Chapter 42
The tailor arrived at the manor.
Neatly trimmed beard and well-dressed attire.
He had an air that was anything but ordinary.
With a pleasant smile, he greeted me.
“Nice to meet you for the first time.”
Sharp eyes.
‘A craftsman, for sure.’
First impressions passed.
I could trust this person with the task.
***
“It is an honour to be in charge of tailoring your attire for the banquet, young master.”
“Thank you.”
He took out several fabrics and leather straps from his bag.
“Which colour do you prefer?”
“I’m fond of navy.”
“An excellent choice.”
It turns out that the fabric is imported.
Indeed.
It’s a luxurious colour and texture rarely seen in the Empire.
Next, he measured my shoulders, waist, and legs.
I had only one request.
It should retain elegance while allowing for ease of movement.
The tailor nodded.
“It will take about a month to complete.”
“I understand.”
It might seem like a long time, but this is normal.
To create entirely new clothing, one must be prepared for up to six months.
This place has a different sense of time compared to modern Earth.
In fact, a month is rather quick.
Moreover, tailoring is a labour-intensive process.
From sourcing fabrics to dyeing and stitching.
Everything is done by hand, requiring considerable time.
“How long until the banquet?”
The tailor asked.
“About two months.”
There’s plenty of time.
As expected of my father.
He must have deliberately set a generous timeframe for guests traveling from distant territories.
“Then I leave it in your capable hands.”
After sending the tailor off, I went upstairs to my room.
There was a mountain of preparations to be done.
A banquet is not just an occasion for casual drinking and merrymaking.
As the host, my father’s reputation and authority were at stake, so I had to make a good impression.
‘First, I should come up with a few conversation topics.’
Just in case someone initiates a conversation.
I might even be tasked with a welcoming speech, so I should prepare a script in advance.
And lastly.
I am not only the eldest son of the Tilburg family but also a performer.
To properly honour the guests coming to the banquet, it would be courteous to perform at least one piece.
What would be fitting?
‘If we assume that many upper-class figures will gather…’
It would surely be a sophisticated atmosphere.
Some ideas came to mind.
It seems best to choose a piece from either Frédéric Chopin or Gabriel Fauré.
T/n: Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849): Known as the “Poet of the Piano,” Chopin’s works are deeply expressive and intricate, often highlighting romanticism and the piano’s lyrical capabilities
T/n: Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924): Fauré was a French composer whose music is often seen as bridging Romanticism and Impressionism.
I’m more inclined towards the latter.
He’s not as widely known as the former, but…
He’s still a composer whose emotional depth and elegance can stand toe-to-toe.
But why do I feel a bit nervous already?
I may be a noble, but I’ve lived a life far removed from social gatherings or banquets.
Even among those close to me, there’s only Edward, Erdi.
Diana and Aria.
They are all commoners.
As for noble connections…
There are a few who come to mind, but it’s just a matter of recognizing each other’s faces.
None of them are close enough to call friends.
It makes me realize once again how limited my social circle has been.
Maybe this is a good opportunity to expand my connections.
I still have a long way to go.
I sat down at the table.
First, I should send a letter to Edward.
It would be best to pause the concerts for a while, as things are about to get very busy.
Besides, the development of the budget piano has been delayed, and without that being completed, progress will be difficult.
There’s no need to rush.
“Hey, Mister! Sing a song!”
Just as I was racking my brains, Aria knocked on the door and shouted.
It’s already this late?
“Hurry!”
“I’m coming.”
First, let’s deal with the tasks I’ve been putting off, one by one.
***
“Is everything loaded? It won’t collapse, right?”
“It’s a sturdy carriage. You have nothing to worry about.”
At the southern tip of the Empire.
Iolin, checking the leather straps securing the cargo to the carriage, nodded.
“This should do.”
Not long ago, a letter had arrived for her.
“A banquet hosted by the Count of Tilburg…?”
How could she forget that name?
It was an event from several months ago, but she remembered it vividly.
A performer who honoured her father, Count Colin, and comforted the people of the estate with just a piano.
Anton Tilburg.
Iolin had been reborn through his performance.
From a clumsy young girl to a head of the family and a lord.
And now she was invited to a banquet as well.
She had no reason to decline.
“I wish you a safe journey.”
The butler, who had come to see her off in front of the manor, bowed deeply.
“Take good care of everything while I’m away.”
“Rest assured.”
He was a reliable person.
Even when all the vassals pointed fingers at her, he had quietly supported her.
After adjusting her attire one last time, Iolin climbed into the carriage.
It would take roughly ten days to reach the capital.
If she was lucky, she could arrive within a week.
Clatter—
The carriage started moving with a loud noise.
“Will they recognize me?”
She leaned back against the seat, trying to calm her swelling excitement.
***
The day of the banquet.
“Are you ready?”
“You look very splendid, sir.”
Wearing the banquet attire I had requested from the tailor, I stood in front of Theo.
A velvet tunic that gives off a classic feel.
It is a deep navy blue.
The neckline and cuffs are embroidered.
There is a belt at the waist.
The trousers that extend below fit smoothly around the legs, giving a sleek impression.
“I like it.”
Not bad.
A cloak that could be draped over the shoulders was included, but I decided to leave it off.
It looked nice, but it made movement inconvenient.
“We should head out soon.”
After bidding farewell to Theo, I stepped outside.
Diana and Aria were waiting for me.
“Have a safe trip, young master!”
With their goodbyes, I got into the carriage.
To be honest, I had considered taking Aria along, but I refrained this time, thinking it might be too much pressure for her at such a young age.
There will be other opportunities.
The distance from here to where my father resides is fairly short.
About an hour’s ride.
After a while.
“Welcome, young master.”
I arrived at the manor.
The attendant at the gate opened the door for me.
“Wow.”
I couldn’t help but exclaim at the breathtaking sight that came into view.
A neatly manicured garden.
Lush green grass stretched on both sides, and the soft dirt path in the centre extended in a perfectly straight line without any sharp angles.
‘The atmosphere is different from when I last saw it.’
That wasn’t all.
In fact, I had discreetly observed the estate on the way.
Clean and bustling streets.
‘So, he succeeded after all.’
The estate reconstruction project.
I had wondered how he would revive the land that Count Periton had left in ruins, but this transformation is practically night and day.
‘Well, he should have. Considering the funds I contributed…’
In any case, it was a relief.
Following the attendant’s guidance, I entered the manor.
The chandelier’s candles cast a soft glow over the walls and floor.
The bouquets on the tables spread a refreshing fragrance.
Laughter could be heard faintly here and there.
The sound of quick footsteps.
The clinking of plates.
A subtle excitement filled the air.
“You’re here!”
My father greeted me.
“Everyone seems quite busy.”
“That means they’re looking forward to it, wouldn’t you say?”
I stood with my father at the entrance, ready to greet the guests.
***
“Welcome.”
The first to arrive was Count Haverland.
Still as imposing as ever.
He extended his hand for a handshake.
“My, it is an honour to be invited to such a grand banquet.”
“Haha. You flatter me.”
Wait a moment.
Let’s think about this.
When I think about it, isn’t Count Haverland my benefactor?
Thanks to the loan he provided to my father, I was able to purchase a piano.
That was the beginning of everything.
When I expressed my gratitude, he smiled broadly.
“Allow me to personally show you to your seat.”
Count Haverland deserved the utmost hospitality.
He was a great man.
“By the way, will you be performing at the banquet today?”
“Of course.”
“Haha! I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a while since I’ve seen your talent.”
After that, the guests continued to arrive.
Most of them were unfamiliar faces.
I didn’t recognize their faces or names.
While my father interacted with them, I mostly stayed quiet.
“So you are the famous Anton! I’ve attended some of your concerts.”
“Thank you.”
That was about the extent of our conversations.
Their reactions were rather lukewarm compared to what I had expected.
Well, my father kept looking at me with a proud expression the whole time.
Of course, among them, there were also those who extended their hands with a rather blunt look.
‘What’s their problem?’
Perhaps they weren’t happy about our family’s sudden elevation in status.
It’s a possibility.
“I came to see what kind of grand banquet it would be, but it’s just so-so.”
“Hmm…”
If they were invited, they could at least enjoy the food.
Jealousy is scary, indeed.
Just then.
A person with bright orange hair entered through the doorway.
She looked familiar.
‘Iolin Seneca.’
I had definitely sent her an invitation as well.
Because of the distance, I hadn’t really expected her to actually show up.
But seeing her like this, I couldn’t help but feel genuinely glad.
“It’s been a long time.”
“How have you been?”
A smile spread across Iolin’s face.
Her voice carried a touch of curiosity.
“I’ve been busy. There’s been a lot of work and many challenges.”
“Hehe. I’ve heard a lot of news. I heard you travelled all the way from the eastern margraviate to the academy. It’s quite something to see you here in the capital.”
With those words, she called the servant standing behind her.
“It’s a gift. A specialty from our territory.”
It was fruit.
Indeed.
The colour is beautiful, and the size is considerable—it looks very delicious.
“And one more thing.”
This time, she handed over a small wooden box.
She even did so personally.
“Please open it.”
When I lifted the lid of the box, a dazzling gold accessory lay inside.
A brooch?
Indeed, in this world, men often wear accessories like rings or brooches.
Not me, though.
“It was something my father loved dearly during his lifetime. Sir… no, Lord Anton, I know you do not seem to enjoy wearing jewellery, but this is a token of gratitude for your generosity to our territory. I hope you like it.”
“Such a precious thing…”
After hearing her story, I realized it was quite an extraordinary item.
Isn’t it a family heirloom?
And if it belonged to the respected former count, its significance would be all the more special.
“Is it really okay for me to accept this?”
“Yes, please.”
“Thank you.”
Once again, I personally guided her to her seat.
After the banquet, I should ask my father to gift her some expensive wine.
After all, it’s give-and-take.
After a brief exchange with Iolin, I returned to the entrance.
It would still be a while before all the guests on the list arrived.
My father was still chatting with nobles I didn’t recognize.
‘Seems like I’m done with the faces I know.’
That thought crossed my mind just as—
“Duke.”
“It’s been a while, Duke.”
“Haha.”
“You’ve come a long way. It is truly an honour.”
A remarkable figure walked steadily into the manor.
The nobles gathered around all bowed their heads to him.
Of course, myself included.
The man addressed as the Duke approached my father and extended his hand.
“It is an honour to meet you. I am Gerold Montella, Head of the Montella Duchy.”
“Oh, uh…!”
My father hastily grasped his hand and bowed deeply.
‘I did send an invitation to the academy, but I never expected Duke Montella to come in person.’
His influence in the empire is absolutely formidable.
In terms of power, he is unmatched by any other noble.
He is the mentor of the prince and a professor at the academy.
Such a person personally visited our manor.
This holds great significance.
As expected, the atmosphere of the banquet hall shifted dramatically.
The murmuring nobles fell silent and began to assess the situation.
Duke Montella approached me with a smile.
“Since this gathering celebrates your family’s elevation in rank, I came in person. We are friends, regardless of status, are we not?”
“Gasp…!”
Honestly.
It’s not quite accurate to say we are friends.
It’s not just my feelings—it’s simply the truth.
This is probably a calculated statement.
‘To give me a boost?’
He’s shrewd.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment