Kingdom of Drakolin, City of Zildarium
Arthur Valtieri sat sipping from an old red oak wine, lost in thought.
A good start, I would say. I happened to discover that Arthur was invited to the fifth wedding anniversary banquet of Marquis Lorenz and Viscountess Irina. Of course, I'll attend. I won't remain a baron forever. This event will be a good starting point to expand my circle of connections and get to know more of the kingdom's nobles.
There were about fifty nobles at the banquet.
Since Marquis Lorenz was a friend of the prince, it was only natural that the prince would attend — even though he wasn't the kind who enjoyed banquets much.
Also… after studying the artifacts, I discovered that Arthur IV consumed a relic! Of a certain rank.
As he recalled, it was a gift from his sister a few weeks ago on his birthday.
It was called the Elixir of Insight. It boosts memory, observation, and slightly stimulates the brain.
In short, his sister Lorena Valtieri was trying to kill his stupidity and force him to use his brain instead of indulging in laziness and luxury.
How pathetic. Anyway, according to what Lorena said, the effect of the elixir isn't permanent but has an unknown duration. Probably a few more weeks or several months.
A tall man with long, slicked-back blond hair, wearing a pearl-white suit and a ceremonial cloak made from rare gray tiger fur draped over his shoulders, sat nearby. Holding a glass of ice-grape wine, he spoke without looking at Arthur:
"It's unlike you to attend such dull parties, Baron Valtieri."
"You're right, Lord Marquis Valtmore."
Arthur adjusted his posture and bowed formally.
"Let's just say I'm changing old habits."
The blond marquis, Lucien, smiled before downing the last drop of his wine.
"I see… You're starting to resemble your father, Viscount Robert, more and more. As you know, our families — Valtmore and Valtieri — have strong ties. I assume you don't consider our dealings old habits?"
"Not exactly. I don't deny the relationship between us, whether political or by blood. But you know well that everyone has their own objectives... and when objectives clash, so do relationships."
Marquis Lucien raised an eyebrow. He almost didn't recognize Baron Arthur due to his tone. He swirled his glass, stirring the blue ice-grape wine, and responded calmly:
"Then let's hope our objectives never clash… No, let's hope stubbornness isn't one of your traits."
Arthur stood after holding Lucien's gaze for a moment. Before leaving, he bowed slightly in respect to the marquis, who continued to stir his wine in silence.
I've noticed, from observing the nobles ever since I entered the hall, that I now possess a clear understanding and analysis of what's happening around me.
In short, he could extract important details and information by observing body language, movement patterns, breathing rhythms, and even reactions or choices.
This relic is a true treasure I must invest in.
Three individuals caught Arthur's attention at the banquet.
First, obviously, Marquis Lucien Valtmore. That scoundrel hides his intentions — even his true personality — and is extremely cautious.
Arthur placed his empty glass on the dessert-filled table and turned his gaze toward a woman laughing across the table, surrounded by nobles. She was attractive, in her prime, with flowing black hair and a tight green dress. Her high-heeled shoes were encrusted with jewels.
She was the center of attention, alongside Prince Ayren and the hosting couple, Lorenz and Irina.
Countess Serena de Morova. One of the most influential nobles in Zildarium — probably the entire Kingdom of Drakolin.
She was knowledgeable about artifacts and observant of her surroundings. She had likely noticed Arthur's analytical gaze thanks to his Elixir of Insight, as she kept smiling at him. She was probably superior financially, politically, and socially.
I must make this woman an ally in the future.
Third and finally…
Arthur turned his head toward an upper corner of the hall, where he saw an elegant woman with dark red-dyed hair wearing a luxurious sleeveless dress that matched her hair. Her skin was pale white, and her eyes were heterochromatic — the right eye a bright yellow, the left an obsidian black.
She sat alone, holding a glass of shadow velvet wine.
This type of wine wasn't even on the banquet's drink list.
Rohilia van Astrian. The most dangerous person I've encountered since my transfer… This duchess is a true threat. I can't observe or extract anything from her. Her movements and demeanor are completely silent — like a ghost. It's as if the Elixir of Insight has no effect on her at all.
And then there's that ominous dark aura emanating from her.
I must stay far away from this woman.
The system had stated that his current objective was to ascend to the rank of Viscount. It wouldn't be too difficult — unless one of the annoying nobles interfered with his plans.
I'll start by increasing my family's wealth. After this banquet, I'll test the scope of my special ability.
Arthur thought, as the system screen appeared before his eyes:
Arthur Valtieri, Aristocrat
Special Ability: Contract Master – Level 1
Objective: Ascend to the rank of Viscount
Reward: Upgrade of Special Ability Level