After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 35

Chapter 35: Beatrice’s Birthday

Today is Beatrice’s sixteenth birthday.

After the tumultuous engagement uproar, we enjoyed a peaceful period for a while. While many were surprised by Beatrice and my engagement, a proclamation was issued by Queen Her Majesty and the Royal School Principal, sternly warning against prying into the matter, and those who violate it will be charged with disrespect. I feel somewhat sorry, but strict secrecy was imposed, especially regarding my seeding performance.

Finally, today, various things from around that time are expected to be revealed during the birthday celebration. I feel extremely heavy as I anticipate the attention that will come, whether it’s positive or negative. Many high-ranking nobles’ sons, aiming for the position of Beatrice’s husband, will likely shower me not only with envy but also with hostile glares. Honestly, I have no interest whatsoever in the position of a royal consort.

The hall of the royal palace is bustling with high-ranking nobles and their offspring. Being invited to such a glamorous feast is a reflection of that family’s status. There have been cases where the head of a count’s family, who didn’t receive an invitation due to an error, fell into despair and took their own life. Frankly, I dislike this snobbish atmosphere, but there is no escaping it now.

I thought I would enter with Beatrice, but Her Majesty ordered, “Go in and wait first.” It seems there might be some trouble waiting, but there is no choice but to comply. Despite attempting to discreetly enter, the moment my presence was recognized, indescribable murmurs erupted all around, and curious glances, along with double the number of hostile stares, pierced through me. Well, in a sense, it’s as expected.

I pretended not to hear the hushed whispers that were probably intentionally audible gossip. If I were to rampage or shout here, it would play right into their hands. I must avoid a situation where my actions tarnish Beatrice’s honor.

Nevertheless, it seems I entered a little too early. Immediately, a middle-aged man, ostentatiously adorned with decorations, exuded an arrogant atmosphere and approached me.

“So, you’re the one who got engaged to Princess Beatrice.”

“Yes, that’s correct. I’m Ludwig of the Frohdenstatt family, the fourth son.”

Suppressing the desire to retort that there’s no reason to address someone you’ve just met as “you,” I answered as calmly as possible. I already have a good idea of what he wants to say.

“Hmm, quite the beautiful young man. I can understand why Princess Beatrice would admire you. However, for a mere fourth son of an earl to be a candidate for royal consort, it must be quite a burden. How about it? Even now, it’s not too late to decline the excessive honor. After all, if you’re to be the consort of Princess, you should be at least a marquis or a mature man who can guide her, right?”

Oh, so this guy is either a marquis or a duke, the prospective son-in-law. I might recognize the face of the head of the family, but I don’t remember the face of the son-in-law. Presumably, this old man is probably the son’s father. He talks about being a “mature man,” but if he were truly mature, he wouldn’t need his daddy’s help in a romantic rival showdown.

“We happen to have a baronial family seeking a son-in-law from our side. If you withdraw gracefully, I might even consider recommending you.”

What? I’d like to say “talk in your sleep in bed,” but… Let’s endure this and respond like an adult.

“This engagement, as you mentioned, is indeed an honor beyond my standing. However, it is an arrangement between Her Majesty and my mother, and I have no say in the matter. I cannot go against the head of the household or defy Her Majesty’s wishes.”

“Hmph, how insolent to rely on Her Majesty’s prestige… Watch and see!”

Realizing that my attitude was not just formal but rather a polite impertinence, the father finally noticed and left, huffing with a bit of steam. I don’t want to make enemies, but if it’s the head of the household, it’s fine to provoke him a bit.

However, the surrounding hostility seems to have intensified, which is troublesome. If I had come with the “Flame Hero,” the current head, this kind of interference might not have happened. Unfortunately, my mother was suddenly ordered to deal with demonic creatures in the south yesterday… It feels a bit staged.

Sighing, I looked up, and I noticed a young man approaching me directly. He had blond hair, looked about twenty, and had a well-trained, triangular body. Although his face was handsome, there was something suspicious about his gaze.

I silently prayed several times in my heart that I wasn’t his target, but the gods of this world didn’t seem to listen to my wishes. He stopped in front of me and pointed his index finger accusingly. Hey, pointing like that is considered rude in this world too.

“You deceived Lady Beatrice! Outrageous!”

Oh no, another eccentric person… Someone, please, help me out here.