I remember Louisa's 18th birthday. The idea of being the star of the night sounds amazing, but also seem like it carries a lot of pressure. I was both interested and not interested about that feeling. I experienced being the center of attraction before, but that was a fistfight so I didn't notice the crowd.

***

Toning's the night of Conferring of Peerage of nobles across the kingdom. Everyone's nervous especially us, the young nobles since most of us will either have their peerage promoted, demoted, or even stripped. Everyone from the Baron level and up will not worry about it unless they did something that would make the king displeased.

Anyhow, I got my hands full since there's at least 7 people asking for my protection. That includes the 2 dukes, Duke Allard and Duke Mullen.

The five others are wearing rings like Jane is wearing, but the dukes have something else which is a secret.

Eric also has the protection ring. He told me it was unnecessary, but I insisted. He's now acquainted to me so his life is in danger without him realizing it.

I have a feeling that Duke Mullen and Allard have something planned against me. During my meeting with them this morning, both of them smell a bit fishy. It was written all over their face.

Though the fact about the dukes plotting something against me is only a suspicion, I hope that it remains as just that. If they DID try something against me, I will have to retaliate or the Temples would think I'm weak.

They have been quiet for some time now, but I wouldn't be surprised if they suddenly attack me tonight.

My guard is up and tight. I don't have any magic against poison so I will resist the temptation of drinking tonight! I don't even have cure for it too.

Also, I'm expecting to meet a lot of people in the ball tonight. This will be a long night for me.

“I-I feel so nervous! This is the first time I'm going to a ball, even though I'm just going to stand on the side as maid, entering the royal palace is something beyond my dreams!”

“Come on now, you should calm down a bit. Here, drink some wine.”

Currently, Jane and I are in a carriage I Duke Mullen offered for me to use when going to the royal palace. And by the way, this wine I'm drinking is something I put into a flask before coming here. It's just something to ease my thirst.

“Ah… I'm sorry for getting too excited, but I can't accept the offer. That's yours.”

“Well, a little sip wouldn't hurt.”

I insisted on my offer since Jane looks really nervous. I just drank from it so I'm hoping she wouldn't mind an indirect kiss.

Wait a minute, it feels like this isn't the first time. Weird…

“T-thank you.”

Reluctantly, she accepts the flask and drink from it.

That reminds me, did I put a strong one or not? I'm too distracted by the crowd outside so I didn't mind the flavor while drinking.

*Cough! Cough!*

Jane suddenly coughs and puts away the flask.

So I put a strong one huh…

“My throat hurts!”

“You're not used to this. I'm sorry.”

It's probably too spicy for her. She's fanning her mouth so much like her hands would come off. I can't help but giggle because of it. It's cute.

Of course, I'm not so heartless to leave her like that.

I create a smooth crystal glass using crystalized mana from the ether. After that, I fill the crystal glass with water. Still, with magic.

“Here, drink this.”

Immediately after I showed it to her, she takes it from my hand and drink from it like there's no tomorrow. Was it really that spicy for her?

“Hah.... it's finally gone..”

“Was it too much for you?”

“Not really, but I didn't expect that it would be too spicy.”

Yep, I put Dwarven Rum instead of Citrus Grape Wine alright. The two have the same color so I wasn't able to tell the difference.

“After such a long time, I finally experienced something normal again.”

“Huh?”

All of a sudden, Jane starts talking while looking at the magic-made glass.

What did she mean by normal?

“Well, you know. Just like what happened just now. Burning your tongue from the a new flavor you ate or drink is normal for me. In contrast to that, everything I experienced so far still feels like a dream.”

As she said that, she makes a little smile while fiddling with the glass.

“I never once dreamed of flying in the sky before, but you were able to give me suck opportunity, go to places I've never been to before, and even receive gifts which I never once asked for….. Even though I’m just a maid, a girl of common birth from a poor village, I was able to experience things beyond my imagination. Yet even so…… I never was able to properly say my thanks. I don't think I'm…… in the position in the first place.”

This might be the first time I've heard Jane talk so much. Maybe she's loosened up a bit.

“Even if it sounds too shameless, I'll say it to you, Sir Key. I'll follow you wherever you go.”

The way she say it with her gentle voice makes me believe that she actually meant it.

How do I say this? I feel a bit funny right now.

“Jane…”

All of a sudden, our carriage hits a block on the road. Because of that, I jumped a little and made me grab Jane's hand by pure accident.

I thought that Jane would get mad, but for some reason, her cheeks become rosy while looking away.

“I…. I don't hate it.”

Slowly, she looks at my face. I could feel her trembling just by holding her hand.

For some reason, my body feels like it's getting pulled towards her.

Yet, it feels like I shouldn't struggle from it.

Jane's face looks like it's coming closer to mine.

I could feel my heart's beating through my ears overpowering the sound of the horses' horseshoe hitting the brick road.

Jane closes her eyes as her lips gets closer to mine.

I can smell the rum and strawberries mixing from her breath as it mixes with mine.

We're only a millimeter close our lips are.

And I…..

…..

…..

…..

…..

…..?

“Sir, we have arrived.”

I open my eyes when I heard the coachman's voice from outside.

And to my surprise, I'm looking at Jane, who is also looking at me, with our lips touching each other.

“WAAAA!”

“Uh.”

Immediately, Jane pulls herself away while covering her face.

But what just happened just now?

Why did I kiss her?

Was it me who made the move?!

Did she made the move?!

What?!

What??

Huh?!!

“Sir, we have arrived at our destination.”

My mind went into overload while looking at empty space. If the coachman didn't call out, I might have stayed like that for another hour.

No, Key! Leave this matter aside for now. The Inauguration comes first. I need to keep it together!

I wanted to call out to Jane, but she's still covering her face. It's awkward to force her to come with me right now too.

“Uh, Jane? You can just follow me later when you feel like it. Just stay here for as long as you like.”

I get out of the carriage quickly to get out of that awkward atmosphere.

And then, when I got out, I found myself getting welcomed by a red carpet stairs.

But before I go up, I turn my head to the coachman and clenched something in his hand. It's a gold coin by the way.

“Please take care of her. If she wants to go home, please send her back.”

“Yes sir!”

The coachman salutes me and then makes the horses move.

After that, the carriage moves forward to where the carriages are parked. It's not too far.

Skipping 20 steps on the stairs, I teleported to the front door immediately. If I can see the grand hall from here, I would have teleported there instead.

The huge golden castle doors are open for the nobles who are going to either watch the inauguration or participate in the ball. Yet even so, only I am here. There's no signs of anyone here.

I can hear music from the inside playing, but for the open castle door to be deserted…. That's very unexpected. There's not a single knight or guard standing here too. Very odd.

After entering the doorway, I got greeted by a man in black butler clothes. He bowed to me on one knee before saying anything. Where did he come from?!

“Good Evening, Celestial Magus. We have been waiting for your presence. Please follow me.”

“Y-yeah…”

He stands up and turns a heel and starts walking into the empty hallway.

I observe the hallway's ceiling while having my guard up. This is actually the second time I've entered this place yet I still get amazed on how beautiful this is.

There are paintings on the walls, expensive looking furniture, and surprisingly, there are new curtains which has an imbedded magic array on it. It may look like a fancy decoration, but I can feel magic flowing through it. Probably defensive magic.

When we reached a corner before going into the main hall, I grab the butler by the shoulder making him stop.

“What is it, sir?”

“I have this maid that's supposed to be with me right now, but she's currently in my carriage at the moment. Would you please welcome her if she ever comes to the entrance?”

The butler got surprised from my request. He probably didn't expect me to ask kindly.

“I-I can't, sir. It's not my job. But I know someone, I'll forward your request to them.”

“Thank you.”

We continue walking to the hallway like nothing happened. Though he's acting calmly, he's probably nervous around me. I can tell from his relieved sigh he did secretly. I noticed it.

I can tell that we're near since I could hear some chattering.

Then when we arrived in the main hall, I got welcomed—no, not exactly welcomed, but like the emptiness of the hallway was a joke, the main hall is filled with noblemen and women from every prestigious families and households.

When I took my first step inside, everyone looked at me and fell quiet. They're acting like they've seen a ghost.

It was too sudden that after my third step, I stopped walking and froze on the spot. It might not be obvious on my face but, I'm so nervous.

I deeply regret coming here late.

“Ah! Chevalier Chardelier, you finally arrived!”

Like pouring cold water on my head, I heard a familiar voice in the crowd from the far left. When I turned me head, I got slightly surprised to see him.

Well, I expected to meet him this evening, but not this soon.

“Duke Dalseriev, you made it.”

“I should be the one saying that.”

The crowd opens up a space to make way for the Duke. At that time, I bowed to show respect to my master.

Hmm… it seems that this act made everyone surprised. I could hear whisperings around.

“You may stand. I thought you wouldn't show up at this our.”

“It was my fault for not doing my work in a haste, my apologies.”

“Well at least you arrived on time. Say… what's this rumor about you and moon above the royal capital? Is it true that you summoned one?”

Duke Dalseriev looks like he wants to hear the whole story, but I can’t since it would take up too much time.

“It's a long story. I'll tell you everything after the inauguration. That way, we'll have more time to talk.”

“Ahahaha, right! Before I forget, I'd like to say my thanks on that Great Mithril Axe you sent me. It cuts great!”

“Don’t tell me…. You went hunting?!”

“Yeah! That magic axe gave me enough vitality to make my body move like in my prime.”

Duke might look buff and all, but he's already old. It amazes me that he still like doing activities such as hunting. I was expecting something like giving it to one of his subordinates, not use it himself.

Well anyhow, thanks to his casual chat with me, everyone including me calmed down and went back to what they were doing.

The duke wanted to pull me to his table where his sons and daughters are, but I have something else to do so I passed the chance.

After all, there are people looking at me from the crowd. And they're not just any people, they're my family.

“Louisa! Mom! Denise! You're here!”

“Of course we would, I may just be an aristocrat, but I'm still the little sister of the Chardelier Household.”

“Damn, you look like you’re ready to take out every girl here. Your hair looks like it's gotten longer too.”

“You look like you've grown so much, Key. Me and your dad are so proud!”

Louisa's way of talking somehow changed, but she still hugs me like she missed me. This little sister of mine is adorable sometimes. Denise… well, she didn’t change that much. Apart from her dress that’s emphasizing her boobs, she still looks as beautiful as always.

Lastly, it's mom. She kisses my left cheek and then hugs me tightly. Of course, I hug her back. I missed everyone of them.

“I missed you, guys. It's been a long time huh. Was it 5 or 6 months?”

“Seven to be exact. And there's someone we'd like you to meet.”

After mom lets go of me, she then turns to one direction.

And to my surprise, it's someone I didn't meet after such a long time. I didn't even expect to meet him here to be honest.

“Dad?”

“You starting to look like me. Except for the hair and beardless face, you look nearly like me.”

That's right, it's dad. And I haven’t introduced him to everyone yet, his name is Kenneth Tanner.

By force of habit, I reach out my hand to him. For some reason, he didn't realize what it means.

“Key?”

“Oh, right. It's a handshake dad. It's a custom here.”

If he reacts like that, he probably just arrived in this world.

After he reaches out to my hand, when I gripped his hand, it felt, a little soft.

“Ow! Ow! Ow!”

“Oh sorry dad! It was just a habit.”

I accidentally gripped his hand too tight when I shake it. It nearly broke due to my inhumane strength too.

“So you've gain a habit of breaking hands here huh…”

“No, you're just weaker than everyone here.”

Mom goes to dad and heals his hand with magic. But damn, it's been a very long while since I've heard mom burn dad.

“So dad, how'd it go alone in earth?”

“It was lonely. Ow!”

“Lonely my ass.”

Even though we're in public, mom didn't hold back on pulling dad's ears. I can already guess what happened.

“Well, as long as you left everything in Earth in a good way, you will not have a problem here. As the current head of the Chardelier Household, you can bear our my name. Don't worry, I still consider you as my father, dad.”

When I said him that, dad crosses his arms while making a wry smile.

“You changed a lot, Key. It makes me feel proud and lonely at the same time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, as a father. Seeing my son grow into a fine man makes me feel assured that I raised him well, but since you've already grown up, you're going to leave us behind now. I would feel lonely as a parent, but your mother would be the one doing that the most.”

“Dear…”

Damn, dad's words made me feel fluffy inside. And it looks like it touched mom and Louise. They're starting to tear up.

While we're talking with each other, all of a sudden, my vision went black.

It appears someone dared to cover my eyes with her hands. I say ‘her' since the hand feels really soft and I could feel a pair of soft objects pressed against my back. And they're huge!

“You know we can feel each other’s presence wherever we are, right?”

“Boo! You're no fun.”

Turning my body immediately, I hugged back Cherry who was standing behind me.

She hugs me back and then kisses me on the lips lightly. If she's aggressive like this, I'm guessing she really missed me.

After parting from my lips, she looks at me in the eyes and smiles beautifully. Even her hair is starting to glow in yellow from our synchronized magic. She's literally glowing.

“I missed you, Key.”

“I missed you too, Cherry.”

She starts getting close to my face again, but then suddenly a familiar hand cups her face and pulls her away from me.

“How many times do I have to say to not leave me out?”

“Matt, of course, I missed you too.”

Matt wraps her arms around my neck and gives me a deep kiss.

Obviously, it got everyone's attention again. I can hear whispers and chattering everywhere. There's also a sound of breaking glass too.

After parting with me, she gives me a big smile.

“It's been a long time since we kissed.”

“It's just nearly 3 weeks though.”

She giggles when I answered her jokingly. After that, she lets go of me like a silk slipping from my fingers.

“Key, who are they and why did they kiss you?”

Dad suddenly grabs—grips my shoulder tightly. I can sense tremendous hatred from him.

“Ah, yeah… You just arrived so you probably don't know yet dad. They're actually my fiancées.”

I ignore the pressure dad's releasing and turn to him.

“Did you say ‘dad' just now?”

Both Matt and Cherry got surprised about it. After that, they became thrilled to see him.

“If you’re Key's father then, it's nice to finally meet you father-in-law.”

“Me too, I'm very glad to meet you father-in-law.”

Taking the lead, Matt lightly kisses Dad on the left cheek. After her, Cherry kisses the right part.

“Dad, they are your future daughters-in-law. The golden haired girl is Cherlaine Relyzine Goldenbloom, and the one with green hair is Matilda Balerishk. And girls, he's my dad, his name is Kenneth Tanner.”

Dad falls into a state of shock when I properly introduced them. Wait no… He's ogling them. Damn it dad!

I wanted to hit dad on the face, but thankfully, mom does it for me.

“We're going to have a serious discussion after this. Is that clear?”

“Y-yes…”

Heh… Dad's going to get beaten up later. I guarantee it.

Now that this is done, maybe I should prepare myself for what's coming for me. I could sense his bloodlust even if he would be a mile away.

Without chanting, I let out the claw from > and turn a heel. At that moment, I was able to catch a blade that was ready to cut me in two.

“Good evening, father-in-law. Did you like my gift?”

“Good evening to you too, son-in-law. Yes, this Mithril Magic Sword is an excellent sword. Probably the strongest one I have right now.”

“Then that's great! But I'm curious though, why would you try and kill me with it?”

“Ah, it's nothing. Seeing my daughter kiss a man who kisses another woman in front of her just makes me feel a little irritated.”

“I understand. I would feel the same too.”

Though we're having a peaceful chat here, we're actually in a deadlock with sword versus claw. Everyone that is watching us are frozen with shock. There's a sound of glass breaking again.

Seriously, whoever's doing it should stop.

“I see you've gotten stronger. To be able to catch my attack with just one hand, you're sure have progressed too fast.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

Well anyhow, Earl Goldenbloom still wants my head on a silver platter even though me and Cherry are in great terms now. How much does he hate me anyway?

All of a sudden, I could feel a magical pulse from nearby. Judging from the sensation of it being directed only towards me, this one's a friendly.

As I turn my head to that direction, I saw an old man wearing a mystical looking robe. Without a doubt, this is the Headmaster of Half-moon academy, Viscount Balerishk.

“We meet again, Viscount Balerishk. How was my gift?”

“It was good, but the mana conduction needs a little bit of improvement. Other than that, magic guidance and amplification was good. But for a staff to be made of pure Mithril and stay light, did you use gravity magic?”

“Yes, and thank you for that review, I’ll improve it later on.”

I like the way he ignores Earl Goldenbloom that's trying to kill me.

“Well anyhow, the time for your Inauguration is about to start. Allow me to congratulate you first.”

“Thank you for that.”

And just like he said, the Main Event is about to start.

As the knights blow the horns, everyone's attention gathers to the end of the Main Hall.

“Damn, this will be mind-wracking.”