Chapter 67 - Episode 10: "I've Finally Met You!"
Gokigenyou! I am Violia Nico Fortesia! Don't you dare say my self-introduction is getting annoying. Greetings are the basics. Whether in a back alley, a farming village, the Royal Castle... or a dance hall, yes.
Well, if I were to give my greetings in a dance hall, I would be arrested in no time, so I shall not. Ohohoho.
Yes. We have now arrived at the masquerade ball venue.
...As expected, it's a sieve. It was a sieve. We were able to pass through the reception easily just by showing the medals of our lower noble rank.
Passing through the reception slightly apart from Doran and Keeb's pair, we immediately step into the venue.
The place we entered was a venue where the brightness had been intentionally lowered. The light from the chandeliers sparkled brilliantly and fell to the floor, creating many shadows of people; it is quite a fantastical sight.
"...Now then. Shall we go, young lady? I might be a poor substitute, but will you let me escort you?"
"Yes. That would be fine."
I immediately proceed through the dance hall with Giovan.
Since we entered a little late, the inside of the venue is already filled with conversation and dancing.
The laughter and voices of the merry nobles are mixed together, making it almost a bit noisy.
"It is perfect for hiding."
"Right. The nobles are quite carefree."
Whether they lack a sense of crisis or what. At least the nobles here seem to be thoroughly enjoying this ball, and no dissatisfaction with the social situation or the Royal Family can be seen there.
...Honestly, even though the neighboring Kingdom of Windry is in a dire state after being attacked by monsters, this country is far too carefree! Do they not think it could be them tomorrow?
"Now. We can't be wallflowers forever. Shall we move?"
"Let me see... ah, first is this."
Now then. This level of dimness and clamor is very convenient.
For what, you ask? Why, for... 'Illusion magic,' of course!
If it's dim, you can't see the other person's face well, and in the first place, this is a masquerade ball. Unless one looks very carefully, the other person's face is in a state where it's hard to distinguish. If one successfully combines illusion magic with that, it is not so difficult to become truly unidentified!
"...How skillful."
"You may praise me more, you know."
An illusion to make the impression vague, and an illusion to make them misperceive me as 'someone unimportant they know.' If these two are used in combination, it is amusing how easily the opponent can be deceived. Especially in a place like this that is dim and glittering, where the opponent only looks at one's surface.
Taking the opportunity when the music stopped, I cast a quick glance around the venue.
It seems the nobles who finished dancing when the song ended are starting to converse. It is a good opportunity to dive in.
"Let's go over there. Those two talking over there, I believe they are from a branch of House Hornbone. I recognize their voices."
"Whoa, you have sharp ears, young lady."
Yes. I have sharp ears. After all, I am a daughter of Fortesia.
If one intends to survive among the rotten nobles, one has no choice but to develop sharp ears.
"...Then should I just barge in?"
"Indeed. Would it be quickest to leave it to you? Let me see what you can do."
"That makes me nervous."
Having immediately found our prey, we walk elegantly toward our marks with broad smiles! It is an elegant assault!
"...is also a problem. At this rate, they will surely ruin themselves one day..."
As we approached, the pair who were conversing quickly fell silent. It must have been a conversation they didn't want heard, but it was far too blatant.
"You are of the Hornbone clan, are you not?"
Furthermore, when Giovan broached the subject like that, their vigilance rose sharply. ...Is this alright?
"...This is a masquerade ball. Such talk is forbidden."
What the opponent says is quite reasonable... This is that kind of place.
Even if one happens to find out the opponent's identity, one does not say it. That is the rule here, but...
"No, my apologies. It is a matter of some urgency."
Giovan doesn't care at all and keeps pushing. He sounds like a merchant. Or rather, this is the first time I've ever thought he seemed like a merchant.
"Urgency...? Who exactly are you? Have we met somewhere?"
"It would have been good if we had. Unfortunately, this is the first time I've laid eyes on you."
Without even trying to hide his suspiciousness, Giovan gives an elegant bow. I also give a modest bow alongside him.
In contrast, the branch-house Hornbone bastards are looking at us with clear suspicion, but...
"Now, I'd like you not to be so guarded. ...I have simply brought a useful business proposal. I think it would be better for you to at least hear it out?"
His way of speaking and his behavior are clearly suspicious, you know? But... at the same time, he appears reasonably refined and proper... in short, he looks 'useful.'
"Just for the duration of one song will do. ...May I have some of your time?"
As if to deliver the finishing blow, Giovan's eyes stared intently at the branch-house Hornbone bastards... and in the end, the opponents nodded despite their confusion.
"Are you familiar with House Fruitier?"
Giovan is going full throttle from the start. Naturally, the moment the name Fruitier was mentioned, the opponents' expressions stiffened.
"...That is, of course."
"And do you know what happened to cause them to fall into such ruin?"
...The branch-house Hornbone bastards looked at each other and fell silent in confusion. Well, I suppose so. If they knew in detail what had happened, I would have to kill them right here to silence them.
"...Only rumors."
Giovan smiled quietly and said nothing. ...In that case, the opponents have no choice but to continue speaking.
"That... I heard it was the Fortesia curse."
"Ah, so you knew that. Yes. It is truly a 'curse.' Business ceased to go well, the winery was ruined by a mass slime outbreak of unknown cause, and then, the head of the house met a tragic death!"
Giovan smiled pleasantly and his shoulders shook slightly. Yes. The source of that 'curse' is indeed right behind you.
"...And I have come here today to advise you that 'that curse is not over yet.'"
"Not over yet? What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. The tragedy visiting House Fruitier is far from over. Even after their downfall. ...And Fruitier will not be the only target."
The two Hornbones looked at each other and clearly expressed their anxiety! Yes, that's how it should be! Because these guys must have something on their conscience too!
"You are aware of that as well, are you not?"
"No..."
"That is..."
Yes. I am certain they were 'aware,' or rather, 'had a premonition.' Rotten nobles are always sensitive to sparks that might fall on them. Though, it is also common for them to stop caring once they think it's 'someone else's problem.'
"And you seem to be troubled right now. It may seem unrelated to the 'Fortesia curse,' but cracks tend to spread. By the time you notice, it may have become a fatal fissure. The curse might enter through there as well, don't you think?"
Giovan leaned in slightly toward the two Hornbones and smirked in line with their gaze.
"Won't you tell me your troubles? I believe I can be of help."
...And so, Giovan moved toward the edge of the floor with the two Hornbones. From here on, I shall act separately for a short while.
Why, you ask? Because the two Hornbones desired it! They agreed to the discussion—or rather, the information-fleecing—on the condition that 'they would listen as much as possible after clearing the area.'
In short, they want to reduce the number of opponents as much as possible and want to stand at an advantage even if only in numbers. How petty of them!
...Well, it's fine. Giovan will handle it well, and that scrawny man without combat ability won't be so careless as to follow them into a deserted area, so I am not worried about that.
Yes. Therefore, I must work hard on my part.
When I looked at the center of the dance floor, there was an outrageous couple there.
Needless to say, it was Doran and Keeb. Yes, both of them are outrageous.
"When you combine a total lack of knowledge of noble etiquette with outrageous physical ability, the dance becomes something outrageous as well..."
Already, the venue's gaze is fixed on them! What is that!
Doran casually tosses Keeb around, and Keeb, having been tossed, spins in the air and lands beautifully. He even moves as lightly as a bird using Doran's body as a perch. Occasionally, not just his petticoat but even his underwear is visible. It's a good thing I made sure even the underwear was for women.
...Yes. It is very beautiful. Their dance. It's timed to the music, and above all, their movements are very beautiful. ...But that is not a noble's dance! It is worth seeing! But something is different!
The two, who dance boldly rather than gracefully, also look somewhat like they are having fun, which is quite interesting. They look like a peculiar couple who have completely entered their own world. Occasionally, they can be seen exchanging words pleasantly while dancing, making them look even more like it.
...Well, they are mostly saying things like, "What do we do after this?"
"We're drawing more attention than expected. Should we run?" and such.
"Amazing, that gentleman is supporting the lady's weight with just one arm..."
"Look at that? That lady's light steps! I'm sure she must be as light as a bird's feather!"
The eyes of the young ladies watching Doran and Keeb's graceful street performance are already completely melting. Yes. Keeb is extremely cute, and Doran is also quite handsome in his own way.
...And from that group of young ladies, an interesting story popped out.
"What a wonderful gentleman. Stalwart, and somewhat wild..."
"Yes, truly... Oh, but is it alright for you to be saying such things?"
"That's right! I heard your engagement to that famous house has been decided?"
Famous house.
Reacting to that word, I focused my attention there... Ah, indeed! It's a young lady I've seen somewhere before!
"Oh my, you've already heard?"
"Yes! After all, I had already heard the rumors about you and Fawn-sama!"
...'Fawn-sama'... there is no mistake! It is 'Fawn Tart Hornbone'!
He is the eldest son of House Hornbone!
My ability to eavesdrop is high. After all, I am a daughter of Fortesia. If one doesn't eavesdrop and collect information everywhere, one cannot navigate the rotten noble world!
"You, with Fawn-sama? ...Oh, I am so envious!"
"I've heard rumors that he is a man of many loves, but Fawn-sama has finally chosen one woman!"
Eavesdropping was worth it. To think I could obtain two pieces of information connected to Hornbone here!
At worst, even if Giovan fails, it won't be a problem! Having that one young lady will be a great weapon!
"Yes. But... no. Now, shall we move on to the next dance?"
The young lady who seems to be Hornbone's fiancée said that with a smile after starting to say something, and then went off to dance, leading the other young ladies with her.
...But it is already too late.
I have memorized that young lady's face, voice, and clothing!
I will! Definitely! Snatch her!
Of course, I shall not snatch her yet. I will wait for the right moment for such things. It is not yet time to panic, Doran and Keeb are successfully drawing attention, and they shouldn't have noticed yet that an 'intruder' is in a place like this!
I moved around here and there, casually blending into the conversations of the nobles, or eavesdropping and listening in, and successfully gathered information from all over.
As expected, it was worth coming to this place. Raw information has great value.
Even if it's a small fragment of information, if I combine it with the knowledge I have, it becomes something useful. Besides, I am good at gathering information in these kinds of places. Perhaps the meaning of my coming here is greater than anyone else's?
...I am hearing various stories, but as expected, the matter of House Fruitier is being rumored everywhere.
When they were renowned as a famous house, every single noble was fawning over them, and only hollow praise could be heard... but the moment they fell, they turned on their heels and, my, the bad-mouthing is endless.
Oh, they had so much debt and their dignity was low for a noble, they were arrogant and annoying, they were ugly, it was natural for them to fall, and so on and so forth; childish insults that make me embarrassed just listening to them are flying about.
...Well, it is also proof that Fruitier kept making blunders, and it might be useful as reference material for what a 'fallen noble' is like.
The moment they fall, it's this. Conversely, all the nobles who are bad-mouthing them now must be thinking, 'I don't want to fall.' That's why they are going through a full course of bad-mouthing Fruitier, to express that 'I am different from those people' and 'I am not the kind of person who would fall.'
To be honest, listening to the talk about Fruitier is not constructive at all. I likely know more than they do.
Well, I suppose I've learned how many nobles think 'I don't want to fall.' But that's about it.
...Therefore, as for more important information, it is indeed... about 'House Hornbone' and 'House Clarino.'
There wasn't much I could find out about House Clarino.
First, regarding the eldest son of the main house, the next head of House Clarino, Chris Bay Clarino; I found out things like he has achieved some military feat again, he won some martial arts tournament, he will likely win the next martial arts tournament he enters, and so on.
In short, everything is going smoothly. How uninteresting!
...However, regarding House Esclan, one of the branch houses of House Clarino, I heard a somewhat inexplicable story.
Apparently, the young master of that house is missing. Something about going on a journey of training to become worthy of the person he admires. Some young ladies were gossiping about it.
Let's see... 'the young master of House Esclan,' could it be Lital Pia Esclan? You know, that naive little brat I took on a dragon hunt right after I became an adventurer from a bandit...
...W-well, I shall try not to think too deeply about it. Yes.
On the other hand, I found out various interesting things about House Hornbone.
First, about Fawn Tart Hornbone. The one whose engagement was decided.
Regarding this guy, well... the romantic rumors are endless!
I knew to some extent. But still... well, I suppose there are people like that, is how I feel. He's the kind of person I don't want to get involved with.
It seems he is quite into womanizing. Yes. Even after his engagement was decided.
...I also found out who his fiancée is. Yes. I wondered who it was, and it seems it was the 6th Princess, Scola Shaf Orchesta-sama...
Even though it's an engagement with the Royal Family, the next head of Hornbone is womanizing. Well, naturally, his name was appearing in whispers everywhere. Yes.
I hear things like the second son of Hornbone might end up inheriting the house at this rate, or that the Princess is pitiful. It's wonderful how weaknesses are clearly visible everywhere. For the side that's going to make them fall, that is.
Recent trends, information on newcomers, or rumors about 'Fortesia,' and so on. I listened to various things, sometimes entering conversations without saying a word, or eavesdropping. Or elegantly sipping a drink.
...But, as expected, there is a limit. Yes.
Specifically, the limit of what, you ask...
"Oh, young lady over there. Are you alone?"
The limit of continuing to run away from this kind of person!
"No, I have a partner."
But he is not here right now. Come to think of it, I wonder if Giovan is alright? I hope he hasn't been taken to some private room and beaten to a pulp!
"A partner? ...It seems he is not here now. How about it? Until then, one dance with me."
He is likely a brat from some lower noble house, just like our current persona. These kinds of people think they can just hook any noble lady, establish a good marriage relationship, and lead it to the strengthening of their own house! In short, they are a handful!
"No, I..."
"It's a long-awaited ball, isn't it? It'll be fine."
It is not fine! You bastard! I have the objective of information gathering! Furthermore, a one-on-one dance where we gaze at each other is definitely a bad move!
Why? ...Because the magic will wear off!
"Hm? You are... excuse me, have we met somewhere?"
Aaaah! No! Do not try to stare at my face! If you do that, the illusion magic will waver!
Illusion magic is! Something that makes various things vague! It's for deceiving people's vague consciousness! If you stare intently at my face, of course one or two layers of magic will peel off!
"A-ah. Excuse me. I must go."
"Could it be you are a young lady from some high-ranking noble house?"
Stop it! Stop making that face that says, 'Since she's rejecting me this much, she must be a young lady from a famous house! If I hook her, it'll be a windfall!'
And stop grabbing my wrist! If I shake you off and run, it will be found out that I am not a frail maiden!?
Aaaaaah! Since there are people watching here, I don't want to make a scene! Aaaaaah! Aaaaaaaah! Do I have no choice but to kill this guy and blow up the venue right now!?