After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 134

Chapter 134: Wedding Reception

Oh boy, today has been incredibly busy. After the wedding ceremony in the cathedral, there was a public appearance in front of the church for the gathered crowds. Then, we were paraded through the city in an eight-horse royal carriage, and just when I thought things were calming down, it was time for the reception at the palace, a double-header with two parts.

In my past life, my only job at wedding receptions was to gulp down as much beer as possible, but here, it seems I have to engage in witty conversations with various dignitaries. While Beatrice can simply smile and satisfy her conversation partners, as the groom, I can’t get away with that. It’s my duty to grasp the family backgrounds of the guests, know about their territories’ specialties, and steer the conversation accordingly. It feels somewhat similar to the sales experiences I had in Japan, but with too many people to keep track of.

“Here is Mr. Barnabas, the son-in-law of the Vetter Viscount family. The Vetter territory is known for its fine grape cultivation, and the sweet red wine served at today’s banquet is produced there.”

Quiet whispers like this sneak into my ears. They come from Adel, who is standing about ten meters behind me in male attire. Just as the guests in front of me change, she discreetly informs me of important details about their backgrounds and conversation starters. It’s said that this technique, delivering whispers only to the intended person’s ears from a distance, is thanks to her wind attribute magic. It’s quite a handy skill. And though the information is concise, it hits the mark. If I praise the richness of the red wine as instructed by Adel, the groom eagerly leans in and starts talking about his pride and joy. Impressive, it’s exactly what I ordered… As expected from a brilliant woman praised as such since the school’s founding.

“Truly, Ludwig, you are hailed as the royal oracle. To know even the pride of a minor noble house like ours. Please continue to dedicate your wisdom to Princess Beatrice’s service.”

Thanks to Adel, this groom is now in high spirits and returns to his wife, the head of the family. He will likely convey a favorable impression of us to the head of their household… That’s a relief. Slowly building allies like this seems to be the essence of socializing.

And of course, in this world too, it seems the groom is simply there to be constantly plied with drinks.

While Beatrice has been content just holding the same glass, various uncles and aunts keep approaching me, one after another, and forcefully urging me to toast with wine. It reminds me of entertaining Chinese guests in my past life… It was customary to finish the drink every time. But that shouldn’t be the custom in this medieval European-like country.

Uh-oh, it’s getting to me. At this rate, I’ll end up making a fool of myself.

I suddenly realize that the groups attacking me with toasts are always from a certain faction. Surrounding them, a modest woman with chestnut-colored hair and brown eyes, who looks somewhat troubled… There’s no mistaking it, it’s Clara.

When I glance her way, she smiles gently, like a violet flower, but her attempt to approach me is blocked by the entourage, and we remain distant. Even though we shared such intimacy in the Baden territory, once we return to the capital, we’re on opposing sides. That’s how it goes in this kind of relationship.

But finally, I understand why I’m being relentlessly plied with drinks. They’re probably planning to loudly declare, pointing at me, “That groom is just a social climber. Beatrice, who chose such a man as her spouse, is not fit to be queen.” It feels like childish bullying, but since they’re outwardly friendly, it’s hard to refuse. It’s a cunning tactic. In reality, I’m starting to feel a bit unsteady. If things continue like this, based on my experience from my past life, a disaster is imminent… Sorry, Beatrice, please forgive your inept groom.

But then, the dizziness and headache vanished as if by magic. The carpet, which had felt like it was tilting dangerously, now seemed perfectly flat. Surprised, I glanced to the side and there stood my dependable childhood friend, her eyes shining brightly.

“Hehe, I may not be able to handle socializing for you, but I can certainly help you sober up from drinking as much as you need.”

With a slight smile, Gretel said such words, making her even more adorable. Her light attribute healing magic was a treasure that could even revive lost limbs… It’s incredibly luxurious to use it to sober someone up, but if she hadn’t cast it, I might have ended up making a complete fool of myself in front of the high-ranking nobles. I’m truly grateful.

“I know what those people are after. They want to get Lutz drunk and indirectly criticize me. But they’re short-sighted… Even though the top light attribute healer is standing by Lutz’s side.”

Proudly straightening her back at Beatrice’s praise filled with trust, Gretel remains the same simple and straightforward childhood friend as always.

“Leave it to me! Protecting Lutz and Princess Beatrice is my mission!”

In the end, I was saved from disgrace by incredibly talented women.