The Reincarnated Martial God Brings Down the Heavens

Chapter 151 – The Ball (2)

“Let’s have a quick talk!”

Winley dragged Ancelot to a secluded spot away from the ball. They encountered no further interruptions along the way.

After all, the two were officially engaged.

Oddly enough, a few men who had recently learned of Ancelot’s identity looked at him with a strangely sympathetic gaze.

“What are you doing?”

There were barely any people near the riverbank where Marquis Laksir enjoyed fishing.

Stopping there, Winley glared at him fiercely.

“This was the first formal meeting with other nobles. Do you have any idea how important first impressions are? And you pull this kind of stunt? You should’ve just refused to attend in the first place!”

“Honestly, it was satisfying to watch, wasn’t it?”

“……”

Winley frowned.

“Still!”

“You’re not denying it, huh?”

“Ha. Do you think my feelings matter right now?”

“Well, even your reaction right now stems from your concern for me. Am I wrong?”

“……!”

Winley flinched, and spoke after a brief pause,

“Ugh…… That damn silver tongue of yours……!”

She could feel her rising anger gradually subside, but even so, she couldn’t leave things be.

“I heard Marquis Laksir handed over that criminal, Abidal.”

“He did.”

“And yet, you insulted one of his guests.”

“Because the guest deserved it.”

“Whatever the circumstances! You repaid the Marquis’ goodwill with hostility. People will believe only what they see!”

“Exactly, that’s the point.”

“……!”

Winley’s eyes widened.

“My rash personality is already well-known from my time at the Arsene County. After meeting me in person, the Marquis likely knew I’d likely cause trouble.”

“W-Wait a moment. I was there, too. Marquis Laksir explicitly and courteously asked you—”

“If it’s a request, it has to sound polite, doesn’t it? You think he was going to threaten me?”

“……”

Winley fell silent.

“Let me ask you something instead. If Marquis Laksir fails to get what he wants in the end, do you think he’d still behave like a gentleman?”

“That’s……”

Ancelot shook his head before she could answer.

“No. At that point, he’d become a thug.”

“……”

“The more composed and formal someone appears on the outside, the more you should be wary of them. Their insides are often rotted beyond belief. Who knows what kind of stench will spill out once you open them up.”

Winley understood this truth. She had encountered countless people whose true selves and outward appearances were as different as night or day.

However, that only added to her curiousity.

“So, what are you planning to do?”

A faint smile crept across Ancelot’s lips.

“That’s up to Marquis Laksir. His actions will determine my response.”

* * *

Reaper Scans

[Translator – San]

[Proofreader – Abstract]

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* * *

Inside the building, preparations for the ball were well underway.

“This is…… My first time in a place like this.”

A well-dressed Harun gaped in awe.

Everything seemed new to Harun, a serf’s child, but Jan and Kirian, born to a count, were well accustomed to ballroom settings.

“Aren’t that Jan and Kirian?”

“……!”

At that moment, some peers who recognized the pair approached them with adults from their family accompanying them.

All of them were familiar faces to Jan and Kirian.

“Greetings, Count Prell.”

“It’s been a while, Viscount Hansen.”

Both of them bowed in perfect noble etiquette. Though hesitant, Harun awkwardly mimicked their actions.

“Hey…… Is your eye okay?”

“I heard the story. A swordsman losing sight in one eye…… Sigh.”

“I heard it was an injury from a fight with the Foltaine Marquisate. Is it true they even sent assassins after a noble of their own nation?”

“The noble faction has always been barbaric. It’s nothing new.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group eagerly vented their frustrations.

However,

“……!”

Something was odd about Jan’s reaction. His single eye was darting in every direction, quickly scanning the surroundings.

“……Kirian.”

“……Yeah, I see it too.”

Kirian’s expression hardened as he followed Jan’s gaze. Everywhere they looked, members of the royal faction were present.

Nobles affiliated with the royal faction mingled throughout the hall, leaving no doubt about their overwhelming presence.

‘How did I not realize this earlier?’

Jan bit his lip tightly.

Only after stepping inside did the full extent of Marquis Laksir’s intent dawn upon him.

‘Ancelot is now a noble of the Hart Kingdom. It’s only a matter of time before he’ll have to choose sides.’

When the time to make important decisions for the kingdom came, each faction would vie for dominance. Ancelot would have where his allegiance lay—the royal or noble faction.

Of course, there was a third option: neutrality. However, choosing neutrality would inevitably distance one from the centers of power.

In a political landscape dominated by these two massive factions, no small or neutral group had ever managed to seize a central role in governance.

‘Marquis Laksir wants to force that decision.’

Jan clenched his teeth.

The later Ancelot was forced to make his choice, the better. The current Baron Ancelot’s influence was negligible, it was barely worth calling a faction.

Committing to one side now would mean facing immediate backlash from the other.

It was better to remain unaligned, testing the waters and leveraging opportunities as they arose, even if it meant enduring some criticism in the short term.

Marquis Laksir, however, was stripping away that chance, effectively forcing a decision.

‘It’s not too late. I need to tell him what I’ve realized.’

With that thought, Jan quickly headed toward the entrance. However, he couldn’t accomplish his goal.

“Announcing the arrival of the king’s younger sister, Princess Winley, and Baron Ancelot!”

“……!”

The steward’s voice rang out, capturing everyone’s attention.

“Wow……”

Gasps of admiration echoed throughout the hall. Even Marquis Laksir, who had been greeting guests, stood dumbfounded.

Could this be what a goddess descending from the heavens looks like?

The three beauties……

Or rather, Baron Ancelot, flanked by two stunning women—one in pure white and the other in striking black—walked in gracefully.

“……Hah.”

Step, step, step.

Letting out a sigh, Marquis Laksir approached them. Suppressing the strange heat rising within him.

Donning a welcoming smile.

“It’s an honor to have you attend my ball, Your Highness. You have my gratitude for accepting the invitation, Baron.”

“We’re grateful for the invitation.”

Winley replied first.

“So extravagant.”

Ancelot remarked curtly, giving his first impression of the ball.

“Please, this way, everyone. Allow me to introduce you to our esteemed guests.”

Soon enough, Marquis Laksir quickly guided the group forward.

“Everyone, may I have your attention, please? We are graced today by some truly distinguished individuals.”

Even without his announcement, all eyes were already on the trio.

“This is Her Royal Highness, Princess Winley, a rare and revered presence in high society. Beside her stands the renowned Baron Ancelot. And this young lady……”

Marquis Laksir hesitated when his gaze landed on Erina, unsure how to introduce her.

“Oh! This is Eri, the daughter of Baron Karot. She’s one of my dear, newly-acquainted friends. She’s never been to a ball before, so I wanted her to experience one.”

“Ahhh……!”

At Winley’s introduction, several men in the room perked up instantly, their gazes turning calculating.

To them, a young noblewoman from a minor barony seemed attainable, within their grasp.

Meanwhile, one of the guests cleared his throat and redirected his attention to Ancelot.

“Ahem. S-So you’re Baron Ancelot. I’ve heard much about you.”

The greeting opened the floodgates, reminding everyone of Winley’s original purpose.

“G-Greetings, Baron. I’ve sincerely wanted to meet you.”

“I’ve heard you’re exceptionally talented for your age. And I must say, you’re quite dashing.”

Marquis Laksir smiled faintly, his voice laced with subtle implication.

“They say Baron Ancelot dreams of representing our nation in the Master Tournament. His ambition and talent are unmatched in the kingdom.”

The crowd’s murmurs grew louder, now tinged with exaggerated praise.

“Oho…… Such lofty aspirations!”

“Haha! I’ve heard about it, too. What an inspirational dream.”

“To become a Master and return home seeking vengeance. How manly. Hahaha!”

Just then, Marquis Laksir made an ‘oh!’ look.

“Have I perhaps spoken out of turn? My apologies”

“Not at all. You haven’t said anything untrue.”

“Haha! I knew our bold Baron would respond that way.”

Snapping his fingers in delight, Marquis Laksir’s smile widened.

“Since we’re on the topic…… Baron, how about joining the royalist faction? Everyone here would gladly support you. I’d personally vouch for you with Duke Kairos.”

“I’m not sure I understand why you’ve brought that up all of a sudden.”

“Well, I suppose politics might feel a bit unfamiliar for someone as young as you.”

Marquis Laksir smiled wryly and continued. Then, as if explaining to a novice, he continued.

“As you’re aware, the Master Tournament is a prestigious event for the nations and the individuals involved. Therefore, the two factions compete fiercely for the single spot.”

“You mean one must first make it to the list of candidates before being chosen as the participant.”

“Exactly. Sharp as ever.”

Marquis Laksir made a satisfied smile.

“I have a question, though. Have the two factions ever supported the same candidate?”

Soft laughter rippled through the room.

“Haha! Preposterous.”

“How could oil and water ever mix?”

Marquis Laksir’s smile faltered, his tone turning serious.

“I understand why you’d ask that.”

“Pardon?”

“Recently, I’ve heard you’ve been associating with Duke Serin, Duke Herman, and Marquis Foltaine. All prominent members of the noble faction.”

The atmosphere grew tense, hostility emanating from some of the guests.

“And yet you asked me to become your vassal?”

“It’s because I know this that I’m asking. You’re young, Baron, and there’s still time. Friends change quickly at your age.”

Marquis Laksir smiled indulgently, trying to lighten the mood.

“During youth, one might fall in with the wrong crowd. What matters is waking up to reality before it’s too late.”

“I understand what you’re asking of me, Marquis.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”

Marquis Laksir took his gaze off of Ancelot, as if he’d finished saying all he intended to.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Only then did he approach Erina, who he had been interested in all along.

“You are truly a beautiful lady.”

“……?”

“If it’s alright with you…… Might I have the honor of being your first dance partner this evening?”

“……!”

Kneeling before her with an outstretched hand, he spoke loudly enough for all to hear.

All eyes now openly focused on them.

“……”

Ancelot watched the Marquis, understanding his intentions clearly.

‘So this is what he was aiming for.’

He could make out the identity of the heat in the Marquis’ eyes.

As Erina’s hand began to rise, Marquis Laksir’s anticipation grew, the heat in his gaze intensifying.

“……!”

Then, his face twisted in disbelief.

“Wha—?”

Instead of his hand, Erina had reached for Ancelot’s. She slowly parted her lips, then spoke.

“If I must choose…… Shouldn’t I go with the sturdier rope?”

“……!”

This lunatic was just adding fuel to the fire.

* * *