The Golden-Haired Summoner - Chapter 20

Around 7:30, I finally finished preparing and stepped outside to catch the carriage.

After painstakingly managing to keep my makeup light, I left my hair down but tied back a bit on both sides with a small blue ribbon.

I had said I wouldn’t wear it… tch.

Along with that, I wore the aquamarine necklace, earrings, and circlet that the king had gifted me, adorned with tiny aquamarine gems.

This might be the most extravagant outfit of my life.

[Master, can I eat the jewels that lady’s wearing?]

[If you eat them, you’ll die.]

The Topaz Palace, being the guest palace, was now filled with people coming out to board their carriages as the party time approached.

Among them, there was a woman, likely a foreign princess, dressed five times more extravagantly than I was, leaving the palace.

Rai eyed her various jewels with greed.

When I sternly warned him, he pouted immediately.

[You’re too harsh. You won’t let me move, you won’t let me eat anything…]

[You don’t get hungry, so endure it!]

Right now, Rai was coiled around my right wrist. The reason for this was simple: I couldn’t leave him alone in the room because I didn’t trust him. Especially here, in a place that wasn’t Dmitri or Drike Academy.

I couldn’t very well hide him under my clothes since there wasn’t enough room for him, so in the end, Rai had to pretend to be a bracelet.

To make it look less suspicious, I modified Rai’s appearance a bit, making his scales smoother and bulkier. Now, he looked quite convincing as a thick bracelet.

It was about 10 centimeters wide, with two rubies attached at one end, making it look like an ornate bracelet in the shape of a snake. As long as Rai didn’t move too much, no one would notice.

Struggling to keep my balance on unfamiliar high heels, I waited for King Dicel III to appear.

Since I was attending as his escort, my duty was to follow and assist him at all times.

Not that the Swordmaster King Dicel III really needed any protection from me.

Moreover, having fainted earlier, I had missed an entire day of escort duties.

Now the only thing left was to fulfill my role at the party, but as far as I knew, there wasn’t much for an escort to do during such events. The main purpose was to stand by the king’s side for appearances, helping to maintain his dignity in public.

If both the king and the escort agreed, the escort could even enjoy some personal time at the party.

That’s why I was hoping to meet Ash, but he wasn’t here… tch.

[Master! The king is coming.]

At Rai’s words, I turned around to see the king emerging from the palace, accompanied by the other escorts who had warped with us.

They must have been staying in the rooms reserved for state guests.

Even though we were in the same palace, the entrance I had come through was different from theirs.

As soon as I saw the king, I bowed immediately.

I placed my left hand on my abdomen, my right hand behind me, and bent at a 45-degree angle—a formal gesture of respect to the king.

In my downward gaze, I saw the king’s legs.

“Oh ho, I seem to have forgotten that you are indeed a lady.”

…Should I take that as a compliment?

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Lift your head. I had considered bringing another escort since you seemed unwell, but I remembered how eager you were to attend the party.”

Tch, it would have been fine if you had brought someone else, Your Majesty!

“Yes, thank you for your boundless grace, Your Majesty,” I replied politely, though inwardly I held back tears.

I handed the formal invitation to a man dressed in an immaculate uniform, following the protocol I had been taught.

He took the invitation, which bore the official seal of the Elan Empire, and announced our entry through a magically amplified microphone.

“His Majesty Dicel III of Dmitri and his escort, Lady Crowell of the Count’s household!”

Normally, an escort wouldn’t be introduced by name or title, but since I was a woman, they were courteous enough to include my title.

Upon entering the party hall, I was stunned by its enormous size and splendor.

To think such an enormous hall was inside the palace!

This could only be the work of the Elan Empire.

The hall was known as the Crystal Hall, the most famous ballroom in the social circles, only used for special events like the emperor’s birthday or, as in this case, the Founding Anniversary.

Low-ranking nobles couldn’t even stand at the entrance.

I found myself gazing up at the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

How many were there? Just one of those chandeliers was said to cost as much as the monthly tax revenue of a marquisate.

There must have been dozens of them.

“Your Majesty! It’s been so long since we last met.”

“Ah, the Marquis of Tundra, do you remember?”

“Pleased to meet you, Your Majesty! I am…”

“Is everything still the same in Dmitri?”

“Lately, the political situation has been…”

“Flour prices are soaring…”

While I was momentarily distracted by the chandeliers, Dicel III was quickly surrounded by nobles.

In the process, I found myself pushed away from the king.

The nobles, all eager to curry favor with the king, had unwittingly separated me from him.

Before entering the party, the king had kindly told me that I could meet anyone I wanted or enjoy the party as I pleased.

But who was I supposed to meet, Your Majesty?!

[Master, what is this place?]

[It’s a place where people dress up, eat expensive food, and talk nonsense.]

Seeing the king surrounded by foreign nobles, I sighed.

The party would continue all night, and unless I stayed by the king’s side, there was nothing for me to do.

Originally, I would have been looking for Ash by now, but with my plans ruined, I found myself with too much free time.

As I pondered what to do, I noticed the refreshment tables scattered throughout the hall, offering light snacks and drinks.

Come to think of it, I hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday.

I decided to head over for a light bite.

At least, that was my plan until…

*Slip.*

Before I knew it, my heel slid out from under me, and I felt my body tilt sideways.

Slip. Slip! Slip!

No! I couldn’t make a scene and fall over at a party like this!

But steadying myself was nearly impossible on these high heels.

As I lost my balance, my hand instinctively reached out and grabbed the shoulder of someone passing by.

Whoever it was had quite a firm build, probably a man.

“Hm?”

I heard a voice from the person I had grabbed, but I couldn’t focus on it.

Even though I had managed to grab onto him, it wasn’t enough to fully regain my balance. I was still falling when…

Thud.

“Ah…”

“Eek!”

The man I had grabbed quickly wrapped his arm around my waist, catching me before I could fall completely.

Phew, thank goodness I was wearing a corset.

Ah! And, of course, thank goodness I didn’t fall.

“T-Thank you.”

As I brushed a few strands of disheveled hair out of my face, I finally regained my balance.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Yes, thanks to you… Thank you.”

When I turned to face the man who had helped me, I froze for a moment.

The man had red hair—my least favorite color! And his face looked a little red too…

Was it just my imagination?

“Don’t mention it. I don’t believe we’ve met before… Are you from a foreign country?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m from Dmitri. And you?”

The first rule of social etiquette: when asked a question, you should respond with the same question to keep the conversation going. I followed the rule to the letter, as I had been taught.

“I’m from Elan. My father is a duke here. What about you, Lady?”

First meeting, and already boasting about his father…

Wait, a duke in Elan?

There are only two ducal families in Elan, and this guy has red hair!

Could it be…?

“My father holds the title of Count. My name is Geenie Crowell. And yours, my lord?”

“Geenie… What a wonderful name, as beautiful as the lady who bears it. My name is Lassham Fedri. I am currently serving as a knight in the imperial palace. If it pleases you… shall we move to the balcony?”

It clicked.

He was the second son of the infamous Fedri family—the jerk!

But why is your face so red?

“No, thank you. Since I’m at the party, I’d like to enjoy the atmosphere here a bit longer.”

This family! Neither he nor his brother can remember me? Unbelievable.

I smiled sweetly on the outside, but inside, I felt like I was rotting away.

As a guest escort representing my country, I couldn’t afford to lose my temper, no matter how much I wanted to.

I had to endure it…

“That’s a shame. You can enjoy the party atmosphere from the balcony just as well,” Lassham insisted.

Let’s see… He was two years older than me back then, so he must be 21 now.

Right, right.

It’s the perfect age to be hitting on someone.

I understand you think I’m pretty…

But could you please let go of my waist already?

“Is that so? By the way, Lord

Fedri, could you please… remove your hand?” I asked politely.

“Ah! My apologies. I was so captivated by your beauty that I completely forgot,” Lassham replied, releasing his hand with a sickeningly smooth charm.

His words were so cheesy, they sent shivers down my spine.

He might not have noticed, but I was completely covered in goosebumps.

[Ughhh! Master, this is a serious mental attack.]

I agree.

“Uh huh, well then… If you’ll excuse me,” I said, smiling as brightly as I could while planning my escape.

But just as I was about to turn and leave, Lassham grabbed my arm and called out loudly.

“Ah, wait! I’d love to talk with you more, Lady Crowell!”

Ugh! His voice was so loud that it caught the attention of the nearby guests, who had been chatting quietly.

Now all their eyes were on me.

Their looks said it all…

‘Who is that?’

‘Ugh, how noisy.’

‘Is he flirting in public?’

One day, I swear, I’m going to kill the Fedri brothers!

With everyone’s eyes on me, I had no choice but to turn back to him.

I wish you would go back to being that jerk from before, Lassham!

“Oh ho ho! You could have spoken more quietly,” I replied.

“I see… I just didn’t want you to leave…” he muttered.

[Ugghhh.]

Yes, Rai.

You can throw up for both of us.

Compared to this guy, Bright is actually kind of cute.

I resolved to treat Bright better from now on while I kept smiling brightly.

Suppressing my urge to punch this guy in the face took all my willpower.

“Oh ho ho! Please, just call me Crowell.”

“Oh, I see. My apologies if I offended you. It’s just that you don’t seem entirely unfamiliar to me. Have we met before?”

Do you finally remember me, Lassham? Maybe you’re better than your brother after all…

“Perhaps… in a past life?”

[Ugghhhh.]

I grit my teeth.

Forget it. I take back what I just thought. Your brother’s better!

I held back the urge to ask him if he had lived in Seoul in his past life.

“Hmph… is that so? That must be quite the fateful connection,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“Indeed! The sight of your shining eyes makes my heart race and pound so strongly. It must be fate,” he said, gazing at me intensely.

“Oh ho ho.”

[Master, should I kill him?]

[Nooooo.]

I wanted to say “yes.”

Really…

How do I get rid of this guy?

As I smiled sweetly and avoided his gaze, I began scanning the room for an escape route.

That’s when I noticed a woman with striking orange hair, adorned with so many decorations it was hard to tell where her outfit ended and her jewelry began, glaring at me with deadly intent as she approached.

She was walking gracefully, but her eyes were filled with hostility.

Who was this woman? I didn’t recognize her at all.

“Such beautiful blonde hair. I’d love to touch it…” Lassham said, reaching for my hair.

“Is that so? Thank you for the compliment,” I replied.

But before I could finish, Lassham grabbed a handful of my hair.

He started playing with it for a moment, then brought it toward his mouth.

Wait! No!

“Lord Fedri!”

Just before his lips could touch my hair, the woman with the orange hair intervened, her voice sharp.

Phew, I almost had to cut my hair off!

“Miss Biastez?” Lassham stammered, clearly startled.

Her voice was slightly angry, and Lassham looked up in surprise, but he didn’t release my hair.

“What do you think you’re doing, Lord Fedri?” she demanded.

“I was merely… having a conversation with this lady…”

Why was he looking at me as if I were responsible, Lassham?

I was relieved to see this woman.

Biastez turned her eyes on me, smiling, though only her lips were smiling. It was an impressive skill.

“Is that so? May I join you?” she asked.

“Of course!” I welcomed her with a smile, and she gave me a sharp look before stepping between me and Lassham.

Ah, it felt like being rescued from a pit of oil.

“What were you two talking about, Lord Fedri?” Biastez asked.

“We were discussing the lady’s hair color…” Lassham began.

“Hmm, blonde? How ordinary.”

Biastez quickly scanned me from head to toe, then dismissed me as if I were nothing special.

Sure, sure.

I’ll let that one slide for now.

Just take Lassham away with you.

“Your hair is quite ordinary as well,” I said.

“…Is that a compliment?” she asked.

“Of course.”

“And that necklace of yours is also quite ordinary.”

Oh, so now you’re coming for my necklace? Do you even know what this is?

“Oh, really? You’ve got quite the eye, haven’t you? This was personally bestowed upon me by His Majesty King Dicel III of Dmitri.”

“His Majesty the king? So you’re from Dmitri? What title does your father hold?”

A flicker of regret crossed her eyes, as if she realized she’d messed with the wrong person.

“He’s a count. Nothing special. What about you, Miss Biastez?”

“Well, my father is the Marquess of Améron. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?”

“Améron? Oh, yes, that does sound familiar.”

*Mé-long*! Améron! Oh, that’s hilarious.

I had to hold back my laughter, alternating between wanting to laugh and being annoyed.

When I played along, Biastez seemed to regain her confidence and continued.

“Oh ho, our family is quite well-known. Even someone from a lowly count’s house in Dmitri has heard of us.”

*Lowly*? I was letting you off easy because you helped me out, but now you’re pushing it.

“Is that so? Why don’t you tell His Majesty King Dicel that yourself?”

“Oh, no! You make it sound as if I’ve committed a great offense! And what’s this? You act as though you have some close connection with His Majesty even though you’re merely a count’s daughter?”

“I’d say I’m closer to him than you are. And besides, don’t you think you’re overusing words like ‘lowly’ and ‘merely’? It’s quite unbecoming of someone from a marquess’s family, don’t you think, Miss Biastez of the Améron family?”

“How… how rude of you! You’re just a mere count’s daughter, yet you dare speak so harshly to me, a marquess’s daughter? How disgraceful.”

[Wow, it’s a fight! Master, how about we start with a light punch?]

An intense stare-off unfolded between Biastez and me.

Honestly, I would have loved to land a punch, as Rai suggested.

But given the setting, I would have to settle this with words.

I was about to open my mouth again when Lassham suddenly intervened.

“Wait! Please, calm down, ladies. It wouldn’t do to ruin such a festive occasion by getting upset.”

You started this, Lassham.

Biastez was about to speak again, but she quickly brightened up and addressed Lassham sweetly.

“Oh? Lord Fedri, we were merely having a conversation about etiquette. No one is upset, right, Lady Crowell?”

“Of course, Miss Mé—Améron, my lady,” I replied with a smile.

“See? Ho ho ho.”

Biastez emphasized the word *lady* with every bit of strength she could muster.

Great, you’re so proud of being the Marquess of Améron’s daughter, aren’t you?

It was obvious she had a deep interest in Lassham, and though he seemed somewhat flustered by her, he kept casting warm glances at me whenever she wasn’t looking.

[So, who won, Master?]

[I will.]

No way I’m going to lose. I’ll use Lassham to my advantage.

He’s basically begging for attention.

“Lord Fedri?”

“Yes? What is it, Lady Crowell?”

“About what you mentioned earlier… now would be a good time, don’t you think?”

“What do you mean?”

This guy is so clueless…

Biastez’s eyes were narrowing like a fox’s, suspicious since she didn’t know what we were talking about.

I raised my hand slightly, signaling for Lassham to come closer.

He glanced at Biastez but leaned in toward me.

Biastez’s eyes practically bulged out of her head in outrage.

“The balcony,” I whispered.

“Oh!”

Even though I had only said a few words, Lassham seemed to understand.

“What are you two talking about? I’d like to know as well,” Biastez said, her eyes narrowing further.

“Oh ho, it’s nothing important, right, Lord Fedri?” I responded, smiling sweetly.

“Of course! It doesn’t concern you, Miss Biastez. If you’ll excuse us, could you kindly leave us for a moment?” Lassham said.

As much as I disliked Lassham, I disliked Biastez even more.

Conclusion?

I’d get rid of both of them.

Starting with Biastez!

At Lassham’s words, Biastez bit her lip and shot me a glare. In return, I gave her a mocking smile.

“Fine! I’ll leave. But let it be known that I have other matters to attend to anyway. Hmph!” Biastez declared, storming off.

Good! Go on and take care of something useful for once, will you?

As I watched Biastez huff and puff her way out of sight, I snorted in amusement.

Then, turning back to Lassham, I gave him a bright smile.

“The nuisance is gone now, Lord Fedri.”

“Indeed she is. Shall we head to the balcony then?” he said, offering his hand with a slight bow.

“Perfect. I’ve been meaning to talk to you… and ask you a few things.”

“Of course, anything you wish! Lead the way, Lady Crowell.”

Placing my hand atop his, I allowed him to guide me through the crowd, moving toward the most secluded balcony. It was in an isolated part of the palace, and given that the party had only just started, there were no other guests there yet.

“It’s peaceful out here,” I noted.

“Yes, and with the moonlight shining over the garden, it’s the perfect setting for a quiet conversation,” Lassham replied, clearly trying to set the mood.

“Indeed, it is,” I said, keeping my tone light but ready to steer the conversation.

“What was it that you wanted to ask me, Lady Crowell? About myself? Or perhaps about my family?”

No, I don’t care about you. What I really want to know is about your brother, Rovenin.

“I don’t judge people based on their family name or status, Lord Fedri. I prefer to see the individual,” I replied smoothly.

“Then you’ll find no one more suitable than myself to meet such standards,” Lassham boasted, leaning in and gently clasping my hand in his.

Rai chimed in telepathically.

[Should I bite him?]

[No.]

“Hohoho, is that so? Actually, what I wanted to ask you about was your older brother, Lord Rovenin Fedri.”

At the mention of his brother, Lassham’s expression changed immediately. His face stiffened, and I could feel the tension rise in the hand holding mine.

What’s this? They seemed close before. Did something happen between them?

“Are you… also one of those who seeks my brother?”

“…What do you mean? I simply happened to meet him by chance in Dmitri and was curious, that’s all.”

What are you implying? I’m asking for important information here!

“I see… that’s a relief. My brother is an exceptional man, and there are many who approach me just to get to him.”

“Oh? Is he that exceptional? In what way?”

“My brother is a swordsmanship genius. His name is known throughout the continent as one of the most talented swordsmen alive. Even within my family, I’m often overshadowed. People know me not as Lassham but as ‘Rovenin Fedri’s younger brother,’” he said with a sigh.

How pitiful.

“Well, Lord Fedri, you’re quite skilled in your own right. You seem quite knowledgeable in swordsmanship.”

“It’s just that I’m slightly ahead of others my age. Compared to my brother, I’m nothing. He was already a sword user who could manifest sword energy at 15, while I barely achieved it at 20.”

“Becoming a sword user at 20 is still very impressive.”

“No, no matter how hard I try, I’ll never escape his shadow. Both my father and brother are extraordinary.”

Ah, come on! I was going to tease you, but now you’re making me feel sorry for you.

“But surely, as great as your brother is, he must still care for you and your family?”

“You’re mistaken! My brother is a cold-blooded monster. Even now, he’s bedridden in Haydrike after one of his wild adventures, yet he hasn’t even sent a single letter. Why do I have to hear news about my own brother from strangers?”

Wow. So, you do care about him, even though you’re clearly frustrated. But hold on—this sounds important.

“He was probably too ill to send a letter.”

“That’s no excuse! My brother only cares about swordsmanship and nothing else. He doesn’t even know the names of the maids who’ve served our family for over ten years! He asks for their names every day. If that’s not madness, I don’t know what is! I fear him!”

Poor maid… I can relate.

“That does sound troubling. Obsessing over something to that degree could ruin someone.”

“Exactly! Even the women I’ve been interested in have always been stolen away by my brother.”

“…Your brother doesn’t seem like someone who’s interested in women.”

“No, he doesn’t turn away women. They approach me, pretending to like me, but end up with him. Even though he can’t remember their names, he’ll entertain them for a time and then discard them. It’s disgusting!”

Wow, Rovenin is sounding worse by the minute. But wait, this isn’t what I’m here for.

“Even so, Lord Fedri, surely your brother has dislikes or weaknesses, as anyone would.”

“Why are you asking such strange questions? I’ve never seen my brother afraid of anything.”

Darn. If I push this too far, he might get suspicious.

I should let it go for now.

So, Rovenin dislikes… foxes? Interesting.

“I was just curious. Even the greatest of people have something they fear or hate. It humanizes them, don’t you think?”

“Perhaps. Now that I think about it, this is the first time I’ve ever talked so openly about my brother. It’s quite freeing. And, Lady Crowell, you have such a way with words that I feel like I can tell you anything.”

My speechcraft is simply superior, hoho.

“I’m glad to hear that, Lord Fedri.”

Throughout our conversation, Lassham’s hand had been holding mine, and now he was skillfully interlacing his fingers with mine, moving closer.

“Lady Crowell…”

I could tell by the way he was looking down at me that he was expecting me to close my eyes and let him lean in, but there was no way that was happening.

When I kept staring at him, his face hesitated for a moment before leaning in closer.

“Wait!”

Thud.

I raised my hand just in time to block his lips.

That was close!

“Are you offering your hand for a kiss?”

“No, Lord Fedri. Actually, there’s something I need to confess.”

“Confess? What is it?”

“We’ve met before, a long time ago.”

Lassham tilted his head, confused.

“How could I forget meeting someone like you? You must be an unforgettable beauty. When did we meet? A year ago? Two years?”

How could you forget something so important? Let me refresh your memory.

“The fact that you don’t remember is a little disappointing. But what I can tell you is that what you said to me back then was so shocking, I’ve never forgotten it.”

“Did I insult you? Or was I with another woman at the time?”

“It’s one of those two.”

Lassham stepped back, wracking his brain.

After a moment, he shrugged.

“It must’ve been another woman. But don’t worry! From now on, I’ll be solely dedicated to you—”

“No, you insulted me. You also insulted my homeland.”

“What? I would never do that! How could I have insulted your country?”

Shall I remind you?

“Perhaps this will jog your memory. You said, ‘You Dmitri bumpkin!’ and ‘Dmitri is nothing but a backwater!’”

“What? No way! I would never say something like that…”

“Undaine, *Unwater Breathing*!”

There was no need for more words.

As soon as I summoned her, Undaine appeared and created a massive water bubble as big as Lassham’s body.

“Grrk! Wh-What is this?”

“Do you remember now? This scene should feel familiar.”

The huge, rippling water bubble hovered ominously beside Lassham.

He was bigger than he was back then, so naturally, the water bubble was twice the size it had been during the tournament finals.

Seeing the bubble, Lassham collapsed to the balcony floor in shock.

“Oh my god… Are you that spirit summoner from the tournament finals?”

“Now you remember? I believe I warned you not to mess with me again, didn’t I?”

“This can’t be… No way! You’re joking, right?”

“Return, Undaine. Now, take a closer look. Don’t I resemble that little girl from back then?”

[Yes, Master. Goodbye now.]

Undaine disappeared without a word of complaint after saying her farewells.

Lassham stared at me, dumbfounded.

“Is it really… you?”

“Do I need to repeat myself?”

As I gave a firm nod, Lassham’s face turned bright red with embarrassment.

He looked down, clenched his teeth, and clearly struggled to find something to say.

He was utterly speechless, and I watched with mild amusement as his face turned various shades of red.

Finally, after a minute, Lassham managed to speak.

“Th-This is…”

“*His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Ern de Can Megaloprophis, has arrived!*”

Just then, the announcement of the emperor’s entrance echoed through the hall.

With the emperor’s arrival, it meant his speech would begin soon. I had no more time to waste on Lassham.

“Goodbye, Lord Fedri.”

As I left the balcony, I could see the emperor making his entrance, stepping onto the red carpet.

The balcony I had been on was the most secluded one, but from where I stood now, I could clearly see the emperor’s seat at the far end of the hall.

The red carpet extended all the way to his seat, so if I waited here, I wouldn’t need to go searching for King Dicel III in this massive hall.

I blended into the crowd of nobles gathering near the emperor’s seat and scanned for the king.

Ah, there he is.

I started making my way toward him when—

“The emperor will now give his speech. All nobles, please focus your attention.”

Everyone froze, and the once lively hall fell silent as the emperor took the magically amplified microphone.

With everyone halted, I couldn’t move any further.

I was about ten paces away from the king, but I’d have to wait until after the speech to get any closer.

So, I stopped in place and looked up at the emperor.

Hmm, he seems to have gotten a bit more gray hair since I last saw him.