Chapter 197: Hide, Executive Manager (2)

Chapter 197: Hide, Executive Manager (2)

Finding the host was an easy task; they usually get swept up in the crowd.

"Oh, Executive Manager."

"Sir."

The Invincible Duke acknowledged us first, prompting a bow and a polite greeting in response. Although he called me 'Executive Manager’ instead of my name because many people were watching, it wasn't really a problem.

Anyone influential enough to be here would know about my close relationship with the Invincible Duke. However, knowing something privately and acknowledging it publicly were two different matters.

We should avoid painting an image of the Executive Manager fraternizing with specific nobles, or of the military’s de facto leader favoring someone.

"Ah, the Executive Manager has arrived."

You should try to avoid that as well, you jerk. Seeing the Crown Prince tease his subordinates wasn't a good look, either.

Following the Invincible Duke’s gaze, the Crown Prince turned to me and approached with a slight, almost taunting smile.

What is he going to do?

I instinctively felt nervous. Were his usual restraints off? However, the Crown Princess was right by his side.

What was it? Even he wouldn’t dare to cause a scene in front of the Crown Princess, right?

"I greet Your Highness the Crown Prince."

It was impossible to ignore a superior who spoke first. As Marghetta and I bowed, the Crown Prince clapped me on the shoulder, continuing the conversation.

"Look up. It’s embarrassing to be the only one getting attention at a party for the Crown Princess."

"The star of the show is always the last to be noticed. Please don't worry.”

The Crown Princess smiled slightly at this.

That actually worked.

I wondered every time it did. Why did such words work here?

Was it the unique sensibility of this world’s people, or was life at the palace so boring that even small jokes brought them joy?

Of course, either reason was something I would never fully understand.

I do it because they like it.

When the higher-ups enjoyed something, those below would do their best to put on a show. That was just how social circles worked.

"The Executive Manager has a point. It's only natural for the supporting characters to attract people’s attention before the main act appears."

The Crown Prince laughed heartily while looking pleased, and the surrounding nobility joined in.

That’s power.

No matter how old or powerful you were, you had to laugh when the Crown Prince laughed. That was the destiny of a hierarchical society.

Naturally, I laughed along. After all, I was part of that hierarchy, too.

"The start of the evening is already delightful. I hope the Executive Manager enjoys the banquet as well."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince turned away with a meaningful smile, and the Crown Princess also nodded in farewell.

Damn it.

I knew from experience that I shouldn’t take his laughter lightly.

That smile was the same one he often gave right before I ended up in a mess. He couldn't openly tease me, so now he was mocking me with his expressions.

He’s quick to catch on.

He probably knew about the Iron-blooded Duke’s plans for me.

Enjoying the party in this situation, are you?

I could already see the future. The Crown Prince would probably be watching from a distance as I got knocked down by the Iron-blooded Duke.

"The Crown Prince seems to have a fond spot for the Executive Manager."

The Invincible Duke approached with a hearty smile after the imperial couple.

"It is more than I deserve."

I wanted to argue how exactly he was 'fond' of me, but I held back. It wasn’t entirely incorrect if I thought of it as not cherishing a person but a favorite toy.

"As His Highness mentioned, you really did come at the right time. I hope you enjoy the banquet."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

The facade of calm I was maintaining crumbled as soon as we stepped out onto the terrace.

It was so embarrassing. I barely managed to suppress a scream.

I had just been confronted with a nickname I neither wanted to remember nor hear, especially not from someone much older than me. And worse, it happened in front of the person I cherished the most.

That’s too much.

Carl gave me an awkward smile and held my hand when I glanced at him bitterly.

Do you think this will make it better?

Of course, it did. That was why I wasn’t blowing up at him right now.

Objectively, it was just a nickname. But to me, that nickname was a cruel word that was older than my own memories.

If it were a more recent nickname, then I might only feel slightly embarrassed. But since it was one I had been hearing since childhood, it also brought back memories of my childish, immature days.

Father...

Since my resentment had nowhere else to go, it turned towards my father. I might not know who exactly coined the nickname, but it was clear that he was the reason it existed.

What a sad banquet this was. I was hit with a major emotional blow right from the start.

It’s okay.

Still, the event also had its rewards.

I managed to flaunt my relationship with Carl in front of none other than the Chairman of the Imperial Council.

Now, the news would spread starting from the Chairman to the other council members, and then from them to the other nobles.

Yes, that should do it. This fleeting embarrassment was a small price to pay for such results. Right...

...Right?

As I reassured myself, I noticed a commotion near the main entrance.

Though I couldn't hear anything, I could see the guards at the entrance moving around busily, all while someone was standing there.

Who is it?

The party had already started. It was a banquet in honor of the Crown Princess, held at the mansion of the Invincible Duke—there weren’t many who would be late to such an occasion.

"Ah."

Carl murmured as he followed my gaze towards the main gate.

"A distinguished guest has arrived."

It seemed that Carl saw them even from this distance. Then, he put his hand on my shoulder.

Seeing that, I became even more curious. If Carl was reacting like this, then it must be someone of high status.

Is someone else coming?

No. The imperial family went without saying, and both the Gold Duke and the Wise Duchess stayed in their domains; they only showed their faces at the New Year’s Ball.

Even the Mage Duchess, who was also in the capital, was known for attending only one day of the New Year’s Ball. Maybe it was a Marquis, then?

"Let's go in. They’ll be here soon, so we should at least greet them."

"Ah, yes."

That was correct. As Carl said, we were going to see them anyway. There was no need to worry too much about it—

"Baby."

What...?

A voice called out from behind us as we turned to re-enter the banquet hall.

"To see my baby as soon as I arrive? How lucky of me."

The languid voice continued.

"Were you waiting for me?"

However, there was an unmistakable authority in her tone.

"Fufu, I'd be pleased if you were."

As I cautiously turned around, I saw a woman with white hair.

It was the woman I thought I'd have no reason to see /genesisforsaken