Episode 299

When royals met each other, it was different from siblings of other families meeting—it held a different meaning.

Even among siblings from the same family, there’s at least some intimacy, but among royals, there were hardly any reasons to meet at all.

Naturally, royals could only see each other as rivals…

So whenever they gathered, a ruthless competitive spirit erupted.

Each one strove to be acknowledged in front of others as the most outstanding royal!

“…Still, the good part is this is Gainando’s estate. As guests, they can’t be too rude.”

Lee Han comforted his friends.

Since they were invited guests in another family’s house, they couldn’t behave too arrogantly.

Otherwise, they’d be accused of being disrespectful in the very home that invited them.

“And besides, his mother is here too.”

They hadn’t met her yet, but judging by what Yoner had said, she was no ordinary person.

Given the family’s power, no one would dare say something outrageous in front of her.

“Mom just went out for a while.”

“……”

“…Guys, gather up for a moment.”

Lee Han put down his magazine and called his friends together.

The topic for this meeting: -How to make Gainando look presentable during the royal gathering-.

• * *

Contrary to Lee Han’s worries, the royals actually didn’t intend to pick on Gainando.

First, no royal was foolish enough to insult a member of another family when invited to their mansion.

Plus, taking into account the host family’s power, there was nothing to gain from making unnecessary enemies.

The only ones to actually pick fights were other royals themselves.

“Bogajun, it’s been a while. Such a pity you failed to handle the plague incident in Cltran Village last time.”

Creak!

“Judrantas… Thanks for your concern. I worried about you too. Who could have guessed your knight would get caught up in that bribery scandal?”

Grit!

On their journey to the house, the royals eyed each other fiercely atop their horses, growling.

Their followers were no different. They eyed each other viciously, waiting for an opening.

Royals, who had to prove their value, always strove to make their names known throughout the Empire.

The best way was to jump in and solve some major empire-wide affair.

Of course, those solutions didn’t always go well. Failures were many, and sometimes, their own followers caused trouble before anything even began.

Then, other royals would gleefully offer “concerned” words.

‘Bastard.’

‘Should’ve died last time.’

“It’s heartwarming to see you both care for each other’s safety.”

“How could the Empire’s future not be bright?”

“…Hahaha.”

“Hahahaha.”

Those visiting the estate weren’t just royals and their followers. Noble guests mingled as well.

They were both spectators and judges.

If any royal caused a scandal at the gathering, rumors would swirl throughout Imperial high society. If one performed a great feat, the rumors would swirl again…

If it weren’t for these nobles, curses might already be flying.

“Truly shameful.”

“Indeed. A true gem shines even at the bottom of a swamp. Compared to Lord Adenart, these people are nothing.”

Adenart’s followers clicked their tongues at the other royals.

Royals ought to carry themselves with gravitas, and seeing them quarrel so disgracefully was pitiful.

“Ha. Does he have any accomplishments besides entering Einrogard?”

“As if you could talk when you didn’t even manage that.”

“The prince simply isn’t interested in magic. His place is to command mages, not wield magic himself.”

“If you say so.”

“Now, let’s quiet down. We’ve arrived at the estate.”

Nobles not attached to any faction stepped in to mediate.

To keep arguing after passing the main gate would be a grave insult to the host.

The squabbling followers fell silent and passed through the main gate.

A mansion more luxurious than almost any in Granden City…

Fwooooosh—

“!?”

“!”

As they entered, the guests were startled by an illusion of a dragon wrapped around the mansion, spewing lights.

Anyone could tell this was the work of a skilled mage.

It was the -Azirmo Summon Imbuement- spell Lee Han had (forcibly) learned from Professor Verdus.

“Gainando. Hurry and greet them.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to summon skeletons?”

“If you don’t want to get smacked with a bone, just greet them already.”

“No need to get angry…”

As Lee Han snarled, a scared Gainando coughed and shouted.

“Welcome! Thank you for coming to the estate.”

“…!”

The sight of Gainando and his friends atop the stairs left a deep impression.

“Now that you mention it, I heard Prince Gainando entered Einrogard…”

“To cast magic at this level already…”

“He couldn’t have done it alone. He must’ve borrowed some power from his friends.”

“Even so, it’s impressive. Look at that welcome spell.”

The guests, unexpectedly, raised their appraisal of Gainando a notch.

Even if he hadn’t cast it himself, being able to cast such a spell with friends was impressive.

Gainando cocked his head.

“But Lee Han did this al—”

“Shh. Be quiet.”

“……”

In his own estate, Gainando puffed his cheeks as his friends silenced him.

Lee Han spoke sternly.

“Gainando. Remember what to say? Only three things: ‘Yes’, ‘No’, and ‘Heh heh’. Got it?”

“Yes…”

“You didn’t have to start already, but I like your enthusiasm. Perfect.”

Lee Han patted Gainando’s shoulder.

Just sit quietly and keep your mouth shut until the end. That way, you’ll avoid disaster.

“Pleased to meet you. My name is Bogajun.”

“I am Lee Han of the Wardanaz Family.”

“…!”

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Judrantas.”

“I am Lee Han of the Wardanaz Family.”

“!!!”

Every royal guest’s eyes sparkled greedily each time Lee Han introduced his family.

‘They’re more greedy than me staring at gold coins.’

Of course, Lee Han fully understood why they acted this way.

As a member of the Wardanaz, an imperial magic powerhouse, and an Einrogard student, he’d naturally be marked as a prospective great mage.

And royals, by nature, liked to gather talented people under them.

“I’ve heard the Wardanaz name often. We just got a new tome in this house—if you’d like, would you be interested in viewing it?”

“Thank you for the offer. I’ll consider it.”

“I happened to acquire a new artifact…”

“Thank you for the offer. I’ll consider it.”

Getting involved meant nothing but future headaches for Lee Han, so he politely deflected all questions.

When he revealed no opening, the royals turned to Nillia and Ratford.

Meikin Family, being related to Gainando, was nearly impossible to recruit, but the others were still fair game.

“If you would like anything…”

“We just have a…”

While the royals and their followers surrounded Lee Han, Nillia, and Ratford, one guest curiously asked Gainando,

“Prince Gainando. I have to ask—who cast that spell? I know a bit of magic myself, and that’s not the sort of spell another mage can simply assist with.”

“Heh heh.”

Gainando answered as Lee Han had instructed.

The guest pressed,

“Did you cast it, Your Highness?”

“No.”

“Then was it Lee Han of the Wardanaz Family?”

“Yes.”

“……”

A short distance away, busy dodging royal questions, Lee Han groaned inside.

‘I should have just sewed his mouth shut.’

“Was it really you who performed the spell, Lord Wardanaz? I’d love to hear more! When are you available?”

“We can match your schedule. A mage of the Wardanaz Family has come…”

The followers, who a moment before had been merely polite, now pounced fanatically.

They burned with the desire to draw Lee Han into their circles.

Gainando muttered to Yoner.

“I don’t even get time to play in my own house—why do people keep inviting others?”

“Please, just keep your mouth shut…”

• * *

After the ruckus at the gate, the guests finally made it inside.

Each sat in the main hall, sipping tea with calm manners but sharp eyes.

The guest who had asked the finicky questions earlier now sat before Lee Han.

“I was truly surprised, Lord Wardanaz. Oh, I am Zolbavden.”

Seeing the elf extend his hand, Lee Han cursed inside.

Why did he have to open his mouth…

“I knew Einrogard was an excellent magic school, but for a first-year to show that level of magic… I was genuinely astonished.”

“It was just luck.”

“Luck? Don’t be modest. Just look at the faces of the other royals.”

‘Because of you.’

If only Zolbavden hadn’t chimed in with “No, only a single caster could do that!” the royals wouldn’t be staring at him with such burning interest.

Lee Han generally liked to surround himself with rich folk, but royals were a different story.

Hanging out just to swipe a few gold coins only meant he’d end up owing far more later.

No need to drink from a poisoned chalice.

‘I’ll earn my money fair and square.’

Lee Han changed the subject.

“So what’s the reason for today’s royal gathering?”

“Ah. The puzzle will be presented soon.”

There was only one reason why royals who disliked each other would gather.

To prove, before the other nobles, ‘I’m better than that guy.’

And to do that, there needed to be some opportunity.

Thus, each royal gathering featured a small puzzle, presented in turn by the nobles.

Thud!

Inside a transparent glass case sat an egg with a curious pattern.

The noble bringing the case smiled meaningfully.

“Now then, wise guests who have gathered here. Can anyone guess what creature laid this egg?”

Zolbavden, sitting beside Lee Han, breathed an exclamation.

“As expected, Lord Brodon has such wit! Don’t you think so, Lord Wardanaz?”

Internally thinking, ‘If you like that, why not enroll in Einrogard,’ Lee Han wore a fake smile and replied,

“A truly clever puzzle, indeed.”

“Isn’t it? Would you like to try solving it, Lord Wardanaz?”

‘Are you insane?’

Lee Han’s fingers twitched.

Zolbavden, of course, wanted to launch the talented young Wardanaz onto the stage of imperial society.

No matter how noble the blood, or how great the talent, if no one spreads the word, nobody will ever know.

Zolbavden considered it his mission as a noble of imperial society to publicize talented people.

But to Lee Han, it was just a nuisance.

The royals themselves were dying to solve the puzzle—why get involved?

“I cannot say, I don’t have any guesses.”

As he said so, Lee Han hesitated.

Strangely, the egg looked familiar.

Where had he seen it before?