Livorden's royal capital, as the center of a vast trade empire, was on a scale far beyond anything the Carlos family's rural fief, Lukao, could compare to.
Although this was Aisha's second time in the capital—her first having been during Luca's trial—she hadn't been in the mood to sightsee then. This time, she found herself fascinated by the capital's many wonders.
Alice covered her mouth with a chuckle. "Don't gawk like a country girl seeing the city, Aisha."
Aisha admitted honestly, "Well… Lukao is basically countryside compared to this."
"Even so, it's our Carlos family's land." Alice tapped her forehead. "Silly sister, all you see is the capital's splendor. Have you thought about land prices here?"
"Land… prices?"
"In a town like ours, anyone with hands and effort can afford a home. But in the capital? People work their whole lives and can't even afford a bathroom."
"Too heavy! Please, no more, sis!"
"Still, as a tourist spot, the capital's a great choice. The banquet's at night… we've got time to kill. Let's drop off our things and go out."
For the banquet between noble families, housing had been arranged by the royal family, courtesy of Lord Kaiser. Even small noble houses like the Carlos family were treated as honored guests in mansions adjacent to the palace.
That afternoon, they splurged on luxury shopping in the capital's commercial district.
Dressed in a new outfit bought by Alice—white and pale blue tones, paired with thigh-high black stockings—Aisha looked like a whole new girl.
Simple things bring simple joy. The worries weighing on her seemed forgotten.
"You're awfully generous today, Alice. Capital clothes aren't cheap."
"Hehe, today, you're my knight. Making my knight look beautiful and cool is only natural. Besides, you can't show up at a noble banquet dressed casually."
"So that's why you're all dolled up too!" Aisha realized.
She hadn't considered attire at all—she just wore her daily outfit out. Compared to Alice, she was clearly less refined.
"It's about time. Let's head to the palace."
Alice checked her Mana Crystal Wristwatch and took Aisha by the hand.
Though the banquet was framed as a relaxed gathering for the nobles to unwind after their travels and ahead of tomorrow's reports…
Everyone knew: the smoke-free war of status had already begun.
And that was exactly Lord Kaiser's intention.
Why else hold the banquet around the palace's largest Duel Arena?
Surrounding the arena were mountains of fine food and drink arranged buffet-style. Everything was perfectly laid out to let guests enjoy the duels while they dined.
It was, plainly put, a luxurious version of a Roman coliseum.
"Wow… there are way more people than I imagined."
Aisha was stunned at the packed venue.
She'd expected a quiet, elegant banquet with classical music, small groups chatting, and sampling delicacies.
However, this crowd was nothing like that.
Sure, most noble banquets might match Aisha's image. Despite that, she'd overlooked one thing… this was the kingdom-wide royal banquet.
As one of the Spirit Continent's three great nations, Livorden had dozens of barons, viscounts, counts, and marquises.
And of course, etiquette demanded they not arrive alone. That explained the hundreds of attendees.
'Actually… this might work in my favor,' Aisha thought. 'With this many people, I can totally fade into the background and focus on the food!'
But her dream was instantly shattered.
As Alice presented their invitation at the entrance, the attending guard announced loudly:
"Welcome, Ladies Alice and Aisha of the Carlos family."
Announcing names and titles was standard to give face to the nobles.
Yet, the moment "Carlos" was spoken, the hall fell noticeably quiet. Dozens of eyes turned toward the entrance.
Why?
Because Aisha Yuna Carlos had, during the Fusion Academy Festival's Class Year Team Duel Challenge, upset and defeated Duke Seth's second-year heir.
That match wasn't something people could discuss openly tonight, but anyone who'd seen it wouldn't forget her underdog victory.
Aisha, the Carlos family's final Duelist, was just a first-year… and already incredibly powerful.
Normally, this would be the perfect chance for opportunistic nobles to cozy up to Carlos.
But… none dared approach.
Why? Because Aisha hadn't just beaten Kevin Seth.
…She'd also come back and defeated Kaima Seth, the Duke's first heir, in front of everyone.
Having trounced both sons of Duke Reigun Seth, the Carlos family was now on his blacklist.
It was said that Reigun had stormed out of the Academy Festival in rage and never returned.
Any noble with sense knew: cozying up to Carlos might incur the Duke's wrath. Not worth the risk.
Still, not everyone kept their distance.
"Aisha! Aisha! Over here!"
A red-haired girl popped out of the crowd—Ren Austin, beaming as she ran over.
"So you came to the capital too! My big bro suddenly got the idea to drag me along yesterday."
Unlike the Carlos family, the Austins weren't short on Duelists. Ren's elder brothers, Ilon and Icho, were both Fusion Academy grads and certified Duelists.
As the baby of the family, Ren had no duties—just endless pampering.
Following his sister, Ilon arrived, representing the Austin family. Ignoring the stares, he spoke familiarly with Alice.
"So you're the one attending this year's banquet, Alice."
"And your father sent you, Ilon. Typical—our dads are always looking to take the easy way out."
Unlike her formal demeanor with others, Alice was casual with Ilon.
Just like Aisha and Ren, Alice and Ilon had grown up as childhood friends. Both now of age, Ilon had the right to represent his house.
"Aisha, they're so close," Ren teased. "If you were a guy, we'd be childhood sweethearts instead of just friends. Then you could marry me home… wouldn't that be nice~"
"Ren!" Ilon barked, face red.
"Haha, embarrassed!"
Ren knew full well how her brother felt about Alice. As the little sister, it was her sworn duty to wingman.
Aisha had no clue, though. Alice always wore the same gentle smile, never giving away her feelings.
Even when Aisha tried asking, Alice would always gracefully change the subject.
No one, not even Aisha, knew Alice's type.
Meanwhile, plenty of people liked her type. Graceful, educated, elegant—with beauty even beyond Aisha's.
After she came of age, the Carlos baron received countless proposals from powerful houses.
Alice rejected them all—without even blinking.
"Alice! Ah, my beloved Lady Alice!"
Just then, a sleazy voice rang out. A gaudy blond man emerged from the crowd and grabbed Alice's hand.
"My beautiful fiancée, I've missed you so."
"Fiancée?! Since when?!"
Aisha was floored. Alice was engaged?
Miles said, "Stay calm, Aisha. I don't think it's what you think."
Indeed, this guy was just being shameless. The way Alice yanked her hand back and looked at him like a cockroach said it all.
The only trouble was… his crest.
It marked him as a Marquis—second only to Dukes.
With that kind of status gap, Alice had to restrain herself.
…
TL: Irene ➜ Ren (Changed to lessen the confusion between her and Irena)
...
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