298 – How far have you been looking? – 2
At last year’s expo, we received several waves of customers. In order to get acquainted with the royal family, the next saint, and to see the head of the inspection department, which is rare in the social world, I bought desserts made by people of high rank and said, ‘I ate sweets made by the royal family.’ To make the same boast. In fact, there are overwhelmingly more reasons to come than reasons not to come.
And this year, there are more reasons to come. Until last year, Ainter, which was only a nameless royal family, regained real power, and the magician’s legend and faith, Prince Majong, descended in person. Besides, if you eat the cookies made by Ma Jong-gong, you will have the effect of taking the potion regardless of the level.
‘A lot.’
The result is this. Obviously, the confectionery club booth was set up in the most secluded and secluded place, but as soon as the fair started, customers flocked to it, probably ignoring all other booths and running in a straight line.
The good news is that half of the academy’s visitors are nobles. Passing juniors is embarrassing, so there will be customers who have left from other places, and there will be customers who walk leisurely to protect the dignity of nobility.
The only problem is that the other half are crazy wizards with no juniors or dignity.
“It’s been a while, Tower Lord. Have you been well?”
As he was an adviser, he looked at the guests up close, and the old man at the forefront bowed his head respectfully to Jong-gong Ma.
But who is it? The first thing I said was that it was a named greeting, but I don’t remember it. There are people who vaguely come to mind, but the names and titles are not long. He seems to have been seen or heard somewhere, but…
“It’s Manfred. Yes, I’m doing well.”
‘Ah.’
I remembered it only after hearing the name. He is a historical figure who is known as the sub-top master of the previous era.
Wow, that man is still alive. I thought he was dead because I hadn’t heard from him since he retired, but was he living in seclusion somewhere in a valley?
“I couldn’t even say hello before, so you can’t tell how fortunate I am to be able to meet you.”
“At your age, it’s better not to hear anything. Sometimes when kids your age get calls, it’s mostly obituaries.”
In the midst of that, the words that can only be said because he is a majonggong came out casually. To an old man who looked like Gandalf, ‘I’m glad he didn’t die.’ Are you saying the same thing?
“Heh heh, he must be too.”
From noble mtl dot com
Looking at the reaction, it seemed to work. Well, if you’re a person who has served as the sub-tab owner of the Magic Tower, you must have known the Demon Tower for a long time. You should be familiar with the black joke that comes from the difference in race and lifespan.
Maybe he’s smiling because he’s happy to see his old boss after a long time.
“Come on, take it. I haven’t seen you in a while, so I should give you a present.”
“Oh, that’s too much for a guest who came empty-handed.”
Gong Ma gave a small smile to the former sub-top owner and handed him a small box. The size that fits in one hand, ordinary wrapping paper, and a visual that you can see even if you go into a local store.
“Don’t bother participating in the auction, just relax and go home.”
At those words, the former deputy chief’s eyes opened wide. Even mentioning the word auction, there is only one gift to give.
“Tae, top lord. This is—”
“Shhh.”
When the sky-like pagoda owner sent a signal to be quiet, the former deputy pagoda owner had to shut up again. Of course, he kept his mouth shut, but a look of confusion was evident on his face.
The fact that Majonggong’s cookies have a mana-doping effect, and that the cookies are sold through an auction method, not a booth sale, is being actively promoted at the main entrance of the academy. That’s probably why the former deputy chief was so agitated. The item that I thought I would get only after shooting gold coins came rolling in under the name of a gift.
“I’m not making it anyway. It’s okay to give a few to a child I haven’t seen in a while.”
Hearing that he did not forget her old relationship and took care of her, the head of the former squadron, Bu-tap, stared at Jong-gong Ma with moist eyes as if moved. This indifferent but considerate boss is enough personality to earn the respect of magicians.
‘I…’
However, it was difficult to hold back laughter from my point of view as I was watching from the sidelines. Her words and actions are like her grandmother feeding her grandson, but her appearance is her grandfather and granddaughter.
But I persevered. If you laugh here, Ma Jong-gong will be deeply hurt. Even Erich, whose intelligence had regressed to a primitive state, knew that much.
I wonder if they didn’t see that the former deputy master received the mana doping cookie, or if they did, they didn’t have the courage to make a fuss in front of Majong-gong. Besides, they came as guests, so they bought some snacks and went back. It seems that he is carrying his last conscience.
‘I should have said no to buying it.’
I regret it a little. He wouldn’t be interested anyway if it wasn’t homemade cookies from Ma Jonggong, but he might not have bought them if he said he didn’t have to buy them. Then there must have been a lot more batches than now.
When I glanced away, I saw Louise in real-time confectionery, members who had joined the confectionery after a long time, perhaps feeling a sense of crisis, and Ainter, who was responding to the aristocratic customers pouring in.
‘That’s a lot.’
There were a lot of wizards before, but now there were a lot of nobles too. Rather, compared to wizards who had to come from all over the continent, nobles were natives of the empire, so there must be more. In addition, foreign aristocrats are also secretly mixed in.
I wouldn’t sell it to real wizards. It’s hard to fill the supply of nobles.
“It’s an honor to see you again.”
“hahahaha, it’s nice to see the Count again. I know there’s been a little commotion in the estate, but did it go well?”
“Yes, thanks to Your Highness’ concern, it was resolved.”
He let out a small sigh and fixed his eyes on Ainter, who was in the middle of a conversation. Ainter, who keeps a smile on her face to the point of worrying that her face has hardened with a smile. I feel sorry for and pitiful to see, but proud at the same time.
‘Thank you.’
The head of the inspection department whom I saw at last year’s fair, and the 3rd prince who made a surprise debut at this year’s New Year’s celebration. If you’re choosing between the two, of course you’ll go for the latter. Thanks to this, unlike last year, the aristocratic guests spent a quiet time with Ainter before coming to me.
Of course, he approaches me after the thrilling 1:1 meeting with the 3rd prince, but he has already introduced himself and talked about important matters in the conversation with Ainter, so it’s easy to deal with. The fact that she doesn’t have to roll her head thinking ‘Who is that gentleman’ while greeting a nobleman is a big win. Thank you so much, Ainter.
‘Dignity of No. 1.’
My heart felt warm. He was also a high-class manpower bestowed personally by the crown prince. I’m also thankful for No. 2 And 3 helping with the academy, but there’s nothing more annoying than dealing with nobles.
So I didn’t take her eyes off Inter. The torturer is resting thanks to the member’s tanking with his whole body, so if something goes wrong, he should help right away. Isn’t that what people do?
─I didn’t know that as soon as I thought of it, something would come to help.
“Meet Your Highness, the 3rd Prince.”
A woman with red eyes and a silver ponytail bowing her head to Ainter. Ainter, who was constantly speaking at the appearance of a woman who looked twenty years younger than the aristocrats who had greeted her earlier, lost her words for a moment.
Ainterni where the New Year’s Celebration Ceremony was no different from debuting in the world of society. Most of the nobility who turned their faces were also elderly titled aristocrats. Of course, he would never have seen a young aristocrat like the woman in front of her. Perhaps she was rolling her head, wondering if she was a daughter of a high-ranking family.
But what can I do? She’s not a young lady, but a titled aristocrat.
“Count Horfeld.”
Finally, there were no customers in front of me, so I sneaked closer to Ainter.
It’s not polite for a third person to intervene in a situation where the two of you are greeting each other, but isn’t it like asking Ainter to recall meaningless memories to leave it alone? You can just say that you are glad to see an acquaintance you haven’t seen in a while and intervene.
“Oh, Carl was there too.”
As soon as Count Horfeld saw me, he lightly bowed and greeted me. He was worried about what if he only remembered me, but luckily he didn’t.
“Count Horfeld?”
And after hearing the conversation between Count Horfeld and me, Ainter’s eyes stood out.
Yes, this is Count Horfeld. After the surprise retirement of the former Earl Horfeld last year, at the age of nineteen, he was appointed Imperial Count and a member of the Imperial Council just in time.
“Yes, Your Highness. I am Xenovia Hidden of Horfeld. I had a chance to meet you during the New Year’s celebration, but I was dumbfounded and did not greet you.”
“hahahaha, no. Everyone knows that Imperial Baek works hard for the imperial family and the empire. I understand.”
Ainter hurriedly waved his hand at Count Horfeld, who lowered his head again. In fact, it was only natural that Ainter and Count Horfeld were meeting for the first time. Even if Imperial Baek met with members of the imperial family, how could he ever meet with the emperor, the crown prince, or the third prince who was far from the throne?
Still, you can’t recognize the face of the newly crowned Imperial Baek in advance. Maybe it’s because you’re the 3rd prince who just found the actual power, but you lack sense.
…No, is it just a remnant of the days when you might lose your neck if you’re interested in politics or networking? It’s sad to think of that.
“By the way, the Count seems to have a good relationship with the Inspector General.”
“Yes, the Hiden family and the Krasius family have been interacting with each other for a long time, and we have met a few times.”
To Ainter’s question to change the topic, Count Horfeld calmly answered. To be honest, my friendship with Erich is stronger than I am, but it’s true that we’ve met a few times.
“And the habit from that time remained and I committed disrespect to the inspector general. I’m sorry.”
And Count Horfeld, who naturally handed me an apology. I wanted to say something, but it seems that I just put in my heart that I just called him Carl, not the director of the inspection department.
“It’s okay. It’s not like the name was wrong, but that’s about it.”
Of course, it wasn’t the first time I met him, but an acquaintance called me by name. Is there anything rude? It doesn’t have to be a spectacular dude, asshole, or asshole level.
***
It was satisfying to see Karl smiling a little. This worked out right
Before receiving the title, he was not a tomboyish kid, but a confident imperial white and a proud member of the imperial council. A quick acknowledgment of mistakes and apologetic attitude, an attitude of valuing public relationships rather than private ties. It must have been a look that Carl’s older brother, the head of the inspection department, liked.
‘This is how I get points.’
Karl’s older brother dispatched to the academy, and me staying in Jedo Island. There is absolutely no opportunity to meet unless it is a special case like this.
So you have to be careful with every word and every action.
‘I have to look good to my father.’
Erich’s elder brother and the next head of the Krasius family. If you look good to such a person, marriage to Erich will be easier.
poor sarah… erich stock stonk