Alon had somewhat expected problems like these to arise.
In the game, the Palatio family merely appeared as a stepping stone for the protagonist's growth, but in the Kingdom of Asteria, the weight that the name carried was quite significant.
Of course, this status didn't necessarily mean that they were held in high honor. Even if, for about three generations, they were considered a highly reputable family within the kingdom, the current Count Palatio family was renowned as the most notorious troublemaker among the nobility in the eastern region.
To elaborate a bit more, they were known as a noble family that became incredibly bothersome if provoked.
However, if there was something Alon overlooked despite being aware of this issue…
"This wine has a rather unique taste."
"Huh? Oh… um, what…?"
"I quite like wine, and this one has a very distinct aroma. I'd love to take a few bottles home."
"I'll speak to my father and have some brought to you…!"
"Pardon…?"
…it was that the Palatio family's propensity for trouble far exceeded his imagination.
Alon watched the young lady, who shrunk back like a frightened mouse and quickly bowed her head, before scurrying away. He wore a hollow expression.
"Look at that! He's threatening Lady Malantino to forcefully take their specialty wine—"
"Is… is that so?"
"Just listen to him! It's exactly like when the eldest son of Palatio made threats before…! And that wine is a limited edition specialty…!"
As Alon pondered what the problem might be, he heard a small voice and thought to himself with a bitter expression.
'Leo, that damned troublemaker…'
Feeling disappointed , Alon glanced at the place where the young ladies had been gossiping until just a moment ago. Upon noticing his gaze, they quickly lowered their heads and disappeared somewhere.
Alon couldn't comprehend the situation at all.
'Wasn't it just one of those notorious families in the east…?'
Of course, he could guess that there were negative rumors about the family, and he understood why some nobles might avoid them. But he didn't expect it to be this extreme.
More accurately, he hadn't known that the Palatio family was so notoriously ill-reputed among the nobility.
…He hadn't anticipated being treated this way just because of a misunderstanding about him bringing down the family's troublemakers.
'So, does this mean socializing is out of the question?'
Just as Alon let out a small sigh,
"Hello."
He turned at the voice, only to see a girl in a black dress smiling alluringly at him.
Even among the young ladies present at this ball, she stood out for her stunning beauty.
Alon greeted her with a return smile.
"Hello, Lady Zenonia."
"Oh my, do you know me?"
"Of course."
From Alon's perspective, it was impossible not to know her.
This was only natural, as the girl standing before him was the eldest daughter of the Zenonia family, who, like the Palatio family, were known for their notoriety in the western region.
In six years, she wouldn't just be the eldest daughter of the Zenonia family; she would become Countess Zenonia herself. Furthermore, she was one of the three major villains the protagonist would confront in the future in the Kingdom of Asteria.
"You're quite famous, after all."
"Famous, you say?"
"Indeed."
In short, she was someone he'd rather not get involved with. Seeing the momentary, subtle emotion flicker in Lady Zenonia's eyes, Alon continued.
"Because you are so beautiful."
Noble society was inherently quite complex.
Even within Asteria, there were more than a handful of factions. These factions were split into Royalists and Nobility, both fervently engaged in political struggles.
And it wasn't just empty political rhetoric. Since real interests were at stake, politics were a crucial element for the nobles.
Of course, Alon hadn't come to the ball to socialize for the sake of politics.
Even though it was half-baked, Alon's goal was still to live a peaceful life, and he knew very well that the words "peace" and "politics" could never coexist.
Nevertheless, the reason he had intended to socialize to some extent was that even minimal connections could be helpful in aristocratic life.
'Except for this person.'
Alon looked at Lady Zenonia.
The Zenonia family, like the Palatio family, was regarded as a notorious troublemaker in the western region. Unlike the Palatio family, which stayed out of politics to act without consequences, the Zenonia family leveraged political situations to their advantage.
In other words, they were a bit more cunning than the Palatio family… Perhaps more like a corporate criminal organization.
"Thank you for the compliment."
"It's the truth."
As a result, one might think that socializing with Lady Zenonia wouldn't be a bad idea if Alon wasn't planning to engage in politics. However, that would be a mistake.
People tend to congregate with others like themselves.
Politicians attract other politicians, and thugs gather around other thugs.
So, if Alon were to forge a connection with Lady Zenonia in such a situation?
If he were willing to dabble in illegal activities like those dead Palatio troublemakers, it might be a valuable connection. But if not, it would be an irreversible mistake.
In the worst-case scenario, he might even end up becoming one of Lady Zenonia's pawns.
Contrary to external rumors of him belonging to a group with a Swordmaster, Alon was, in reality, just an ordinary noble with nothing to his name.
"I'd like to talk more. What do you think?"
"I'd love to, but unfortunately, I think I must leave for today."
"Is that so?"
Lady Zenonia's eyes narrowed briefly, exuding a predatory vibe.
A look impossible to decipher.
However, just for a moment—
"…!"
The young lady's eyes opened slightly as if she were surprised by something, then she nodded as if she understood, a smile appearing on her face.
"Just as the rumors said."
"Pardon?"
"It's nothing. I look forward to seeing you again."
With those words, she brushed past him.
"…?"
"…?"
Alon turned around and looked at Lady Zenonia with a puzzled expression.