Happy Daily Life of a Reincarnated Noble Blessed with Vassals - Chapter 30

“My lord, we’ve started receiving replies from the guests to whom we sent invitations. Beginning with Marquis Artemitos, we’ve received confirmations from Duke Chriswood’s son, Lord Rischard, Viscount Southfield’s son, Lord Mick, and Baron Ronfriend’s son, Lord Brave. All of the guests you specifically requested to attend have confirmed their participation.”

Hameslot handed me a bundle of letters neatly tucked into a basket. He had separated the ones from my friends, so I could read those later.

I had already heard their noteworthy stories from Command, but I figured there might be something worth feeling by reading their letters myself.

“I see. That’s good. It’s hard to find time to meet with friends except for opportunities like this,” I replied.

“My lord, your friends are truly remarkable. It’s widely said that Lord Rischard, the prodigy of House Chriswood, has the talent to reinstate their house among the top ten noble families. As for Lord Brave of House Ronfriend, he declined an offer from the royal castle after graduating from the academy and chose to serve under House Chriswood instead. I’ve heard that he prioritized his friendship over future status. And Lord Mick from House Southfield—he’s already organized a troop of elite soldiers, preparing to take over as the head of the Southfield warriors,” Amy’s cheeks flushed as she rattled off this information rapidly.

Isn’t she a little too informed?

I thought she hadn’t even left the estate much until recently.

Well, I was surprised too when Brave chose to work for Rischard’s family. But the biggest surprise? Rischard, the duke’s son, apparently slips into a feminine speech pattern when speaking casually.

Noted.

At least now I won’t be caught off guard.

“Since I can’t leave the estate often, I tend to focus on rumors. Especially about those around my age.”

“I see, so it’s like that. You know so much about my friends that I almost got jealous for a second,” I teased.

“Oh my, Lord Rex! Of course, I’ve heard rumors about you too! But they were, well, things I’d hesitate to repeat, considering most of them reinforced your reputation as ‘Madman Rex’.”

Well, that’s not surprising. I’ve heard more than enough about how Rex Hesselink is seen as a dangerous guy.

Look, things were different before I reincarnated. So, yes, I might be considered a madman, but it’s not really me. Let’s just leave it at that.

I chuckled awkwardly, trying to brush it off.

“Oh. Rischard’s that dangerous magic warrior, right? The one who stormed into my old house with you, big bro?”

That’s right. Before, Command had just mentioned a friend’s cooperation, but the full story involved us raiding the headquarters of the Dark Serpent. Apparently, Rischard was an all-rounder prodigy like Amy and earned the nickname “The Prodigy.”

A noble with an alias and a quirky way of speaking? Definitely a strong character.

“Yeah, he’s what you’d call a best friend, I suppose? Well, those three are pretty much my only friends. In the later years of school, the four of us—Rischard included—were always together.”

I don’t remember it, but it’s in the records. It turns out we were known for being really close and part of a notorious faction called the “Madmen.” Apparently, we’re still remembered as a dangerous group at school.

Dangerous faction? Seriously?

“Don’t worry, my lord! I don’t have anyone I could call a friend either!”

No need to make such a sad confession, Amy!

“I don’t have any either,” Mary chimed in. “Most people in my organization were enemies or rivals. Well, except for one… I wonder if they’re still alive?”

That’s heartbreaking, Mary! Tell me their name, and I’ll help you find them!

“Okay, let’s change the subject. Let’s talk about the ceremony. Amy, are you sure you only want to invite family members?” I had been addressing her as ‘Lady Amy,’ but she asked me to drop the formalities, so now I just call her ‘Amy.’ Though it still makes me feel a bit shy.

“Yes. I don’t have any close acquaintances. It’ll just be my parents and a few relatives. Lord Rex will have your friends and Marquis Artemitos, right?”

I had asked Marquis Artemitos to be my patron, and he agreed. Although he was in a position where he couldn’t really refuse, he kindly said to leave it to him, so I took him up on that offer.

“Yes. Apart from them, following noble customs, I’ll invite some older noblemen whose names I know, even though I’ve never met them.”

I had sent invitations to families with a certain status and no history of past conflicts. Judging from the contents of the basket, we had received a decent number of replies, so the guest list seemed fine.

As I felt a bit relieved, Hameslot suddenly spoke with a serious tone, his tension palpable.

Oh no, don’t tell me…

“Regarding those older noblemen, there is one more thing to report.”

“What is it, Hameslot? Judging by your expression, this isn’t good news. But go on.”

“It’s not necessarily bad news. However, we received an enthusiastic letter from someone we didn’t send an invitation to, requesting to attend the ceremony.”

A bad feeling crept over me.

Has an uninvited guest ever brought good results, in any culture, past or present? I mean, there’s that story about the witch cursing a party she wasn’t invited to, right? That wasn’t a wedding, but still…

“Well, well. I’d like to say this is surprising, but… I was careful not to invite any lesser houses. So, this must be a family either trying to curry favor with ours, with Canilunya, or with one of the nobles attending. Which house is it?”

Please, let it be some small, obscure family!

“The letter was addressed to the head butler. However, the detailed request is likely written in this letter addressed to you, my lord.”

The letter was extravagant—far more luxurious than the others, with pristine white paper and a seal showing a golden plow crossed with a silver sword.

Oh no.

I had just studied this, so I know exactly which family this crest belongs to.

“This… is this some kind of joke? No, no one would dare use this crest as a prank.”

My hope was crushed.

Alright, Amy, care to confirm my suspicion?

“May I, my lord? Excuse me…! Th-this is the royal seal, isn’t it? Wait, does that mean—”

“Yes, it means someone from the royal family wishes to attend. Ah, the unpredictability of absolute power is a rather difficult thing to deal with.”