Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Twenty-Four (Part 2)

The Banquet (Part 2)

ZAIRE LEVI'S POINT OF VIEW

Geubert turned in Lothario's direction before he excused himself. I didn't turn around to look at the bastard's face but just hearing his voice is enough to irk me. I'm looking forward to tonight's performance, really, really bad.

"Lothario, I'm glad you came." I heard Geubert said to the bastard. Me too, I'm glad he came. So glad that I can't stop smiling.

Lothario chuckles, oh yeah, he does sound like a gentleman, if only he really is one. "Of course, that's 'cause you're my friend. Congratulations on your success, you really are a genius, Guebert." Wow. He amazed me! To think he can compliment the Duke's son earnestly while hiding his jealousy. I don't know if others can hear— probably not— but the jealousy in Lothario's voice is pretty obvious in my ears. It must be because I know what kind of man he is behind his acts, oh well, his true colors will show soon and I'm so f*****g excited for it to happen.

The two continued talking. Duke Franklin and Marquis Rolfe are discussing something, I paid no mind since it's none of my business. Eufema, Blake, and Elise are beside me, Eufema and Elise are discussing what to eat while Blake is guarding me, diligently as always. I told them to eat but Blake won't eat unless I do, isn't he a cutie?

"Master, is there something you need?" That's the fifth time Blake asked me that. I can now tell when he'll ask me again.

"No, I'm fine Bl— Tres," oops! Almost got a slip of tongue.

Blake nods his head, "I understand,"

I'm observing my surroundings with [Heavenly Eyes] when a light-blue-haired lady shorter than I am walked to Marquis Rolfe's. It did take me seconds to recognize the similarities the two share.

"Suri, are you done talking with your peers?" Marquis Rolfe asked softly.

Marquis Rolfe's daughter, Suri, nods her head while smiling. She has this aura of elegance around her just like any other noble but there is something more about her, something that makes her surroundings calm. As if some sort of charm.

{The woman is blessed by the Seat of 3rd Sea.}

That's Aya's golden scroll popping out of nowhere.

"Blessing?"

{Indeed. It's called Sleeping Waves, it's a type of passive ability that calms the mind of the blessed to meditate her mind and help her body in absorbing magic. Because of that, her surroundings are affected by the gift, lesser effect of the blessing can help ease the mind of the people around her when driven by strong emotions. It's an ability that helps the blessed understand magic.}

"I see, that's why she has that vibe around her huh."

{Yes.}

Marquis Rolf turned in my direction to introduce his daughter, the latter turned to me too curious about who I am and probably why I'm wearing a mask, why we are wearing masks.

I stood up too because the Marquis and his daughter are doing the same, my executives followed suit.

"Suri, this is Young Master Istorya, an important friend of Duke Franklin's and also ours. Istorya, this is my daughter, Suri Bellmore," I caught the intensified glance the Marquis is giving me while introducing us.

Ah, I get it, I get it. His daughter is beautiful I admit that but I don't swing that way so she's safe, besides, his daughter doesn't seem interested in kinds of stuff like relationships so even if I was a boy —which I'm not, she won't take an interest me.

I offered my right hand, "Hello, it's an honor to meet you, Lady Suri."

Her forehead creases while looking at my offered also, I suddenly felt a chill from beside Suri which is the Marquis' place.

Uh... Shouldn't I have offered my hand?

Handshake is a no?

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Mister Istorya." Her voice is soft and the courtesy is on point, every little detail is elegant. I'm turning blind because of sophistry. As expected of a true-blood noble.

We settled on our seats. Duke Franklin is nowhere to be seen since he's busy entertaining his guests, you know, the usual things the host of the banquet needs to do. Marquis Rolfe remained on the table talking with Suri, he would include me in the conversation too which I highly appreciated. Both the Duke and the Marquis, despite being nobles of high status possess a humble and approachable aura around them.

When Duke Franklin returned, with him is Geubert and an unfamiliar but also a familiar man.

He's not present in my memories as Zaire but as Jozine, man, this man's face is well-known. Like a blockbuster movie star.

I grinned internally.

"Istorya, my son would like to introduce you to someone. Go on," Duke Franklin then left to sit on his seat leaving his son and his friend, the well-known gentleman, and knight, Lothario Dexter, which in my eyes is the masked scum.

"Young Master, this is my friend, Lothario Dexter, he is a strong knight. Lothario, this is my family's special guest and important friend of my father, Young Master Istorya."

Lothario step in front of me bowed a little as a sign of courtesy then looked up and smiled brightly. Brightly huh, his smile is so pure and sweet there is no doubt he was able to fool so many people. I mean, he really looked so gentleman, if I had not known any better I would believe his smile.

He's still a lowlife scum in my eyes though, through and through.

"It's a pleasure to be your acquaintance," Lothario said smiling.

"Likewise," not.

Anyhow, I ended up sharing the table with Lothario, so, for now, I better wait. The fruit of my schemes, err, labor will show soon.

From the way things are, it seems that Duke Franklin and Marquis Rolfe are not only admired because of their position but also because of how insightful they are. I askes Duke Franklin where the mages from Konseho are but he answered with, "I did not invite those that might displease my family's most important guest," which is me. Okay, that felt really nice 'ya know, I feel like I'm being spoiled fufu. I'm worried about what those mages from Konseho might do so I will take precautions.

I excused myself from the table because I had to use the comfort room, the mansion's butler especially escorted me to the comfort room but I had him return since I can find my way easily, however, what I did not expect to see when I returned is Clarence. She's on the corner of the hall talking to someone, she's smiling, oh, if you look at it closely, that's not a smile but a grimace faked as a smile.

Pff, she must be so pissed right now being held back from talking and befriending Geubert which is her target. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Should I help her? I glanced at our table where Geubert and the bastard loathsome Lothario is, ah, I should help her.

Speaking of which, I wonder where our beloved mother is? I can't see her anywhere, she must have gone off somewhere mingling with other nobles.

I stride towards Clarence's direction and finally, I accidentally trip over the woman she was talking to.

I fake a gasp. "I'm sorry! I lost my balance for a moment, forgive me carelessness."

Expectedly, the lady was annoyed because her dress got ruined by the wine she was drinking when I tripped.

I glance at Clarence and slightly bowed to apologize but she just scoffs at me and left with her chin jutted. Heh, what a snub. Oh well, that works for me as well. Now then, I'd like to see how this unfold.

ELISE'S POINT OF VIEW

I subtly glance in the direction My Lady left but I still couldn't catch a glimpse of her. Did something happen? Is My Lady alright? What if something important happened while she was away and needed our... Oh... What am I thinking? My Lady is hiding the fact that she still has her magic but she isn't weak, she wouldn't need our help in case something happens, if anything, we, I, will just become a burden for her that's why I must stay here and follow what I told to do.

But... Ah! I couldn't help but worry for Lady Jozine's safety and wonder what is happening with her right now!

"Good grief, Elise. Be at ease, Master is fine so stop fidgeting." Eufema whispered in my ear.

I bit my lip and forced my hands to stop fidgeting. I wish I could be as calm as them but I am having a difficult time doing so, it's so simple but I can't do it! I've never been to a nobles gathering but to think I would be this nervous, I never thought! I hope I won't burden them again.

"I'm sorry..." I mumbled lowly.

"Sorry for what?" Oh, to think that Eufema heard me. I just shake my head, I might affect the mood and the mission if I keep acting like this. "Elise you're overthinking this. Remember what lady told you? Relax and think of yourself not as Elise but as Dos." Eufema whispered again.

I glance at her and nodded my head. Yes, for now, I am not Elise but Dos. Not a commoner but an executive of the auction house.

By wearing this mask, this is my identity. I am still not used to being 'Dos' but I don't want to disappoint them anymore, I have to do better!

Moments later, Lady Jozine arrived and was once again warmly welcomed by the Duke and the Marquis. It was unbelievable how they were so respectful towards Lady Jozine. When Blake told me about I couldn't imagine how the Duke and Marquis would act around My Lady but to think it's to this extent. Lady Jozine is simply amazing!

Lady Jozine must have felt my eyes boring unto her so much that she had to send a message at me through a scroll visible only to me. My Lady called this 'Private Message Scroll', derived from what she called 'Face book' to which I do not understand, still, this scroll is very convenient.

> The show is about to start Elise so... buckle up hehe.<

Oh... I smiled to myself. If Lady Jozine said that then I should prepare myself.

"If that is so then I suppose that is better than having the Hunters Association continuously tied with them." I heard Duke Franklin said with a serious expression while Marquis Rolfe nodded his head.

"But that won't be the end of it. Knowing them, they will do everything to get the Hunters Association back." Marquis Rolfe said. I do not know what they are talking about but it sounds important.

Duke Franklin and Marquis Rolfe are known to be best friends since young, they also treat commoners kindly unlike others that's why some nobles dislike them despite their position. These two noble houses are what started the kind treatment of other people to commoners and those of low birth but it's still doesn't change the opinion and disposition of the majority, especially other nobles and aristocrats.

The way Marquis Rolfe's daughter, Lady Suri smiles and responds shows just how noble she truly is, she reminds me of Lady Jozine, in a way because My Lady acts a bit different lately... for the better according to her to which I agree. Wow, never in my entire life have I ever thought that I will share a table with people having a position in the kingdom like the Duke and the Marquis. Not only that, they talk to me with respect I've never heard before!

Ahhh!!!

I feel that I'll go dizzy because of this but Eufema and Blake sound just fine. It's just me that's feeling this way at this table. My Lady is used to talking to nobles so I understand but Blake who is very mysterious, I wonder how he's calm. Maybe he got used to this too since he always accompanied My Lady here. How nice...

"Geubert is Geubert as always. One of the Knight Department's top students and also a member of the Adnimji Student Council, who wouldn't be proud?!"

I fisted my hand. That man who said that is Lothario Dexter, he is an aristocrat and was Lady Jozine's former boyfriend.

But... He cheated on her with Lady Clarence! I glanced at My Lady but because of the mask covering her face I don't know what type of expression she's wearing but I felt a sudden chill, something felt heavy.

I glanced at My Lady's way but she remained still. Too still. As if she's only looking at...

My Lady...! My Lady must be in so much pain right now! She loved him dearly and was devoted to him only but she can't even do anything or say anything because of her mask and because of how their relationship ended.

My Lady...

I bit my lip to stop myself from calling Lady Jozine. I badly wanted to console her and tell her that Sir Lothario is not worth her time anymore but I can't. She must still be attached to him in some way. She did tell me after their breakup Sir Lothario is her first love.

To think he would break her heart like that, they're too cruel to My Lady!

I closed my eyes and prayed to the gods listening that My Lady's heart will heal soon so she won't need to feel pain whenever she sees Lady Clarence nor Sir Lothario.

ZAIRE LEVI'S POINT OF VIEW

Heh, the potion is acting now.

Let me just explain what will soon unfold. Lothario Dexter is Jozine's ex-boyfriend who cheated on her through Clarence and used Jozine for his convenience and for that, of course, that mudafucking bastard needs to pay so I prepared a little gift for him, for them.

This wine is especially for Lothario's consumption. I gave this valuable and delicious wine to Duke Franklin not only because it's delicious but because this wine will trigger the [Honesty Potion] that I ordered the rats to put on Lothario's drink last night before the banquet. You see, this wine is extremely harmless to those who did not drink the potion beforehand but... The same thing can't be said if the person drank the potion within 24 hours before drinking the wine. Meaning? Oh well, we will get to listen to his lovely confessions.

Lothario Dexter started to act unsightly which I really like because the nobles are now eyeing him intensely, watching him as if he's an animal in the zoo, all for our eyes to watch.

I expect no less from nobles and aristocrats who love gossip, especially if the one being gossiped about is a prominent person. Who cares about the truth of circumstances if they have a topic to gossip about, right?

"Guebert, Geubert, Geubert. He's one talented motherfucker, son of the Duke, outstanding swordsmanship, and everything... He's an i***t though," It's starting.

I caught Geubert's facial expressions paled while looking at Lothario while Duke Franklin and Marquis Rolfe are eyeing Lothario seriously. Hmm, they seem interested.

If Geubert is royalty, he would have been beheaded. Too bad.

Lothario continued his confession from his envy of Geubert's talent and what he truly thinks of Geubert. How Geubert was naive, too kind and how stupid he is, how he is better than Geubert in every aspect. He continued until...

"So, feels amazing those dumb ladies flock around me for my attention. That reminds me, everyone knows who Lady Jozine of House Vesaurius right? That Lady Prodigy?" He chuckles, "well, she's head over heels for me. Willing to do anything to help achieve my dreams. Another i***t!" He then burst out laughing as if remembering how Jozine acted around him. Okay, this is really starting to get me. I knew he's a fake but to this extent? Wow, he's amazing I want to kick and break his balls. "Jozine was devoted, honest, and very helpful, but stupid still. She's unaware that while she's doing everything for me to become a knight her sister, Clarence is doing everything for me too! That reminds me! Clarence is one cunning b***h!" He burst out laughing again, proudly at that while everyone's attention shifted to Clarence's direction.

She looks horrified. Her eyes wide and mouth agape while looking at Lothario, she's as pale like a paper and when the people listening started to change the wave of their murmurs from Geubert to Lothario and Clarence, Clarence's eyes watered. She turned around to leave hurriedly not waiting for further embarrassment but the murmurs only for worse because of what she did. She is guilty and she proved it by running away.

Lothario continued his banter when Duke Franklin heaved a deep sigh then turned to me. "What an unsightly sight this is. Forgive me, Istorya. To think this would happen while you're at our table."

Eek! I was the reason though. "I don't mind, Duke. Besides, it's entertaining how a person's color reveals themselves because they're drunk." I chuckle. And that's my doing too. Hurrah! "Nonetheless, I guess that man needs to leave. He really is unsightly. Pathetic even." So pathetic. Just where does this Lothario get his confidence from? It's freaking astronomical!

Geubert stood up. "Let me take him back to his carriage, father. It was I who invited him regardless."

How professional of him. To think he was friends with that two-faced.

Duke Franklin let Geubert take care of Lothario while the banquet continued as if nothing happened.

But when tomorrow came...

"MOTHER.....!" That's Clarence wailing her soul out in front of the table while Felicia looked super stressed, she looked like aged ten years.

Oops, must have been tough cleaning Clarence's mess. She wouldn't be able to clean the rumors whatever she does. It spread in the entire city overnight because of the nobles who heard and witnessed Lothario's confession.

I cleared my throat, "what's the matter, Clarence?" I ask curiously because I did not attend the banquet. Pff!

"Eeek!" Clarence squeaks in shock before she runs away. Again. Huh, so this is how she is when she's trouble. She wants Momma.

I sat on my chair while Elise served me.

"You must not go out these days," Felicia suddenly announced, or wait, is that a suggestion?

Heh. So she doesn't want me to know the humiliation Clarence suffered. I guess I'll have to play along. "I understand mother. I am also not feeling well so I'd rather stay at home,"

Fufufufu! This is so fun. I can torture Clarence while staying here by just appearing in front of her!

"Very well."

I nodded my head while smirking on the inside. Now, time to drop the bomb.

"By the way mother," I look at her and smiled. Super sweetly. "How was the banquet?"

Felicia froze before she cleared her throat. "It was... It was fantastic. Your sister and I had fun and the Duke was welcoming. I will make sure to bring you next time."

My smile did not falter although I'm cackling on the inside. " Really, mother? That's amazing!"

Yeah, it's so amazing how you almost fainted after what happened last night.

"Maybe we should visit the Duke sometimes?" I suggested and just as I expected, she panicked and dropped the spoon. Goodness, look how guilty you are Felicia~

"I suppose that is impossible at the moment. We will do that when everything is well."

I badly want to just laugh at loud until I fart because of her expression. See, that's why you should know when to bluff and when not to.

I wonder how that Lothario bastard is doing?

THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW

Meanwhile, Lothario woke up in an inn with his badge as a knight missing and the letter from the Knight Squadron he was in is placed on the table with only three words kept repeating on his head.

'You are dismissed'

When he left the inn everyone is looking at him as if he's a virus and when he tried talking to the girl in the restaurant who would usually flock around him, he was kicked out of the restaurant.

"... Wha... What is happening...?"

The story of Lothario's day turning into a nightmare is just getting started.