Chapter 241
As if that would ever happen.
I gave Han Ji-hyuk a pointed look.
Apparently, Conrad had heard his words too, because a sigh came from the other side of the communication stone.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s not as simple as you think.”
I clicked my tongue in disapproval.
Using the power of a dragon to wage war against the family?
Sure, that part sounds fine.
But what happens afterward?
‘The whole world would fear me.’
The imperial family.
Other noble families.
Fear would subtly turn me into a public enemy.
‘And we all know how that ends.’
So, no thanks.
Crossing my arms, I turned to Conrad.
“So, who was it that claimed I should be ‘owned’ by the family?”
[Lord Valdrich, Lord Sylvain, Lord Hernan, and Lady Bastina as well…!]
Conrad rattled off the names like he was tattling.
It seemed like listening to that nonsense at the manor had nearly driven him insane.
‘I get it. Just hearing it secondhand makes my head throb.’
How much worse must it have been for Conrad, who had to listen to it all firsthand?
[They delivered their arguments with such fervor it was almost admirable.]
“Yeah, yeah. You’ve had a tough time.”
I consoled Conrad while silently committing the names to memory:
‘Valdrich, Sylvain, Hernan, and Bastina.’
No surprises there.
I made a mental note of all of them.
How dare they entertain such thoughts.
‘They’re all done for.’
“Oh, Grandfather didn’t say anything, right?”
[That’s correct.]
Good. That’s all that matters for now.
“Got it. Keep me updated on the situation.”
[Understood.]
With that, I ended the call.
Han Ji-hyuk, who had been waiting the entire time I was on the call, tapped the table.
On the table was a literal mountain of invitations.
“They’re all yours.”
Ugh.
For nobles, responding to invitations is mandatory, whether or not you plan to attend.
It’s considered proper etiquette.
‘This is usually a nanny’s job.’
Nannies for nobles handle such matters until the child turns 17.
But I didn’t have a nanny right now.
Which meant…
I had to write replies to all these invitations myself.
“When am I supposed to finish all this…?”
“Good luck.”
Han Ji-hyuk offered a half-hearted encouragement, his lips curling in a barely concealed smirk.
‘That guy.’
I pouted and slumped my cheek onto the table.
‘I really need someone to handle these things for me.’
This kind of mundane task wasn’t worth my time, and as more invitations came in, they’d only continue to pile up.
‘Alright, I’ll hire a nanny.’
I perked up with renewed resolve.
***
Finding a nanny couldn’t be done immediately, and the invitations needed responses quickly.
So, by the time I finished writing replies to every single one, it was pitch dark outside.
Night had fallen without me noticing.
Dad and my brothers returned to the estate looking utterly exhausted.
They had been swamped with attention from the moment they arrived in the capital.
Of course, the nobles wouldn’t leave them alone.
Having a golden connection like Dad around was akin to dangling treasure in front of them.
Naturally, they would try to grab hold of it.
“The manor was more comfortable.”
Balzac sighed as he plopped down on the sofa.
At Astra Manor, we rarely received invitations.
Why would a branch family invite the main line, after all?
That would be like Riantine inviting the Empress Dowager to her party—unthinkable.
‘Invitations were exchanged exclusively among the direct bloodline, and we weren’t part of that group back then.’
In Daymond’s jurisdiction, people were so disdainful they didn’t even bother inviting us to parties.
It was, admittedly, quite convenient.
“Why are there so many club invitations? Do capital nobles do nothing but eat and hang out in clubs?”
Balzac grumbled as he picked up a bundle of forcibly received invitations.
While girls enjoyed social salons, boys often attended clubs.
He began reading the clubs listed on the envelopes one by one.
“Equestrian Club, Billiards Club, Poker Club, Fencing Club… ‘Warmly Watching Rabbits Club’? Are they insane?”
Balzac snapped and tossed the invitations aside.
Joshua’s situation wasn’t much better.
“Book Club, Calligraphy Club, Magic Research Club… ‘Advocacy for Second Sons Club’?”
Joshua’s face twisted in disbelief.
“I’m not even a second son. Why am I getting invited to this nonsense?”
Watching him mutter incredulously made me laugh.
As for Lysmond…
When our eyes met, he quickly hid his invitations behind his back.
Balzac didn’t miss it.
“What’s that? What kind of weird club is it?”
He snatched the invitations from Lysmond’s hands and read the envelope aloud.
“‘From Catherine J., Who Wants to Be Your Little Kitten.’”
“……”
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.