Chapter 180 - 179 A Plot Discovered

With Baronetess Brenato finishing up the conversation on what professions everyone at the table had, the conversation quickly switched over to the plants that the Baron was currently growing in his green house.

Though this conversation did not last long as soon the last guests that were coming arrived.

"Sorry that we arrived late, me and my wife had a meeting this morning and it went a bit longer than anticipated. But we are here now, so I hope we have not caused to much of a disruption."

Walking in was a fairly young-looking man with light blonde hair who would definitely be considered attractive but the one who gathered everyone's attention was the woman standing next to him.

She was an elf with pale skin, snow white hair, and crystal blue eyes. She would have definitely been considered extremely beautiful even for nobles who seemed to be above average in attractiveness across the board.

'Hm, she looks kind of familiar, but I am pretty sure we have never met.'

As the two of them walked in everyone stood up and bowed since they were the highest-ranking nobles to attend this gathering, and afterwards the Viscount and Viscountess bowed towards the Baron and his wife as a show of respect since they were the hosts.

After that everyone sat down and Baron Kental addressed Viscount Skalbeck and said, "It is a pleasure to see you again Viscount Skalbeck and Viscountess Valorre. We have just finished a discussion about each of our professions so if you would not mind while I know what it is you do would you like to tell the others."

'Wait they have different last names that is unusual, in fact this is the first time I have heard of this. Maybe it has something to do with her being an elf.'

While Marcus was in though about the surprising difference in last names between the viscount and the viscountess. the two of them began discussing what they did for a living.

"I was actually within the last year appointed the position of foreign trade councilor, so I make sure to collect the information on goods coming and going from the kingdom and recommending actions based the kingdom's interest. Of course, my job is far more complicated than just that but going into the finer details could very well take a whole week." The viscount said ending with a slight chuckle.

"Ah and my wife here I am sure as you have noticed is an elf, and she is actually the current ambassador with the kingdom for the Ice Elf City Gleann Reota which is located deep within the Verkoudhied Mountains."

With a surprised expression Marcus looked at the Viscountess with curiosity. He had not heard of this Ice Elf city, but he knew that the Verkoudhied Mountains were located in the western part of the kingdom and were even bigger than the Himalayan mountain range on Earth.

The Viscountess seeing Marcus' intense gaze smiled at him and said, "Do you perhaps have an interest in our city Lady Geist. It is a difficult place to get to both in the journey and politically. We do not often allow outsiders but since our child and your little sister are close friends, I could probably arrange a visit if you wished."

Hearing this Marcus was even more stunned, he had already seen a number of fantastical sites since coming to this world, but the possibility of visiting and elven city was quite alluring.

In fact, as surprised as Marcus looked so did everyone else including the viscountess' husband.

"Bianca are you sure, I know that her sister Lilia is close to Alaric, but you have to get special permission even to bring me to the city. I am not sure your grandfather would be happy if you brough along Lady Geist."

However, Bianca simply waved off her husband saying it would be fine.

After that the others quickly went over what they did again, and the group slowly got more acquainted with each other and soon began talking about the kids that had brought their group together.

"So, your daughter Vania wants to be an adventure Baron Kental." Baronetess Brenato said with a bit of dismay.

"Yes, the girl got her nose stuck into too many stories about the exploits of past adventures, most of which are exaggerated tales. And when I told her that adventuring did not fit a young lady like her she shoved a book in my face that detailed the early life of the first king and his companions who were adventures before establishing the kingdom."

The baron looked quite concerned about his daughter's future though Marcus thought being an adventure was fine since it allowed you to live more freely.

Unfortunately, the other nobles around who were all from long lines that were used to continuing tradition did not have the same outlook, so Marcus kept his mouth shut as to not antagonize them.

The conversation went on and soon the Viscountess asked Marcus what his little sister was planning to do.

With a nonchalant expression Marcus said, "I do not know what Lilia might want to do in the future. Right now, I am letting her get and education and experience so she can make that choice when she is ready. She is free to do whatever she wants, and I plan to support her choice."

The other nobles after hearing Marcus' answer looked at him like he was some kind of rare and weird beast, since for them their children's future had pretty much been determined at birth.

However, Marcus could have sworn he saw a slight smile on the viscountess' face when he said this.

"That is right you are the first generation of your family. Well, I suppose that she is just your sister so it is unlikely she would inherit your title anyway. That also reminds me, you are not married Lady Irene, do you happen to have fiancé, because if not our second son is coming of age this year." Baron Kental said with a big grin on his face.

Marcus internally shuddered hearing this, one because he had no intention of getting married anytime soon if at all, two because in this kingdom people became adults at the age of fifteen and for Marcus that was still definitely a kid, and third he had no interest in men even if he was currently in the form of a woman.

"No, I have no intention of marrying anyone at this time, though I am humbled by the offer."

Marcus quickly shot down the offer and the baron shrugged his shoulders figuring it was a long shot anyways.

A few moments later a number of servants entered the green house carrying a number of trays which held the lunch that was being served.

Among the items placed out was a wide variety of vegetables and fruits likely grown in the very greenhouse they were in.

And along with the pristine produce provided, the main course was some type of bird that had been dressed in a delicious smelling herb sauce.

Once the food had been placed on the table everyone began eating and Marcus had to control himself from excessively eating the delicious assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables that were difficult to obtain during the winter.

After finishing off lunch a dessert of a number of different fruit tarts along with the cream puffs that Marcus had brought were laid out in front of them.

However, before they began eating them the viscount leaned over to his wife and whispered something in her ear.

She then nodded and stood up heading towards a small platform in the room.

Everyone was looking a bit confused until the viscount said, "I asked my wife if she would be willing to give us a bit of entertainment while we enjoyed this dessert. She happens to be an excellent singer one of the best I have ever heard so I am sure all of you will enjoy."

The baron nodded his head giving his approval as the host and soon the viscountess began singing.

'Her voice certainly is lovely, but I am getting a sense of déjà vu. I am certain I have never met her before, but this song sounds familiar.'

Marcus continued to search through his mind wondering why the viscountess seemed so familiar to him when it came back to him.

Around eight months ago Marcus had met with a similar looking female elf that ran a high-end hotel in River Landing. During his stay there the owner Maryam Valorre had tried to arrange a marriage between his sister and her grandson. Marcus had vehemently refuse the offer and Lilia herself looked scared that she might be married away. After that Marcus had put the experience into the back of his mind never thinking he would have to deal with it again.

'Maryam Valorre, Bianca Valorre? She is Maryam's daughter. How did I not see this earlier; she looks quite a bit like her mother, and I should have realized it when I heard Lilia's description of Alaric, white hair and pointy ears showing his elven heritage.'

Marcus began glaring at he beautiful Ice Elf that was currently singing wanting to go up and rip her head off for playing with Lilia's feelings.

Marcus was now certain that Alaric's little rescue Lilia talked about was not some coincidence, it had been planned from the very start.

The only thing that still left Marcus baffled was why.. What could be so valuable about having Alaric marry Lilia to go through this much effort.