In This Life I Will Be The Lord Novel - Episode 36

Ah, is that how it begins? I racked my memory. That’s right. It seemed to have been around this time in my previous life too. When Bellesac began to frequently visit the imperial palace, acting as the First Prince’s playmate. In truth, it wasn’t because Astana and Bellesac were that close. Astana considered Bellesac an annoying hanger-on, so a genuine friendship was out of the question. It was purely a political maneuver.

“Aren’t you jealous?” Bellesac boasted to me and the other cousins at the table.

“No.”

“Not at all.”

“Why would I be jealous of playing with that rude, ill-tempered kid?”

“That kid even treated Tia disrespectfully.” The twins answered in an unenthusiastic tone. They were probably sincere. To the Lombardi children, the demanding imperial family wasn’t a particularly appealing playmate. But would other noble families feel the same?

“Hmph. Lies. Everyone was jealous!” He had probably already boasted about it extensively at a few social gatherings. And that was precisely what Viese and Selal wanted. Of course, it wasn’t just to show off in front of people. More than that, it was to demonstrate how close the relationship was between the First Prince, meaning the Empress, and the Viese couple.

“So, half-breed, you.” Bellesac pointed at me, who was silently sitting there, with the tip of a sharp fork. “It’d be good for you to listen to me from now on. Like you used to, obediently.”

What is that idiot talking about? I wasn’t jealous of his friendship with the First Prince, who would eventually be dragged down by the Second Prince and sent to the battlefield anyway. But Bellesac’s triumphant demeanor, oblivious to that future, was infuriating. I didn’t respond and quietly buttered my bread. Generously, generously. Very meticulously. And then I lifted it.

Flinch! Bellesac, who had been watching me, flinched violently. But I deliberately brought the buttered bread to my mouth and took a bite, making sure Bellesac saw it. Only then did Bellesac’s face turn crimson as he realized the situation. I deliberately spoke loudly, licking the bread crumbs from the corner of my mouth with my tongue.

“Scaredy-cat.” I heard the twins giggling on either side of me. Astaliu’s slightly disappointed, tearful face aimed at Bellesac was a bonus. Oh, how satisfying.

Just then, the door to Eleanor Hall opened, and I saw my grandfather entering. My grandfather, after a brief glance at his grandchildren sitting around, walked straight to the large table. The adults who had been seated stood up and greeted my grandfather. The family banquet was just beginning. I quietly closed my mouth and strained my ears to listen to the conversations from the large table.

“It warms my heart to see you all gathered like this,” Rulac said with satisfaction, looking at his assembled children and their spouses. The direct descendants of Lombardi had a relatively good relationship. Compared to other families where situations too terrible to witness unfolded, proving that blood ties were meaningless in the face of power, Lombardi was better. At least, no siblings had yet stabbed each other with swords. And that was also proof that Rulac was still strong. If the Patriarch showed weakness and the vassals had to consider the next generation, it would be difficult for everyone to gather around the table like this. Those who had reclaimed the Lombardi Patriarchship had done so, and Rulac himself had done the same.

“Bring in the food.” Rulac commanded the butler. A moment later, servants lined up, holding several silver trays aloft.

“Wow, how amazing,” the children exclaimed, their eyes sparkling, seeing two male servants grunting as they carried in a large roasted pig with a red apple in its mouth, at the back of the procession. An appetizing aroma already filled the banquet hall. And a man in clean clothes entered last. He was the Patriarch’s exclusive chef. For reference, Emperor Jovanes’ chef was his disciple. The chef bowed respectfully to Rulac, then personally picked up a knife and carved the roasted pig into serving-sized pieces. His hands were so careful as he placed portions onto plates, one could see the chef’s devotion to the Patriarch. Plates were placed in front of everyone, and the meal began in a rather free atmosphere.

Just then, Viese rose from his seat with a wine bottle and approached Rulac. “I’d like to pour you a drink, Father.” Rulac nodded with satisfaction and accepted his eldest son’s drink. Viese spoke, seemingly for everyone to hear. “Thank you for granting Bellesac permission to visit the Imperial Palace.”

The first to react to his words was Vestian. “It seems to have proceeded smoothly, brother-in-law.”

“It’s thanks to Father,” Viese said with composure, attributing everything to Rulac. “If it weren’t for your permission, Bellesac would have had to wait several more months until he turned eleven.” The fastidious Viese got along exceptionally well with Vestian. This was partly due to Vestian’s amiable nature, as he was good at being accommodating to everyone. Of course, there was a deeper bond between the two of them as well. Rulac silently sipped his red wine, watching the conversation unfold.

“How fortunate that Father-in-law made an exception for our Bellesac.” Selal emphasized the word “exception” with a smile. Lombardi children were not allowed to freely move outside the mansion until they turned eleven. This meant Bellesac had received special treatment to be able to visit the Imperial Palace.

“It’s not that much of an exception,” Shananet said quietly but chillingly. At the same time, Selal’s long eyelashes trembled. But she didn’t dare to refute. Among Rulac’s four children, no one could defy Shananet. The same went for their spouses.

As the atmosphere grew tense, Vestian chuckled good-naturedly and patted Shananet’s hand. Shananet, who had the most iron-willed personality among her siblings, showed a rare weakness only to her husband. This was evident even now, as she cleared her stern expression and continued eating with a reluctant smile.

“There’s no need to make such a fuss,” Rulac finally spoke. “If there’s a good reason, there’s no reason not to visit outside the mansion before coming of age. Besides, we can’t ignore the Empress’s letter.” A subtle smile spread across Selal’s hardened face. “Just make sure Bellesac doesn’t make any mistakes at the Imperial Palace.”

“Yes, Father,” Viese replied with a beaming smile.

“Gathering and eating like this, the food tastes even better today. Don’t you think so, Father-in-law?” Vestian smoothed the atmosphere with his characteristic gentle smile.

“Yes, it does.”

“I hope we can gather like this often in the future! Ah, will it be difficult because of our youngest brother-in-law? Haha!”

Gallahan, who had been quietly eating on one side, widened his eyes when he was mentioned.

“Me?”

“It’s been so long since we’ve seen our youngest brother-in-law’s face!”

“Ah, I apologize… I’ve been busy with work.” Gallahan bowed his head, saying.

“Work, what work?”

“…What are you saying, dear?” Viese’s sneering remark earned him a scolding from Selal, his wife. But even so, the subtle smile on Selal’s face didn’t fade.

“I heard there’s some talk about you opening a shop recently, what exactly are you planning?” Viese interrogated Gallahan. His words were laced with such mockery that they would make anyone listening flinch, but Gallahan replied calmly. “As you said. I am planning to open a small shop.”

“Without family support?”

“Yes. This time, I intend to do it with my own strength.” Gallahan thanked the butler who refilled his glass and replied.

“So you’re opening it in the market?” A small laugh echoed through the hall at Viese’s words. It was from Selal and the Laurels couple, and Vestian.

“I can’t even hold my head up these days because of you, Gallahan. If you’re going to open a shop, at least set up a decent one in Sedacuna. Heslot Market, really…”

“If you’re short on money, shall we lend you some?” Laurel asked, sounding quite like a brother concerned for his sibling.

“…I’m not short on funds. It’s alright, brother.” But judging by everyone’s smiling faces, they weren’t in the mood to believe Gallahan’s words. Selal then added, “If you need a place to open a shop in Sedacuna, shall I speak to my family? Please feel free to tell me if you need help, Lord Gallahan.”

“It’s truly alright.”

“But…” Selal exchanged glances with Loretta, Laurel’s wife. It seemed the women had already discussed this. Gallahan chuckled bitterly, easily guessing the content of their conversation.

“There’s Lombardi pride, you know. Doing business with commoners.” Viese reproached Gallahan. “There’s even talk going around that the family has completely disowned you.”

“That… I didn’t know.”

“Of course, you wouldn’t know, you who never shows your face at social events. No matter how few invitations you get, I told you to at least show your face sometimes…” On the surface, it sounded like nagging concern for his brother, but in the end, it was merely to belittle Gallahan and elevate himself, who was popular at social events.

“You’d best rethink doing business that picks commoners’ pockets, Gallahan.” Viese ended by clucking his tongue. His attitude was completely dismissive of Gallahan. Gallahan, who should have been angry at Viese, simply sat there, sipping his wine with a strange expression. Viese and Laurel laughed, thinking Gallahan had no words to refute them.

It was then. Rulac, who seemed to have finished his meal, wiping the corners of his mouth with a white napkin, casually dropped a remark.

“I’ll be watching, Gallahan.” This time, even Gallahan was surprised. He stopped putting down his glass and paused. At the same time, Viese’s face contorted. Although it could be interpreted in entirely different ways depending on how one took it, Viese stared at his father with eyes that seemed ready to spit fire. Wasn’t that like saying he had expectations for Gallahan? He even felt a hint of betrayal from his father, who had never shown him such a look. Gallahan looked at Rulac for a moment, then replied in a calm voice. “Yes, Father. I will do my best.”

After that, the conversation resumed, led by Vestian, but it was just meaningless chatter. Viese couldn’t hide his displeasure and just kept drinking, and Gallahan just sat there, occasionally lost in thought. I wasn’t the only one listening to the conversations at the adults’ table. The twins fretted beside me, watching my face at the condescending remarks towards my father, and Bellesac was busy giggling with Astaliu next to him.

“Tia, are you okay?” Lorraine, who was looking after Astaliu’s younger sister, Vichy, asked me worriedly.

“What?”

“No, it’s just…” Lorraine cautiously trailed off.

“I’m perfectly fine? Oh, this is delicious. I should ask for more.” I said, poking a piece of golden-brown meat.

But I truly was fine. No, I was even excited. I wished time would pass quickly. I was so curious to see what faces those people would make after my father’s store opened.

“Heheheh…” A slightly wicked laugh escaped my lips.