112 3.24 You lost the sword?! - Part 5

Inside the audience hall, there were men and women dressed in fancy-looking expensive clothes. Contrary to my initial expectation, the hall was already crowded with guests.

The hall was large, but with all these people from different cultures and societies, it somewhat felt congested. This feeling was also because even though they knew who I was, I had no idea who they were.

With all those prideful eyes observing me, the little confidence that I came here with felt somewhat lacking. The thoughts like 'how should I move?', 'where should I go?', and 'what should I say?' came to my mind.

Right when all those conflicting thoughts were coming to my head, I heard Sam whisper in my ears. "Master, just walk in with a smile. You hold the advantage of mystery here so they will come to you."

Trusting his words, I walked in with a smile. Even though it was just a fake smile to hide my nervousness, I was trying to make it as realistic as possible. Unlike during my past visits, this time I was alone as the center of attention. So, it was somewhat obvious that I would feel nervous.

The audience hall became noisy when they first saw me, but it became quiet as I entered. I was trying to avoid looking at anybody's face directly as I was walking in.

"Oh, he doesn't look like all those muscled knights."

"And he is somewhat cute too."

"Yeah, I wish I had met someone like that when I was still young."

I heard a conversation between two noble ladies as I walked in. Even though it piqued my interest, I was too nervous to turn around and look at their faces.

I was just walking in nervously, unsure about where I should go. Right then, a brown-haired man with a muscular build came to me. He was a young man who was probably only in his mid-twenties.

"Hello there! Welcome to the Singha castle. Even though this is my first time meeting you, I have heard a lot about you from my father."

"Thank you. This is my first time being a place like this, so I am somewhat unaware of the customs here."

As I was talking to him, Sam came closer to my ears and whispered, "this is the eldest son of the Duke, Markus Singha. He himself is an Earl."

Compared to Goro, he seemed a little more well-mannered and tactful. Though it would be unwise to make a judgment just based on the initial impressions.

"You sound as humble as you appear"—he glanced at the people from left to right and looked back at me—"but please make yourself comfortable. The honorable gentlemen and ladies in this hall understand your origin. So, you don't need to worry about our customs that much."

What he said was enough for me to judge him as a decent person. He just relieved me from the single big worry that was in my head.

"We have been told that you defeated a demon, and an archdemon at that no less. Can you tell us more about your adventures?" A woman who appeared to be in her early thirties asked. By the expensive-looking garments and accessories that she was wearing, I could tell that she was really an influential noble.

"She is Viscountess Sara Grey," Sam whispered in my ears.

I was surprised by how normally they were taking his whispers. But then I realized this must be something commonly observed in noble societies.

"I am not sure if that is something that I can be proud of. The village was already destroyed by the time we got there, and one of my friends got injured in the battle as well."

"Oh my, how humble. Though I do think you should be proud of what you accomplished at such a young age. If it weren't for you, the surrounding villages might have been affected as well," the lady replied.

Even though it had been less than ten minutes, I was already getting somewhat used to the atmosphere. It was mostly because of Sam and Markus. Duke probably sent Markus here knowing that he would be able to support me like this.

Even though the people around me were focused on me, there were some nobles at the corner of the room who looked like they were discussing another matter entirely. And not just that, I could hear a few whispers mentioning Goro.

Though right now, my task was just to divert their attention from the matter. And to do that, I would just have to act as if everything is natural like Markus.

Another round of whispers started when all the eyes on the hall turned towards the man who was entering. It was the Duke Singha himself. The air around was as intense as ever but I could feel some anger mixed in it. And walking behind him was the old butler that we met earlier.

"Looks like everyone is here," he said as he walked inside.

It looked like he still had something to say, but before he could, a bald man who appeared to be in his 40s interrupted him.

"Yes, but it still feels like someone is missing. I don't see Lord Goro anywhere."

His attire, even though expensive, didn't suit him one bit. And his tone indicated that he was clearly trying to mock the Duke.

"Do I need to remind you that I disowned him for his stupidity. Now, I only have two sons," the Duke replied in an angry tone.

"That still doesn't change the fact that he is your blood. And the fact that your son betrayed this province by allowing the intruders in."

"Now, now Lord Hayden, let's stop this before it gets too far. Remember, we have a guest here with us today," Markus said as he walked towards them. "And for those who are yet to see his strength, we have a demonstration planned up next. Also, for your information, I myself will be acting as his sparring partner."

: You lost the sword?! - Part 6