Chapter 233: The Duke of the North

　The carriage we boarded arrived safely at the royal castle. When my brother handed the invitation to the knight guarding the castle gate, he let us through after a light body check.

“I see you brought some magic potions with you, Julius.”

“You never know what might happen. I always have a full range of magic potions on hand, just in case.  I ended up being interrogated because of it.”

　During the body check, they found the magic potion I was carrying and asked me what it was. Fortunately, since I was a Potions Master certified by His Majesty the King, I was able to get through by showing them my gold pass.

“It’s good to be prepared. I can rest easy too.”

　Brother Alex says so, but I’m sure the royal castle is always stocked with magic potions, as expected. Ah, perhaps it is the taste of the magic potion that he’s concerned about. If so, I think I understand then.

　The carriage proceeded to a different place than usual. Passing through the cobblestones, we arrived at a place that looked like a courtyard. It seemed to be a stop, and several carriages were already parked there. The carriage we got on also stopped there, and after dropping us off, it headed somewhere else. This parking lot is small, isn’t it?

“Well, I’m going to pick up Daniela, but what about the rest of you?”

“We’ll go with you.”

　I answered immediately. It would have been terrible to be left alone in a place like this. Even now, guests are arriving one after another. I don’t want to be inconvenienced. If it would’ve been okay to stay in the carriage, that would be fine, but the carriage we were riding in was already out of sight.

　Axel and Ijidol also silently obeyed my words. I head towards the royal castle with my brother who nods once. When we reached the meeting place, Daniela-sama was already there.

　Daniela-sama, dressed for the evening party, was even more beautiful than usual, and my eyes were glued to her. It seemed that I was not the only one who was transfixed by her beauty, as the two of them looked as if they had lost their souls.

“You look great, Daniela-sama. You look like a forest fairy.”

“Thank you Alex-sama, you also look very well. You look like an ice knight.”

　A forest fairy and an ice knight. It’s a pretty good combination, isn’t it? I guess you could say that we are little animals that liven up our surroundings. We showed off our outfits at the last tea party. There is nothing to see now.

　After meeting up with Daniela-sama, we headed for the building where the evening party was to be held. It seemed that the party was about to start soon, and there were many people on the dance floor. When we arrived, there was a sudden buzz in the air. Both those who knew about the engagement and those who didn’t seemed to be making a fuss about it.

　After a little while, the orchestra began to play. It appears that the evening party had begun. Everyone grabbed a drink as if to accompany the music. Since it was a standing buffet party, everyone was free to move around like butterflies between the tables lined with sumptuous food.

　When the music stopped, today’s host, the Duke of the North, Duke Hayden, appeared on the second floor.

“Thank you for coming to my party tonight. I hope you enjoy yourself as much as you like. As some of you may have noticed, we have a very special person in attendance today. I’m very sorry I can’t introduce them to you here, but I hope you all behave yourselves.”

　With that, he winked. A loud round of applause erupted. He seemed to have a very pleasant personality. Although I was somewhat concerned about his pale complexion. Is there something wrong with his body?　And by “special person,” I’m sure he means Daniela-sama. I steel my stomach.

　I followed behind my brother and started to make the rounds to greet the guests. Most of the conversation was done by my older brother and Daniela-sama, so all I had to do was stand nearby and smile. However, I was still nervous because brother would introduce me along the way. Then, suddenly, a voice called out to me.

“Well, well, well, Julius-sama, how do you do?”

“Giovanni-sama!?　Good day to you too. What are you doing here?”

“What are you talking about? The Duke of the North is here.　How could I not join him? Look, over there you can see the Knight Commander and Mage Commander.”

　When I looked in the direction Giovanni-sama, the head of the royal potions division, was pointing, I did indeed see the knight’s commander and the magic division commander. Both of them were wearing formal attire, just like Giovanni-sama. At this point, I finally realized that I was about to meet an extraordinary person. I had been reasonably close to His Majesty the King and Her Royal Highness the Queen, so I had become numb to the sensation.

　I would have to tighten my loincloth on this one. I can’t let my brother Alex and Daniella-sama be humiliated. Axel and Ijidol were looking pale. Maybe I was too.

　That’s right, there was something I wanted to confirm with Giovanni-sama

“Giovanni-sama, you have one of the best ‘appraisal’ skills, don’t you?”

“…Julius-sama, where did you get that?”

　He looked around, bent over, and whispered in my ear. Apparently, it was a secret. I was glad we were the only ones around.

“I heard it from His Majesty the King. That’s why you and all the Royal Court Potions Masters didn’t suspect the magic potion I made.”

“That’s outrageous. I could tell at first glance that the magic potion that you had made was wonderful, Julius-sensei. Everyone else could too. Then, I appraised it and prayed to God.”

“I see.”

　No wonder Giovanni-sama was looking at me with such enthusiasm. While  I was alone and lost in my thoughts, there was suddenly a commotion all around me. What’s going on?

“Princess Daniela, it’s been about three years since I’ve seen you in person, hasn’t it?　I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

“Duke Hayden, it has been a long time. Thank you for inviting me here today.”

　It was Duke Hayden, the host of today’s soiree, who approached.

　Daniela-sama gave a ladylike bow and we followed suit. His status is higher than that of the Margrave Heine family. It is not possible for us to talk to them. Unless you are the organizer.

“You must be the young Count Heine. Look up. I hear you are a man of considerable ability. To marry a princess of the kingdom is truly enviable.”

“I thank you, sir. We are indebted to you on a regular basis, Duke Hayden.”

“No, it’s mutual. I can move with peace of mind knowing that the Margrave Heine is guarding our borders.”

　When he said that, he laughed heartily. But I noticed something.

Duke Hayden is suffering from a lung disease. That’s probably why he looks so pale. I could tell this by using my “Appraisal” skill, but how do I tell that to Duke Hayden? What should I do?

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