Chapter 52: The 13th Birthday Party
April arrived, and I celebrated my 13th birthday. Thinking back, so many things happened this past year. I was happy that we successfully harvested the drought-resistant Wheat, we welcomed the Elves who escaped the Sea of Trees into the territory, and Mabel came to the Workshop.
I was surprised when the Elven Elder called me the Savior. I was worried when Mother collapsed with Tuberculosis, but with the hint from the Dwarf Ancient Documents and the help of Theo, who awakened as an Apostle, I was able to create the medicine. Being able to save Mother with my Production Skill confirmed that I made the right choice in selecting this skill.
After that, I went to Winchester for the first time and met His Majesty and Her Highness Flora. Although it was decided that I would be granted the rank of Baron in the future, I still don’t feel a sense of reality about it. I am grateful that Oliver came to help out at the Workshop. After all, I didn’t even have an accountant. Even though I am called the Savior, I lack the power, so I am grateful that everyone around me helps me.
Looking back, it was truly a dizzying year. I wonder if I can take it easy this year? The feeling that I heard “No way you can take it easy” is probably just a trick of the ear, right?
A special guest is coming to my birthday party this year. It is Lucas Sheffield, the eldest son of the northern Grand Duke House. He is one year younger than my brother at the Royal Academy.
While the infectious disease was raging, students refrained from traveling, but now that the medicine has been distributed to some extent and the infection has subsided, it seems travel is possible again. I heard that when Brother was preparing to return home for the holidays, his junior, Lucas Sheffield, requested to accompany him.
My brother’s network seems to be expanding smoothly. Since my birthday party was also happening, the Duke‘s son also agreed to participate. Since my future Peerage has been decided, my parents have told me to be careful of the noble girls. Since Brother and the Grand Duke‘s eldest son are coming, the targets will surely be dispersed, which is a relief.
Her Highness Princess Flora sent a birthday letter and a congratulatory gift. Her letter said she regretted not being able to attend, but I’m sure that is just a social formality.
The day of the party arrived. The Margrave House‘s hall was packed. When Brother introduced the Grand Duke‘s heir and himself as guests, a cheer erupted from the audience. After greeting the main guests, I moved to the side of the wall, erasing my presence so as not to be noticed.
Yes, the noble girls are surrounding Lucas Sheffield and Brother as expected. Both are handsome boys, and the heirs of Great Nobles, after all. As I quietly drank Black Tea at a table in a blind spot from the hall, I heard a familiar voice.
“What is the main character of today doing over here?”
“Hello, Letty, it’s been a while. Thanks to Lord Lucas and Brother, I can relax, which I’m grateful for.”
Letty held her head.
“You shouldn’t be grateful, honestly. Don’t you think you should go to the center of the hall since you are the main character?”
“No, I don’t think that at all. I’ve already greeted the main guests. I’m bad at talking while being mindful of people I don’t know well. Especially with girls, I can’t talk properly.”
“Most boys are happy when girls approach them. Will, you’re like an old man.”
“That’s harsh, Letty. I just turned 13.”
Letty gave an exasperated look but sat down next to me and started drinking Black Tea.
“Well, I’m not good at parties either, so I understand.”
“Eh, you are? When there’s a party at the Cardiff House, you’re surrounded by your entourage and acting so composed.”
“I don’t think the word ‘entourage’ is appropriate. There are people who compliment me, but I’m not happy listening to flattery. I keep a polite smile due to my position, but I’m actually tired.”
“Hmm, I feel like I heard something I shouldn’t have.”
“I don’t want to hear that from you, the main character, who is slacking off.”
We laughed heartily together. Yes, Letty is a valuable childhood friend I can talk to without reservation.
“By the way, Will, what kind of person was Her Highness Princess Flora?”
“Ah, it seems she was constantly troubled because the skill she was blessed with was Commercial Skill.”
“I see. It is strange that the nobles in this country only value the sword and Magic. Even though internal affairs are important.”
“That’s right. But it seems she became more positive after I told her about the merits of Commercial Skill that Oliver taught me.”
“That’s good. Is the gift that arrived today a thank you for that?”
“Yes, I think that’s part of it. However, I have exchanged letters with Her Highness a few times, so I feel it’s an extension of that.”
“Oh, is that so? You’ve become friends with Her Highness. It’s good since Her Highness‘s beauty is famous. It’s decided that Will will be granted the rank of Baron, but I’m sure you can attain an even higher rank. It’s not a dream to be active in Winchester.”
“No, I want to relax in the Frontier.”
“Honestly, you haven’t changed. Couldn’t you have a little more ambition?”
“I would prefer it if you called me consistent.”
As I was relaxing by the wall, Brother found me. Letty sensed Eddie-nii-san’s presence and quickly escaped.
“What is the main character doing being a Wallflower?”
I was reprimanded unusually by my kind Brother and led to the center of the hall.
