Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Chapter 7
Alon had anticipated that such difficulties might occur.

Within the game’s narrative, the Palatio family had simply been a minor obstacle for the hero to overcome, but here in the Kingdom of Asteria, their name held substantial influence.

Naturally, this prominence did not equate to widespread respect. Although they had been a well-regarded lineage within the kingdom for three generations, the current Count Palatio family was infamous as the most troublesome noble house in the eastern territories.

To put it more plainly, they were a family known for becoming intensely difficult if one earned their displeasure.

Yet, if there was something Alon had failed to fully appreciate despite his awareness of this reputation…

“This wine has a rather distinctive flavor.”

“Huh? Oh… um, what was that…?”

“I have an appreciation for wine, and this one carries a very particular scent. I would be delighted to bring several bottles back with me.”

“I will speak with my father and arrange for some to be sent to you…!”

“I beg your pardon…?”

…it was that the Palatio family’s capacity for causing trouble vastly surpassed anything he had pictured.

Alon observed the young lady, who recoiled like a startled rodent, hastily bowed her head, and then hurried away. A vacant look settled on his face.

“Look at that! He’s intimidating Lady Malantino to extort their prized wine—”

“Is… is that truly what’s happening?”

“Just listen to him! It’s precisely what happened when the eldest Palatio son made his threats before…! And that wine is a limited production specialty…!”

As Alon wondered what the core issue was, he overheard a hushed conversation and thought to himself with a wry expression.

‘Leo, that damned nuisance…’

Feeling dejected, Alon glanced toward the spot where the young ladies had been whispering just moments before. Noticing his look, they promptly averted their gaze and scattered.

Alon found the entire situation utterly baffling.

‘I thought they were just one of those infamous eastern families…?’

He had assumed there would be negative gossip, and he understood why some nobles might keep their distance. However, he never expected the reaction to be this severe.

More precisely, he hadn’t realized just how deeply the Palatio name was despised among the aristocracy.

…He hadn’t foreseen being treated this way simply due to a misunderstanding about him eliminating the family’s problem-makers.

‘Does this mean any attempt at social connection is hopeless?’

Just as Alon released a soft sigh,

“Good evening.”

He turned at the sound of the voice to see a girl in a black dress offering him a captivating smile.

Even amidst all the young ladies present at the ball, her beauty was exceptionally striking.

Alon answered her with a smile of his own.

“Good evening, Lady Zenonia.”

“My, you know who I am?”

“Naturally.”

From Alon’s point of view, it was impossible not to recognize her.

The girl before him was the eldest daughter of the Zenonia family, who, much like the Palatio family, were notorious figures in the western region.

In six years, she would not merely be the Zenonia eldest daughter; she would become the Countess Zenonia in her own right. Furthermore, she was destined to be one of the three primary antagonists the protagonist would face in the future of the Kingdom of Asteria.

“You are quite well-known, after all.”

“Well-known, you say?”

“Indeed.”

In short, she was a person he would prefer to avoid. Noticing a fleeting, subtle shift of emotion in Lady Zenonia’s eyes, Alon continued.

“Because your beauty is so remarkable.”

Noble society was, by its nature, immensely complicated.

Even within Asteria, factions were numerous. These factions were primarily divided between the Royalists and the Nobility, both engaged in fervent political conflict.

And this was not mere political posturing. With genuine interests on the line, political maneuvering was an essential aspect of noble life.

Of course, Alon had not come to the ball to engage in politics.

Although his goal was only half-formed, Alon’s aim was still to live a quiet life, and he understood perfectly that the concepts of “peace” and “politics” were fundamentally incompatible.

Nevertheless, the reason he had intended to form some social ties was that even minimal connections could prove useful in aristocratic society.

‘Except for this individual.’

Alon looked at Lady Zenonia.

The Zenonia family, similar to the Palatio family, was considered a troublesome house in the west. However, unlike the Palatios, who remained apolitical to act with impunity, the Zenonias skillfully manipulated political circumstances for their own gain.

In other words, they were somewhat more shrewd than the Palatio family… perhaps more akin to a sophisticated criminal syndicate.

“I thank you for the kind words.”

“I only speak the truth.”

As a result, one might assume that socializing with Lady Zenonia wouldn’t be detrimental if Alon had no political ambitions. That, however, would be a miscalculation.

People naturally gravitate toward others like themselves.

Politicians attract other politicians, and ruffians congregate with other ruffians.

So, if Alon were to form a connection with Lady Zenonia under these circumstances?

If he were willing to engage in illicit activities like those deceased Palatio troublemakers, it might be a valuable association. But if not, it would be an irreparable error.

In the worst case, he could end up as one of Lady Zenonia’s pawns.

Contrary to the rumors circulating about him commanding a group with a Swordmaster, Alon was, in reality, an ordinary noble with no significant assets or power.

“I would enjoy speaking further. What is your opinion?”

“I would be delighted, but I regret that I must take my leave for today.”

“Is that so?”

Lady Zenonia’s eyes narrowed slightly, radiating a predatory aura.

Her expression was inscrutable.

However, for just an instant—

“…!”

The young lady’s eyes widened slightly as if surprised by something, then she nodded in apparent understanding, a smile gracing her lips.

“Just as the rumors claimed.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“It is nothing. I anticipate our next meeting.”

With those words, she moved past him.

“…?”

Alon turned and watched Lady Zenonia depart with a confused expression.

***

A specialty wine from Malantino.

Tangerine tea from Penia.

Artisanal metalwork from Vilanda.

A premium horse from Paldeon.

These were the acquisitions Alon had accumulated, in place of forming friendships, after he had resolved to make a few connections since he was already at the event.

‘Socializing is a futile endeavor.’

Reviewing the list of spoils he had collected instead of acquaintances, Alon emitted a humorless laugh.

‘I knew it; I never should have studied trivial subjects like noble hobbies.’

Remembering the wine appreciation studies he had undertaken in the hope it would aid his social efforts, Alon clicked his tongue. He then turned to attend to his original purpose.

“A moment of your time.”

“Hm?”

Another voice addressed Alon.

“Good evening.”

Turning his head, Alon saw a woman in a magnificent red dress, embellished with numerous accessories.

It seemed she had invested great effort into her appearance, down to the finest detail. Yet, despite her meticulous preparation, her face was devoid of any particular expression.

“Yes, good evening.”

Facing her, Alon returned the greeting while noting how her attire seemed somehow incongruous. She immediately posed a question to him.

“If you have a moment, could we converse?”

Alon looked at her, his expression showing mild surprise.

She was only the second person who had initiated a conversation with him at this ball.

‘Is she aligned with Zenonia?’

For a brief moment, he mentally reviewed a list of villains from the Kingdom of Asteria, then nodded.

“Certainly.”

Whatever her motives might be, she was not on the list of villains Alon recalled, and, more importantly, she had been the one to approach him for a discussion.

The two of them moved out onto the terrace to talk privately.

Soon after—

“Might I ask your name, young lady?”

“Please forgive my delayed introduction. I am Roria, the third daughter of the Duke of Altia.”

“Ah… The Altia family.”

“Yes.”

Alon could not help but sigh inwardly.

The Altia family was a notorious lineage from the northern part of Asteria.

And, like Lady Zenonia, it was a family connected to one of the three major antagonists—the Duke of Altia himself.

‘Then again, it’s unlikely that anyone who approaches me would be ordinary. I should have asked for her name first.’

Alon thought this, realizing how quickly he had come to understand his situation from attending a single ball.

‘But why don’t I remember her?’

Alon studied Roria’s face.

Her elaborate decorations only served to highlight her already remarkable beauty.

‘With a face like that, there’s no chance I wouldn’t know of her.’

In the game’s world, every member of the Altia family was a villain.

That is to say, if she were a member of the Altia family, Alon, having played the game numerous times, should at least recall her name, even if her face wasn’t memorized.

That is why, after a moment’s thought, Alon asked her directly.

“…Might I speak candidly?”

“What is it?”

“Please, lend me your assistance.”

“…Assistance?”

“I am going to be assassinated.”

Hearing these words, Alon understood a single truth.

…In the game, the total number of Altia family members he had encountered was four: the Duke of Altia, his two elder sisters, and one younger brother. Therefore, for Roria to be the third daughter…

In other words, it meant that Roria was already dead six years in the future.

“My sisters… No, they… They are going to attempt to kill me soon.”

Summarizing Roria’s story, which began the moment he realized this truth, it was as follows:

She was the daughter of the Duke’s only concubine, whom he cherished more than his official wife. She had survived until now under his protection. However, the Duke of Altia was now critically ill and could die at any moment.

Meaning, the instant the Duke passed away, Roria would also die.

“Then, why are you asking me for help?”

“With your power, it should be achievable.”

For the first time, her face showed clear anxiety.

“I must refuse.”

But even seeing that expression, Alon had no option but to decline her plea.

“Of course, I am not asking for this without offering something in return. If you help me, I will give you half of the Altia family’s—”

“I am afraid I must decline.”

Roria’s expression grew more desperate as she spoke.

However, Alon’s answer did not change.

It was not that he felt no pity for Roria.

If he had possessed the necessary strength, her proposal would have been worth considering, even if he didn’t immediately agree.

Unfortunately, Alon did not have that kind of power.

Most of the rumors circulating about Alon were fabrications.

He did not have an assassin who had killed Leo of the Palatio family, nor did he possess the strength of a Swordmaster who had defeated Avalon.

Therefore—

“I will take my leave now.”

As Alon turned to go, he saw the despair flashing in Roria’s silent eyes.

However, Alon derived no satisfaction from witnessing it.

He was too preoccupied with simply ensuring his own survival.

Thus, as he prepared to walk back into the ballroom, he clicked his tongue and glanced back at Roria.

“Good fortune will find you.”

A benediction spoken more to alleviate his own heavy mood than anything else.

Roria offered no reply.

Alon hadn’t expected one, and he turned away once more.

“I hope we meet again.”

It was merely the faint remnant of his modern conscience that caused his heart to ache slightly, so he murmured the words while gazing absently at the crescent moon-shaped chandelier, offering a small measure of solace.

And then—

“It would be wise to report this development to the Red Moon.”

On the roof of the ballroom, near where the chandelier was suspended, an observer tasked with monitoring Alon and intercepting any information regarding the Avalon incident if necessary, turned and spoke to his companion.

“It is unnecessary. She is not one of the designated targets. Even without our intervention, Ladan will manage the situation.”

“I see. So, she is the only one among Altia’s children who is not a ‘target’ for Ladan.”

“Correct. In any case, our focus should be elsewhere.”

As the observer with green eyes shifted his gaze to a different location, Deus also turned his attention in another direction.

There, he saw a figure clad in black quietly following Alon.

“…A tail?”

Deus silently began to gather his mana to confront the figure, but then he paused.

He recalled Yutia’s order not to act impulsively without authorization.

And so—

“We will simply observe for the present.”

Deus and Rine decided to keep a quiet watch on the black-clad figure shadowing Alon.