When we arrived at the Solar family's mansion, it felt a little strange to see other carriages arriving as well. Many elegantly dressed people could be seen all around us. Some were being guided somewhere, while others were simply waiting or chatting.
“What’s going on, Sol? Is there some kind of event?” I ask. I notice her eyes avoiding mine for a moment. Not just hers, either. The other girls also seem to avoid my gaze, except for Brendu. She remains as calm as always.
“Well... my father had an event planned for tomorrow with his associates and several special guests. He decided to organize a smaller gathering as an excuse to socialize a little... and to announce some good news.” Sol speaks more awkwardly than usual, as if she’s carefully choosing every word. That’s very unusual for someone as eloquent as her.
I look at Arisa, and she avoids my gaze. Then I focus on Marga, who simply shrugs. Finally, I look at Brendu, who only smiles as usual. They’re obviously hiding something.
“It’s also meant to show the public how serious our relationship is. Everyone already knows that we have something special, and many people also know that you disappeared mysteriously over a month ago. This event serves to show everyone that your first public appearance after your disappearance is at the Solar estate. It will help consolidate my family’s position.” Sol explains shyly.
“You don’t think about these kinds of things. They’re just ‘small details’ to you.” Brendu takes over the conversation. “You don’t understand the amount of criticism and harassment a newly promoted Viscount family can receive. Many of the families that lost during the promotion duels tend to hold grudges and decide to harass them for a while. Our presence will put an end to that.”
“The presence of the Marquis’s favorite, the daughter of a Duke, and a Princess will make other families think twice before making a move, especially considering the Emperor’s favorite, Susan, and Eisty.” Marga adds more information.
“Especially Aunt Eisty. She’s a problem for any noble family. She doesn’t answer to anyone, and trying to suppress her would risk hundreds or even thousands of lives. And that’s only talking about her. Her husband and brother are another problem entirely. Anyone with even a little common sense won’t do anything against you publicly.” Even Arisa joins the conversation.
“I understand.” I look back at Sol. “Don’t be shy. If it’s something this important, you could have told me earlier. I have no problem helping you or your family.” I gently caress her cheek to calm her down.
“I know, but I also know that you dislike social events, especially when you only returned a few days ago and plan to isolate yourself for more than a month.” Sol looks much more relaxed and radiant now.
“It’s not a problem.” I’ve already found a way to survive the party comfortably: get drunk enough to be happy, then use my mental ability to remain sober. That usually works.
“I told you there wouldn’t be any problem. I’ve already forced him to attend several parties before. Remember that Maki is like a highly evolved insect. He adapts quickly to any situation if he wants to.” Brendu comments. I’m not sure whether she’s complimenting me or insulting me.
“Then we have to look spectacular tonight. This is our public appearance to show everyone that Maki is alive and just as handsome as ever.” I can practically see Marga imagining countless outfit combinations for all of us.
Indeed, our outfits perfectly match our personalities, and somehow the five of us create a certain harmony. When we return to the entrance, our presence causes an immediate impact. Everyone stops what they’re doing to stare at us, and I can see them all whispering among themselves.
Many people begin taking pictures. I can feel that most of them are directed at me or our group. In a few hours, we’ll be news. Tabloid journalism has grown tremendously over the past few years, and this situation will provide plenty of material.
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At least the important people already know that I’m safe and sound. The girls made sure to contact their families, and I contacted Susan directly. She told me she was very busy and would call me in a few days to hear more about what happened. Susan sounded extremely relieved during our conversation.
“Our entrance was spectacular. Everyone was left speechless.” Arisa celebrates while clapping. We all agree with her assessment.
The party begins, and we remain the center of attention for most of the evening. Sol’s father, my Uncle Camux, appears nearly an hour later alongside his wife. Both of them look absolutely stunning.
“You’ve become even stronger.” Camux gives me a firm hug when we finally greet each other. “I’m glad you managed to come back safely. You had all of us worried. I always believed you’d return. I never doubted you.”
“I’m not the only one who’s improved. Congratulations on reaching the major leagues. Your presence is even more imposing now.” I’m genuinely surprised by Uncle Camux’s presence. He feels like an entirely different person.
“I surpassed your father. He must be jealous of me.” I can see the mischievous smile on his face.
“I’m sure he is, but don’t be surprised if he catches up soon.” I can’t help but laugh as well. Uncle Camux is right. My father always finds reasons to complain that his friend has already taken the next step while he remains stuck in an office. Knowing that man, he’ll find a way to advance soon enough.
“It’s been a long time, Aunt Liza. It’s wonderful to see you again. You look just as young as ever.” I give my future mother-in-law a gentle hug.
“I’m so happy to see you again. It was a terrible shock when we heard what happened. My poor Sol cried endlessly when she called us.” Liza imitates Sol’s crying.
I can see Sol dying inside as she watches her mother’s performance. The other girls are trying their hardest not to laugh.
Cris arrives several hours later, holding a girl’s hand. He had been visiting other cities, but he came back as quickly as possible once he learned I would be attending this gathering.
“It’s good to see you again, Maki. It’s been many years. That little boy has become quite the man. I heard about all the terrible things that happened to you, and I’m proud that my brother managed to overcome all of them.” He gives me a strong hug.
“Thank you. You’ve also been working hard. I can see how much stronger you’ve become.” He’s reached ruby rank, although it seems he advanced only recently. “And I see you came well accompanied.” I whisper softly into his ear.
Cris blushes slightly. “I have to uphold the Camux family name. I haven’t relaxed for even a moment. I’m not the only one who came with company, and you’re the last person who should be making that joke.” We both laugh.
Cris introduces me to his future wife. She’s the daughter of a Count from the Kingdom of Quyr. They met at some kind of camp and fell in love a few years ago. Her name is Margi. She has light brown eyes and blonde hair, and she must be around 175 centimeters tall. She’s quite beautiful.
The hours pass quickly, and nothing particularly important happens. I simply spend my time talking to everyone who wishes to speak with me. Most of them merely want to establish some sort of connection. Most people avoid mentioning my disappearance, except for a few curious individuals. I answer them without going into detail because I don’t sense any ill intentions in their Imra.
At one point during the party, I notice a young man who used to be in love with Sol. I remember he caused some trouble back then. He avoids my gaze for the entire evening, stays on the opposite side of the room, and never approaches me. He doesn’t seem angry anymore, just embarrassed.
“Uncle Camux, I’d like to ask you a favor.” After the party ends, we gather in a small room together with only the family present.
Camux looks at me, signaling me to continue. “I know there’s a grade 4 dungeon in your territory, and it’s a rather special one. Do you think I could use it continuously for about forty days? All the profits will be handed over once I leave, but I’d like as much privacy as possible.” I ask directly.
“Oh! You mean the Escamus Dungeon?” He thinks for a few seconds. “That wouldn’t be a problem, as long as we continue receiving most of the corpses and cores. You’d actually save us a great deal of manpower that’s usually assigned to that dungeon. Coordinate with Liza. She can explain the details tomorrow morning.”
I’m glad my uncle doesn’t question me. I’ll explain everything once I’m finished anyway. Aunt Liza nods and smiles. She’ll take care of everything.
I wouldn’t have remembered this dungeon if it weren’t because it contains the same race of monsters we’re planning to attack. It’ll be excellent training. I’ll be able to get used to fighting this type of monster before the real battle. It’s not something I usually need, but their grade 5 leader won’t be easy.
We spend the rest of the gathering catching up on many things, and I once again tell everyone about my near-death experiences. Thinking about it carefully, most of my stories involve life-threatening situations, but at least everyone still finds them entertaining, and that’s good.
We all go to bed early because everyone will be busy tomorrow. I decide to postpone entering the dungeon until the evening. I want to spend the entire day with Sol, Marga, and Arisa before not seeing them for more than a month.