reasons.
Not only does he enjoy the Emperor's favor, but his master is none other than Grandmaster Duke Raphael.
Besides, having become an Aura Master at the young age of 25, he must have been showered with adoration from those around him, so his arrogance is understandable.
'But still, one should know the time and place.'
The Kingdom of Rhinehearts was no longer a country weak enough for a young noble to act up on the strength of his background alone.
"This floor is for the exclusive use of the Bringham Empire delegation. If you need anything, tell this butler here. As long as it's not an unreasonable request, he will accommodate you."
"It is an honor to serve you. I am Baron Eric Jones."
He was Eric, affiliated with Genius Hall, possessing talent specialized in politics and administration.
If Ibril becomes the Saintess, he is slated to become her dedicated administrator under the Saintess Department, but since she still has half a year before she can officially become the Saintess, he has been coming and going between the Holy Grounds to assist with my work.
The reason I assigned Eric as the butler for the Bringham Empire is to keep watch over them up close.
No, to be precise, it would be more accurate to say it's to keep watch over Count Friedrich.
I had already obtained information on the Bringham Empire delegation in advance, and I was well aware that the man named Count Friedrich was a troublemaker.
That's why I placed the trustworthy Eric there.
"Then I'll see you at the banquet."
I shook hands with Duke Raphael once more and turned away without hesitation.
"How was it?"
And as soon as I stepped out of the delegation's lodging, Duke James greeted me as if he had been waiting.
It seemed the Bringham Empire delegation had been weighing on his mind.
Though the Emperor and Imperial Crown Prince did not attend in person, with Duke Raphael leading the delegation, it couldn't be taken lightly.
"I think they might cause some kind of incident."
"What!?"
Duke James was greatly startled by my honest impression.
"To be precise, I think Count Friedrich, Duke Raphael's disciple, will set something off."
"Goodness..."
He had heard about Count Friedrich as well, judging by how his brow furrowed.
But I waved my hand with a smile, telling him there was nothing to worry about.
"You need not worry. I've placed a suitable person on surveillance just in case."
"That's a relief."
There's no need to overthink it.
If Friedrich acts up, we'll just put him down.
Just because they're Bringham doesn't mean we have to yield to them.
* * *
Count Friedrich is in a very bad mood right now.
Being lightly dismissed by Adrian and scolded by his master didn't sit well with him, but what truly grated on him was the attitude of Eric Jones, the Baron who was assisting them.
"If surveillance is the goal, shouldn't you at least make an effort not to let the other party notice?"
"Surveillance? You misunderstand. I am merely attentively ensuring that none of the delegation members are inconvenienced."
And what made him even angrier was Eric's sly, smug attitude.
"You seem to pay far more attention to me than to the others."
"His Highness Duke Lawrence has instructed me to give extra care to Lord Count Friedrich."
"Ha, so then. You're surveilling me because of Duke Lawrence's orders?"
"How could I surveil you? I am only giving you extra care."
At this point, it almost felt like Eric was picking a fight.
But since the other party flatly denied it, all he could do was threaten.
"Do you dare to disrespect a great noble of the Bringham Empire?"
Ordinarily, the moment the Bringham Empire's name was invoked, one would cower but that didn't apply to Eric.
"How could that be? Everyone in the Rhinehearts Royal Palace, myself included, respects the delegation."
And toward the rest of the Bringham Empire delegation, that was genuinely the case.
Everyone treated the delegation with respect.
The problem was that the word "everyone" somehow didn't seem to include Count Friedrich.
Everyone was subtly cold to him alone.
"Is all of this Duke Lawrence's orders?"
Of course, that was because of Count Friedrich's attitude toward Adrian, the hero of the Rhinehearts Kingdom but he alone was unaware of that.
"What can I help you with?"
"Going for a walk? I shall accompany you."
"If you'll stay still, I'll bring it to you."
From then on, Eric interfered with every single one of Count Friedrich's actions, thoroughly preventing any mishaps.
Duke Raphael thought it was somewhat excessive, but thanks to Eric, he had no need to step in himself, so he simply looked on without intervening.
And so, with resentment building in Count Friedrich's heart, time passed until the celebratory banquet began.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Master."
The Bringham Empire delegation, having changed into formal attire, flaunted their splendor more than anyone as they headed to the grand banquet hall where the victory commemoration ceremony was being held.
"The Bringham Empire."
"For Duke Raphael to attend a diplomatic event what a rare sight."
"Isn't the young man in the back Count Friedrich, Duke Raphael's disciple?"
"Indeed, with his imposing build and sharp gaze, he's the spitting image of his master."
As the Bringham Empire delegation moved, the crowded place parted like the Red Sea, opening a path.
Awe filled the people's eyes, and various exclamations flowed from their lips.
At their reactions, Count Friedrich felt his pent-up frustration wash away.
'Yes, this is the proper reaction.'
But it didn't take long for the satisfaction to fade from his face, for...
"Duke Raphael?"
"Ah, Duke Lawrence."
Adrian approached in the most dazzling attire, his cape fluttering.
His looks were handsome enough that even another man would admit it.
Every woman in the path Adrian had walked was staring blankly, following his figure with their eyes.
"I don't see Duke Klein."
"Haha, her master has come for a visit. Unfortunately, for today I've yielded the escort to her master."
"Duke Klein's master?"
It's easy to miss because Adrian is so eye-catching that it overshadows her, but Arcia is the one with more secrets.
Everyone wondered who on earth had raised a 21-year-old woman to be a Grandmaster.
And doesn't today mean that mystery is about to be solved?
Not only Duke Raphael, but even Count Friedrich showed interest.
"Who on earth is it?"
"I'll save that as a pleasure for later. I'm sure even Duke Raphael will be surprised."
"That's something to look forward to."
Adrian's gaze shifted from Duke Raphael to Count Friedrich.
In response, Count Friedrich stared back with intensity and a challenging look, but Adrian indifferently turned his gaze away as if looking at a wall.
"Shall we enter together?"
"Very well."
At the attitude that seemed to say "I couldn't care less about you," Count Friedrich's face flushed red.
And Adrian entered the grand banquet hall alongside the Bringham Empire's delegation, escorting no one.
"His Highness Duke Adrian El Lawrence, the hero of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts, now entering!"
"His Highness Duke Raphael of the Bringham Empire's delegation, Lord Count Friedrich, Viscount Varha, and Viscount Ludwin, now entering!"