Chapter 14 Social Party
On the day of the social party hosted by the Granbell Family, many invited nobles stepped into the mansion, eagerly awaiting the start of the event.
"I hear it's the Granbell Family's daughter's debut party, but my, I had no idea they even had a daughter. What about you?"
"Indeed, it's news to me as well. Lord Granbell is quite the trickster; if only he had sent a word when she was born, I could have offered my congratulations."
Casual conversations among the nobles passed the time before the opening.
However, beneath the surface, there was a lot of poison and thorns that only those who understood could perceive.
──To reveal Granbell's illegitimate child now, what is he thinking?
──The fact that nothing was said until now suggests she must be of a suitable birth. It can't be anything special.
Wrapped in layers of politeness and adorned with social niceties, the backbiting continued.
While listening to the seemingly elegant yet rotten exchanges of the nobles, a young lady let out a sigh.
"Oh dear, who would have thought I would end up attending such a silly party... how dreary."
The girl, around 12 years old with fiery crimson hair, was named Monica Belmont. She was the daughter of the Duke Belmont family.
With her blazing red hair and a confident, sharp gaze, she stood out, especially with her surprisingly developed figure for her age, making her look great in her adult-like bright red dress.
Even at this young age, she was known as a genius magician, radiating powerful magic that could rival adults, and was seen as the most promising candidate for the first prince's fiancée.
With a noble lineage, an alluring body line with exceptional potential, and undeniable skill built through relentless effort rather than resting on her talents, she was truly a model of a noble lady.
For someone like Monica, this debut party held no value whatsoever.
Unlike other ordinary nobles, for the Duke Belmont family, it was easy to grasp that Yumie was Count Granbell's illegitimate child.
In other words, for her, Yumie was someone she didn't need to remember.
"I want to go home quickly..."
Sighing once more, she covered her mouth with a small fan meant for children. Although her posture felt a bit like she was trying to stretch, the adult-like dress, her well-educated manners, and her outstanding figure all came together to make it somewhat fitting.
"Why did Father bring me to this party..."
Still, one could say she was still just a child. Her high self-esteem led to endless complaints that spilled out of her mouth like a never-ending stream of grumbling.
Soon, her frustration shifted from her father to the Granbell Family, who was hosting this party.
"First of all, this is a party that invites high-ranking nobles, yet this venue lacks any sense of glamour. There isn't even a single dish laid out yet, and it's completely unacceptable."
Noble parties serve as a demonstration to showcase the power of one's household. The array of dishes and the decorations in the venue, along with the light from the hanging chandeliers, are all meant to shine and create a somewhat glamorous atmosphere.
However, the tables in this venue still had not a single dish on them, and the chandelier lights were off, giving the entire place a somewhat dim impression.
Since it was still early afternoon and not yet dusk, the darkness wasn't a problem.
As for the food, it's customary not to touch it until all the guests have arrived and the host has given a greeting, so there shouldn't be any inconvenience.
Perhaps they were waiting until the last moment to serve the food to present it in the best possible condition.
Even so, to Monica's eyes, all of this seemed like the Granbell Family's negligence.
"Ugh, this is so frustrating. ...Huh?"
At that moment, the venue stirred for just an instant.
Perhaps the last guest had arrived.
Who could it be, coming after me, a Duke's daughter?
With such curiosity, Monica turned her gaze and was surprised by the unexpected appearance of someone.
"Prince Sigurt...!?"
Sigurt Dia Ortria. He was the first prince of the Ortria Kingdom.
At just 15, his sweet looks and graceful swordsmanship had captivated many young ladies, and like them, Monica also admired him.
"I can't believe the prince is here... That's why my father sent me here. Hehe, if he had just told me that, it would have been nice."
All her previous complaints vanished, and Monica instantly became cheerful.
Even though she had received thorough noble education, for a 12-year-old girl in love, Sigurt was truly the "ideal prince" she dreamed of.
Knowing she was chosen as a candidate for engagement only made her feel a sense of destiny.
"But why is the prince at a party like this... Oh, right, I remember, the Granbell heir is a friend of the prince."
The Granbell Family was known as a prestigious magic family, a key player in the kingdom.
Therefore, Neil Granbell, the heir, had been friends with the prince since childhood, competing in magic and swordsmanship.
He must have decided to attend the party because of that connection.
"But, it's strange. I heard that daughters in the Granbell Family are treated poorly..."
Would they really invite a dear friend to a party showcasing someone they dislike?
Of course, there might be social niceties involved, but it still felt off.
As she pondered this, the host finally appeared at the venue.
The head of the Granbell Family, Carlot Granbell.
"Everyone, thank you very much for coming to my daughter's debut party today. I think it's best not to keep you waiting too long, so let me introduce her right away. This is my daughter... Yumie Granbell."
Perhaps to ensure everyone in the venue could see, the door on the floor above opened, and a girl appeared.
As she was led in by her brother Neil, everyone in the venue gasped.
Silver hair flowed smoothly.
Skin as translucent as white porcelain.
Her still youthful body was wrapped in a pure white dress, spreading out like wings.
Her figure shone as if wrapped in light itself, making it seem as if a real angel had descended, captivating everyone gathered.
"I am pleased to introduce myself, I am Yumie Granbell. Until now, due to various circumstances, I have not had the chance to meet you all in social settings, but please allow me to be known to you."
The girl who came down the stairs bowed with graceful movements.
Seeing her elegant gestures, no one could imagine that just two years ago, she had lived as a commoner.
"Now then, while this is not an apology for not being able to greet you until now... here, in keeping with the name 'Granbell,' I would like to declare the opening of the party with a display of my magic."
A display of magic? Everyone tilted their heads in confusion.
When it comes to showing magic, attack magic is the most common.
However, it would be impossible to unleash that suddenly indoors.
As everyone watched with bated breath, wondering what she intended to do, Yumie wrapped her arm in a soft glow of magical power and raised it──snap, she snapped her fingers.
"Now then, everyone, please enjoy the Granbell Family's party to your heart's content."
What happened immediately after left everyone stunned.
"Wha...!?"
The chandelier, which had not been lit until then, suddenly shone brightly.
On the previously empty white table, luxurious dishes appeared one after another with the light.
Light rushed across the walls, and the venue, which had seemed dim and lacking, was now brilliantly adorned, captivating the gathered nobles who were lost in the spectacle.
(What is this...!? Teleportation magic!? No, that kind of magic only exists in fairy tales, it can't be real!! Is it illusion magic, deceiving all our eyes!? But then, that doesn't explain the state of the food...!!)
As she looked at the steaming dishes that seemed freshly made, Monica was caught in a whirlwind of confusion.
What kind of magic could make something like this possible? She could think of a few methods, but no matter which one it was, she had to acknowledge the power of Granbell and the girl named Yumie.
(If it's teleportation, then she's a legendary magician, and if it's an illusion, then not only would she have to use recognition interference, but also heat retention and ignition magic all at once over such a wide area... I wonder if I could even do that...!!)
If we're just talking about the amount of magic, it's theoretically possible.
However, to activate this much magic in parallel, it requires a completely different kind of talent than just sheer magical power.
In front of Monica, who was overwhelmed by the unexpected performance, an even more surprising situation unfolded.
Right after finishing his opening remarks, Prince Sigurt walked over to Yumie.
"Nice to meet you, miss. My name is Sigurt Dia Ortria. I'm the prince of this country."
"I'm aware. Thank you for accepting my invitation today, Prince."
"No, it's no trouble at all. Thanks to you, I got to see something wonderful."
Saying that, Sigurt took Yumie's hand and──chu, he kissed the back of her hand.
The act, which went beyond just a greeting, left everyone in the venue speechless.
"Next time, I'll invite you to the royal castle. Would you accept?"
"Yes, I'd be delighted!"
Yumie agreed with a smile, and Sigurt looked pleased to hear it.
Objectively speaking, the scene was so picturesque that Monica gritted her teeth in frustration.
"Yumie Granbell... remember this...!!"
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