Chapter 121

Chapter 121

Ian slid his hands all the way into the leather gloves, accepting Minnies help. Minnie was slicking back every strand of Ians hair perfectly. Ian attached the tassel that came with the uniform to his chest and glanced back.

Ahaha. Dont I look totally good?

Yeah. I guess thats why they say clothes are wings.

Even Sir Romandro looks better than usual.

Hey? When you get a compliment, you should return it in full, why are you only giving me half?

Beric also tied up his usually disheveled hair neatly and buttoned up his collar. The old scabbard hanging from his waist looked out of place, but it didnt matter since they had to leave all their weapons at the entrance of the hall anyway. With even Romandro dressed properly, it really felt real.

Today is really the day.

Minnie turned around, seemingly finished, and smiled broadly. Lady Viviana, who had been fussing around next to her, also nodded her head in satisfaction.

My, you look so splendid.

Youre exaggerating, Madam.

Im being sincere. Youll probably be the most dazzling one at the hall. I heard that the son of Marquis Ralton is also handsome, but he cant compare. Oh my.

Viviana smiled, admiring Ians upright posture as if he were her own nephew. Beric suddenly poked his head in and asked.

Lady Vivian! What about me?

Oh, and Sir Beric too. You look very handsome.

Oh. Those words have no soul

Come on. Lets stop now and hurry up and leave. There will be a line of carriages going into the palace. Its going to be more crowded than usual, so its better to go early. Besides, isnt Ian the main character of the New Years party? There will be a lot of things to be instructed on once you get there.

Romandro waved his hands, separating Beric and Viviana. Hasha, who was lying on the sofa, laughed sloppily.

Have a safe trip.

Yeah. Ill be late, so you rest too, Hasha. Beric! Lets go. Walk with a straight posture so your clothes dont wrinkle.

The three men got into the carriage, seeing off Viviana and Mini. Unlike usual, the inside of the carriage even seemed to smell fragrant.

Creak!

Ill be back!

Viviana, Ill be back.

Be careful and come back safely. Sir Ian. Congratulations again.

Neigh!

As Ian waved his hand lightly, the carriage set off. There seemed to be more luxurious carriages on the road to the palace than usual. Beric stuck his face to the window and his eyes sparkled as he saw the palace for the first time.

This is crazy.

Youre going to lose your saliva, Beric.

The carriages running alongside them all waved the flags with the seals of their respective families. It was the majestic aura of the nobles, who were proud of nothing more than who they were and where they came from.

Clatter clatter!

But Ian was the special protagonist of the New Years party. While the other nobles followed the procedures for entering the palace one by one, Ians carriage followed the guidance of the palace staff and turned into a side road, heading straight for the main hall of the 1st Imperial Palace.

Creak.

Welcome. Lord Ian. Sir Romandro. I am Carl, the official in charge of the title appointment ceremony for the New Years Party.

As they got out of the carriage, the palace official greeted Ian with a respectful bow.

Shouldnt the protagonist always appear last? The plan was to wait in a separate room inside the main hall and make a grand entrance when the atmosphere was ripe.

There seem to be more carriages than I thought.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

It seems that there are many nobles who are looking forward to this New Years party.

The fact that a commoner from the borderlands was not only a magic user but also caught the eye of Mariv and immediately became the lord of a family was enough to make everyone want to see Ian and hasten their steps.

As Im sure Sir Romandro has already told you, I will say it again. When the New Years party begins, the light of the oracle will be lit. At that time, please enter, wait for a moment, receive the title and family name, and then proceed with the magic verification ceremony.

The instructions were simple. Simple, but the key was whether he could get along well with the nobles during the breaks in between. In a way, wasnt that the most important time at the New Years party?

Unlike Romandro, who seemed to be nervous, Ian sat down on the sofa and relaxed his shoulders.

Do you also verify magic with the light of the oracle?

How could he break the momentum of the vested interests alone? All Romandro could do was wish that His Majesty the Emperor would appear and introduce Ian as the protagonist.

Swish.

But at that moment.

Ian raised his chin and smiled. It was an elegant and confident smile, as if he was born with it.

Smile, Your Majesty.

Along with the words of encouragement, Ian recalled the first banquet he attended as Emperor.

It wasnt much different then. Compared to the snake-like people who were trying to devour the young Emperor, this situation could be considered quite mild.

Your inner strength is tremendous, and it will be conveyed to others without you having to say anything. Think of yourself as the center. Then others will come to you as the center.

Ian started walking on the carpet. His straight back, soft jawline, and leisurely gaze were not something that could be considered a commoner from borderlands.

And always smile. When Your Majesty smiles, the world smiles. But when Your Majesty cries, the world will laugh even louder.

Swish.

Ians eyes met head-on with a nobleman who was stepping on the carpet. He was blocking the path Ian was supposed to take. When Ian smiled silently, the man was embarrassed and took a step back.

Oh, my. I apologize.

No. Are you by any chance the eldest son of the Seruo family?

Ian glanced at the seal on his chest and spoke. It was a subtle jab, but it was a familiar pattern that he had seen 100 years ago. The embarrassed man nodded his head involuntarily and said his name.

My name is Marlon Hope Seruo.

Its nice to meet you. Im Ian. Since Im receiving my family name today, its a shame that the name I can tell you is short.

Ah. Yes. Thats right. Youre Ian.

Hello. Its a beautiful day, isnt it? Im Alena Seruo.

At that moment, the woman next to him introduced herself. It was a very brief moment, but the womans gaze swept up and down Ian.

Ian greeted her with a smile as well. Although they were not influential people, they were not bad as first-time conversation partners. Ian knew well that approaching his peers first, rather than the older nobles who were stiff and old, was one way to break the ice.

I heard youre a magic user.

Yes. Im receiving my title today, and then Ill have a magic verification ceremony.

Then would you shake my hand? They say its good luck to meet a magic user. Before you get the title of magician, that is.

Of course, Lady.

Oh, me too

Ian successfully managed to infiltrate their midst. In addition to the people of the Seruo family who were chatting noisily, other groups were also listening in on their conversation.

Seruo, why dont you introduce us too?

Ah. This person is from the Hayman family

Hello, its been a while. This is Ian?

As a few curious and sociable nobles approached, the atmosphere quickly reversed. It was a reaction that was difficult to start, but once it got going, it progressed very naturally.

Boooooom.

While Ian was chatting with the nobles, a heavy trumpet sounded and the orchestra stopped playing. At the same time, the women held up the hems of their dresses and bowed slightly, while the men put their hands on their chests and lowered their heads.

Ian did the same.

Its the Emperors entrance.

His Majesty the Emperor enters! Everyone, pay your respects!

Ian focused his senses on the sound of footsteps entering the banquet hall and ascending the platform.

Emperor, who are you?

If he only saw his face, and if his vague memories became clear, Ian would be able to remember the next emperor as well.

One by one, the nobles raised their heads, greeting him.

Ah.

The moment he raised his head, Ian stopped and let out a small gasp.