◆ Entangled, and Entangling Others.
The Thanksgiving Banquet, my first evening gala, was to be held in the same grand hall within the Royal Castle.
Thus, the attendees of the Coming-of-Age Ceremony were directed to a waiting chamber before the banquet could begin.
Following protocol, the high-ranking nobles departed first, proceeding in order of precedence.
And so, I was among the last to leave the Royal Castle’s Grand Hall.
By that time, preparations for the banquet were well underway.
Tables—large and small—were being arranged throughout the hall, and an array of dishes, enticingly fragrant, were carried in from the royal kitchens.
Attendants set out drinks, adjusted the brightness of the magical chandeliers, and meticulously cleaned any spots that marred the pristine hall.
The maids and footmen of the Royal Castle, supervised by senior palace attendants, carried out their duties diligently and with pride—ensuring the banquet would proceed without flaw.
Watching them work so earnestly stirred my heart.
Yes… This castle is maintained by individuals of steadfast discipline and unwavering integrity.
I committed this thought to memory and, as a sign of my respect, I offered them a knightly salute before exiting the hall.
It was merely self-satisfaction, I knew.
Yet, their serious devotion to duty deserved recognition.
And as someone of barely noble rank, I saw nothing improper in expressing my respect for them.
For the high nobility, such meticulous service was merely something to be expected—unworthy of particular notice.
But for a knight’s house, it was only natural to acknowledge and respect the diligence of those who took pride in their work.
It was not a matter of rank, but of the dignity of the individual.
Though, of course, I was well aware that such conduct was likely viewed as strange here in the Royal Capital.
Upon leaving the hall, I unexpectedly found him standing there, accompanied by his betrothed.
“So, that is the spirit of the frontier, is it?”
“What are you on about?”
“The ones to whom you offered your respect. I have heard that the knightly class leads lives little different from commoners. And yet, you are still nobility. Upholding the duties and purpose of the aristocracy is a principle inscribed in the Kingdom’s laws. But enforcing such ideals… is difficult, especially here in the Capital and its environs.”
“My family governs land bordering the Cursed Forest, where monstrous creatures roam. There, people toil relentlessly, never knowing peace. No fool would fail to respect those who give their all to their duties in such conditions.”
“I see… I see indeed. ‘The Kingdom’s honor lies in its frontiers.’ His Majesty truly possesses keen insight.”
For some reason, the marquis’ son gazed at me with an uncharacteristically serious expression.
And behind him, his betrothed similarly regarded me with unexpected consideration.
Just then, a woman of noble bearing approached us and addressed me.
Judging by her attire, she was undoubtedly a senior court attendant.
“A message for the young master of the knight’s house. For the Thanksgiving Banquet, you are to attend in a separate chamber. This is a direct order.”
“May I confirm your identity, esteemed lady?”
“I serve as Chief Lady-in-Waiting of the Royal Harem.”
“And from whom does this command originate?”
“A personage of high standing. This is a private order, and thus, conveyed orally rather than by formal decree.”
I see.
I have been dragged into something troublesome.
The Chief Lady-in-Waiting of the Royal Harem—one of the highest-ranking officials in the palace—had personally sought me out.
A mere third son of a knight’s house, barely above a commoner, was being summoned to a separate room for the banquet.
And the person giving this order… was being deliberately obscured.
If she was unwilling to disclose the identity of the one who summoned me, then that individual must be someone whose name could not be spoken lightly.
Moreover, considering her rank and position, I could hazard a guess.
The Royal Harem oversaw the private affairs of the royal family.
If even she refused to name the one who called me, then the order must have come from a royal or someone of comparable status.
I stole a glance at him.
He, too, was clearly deep in thought, processing the situation.
Yes… I should drag him into this as well.
If I must be caught up in this, then I shall bring him along.
It was entirely possible I would not be able to handle this alone.
And besides, he was the son of the Minister of Military Affairs, a noble of high standing.
He was far more accustomed to dealing with important figures than I.
Yes, this was the best course of action.
“Esteemed Lady-in-Waiting, I have a companion whom I consider a dear friend. If he could accompany me, I would find great reassurance in his presence. Would this be acceptable?”
“A… friend, you say?”
“Yes. If one is willing to gift such a fine ceremonial outfit to a mere third son of a knight’s house, would that not qualify them as a true friend?”
“I see… So the Minister of Military Affairs’ son sees things clearly. Indeed… I see.”
For a brief moment, a faint smile crossed her noble face.
This seemed to genuinely surprise him.
His betrothed, however, looked utterly bewildered.
Her wide-eyed expression of shock was barely concealed behind her elegantly spread fan.
And yet, despite her best efforts, I noticed her fingers trembling as they grasped his sleeve.
Hm… she was a typical noblewoman, I supposed.
In contrast, only someone like that Grand Duke’s daughter—the one rumored to be the future Queen and Mother of the Nation—would likely remain composed in such a scenario.
With a quiet ‘Very well’, the Chief Lady-in-Waiting turned and led us toward a grand staircase, ascending to the higher levels of the castle.