The Hero is Standing in My Way - Chapter 22

SOS!!! Hey 1STKISSNOVEL! DO NOT STEAL MY TRANSLATION!!! 

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From the next day onwards, I got really busy and didn’t even have time to meet Siegfried.

 

I had to arrange lodgings for the nobles and their knights who would soon visit the mansion.

 

It was customary for Ellifritz to have a gathering every year before Southern aristocrats set out on the expedition.

 

A banquet was held on the first day before the subjugation and on the day before leaving, there would only be a dinner banquet for the whole party.

 

Since the Ellifritz family was the one in charge of subjugating the monsters, I have no time to check if Siegfried’s sulking had faded.

 

After making sure the maids were cleaning properly, I went out to pick out the curtains for the guest room. After that, I checked the ledger.

 

The days went insanely quickly just like that.

 

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I went to Abbysion’s office to get the budget and when I came out, a maid spoke to me.

 

“The Viscount Kariel and his companions have arrived.”

 

“They came early. I’ll go down and see them.”

 

When we arrived at the front door, the Viscount got off the horse and was having a conversation with the butler.

 

The white-haired Viscount smiled when he saw me.

 

“It’s been a while, Young Lady Ariel. How have you been?”

 

“It’s been a year. I’m fine, how is your wife?”

 

“Very well, of course. You should stop by our mansion when you have time. My daughter misses Young lady Ariel very much.”

 

I had the servants move the visitor’s belongings to their prepared rooms then I led the Viscount to the room where he will be staying.

 

Starting with Viscount Kariel, others also arrived at the mansion one by one.

 

At some point, Abbysion and Milliard also came down to welcome guests.

 

“There are a lot of people this year.”

 

One of the nobles, who would have been of the same age if my father was still alive, said with a smile.

 

Rumors that Prince Siegfried would participate in the subjugation seemed to have reached far.

 

There were many nobles who wanted to meet Siegfried as soon as they arrived at the mansion.

 

I told them it would soon be time to eat, and added, “His Highness the Prince must have been also looking forward to it. We will be having a banquet later so maybe then you can greet him then?”

 

“You’re right. Then let’s take a break and get refreshed.”

 

All the nobles dispersed after.

 

Some decided to go to their rooms and take a nap, and some decided to gather in the drawing room and have a conversation while having cigarettes.

 

Meanwhile, I checked the hall where the banquet would begin in a moment. The band was also waiting, and all the food that could be easily picked up was prepared.

 

Finally, I lined up the servants and checked their clothes. Okay, everyone is neatly dressed.

 

“Then I have to change my clothes. Can you help me?”

 

I returned to my room with the two maids who usually served me.

 

Perhaps by now the nobles were preparing to attend the banquet in their assigned room.

 

“Lady, what kind of shoes would you like?”

 

“Ummm… silver.”

 

“What about your earrings?”

 

The maids almost ran around me, trimming my hair and putting on my dress.

 

By the time I finished putting on makeup, the sun was already setting. I think this is pretty good. 

 

I stood in front of the mirror and turned around.

 

The ribbon on my back flew like wings whenever I moved.

 

When I went downstairs, I saw everyone entering the hall.

 

Abbysion was waiting for me near the entrance, wearing a navy blue suit.

 

“My little sister is very pretty.”

 

“I know.”

 

I said as I put my arm together with Abbysions.

 

I felt Abbysion’s dumbfounded gaze on me but it was so familiar that I just ignored him.

 

When I entered the hall, everyone was already playing pretend.

 

Milliard was already playing a card game in a corner with his peers.

 

“I’ve been waiting for you to come, Young Lady Ariel.”

 

“Sir Abbysion, do you really have no intention of marrying my daughter?” Abbysion laughed awkwardly.

 

He looked at me as if asking for help.

 

But Abbysion was about to get married. I decided to leave him alone, telling him to take care of himself.

 

“Hey, Ariel…”

 

“Young Lady Ariel, long time no see.”

 

Abbysion’s voice was buried by the words of an esteemed son I am familiar with.

 

It was a banquet where many aristocrats of marriageable age gathered. It wasn’t surprising that I was caught as soon as I took a step back.

 

“Oh my God, Sir Manuel?”

 

(T/N: The raw says 영식 which means ‘esteemed son of whoever’ but it would be weird for Ariel to call him ‘long time no see, esteemed son Manuel’, right? So I used Sir, it’s also a formal title, don’t you think? Hehe)

 

I immediately recognized the familiar face. It was Manuel, a Baron’s son who had an estate not far from the County.

 

“You recognize me right away. I think it’s been almost 3 years.”

 

“Absolutely. Where did our normal relationship go?”

 

Of course, it was normal. It was an act of polite courtesy.

 

“You must have worked very hard to prepare for the banquet.” Manuel looked around and said.

 

I was just glad he saw my hard work. I mean, I’ve been working hard to prepare for this while also refusing the man Milliard was offering me to.

 

“By the way, is the one coming in now His Highness the Prince?”

 

I turned my head as I listened to Manuel’s question.

 

Siegfried, dressed in a light gray shirt and black suit, was walking in.

 

I thought his beauty was no joke with the shirt he usually wears but he seemed to shine more when he was dressed up.

 

It looked as if beauty was exuding from him from head to toe. Siegfried’s beauty can be admired all day long.

 

As soon as Siegfried entered, the nobles surrounded him.

 

It was like watching a scene from a romance novel that I enjoy reading.

 

As expected, people flock to the male protagonist just as soon as he appears.

 

As I was admiring the view, a noble opened his mouth and said, “It is our greatest honor to meet the Crown Prince, Your Highness, in a place other than the palace.”

 

“Raise your head. Ummm… So, Viscount Kariel?”

 

When he realized the Prince had recognized him at a glance, the viscount covered his mouth in astonishment.

 

Soon the nobles started quarreling on who should greet Siegfried first.

 

As I was looking at them, at some point, my eyes met Siegfried.

 

He frowned slightly, looking at Manuel beside me, but he soon continued to talk with the nobles around him.

 

That was the reason Siegfried came down to Ellifritz in the first place, so he was going to be extremely busy today.

 

I also faced Manuel and drank a glass of wine with him after a long time. I also needed to maintain good relationships with the southern nobles.

 

Did Manuel and I drink several glasses of wine together?

 

I looked at the time and it was already midnight.

 

Those nobles who had struggles coming here stood up from their seats one by one because they were so tired, and Manuel was no different. He raised one of his hands to cover his mouth while leaking out a yawn.

 

“Is it already time to go to bed? How is the guest room?” I asked Manuel.

 

“The bedding was so soft, and I think I will sleep immediately after I lay down.”

 

“What a relief. Please go ahead and sleep, and have a good night.”

 

“You should also go to bed, Young Lady.”

 

It would be nice if I could but I couldn’t leave my seat, because I am the host of this banquet.

 

At least, I had to watch the servants do the cleaning.

 

I decided to send Manuel first.

 

“Come on, I’ll see you at dinner tomorrow.”

 

I also have to greet the other nobles. I turned my head for a moment.

 

By the way, why is Manuel still with me? I hesitantly looked at Manuel as he opened his mouth again instead of leaving.

 

“Are you busy during the day? Buying a book together would be…”

 

“Ah, excuse me.”

 

Before Manuel could finish speaking, someone shoved his shoulder.

 

Manuel held his shoulder and raised his head as if surprised.

 

“Your Highness?”

 

“It wasn’t intentional, because you’re standing in the way to the terrace.”

 

“Of course, I didn’t think you did it on purpose.” Manuel bowed his head.

 

“You said you’re going in?” Siegfried said with a sour face.

 

“That’s right. Then, Young Lady Ariel, tomorrow afternoon – ”

 

Crack!

 

“Ah, excuse me.”

 

I thought I heard a cracking sound, but apparently Siegfried stumbled towards Manuel again, as Manuel shivered, slightly grabbing his shoulder.

 

“Haha… If you’re going to excuse me one more time, I think my shoulder is going to dislocate….”

 

Fortunately, it didn’t look like it was broken. Apparently, Siegfried wasn’t in a very good mood right now seeing his disgusted look in his eyes. Has anyone been rude to him? 

 

“Is that possible? I hope you have a good night, Sir Manuel.”

 

Siegfried said, pointing to the door with his own hands. Manuel, who was trying to talk to me again, smiled awkwardly.

 

“Yes, thank you, Your Highness the Prince.”

 

“Is it tomorrow that Sir will be going inside? I even cleared the way so Sir can go out.”

 

“Th-that can’t be.”

 

Manuel, who made eye contact with Siegfried, moved quickly.

 

Siegfried’s gaze followed Manuel’s.