Chapter 65: The Ball Is War (1)
The social circle, also known as a ballroom, was described as a battlefield for the nobles without any weapons.
On the surface, it seemed like a peaceful place where people elegantly danced, engaged in small talk, and ate delicious food.
In reality, young, unmarried nobles desperately struggled to find a partner from their own noble class or a higher one.
Married individuals, under the guise of casual conversation, tried to find weaknesses in their rival factions to gain the upper hand.
By the end of an event hosted by the Emperor, unlucky noble families like earls or viscounts might find themselves ruined.
Other nobles were compelled to dance waltzes with their rivals and had to give insincere compliments about their dance skills afterward. Despite praising them, they might have found themselves scorned the next day for seemingly inconsequential reasons.
I was fortunate that both the Crown Prince and Count Benner provided clear boundaries on what lines I should not cross.
“Lieutenant, thank you so much. I’m counting on you today.”
“It’s no problem, Lietuenant Colonel. Please, just as my father advised, try not to show interest in other women.”
“I understand.”
Although I successfully asked Laura, my novice co-participant at the ball and my subordinate as a noble lady, for her support, I still felt somewhat embarrassed. The term “partner” at a ball suggested a relationship closer than mere friends, but not quite lovers.
Seeing Laura, dressed even more elegantly than on our last date, I found her dazzling. It was challenging to look at her directly.
Yet, I couldn’t muster the courage to compliment her on how beautiful she looked. Any woman would have wanted to receive admiration when they were dressed up, especially from someone they held dear.
When we were selecting suits, she seemed pleased when I called her pretty.
“I should’ve said this earlier, Laura. You look wonderful. You’re always beautiful, but today you’re especially so.”
Usually, I engage confidently in political conversations, even in front of higher-ups, but just complimenting the woman in front of me felt incredibly challenging.
Hearing that, Laura’s face reddened like a fresh apple, but her smile showed she was pleased.
Had I not complimented her, I suspected Count Benner might have reprimanded me later.
Upon entering the ball, the memories of being a mere commoner and a student squad leader only two years ago seemed so distant. Now, I was here, proudly invited to this grand event.
“That’s surprising. When I first met you, Colonel, you were already a respected commander, and a noble. I often forget about your humble past.”
“Memories from the orphanage or when I was a commoner aren’t all pleasant. But if my subordinate saw me acting like a true noble, then isn’t it a good thing?”
When I reincarnated into this world and learned I was an orphan, I was initially taken aback.
Now, I didn’t want to dwell on my past. I wanted to be recognized as a commendable commander. Specifically, I aspired to be remembered alongside history’s most celebrated commanders.
“Stop, please stop! We need to verify your identities.”
At those words, both Laura and I presented our sword handles, which symbolized our respective statuses.
It amused me that a sword handle could be a means of identification. However, in this world, one’s family crest and approximate societal status were magically engraved on it, making such identification possible.
“Verified. Major Laura von Benner and Earl Peter Yaeger. Please proceed inside.”
A lavish sight worthy of a fantasy world lay before us.
Brilliant lights, checkered floors made of black and white marble, intricately designed tables, and food arranged buffet-style, ready to be served.
Lost in this dazzling spectacle, my attention was suddenly drawn to the surrounding conversations.
“Even during the rule of Fernando, our nobility had limited say.”
“The Emperor election, due in a few years, promised to be interesting. The last time, about 70% of the titled nobility voted for the current Emperor, didn’t they?”
“Conversely, if we could get that Yaeger guy on our side, wouldn’t it halt the current Crown Prince’s momentum? I heard from my son, who attended the Staff College…”
Unsurprisingly, middle-aged nobles were strategizing to maintain their influence through their preferred Prince. Some seemed to think that simply recruiting me would change the tide.
While I was deep in thought, a man dressed in golden threads approached me.
“Ah, are you Lieutenant Colonel Yaeger? Pleased to meet you. I’m Viscount Georko von Triester.”
“It’s an honor, Viscount.”
“Actually, my son was deeply impressed with one of your lectures at the academy. If it’s not too much trouble, could we discuss it a bit?”
Although he supported the third Prince, and I should have maintained some distance, it would have been rude to outright refuse a Viscount.
“Well, which part did he find impressive?”
“He particularly mentioned the battle with the Bisochea army, where your infantry repelled a battalion of knights. It’s quite impressive, given the number disparity. If you’d be willing, perhaps you could share the story with the others over there?”
He pointed to a group of middle-aged nobles sipping wine. Given the context, if I were to join them, they would likely use the opportunity to influence me.
“You’re very kind, Viscount. However, my partner is waiting for me.”
“Very well. If you ever wish to visit the Triester residence, you’re always welcome.”
“Thank you.”
It was crucial to maintain a respectful distance in such conversations. Young male officers of my age, even those from noble families, would have been grappling with their affiliations and standing.
Suddenly, a group of young ladies in elegant, revealing dresses approached me.
“Are you Colonel Yaeger?”
“We’ve heard of your exploits on the Raintlant front and against Chekovia. Could you share those stories with us?”
“You were so manly and handsome!”
The ladies subtly accentuated their figures as they approached. Jealous glances from young men around us weren’t hard to notice.
Given their palpable jealousy, it was frustrating to see another man surrounded by women being praised like an idol.
One of the ladies commented on my numerous decorations,
“Such an ostentatious display of medals…”
“I wish he’d just disappear in a fireball…”
While it seemed their jealousy stemmed from the ladies’ overt interest in me, I genuinely felt uncomfortable. Even without considering politics, it was clear they were merely latching on because of my status.
While I contemplated a polite way to refuse, Laura took my arm, subtly pulling me towards her, and said,
“Colonel Yaeger is here with me tonight. If you have any important matters, please contact us later.”
A threatening aura emanated from Laura, reminding me of a battlefield.
The young ladies, who had never experienced such an atmosphere, were visibly terrified. While I felt a bit sorry for them, any action on my part could have been misconstrued as interest.
Approaching someone engaged with a partner was considered rude, so the ladies hastily retreated.
“Lady Laura? Those young women look terrified.”
Laura immediately bowed respectfully, replying in a soft tone.
“I apologize, ladies. It is our first ball together, and in my excitement, I may have come off too strong. Please forgive my overzealous behavior.”
Observing this, I thought…
There wouldn’t be any young noble daring to approach me recklessly at this ball after this.
Just as I was about to sigh in relief, a man exuding an aura entirely different from the earlier mediocre bunch approached Laura, briefly asked for her permission, and then spoke to me.
“I am Count Hans Weber, serving His Highness the 5th Prince. His Highness personally wished to hear tales of your valiant deeds. Please find a time to visit.”
…..Damn, that bastard.
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