Chapter 3: Banquet of Leonard Hirano Dragonrose

The banquet was planned for last week before end of the first month and many people confirmed their attendance almost the moment they recived the invite.

Generally speaking, the people who accepted right away, were heads of different political factions.

"Let's go over the schedule. First guests should arrive around three pm and continue until around five pm, when the banquet starts. I have to greet anyone with Count rank or above personally, so I would like to leave the greetings of the lower ranked people to Goli and Kiira."

"Ruzu you are in charge of guards today. Oh, and Taru is the piano ready?"

"Yes it's perfect, but what should I play?"

"What about the thing we wrote back there with Kiira?"

"Oh, the first one? That would be lovely!" Taru beamed happy smile.

Back in our original world, me, Kiira and Taru were all apart of Gaming club and we usually played games and tried to develop a new one. The game we were developing in question had one part, where the main protagonist, aka the player, speaks about his future dreams with the main heroine and piano plays in background. The name of the song was Wishful star and we wrote it together.

♦

Weeks passed and the day of the banquet came.

Taru and twenty other Sea Dragonfolks were prepared in upper floor of the main hall with their instruments. Kiira and Goli were welcoming people and I was waiting, with Tina and Setto by my sides.

Alette as adopted daughter of the Netrose family was scheduled to come with father. Also, uncle Ferdinand and Nina were supposed to come as well, but there was a landslide on the way from their town so their departure got delayed. We only recieved the message about it a few days ago so there was no way we could do something about it.

Although I can use space magic to warp around places, I need to visit them at least once for it to activate.

"A-are those Blue moss crab's spawns?!" a surprised voice in hallway woke me up from light slumber.

"Who was that?" I asked and Setto immediately answered.

"It seems like Chevalier Jo-rou Halian a half-ogre from nortern region. He's one of the factionless nobles."

"Any interesting things about him?"

"He succeeded his house when he was eighteen years old and is still unmarried after ten years. In last war against Beastman kingdom, he took head of enemy's leader, but his achivements were taken by his captain at the time. Said captain was later moved to Baron rank."

"How did you dig that up Setto?"

"Collecting informations useful to my master is a servants duty," Setto smiled broadly and hit his chest.

"Okay… I will leave it at that," I made a little sour face and looked at the man myself. Ha was tall with long black hair tied in pony-tail. He wasn't really muscular, but his physical stats were around as high as mine before becoming Majin.

"If it isn't sir Halian, I'm glad you could make time in your busy schedule," I smiled at him with slight bow.

"Oh! D-don't mention it, sir Dragonrose. I, too, was interested in one they say can defeat a dragon," Jo-rou stuttered for a moment, but soon regained his composure, like any normal noble would. Well, even if he wanted to be disrespectful, my rank is still higher then his so I could punish him any way I wanted.

"Well, if you have time, please follow me to the main hall. Goli, plese go welcome the other guests."

"I'm on it sir," Goli nodded and left.

"Now, sir Halian follow me," I smiled broadly and Jo-rou answered with defeated "Yessss~"

♦

After all bellow earl rank were present, the marquis's and margraves were scheduled to come.

That being said, the difference between the two titles is in their jobs. Margraves are only nobles beside king and frontier counts who can have permanent armies which makes them people who are usually at borders protecting the citizens. Marquis on the other hand have more of merchant type jobs. These people usually works with foreign nobles as diplomats and are usually distributed along borders with friendly nations, such as knightly kingdom Kastena.

Currently there are only two families with rank of Marquis. Those are Glintel and Hadrius families.

"Marquis Glintel, Marquis Hadrius, I'm honored you made time in your busy schedules to come to my party," I bowed to both of them.

"Sir Dragonrose, it's good to finaly meet you, I heard a lot of thing about you from my daughters two years ago."

"I hope it were good things, hehe," I scratched back of my head with dry laugh.

Looking at the two girls behind their father made all things clear as day. The older one, Suzuka, turned her head away angrily and her little twin sister looked up to me with sparkling eyes (but that was only becouse she was looking at the boy behind me, second son of the count Kilten family, William, which I already messaged her about beforehand).

"Sir Dragonrose, I heard that you lost your blade in battle against that dragon is that correct?" Marquis Hadrius, an elderly dwarf, asked me out of the blue.

"Yes that is correct, how did you know?"

"I have my ears, you could say," the dwarf smiled wolfishly.

"You should be careful around sir Hadrius, sir Dragonrose, when it comes to weapons he finds out everything. That's why he's called number one Magic blade smith of the Royal capital," marquis Glintel cut in with a laugh.

"What I wanted to say is, that if sir Dragonrose needs a new blade, he can come to me personally," the old dwarf shrugged at his younger peer teasing.

When the duo of Marqius' left, Margrave Varon came. Although three margraves were invited, only one is present. Also we decided to send the invite, hoping his oldest son would come as stand in, but somehow he came himself.

Margrave Varon have a reputation of [Elf lover]. Basicly, he doesn't care if the elf is slave, young, old or if she have relationship, he will take her for himself.

He's also the reason why I placed Ruzu with guards and have Kiira guard Taru on upper floor with musicians after finishing her welcoming of the lower ranked nobles.

"Margrave Varon, it's a pleasure to meet you," I gave a small bow to the man.

"Oh please! The pleasure's all mine, count Dragonrose. I've heard you are an outstanding individual, and it seems you truely are," Margrave said as he was looking around.

"Are you looking for something, margrave?"

"Oh, please, don't mind me. I just heard that there were two other outstanding individuals beside you during the ceremony where you recieved your rank."

"Oh, you must mean Taru and Kiira. They really are outstanding, just as you said. I'm truely happy to have them as CORE members of my adventuring team, and my CLOSEST retainers," I smiled at the Margrave who looked little perplexed.

"I see, well, I will go to my seat," margrave said little grumpily.

"Urgh... that was vexing..."

I looked around and realised that only other people missing were the dukes.

All in all, the dukes I invited (except for father) were duke Varius Tuliphill, duke Lang Reylong, duke Fane Tenébres and lastly duke Balius Bobel. The four dukes all had something special with their occupations.

Duke Varius Tuliphill (Human) was head of botany research division in royal academy with many new discovered and created flowers and plants.

Duke Lang Reylong (Earth dragonfolk) was head of kingdom's tamers guild, place for tamers and jobs assigned to them, with his tamed wyverns.

Duke Fane Tenébres (Vampire) is head magician of thirteen wands of the kingdom specializing in vampires signature [Blood magic].

Lastly Duke Balius Bobel (Merfolk) is in charge of the navy and fishing industry.

But more importantly, all of them had one thing in common. They all brought their daughters with them to this ball.

"Whoa, those guys were really persistant weren't they?" Kiira asked me while looking over the banquet with me from top of the second floor, where the musicians were sitting as well.

"Urgh… After all that happened during last two months I would like to stop being forced into relationships our two sides don't even want…"

"Well, that vampire girl seemed pretty down to start something," Taru smiled with no light in her eyes.

"Ah, that one… quite sharp one she is."

"Why do you think so?" Kiira asked with no light in her eyes.

"She senced your bloodlust as soon as I did. That's impressive for a level fifteen mage."

"Count-sama, his majesty has arrived," Setto informed me.

As for why the king is present, the tradition of our kingdom since it's founding is that before the crown prince takes the throne, he is training his rulership on Hausen duchy, which was historicaly the first duchy created by the first king. Currently, the crown prince haven't taken the duchy for himself, becouse that is supposed to happen after his marriage with first princess of the Knightly kingdom, which is currently still underage (although they are only five years apart). And becouse the duchy haven't been transfered to the crown prince yet, the duke of Hausen is still the king.

"Your majesty, I came to welcome you," I bowed to the king.

"Indeed it's good to be finally here. And?" he jerked his chin towards his daughter who was standing little to the side behind him.

"Lady Victina, your beauty can't be put into words alone, it's like a moon on a starry night."

"Y-yesh... thank...you," Victina said blushing beet-red.

"Jeez, look what you did to my daughter, I am certainly worried about how many girls you will seduce with that tongue of yours," the king smiled worriedly.

"I don't plan on taking any more wives your majesty, but I have a question, Lulu is guard of princess shoudn't she be with you then?"

"Yes, she will arrive shortly. She's with kaptain of the royal knights talking with guards you put on duty today," Victina smiled, "Which means I have you just for myself before she come!"

"Ahem! Leave the flirting for time when your engagement is official please," the king stared at me who's hands were held by Victina close to her heart.

"Eh?" we both started blushing a little.

"Well, anyway! Please let me show you to your seats," I said hurriedly and showed them to the main room.

There we caused some slight rucus, but the event could start right away. Well, showing myself next to the king will give impression of me being apart of the Royal faction and directly under the king. That should stop those intriguing nobles for now...

Most of the dishes we served were recieved positively, but when we got to bread served before the meat dish, we had a little discord.

"Count Dragonrose this bread... it isn't made from rye is it?"

"No, it really isn't duke Reylong. This bread was made from wheat and potatoes."

"Wheat? Oh I get it you used the potatoes to mask the grassy taste of wheat, is that right?" the duke smiled and I could hear some nobles making fun of me for using wheat.

"Not really sir Reylong. It's true that the potatoes make the most of the flavor, but the wheat I used is also different from usual. I found this peculiar breed which has richer taste without that grassy feel."

"Really? That would be extreemly helpful for times of famine," the duke's eyes widened at the prospect of getting more food for tamed beasts and duke Tuliphill was nodding alongside him.

I didn't really know much about storing of grain back on earth, but I noticed something interesting about the wheat of this world. Firstly, there is rarely crop failiure and it can be planted almost anywhere in the kingdom's flatlands. Also the time needed for plants growth is shorter than with rye and it can be planted repeatedly (if rotation rule is implemented even more grain can be obtained). Finaly the grains itself can be stored for years, while rye usualy starts turning bad after one winter.

"I am sure of that, that is why I asked father to help with production of this new crop. I belive that we could produce royal capital worth of crop in... how much father?"

"Three to four years given the headstart we already have and we could keep the steady produce for quite some time," father smiled and sipped from his glass silently.

"Seems that you are always thinking about something new when no-one's looking sir Dragonrose," the king smiled and sipped his carbonated drink, "Also, what exactly is this drink? I've never had something like this… it's not alcoholic, but it resembles the dwarven beer I was served once in marquis Hadrius's domain."

"This drink is called Soda. It's made by carbonating… well the process is complicated so I used a spell for it."

"I never heard about such spell," the king gave me a sharp look.

"That is becouse I made it your majesty," I gave the king innocent smile.

"As expected from lord Leo," princess Victina smiled happily and sipped from her glass, enjoying her drink.

The party continued without any issue, except for almost running out of roll cakes, and after diner everyone moved to lounge next door, where we prepared some games.

And when it comes to games, the gaming club was in it's element. Card games, billiards, darts, bowling and much more. We had made everything we remembered from earth and what we couldn't make perfectly, we wrote down for later developing.

"It's time for us to talk," the king tapped my shoulder and excused himself for a minute.

Few minutes after that I left the gaming room slash lounge and went to second floor where I had prepared table for the two of us to talk.

Lulu and Knight captain were here as guards.

"Hey there Lulu," I smiled and waved at her.

"Leo! It feels like we haven't seen each other in so long, but it was only two weeks right?" She said with warm smile, while holding both of my hands.

I noticed her still wearing the pendant with crystal accessory on her neck in color of her eyes, "Yes, it felt really long. We should do something like last time we were in the capital," I touched the pendant lightly.

"You don't even now how much I long for sparing with you again… Knight captain is strong, but not like you!" Lulu smiled.

"Ahem! His majesty is waiting, we should enter too," harsh looking lady of Troll race said while looking at me.

Name: Aisha Ha-nou Génin
Level: 52
Race: War troll
Titles: Comander, Viscountess, Sword demon

Skills:

Unique: Sword creation
Supreme: Breath control (9), Magic power armor (3)
Extra rare: Increased stamina recovery (8), Sence presence (8), Shock absorbtion (8)
Uncommon: Charge (8), Iron skin (8), Ostilian slashing technique (10), Mist sword technique (10)
Common: Leap (10), Kick (10), hand to hand combat (10), Swordsmanship (10), Keen hearing (5), Deffence shell (5), Cooking (10)

Blessing: Sword god (5), War god (5)

Whoa that screams warrior alright.

"Yes, we should go in… where is Kiira anyway?"

"Waiit! I'm coming!!!" Kiira appeared from behind a corner and ran towards us.

"Whoa, Kiira that's some amazing dress!" Lulu commented on Kiira who came in rose petal decorated dress.

"Thanks~ Leo ordered them for us! Taru, Alette, and Goli all have one simmilar looking too!"

The truth is that these dresses I ordered from same company as the one I ordered my New year debut party clothes two years ago. The dress Kiira is wearing is green in color which makes her red hair stand out like a flower. Taru had light blue dress, Alette had white dress and Goli asked for yellow colored one.

When I presented those dresses for the first time, they all asked for red colored ones, but I won't be giving red roses out just like that! Wait so that's why you were so eager to choose green dress, You wanted to be called the red rose due to your hair!

"The seamstress did a really good job," I nodded, smiling to myself, figuring out Kiira's scheme.

"Let's enter now," the knight captain gave me a sharp look and opened the doors, there, the king and princess Victina were already waiting.

I went to my seat and Lulu, Kiira and knight captain stood behind their masters. Kiira behind me, Lulu behind Victina and knight captain behind the king.

"Can anyone listen in?"

"This saloon have «Solitude field» spell engraved all around the walls so what is said in this room, stays in this room."

"I see," Victina made a dreamy face.

You're thinking about spells again? Is what me and the king both thought.

"Good. Let me tell you what is my reason for this private discussion. During the second semester this year we will be holding Sword king tournament and Magic duel tournament."

"I see, those two tournaments are held together with Knight academy of Knightly kingdom and Sage's academy of Sorcery kingdom. You want me to win both?"

"Yes. It will make it easier to understand why I decided to make Victina your fiancée afterwards. But there is another reason, both knightly kingdom and sorcery kingdom are sending members of their royal families."

"And what is the reason for that?" I asked.

"Knightly kingdom is sending their second prince who is considered to be next king due to his strong Sword magic," Victina smiled and drunk her soda.

"Sword magic already leaked to other kingdoms?" Kiira got surprised.

"It was a big hit in Knightly kingdom due to giving opportunity to those who had gift for magic to also participate in sword fights. I belive that the prince is coming to show off his strenght."

"So you want me to put him back on the leash?"

"I wouldn't say that, but even the king of Kastena, his father, wishes for reformation of his sons behaviour, seems old Lucius have it hard," the king sighed.

"I understand. This creator of Sword magic will show the boy his place," I nodded.

"Great, now for the second thing I wanted from you. Although I haven't talked about it with Victina I think she will agree to it. I want you to rise her level in the dungeon. If Victina is supposed to participate in the Magic duel tournament then she needs strenght."

""Really (Father)?"" Lulu and Victina said over each other.

"I understand your wish your majesty. Do not worry, I will train her properly. Kiira, please tell Taru about this later. Let's assemble our entire group shall we?" I said and drunk my soda with a smile.

"Sure thing!" Kiira smiled broadly.

"Thank you for your help. We shall discuss your reward later," the king smiled warmly.

"There's no reason for a reward your majesty. You've already given me too much, my title, this mansion..." I smiled.

"And me," Victina smiled at me.

Weird, such a smile was Kiira giving girls that were talking to me in my past life didn't she?

"Ah, yes... our engagement too..." I gave Victina warm smile as I was ignoring king's cold gaze.

"Anyway, what is your next step? You showed of your mansion and entered the noble circles. Do you have some sort of plan?"

"Your majesty surely saw the games downstairs correct? I plan to start a company dealing in various items. Games being one of them."

"Those games surely seemed interesting, but not all games you showed there can be just sold right? Some need more room, like that... bowling you called it?"

"Yes I plan to have some of the more place consuming games custom order. Also, for other type of games, I plan to introduce one type for general public and second type, more fancier, for nobles. Also, I want to create a place where everyone can try the games out before buying them."

"You have it thought through I see," the king smiled.

"Well, I still need personel to be honest, I don't have many people who I could entrust the shop with. There are the Sea Dragonfolks, but I would need humans too," I scratched back of my head.

"That is understandible, you are still young after all," the king smiled, "You should build up connections, friendship with other lords, it should be exceptionally easy this year as many noble children will be entering the royal academy."

"The number of students this year is two classes higher then last year, due to new buildings being build over the last year," Victina smiled.

"Well, some room was made thanks to certain someone," the king gave me a dry smile.

"Is there something I'm unaware off?"

"Uh... Around the academy were two noble mansions... that of duke Glemburg and duke Varill,"

"Oh... I see," I started sweating when remembering those two.

"Well, that's all I wanted to talk with you so let's leave it at this," the king said as he rised from his chair.

"Yes, good idea," I nodded.

♦※ King's POV
The carriage I boarded with Tina (Victina) started moving and we left the young Dragonrose's mansion behind us.

"So tell me, Aisha, what do you think about the boy?" I asked my guard and knight captain.

"Your majesty can I speak frankly? I wish not to offend you," she said while gripping her sword's hilt strongly.

"Please do," I nodded.

"Your majesty is aware that I was trained by his excelency duke Netrose previously. During that time I spend a lot of time sparing with the duke. Back then, I belived that if I put my all into my strenght, I can at least hope for a draw."

"Yes I am aware of that, if Flik didn't hurt his leg during last war and recived that nasty curse, he would still be the knight captain even now."

"Yes, his injury was really heavy, but back to the topic. I can't win against sir Dragonrose, there's no way I could match his strenght with sword alone. I'm not sure if my racial ability, regeneration, would even help. What I want to say is... if I had to fight him, I would look for oportunity to run away as soon as I could, if it would ensure your safety."

"Fufufu, I told you Leo is special," Victina smiled happily, "don't you agree Lulu?"

"Yes, of course. I was training with Leo since when we were little and every time he won our mock battles... I understood that... I need to get stronger... so I can stand with him..."

"Um... what was that last part? I didn't hear it clearly," Aisha said, but I could say what she thought just by looking at her face... heh, young love, must be nice.

But still, that power he posses is... frightening. We can't make him enemy... but I must be sure about him if I'm to give him my daughter.

"Lulu. During the training, you will acompany Tina okay?"

"Yes, Your majesty!" Lulu smiled happily.

She's so obvious, everyone in the carriage thought with a big smile.

♦※ Yuni Ama Glintell's POV
"That Dragonrose... he will surely become important figure for the kingdom," father said when we were in the carriage, "We should tie him to our family somehow."

"I won't do that!" my sister, Suzuka, got angry instantly.

Truth to be told, I understand her, she was ridiculed by Leo on our first day in public. From what I heard, the girls she build up some kind of friendship upon that point of time stopped talking with her.

Although, that also reflects what kind of friends they were, in my personal opinion. But this may give me some chance.

"I belive that going directly after sir Leo would be foolish. The dukes and even the king are already one or two steps ahead of us, so I belive that we should aim for his right hand man," I said confidently, making my father and sister look interestingly at me.

"What do you want to do Yuni?" Father asked and leaned little forward.

Well, given that father wishes for stable politics in the kingdom I guess that Leo is a wild card that can turn everything upside down. I understand that, that's why I want to be on good terms with him. Also, Will is his good friend... I want to be with him... My Will... heheheh...

"William Leon Kilten. He's second son of a count so he won't inherit his fathers title. His best bet is to help someone as talented as Leo and be rewarded afterwards. I wouldn't be surprised if the two of them already worked together. From what I could see two years ago, they are really good friends."

"Son of count Kilten huh... I guess that could work... you up to it Yuni?"

"If you allow me to move as I wish, then I can guarantee you that it will work out," I nodded to father's words, ignoring Suzuka's mouth hung open.

"All right, do as you wish."