And so, the Count Clover House hosted its very first party.
The recently finished mansion utilized its vast grounds without restraint, resulting in a scale so grand it felt almost excessive for a mere Count. Rows of tables stretched across the sprawling gardens, set up for a standing buffet. While the gathering was meant to be a modest affair for those close to the Clover household, the guest list consisted entirely of the Aiwood Kingdom's most powerful figures.
"Welcome! Please, help yourself to a drink."
"We are so glad you could make it. Do enjoy yourselves."
Viola and Primula took the lead in hosting the arriving guests. Viola wore a striking crimson gown while Primula was dressed in light blue; the glamorous styles suited them both perfectly.
"Ah, my dear daughters. It is truly an honor to be invited today."
"You seem to be working hard. See that you keep it up."
The first guests to arrive were the Marquis and Marchioness Rosemary. Both appeared in formal attire befitting high-ranking nobility. Rest, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, gave them a polite greeting.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law... thank you both for coming all this way."
"Think nothing of it. It is a party hosted by the house my daughters are marrying into. Of course we would attend."
"Indeed. Are you getting along well with our daughters?"
"Of course."
Rest gave a firm nod to the Rosemary couple—Albert and Eilische.
"I still have many shortcomings, and those two are always helping me. I am truly grateful to them."
"I see... that is good, then."
"Just make sure you give me at least three grandchildren from each girl. Don't you worry; I’ve already scouted out some excellent midwives."
"............"
Rest, the husband, and the daughters all fell into a stunned silence. Why did she choose this moment to say that? Eilische’s unvarnished remark had left the entire family speechless.
"Oh? Why the sudden silence?"
"Is something the matter, everyone?"
New guests appeared just as the tension peaked. Yuri Catreia wore a light green one-piece dress, while Celestine Crocus arrived in an elegant white gown. Behind them stood three men in tuxedos.
Two were immediately recognizable: the Knight Commander, Marquis Catreia, and the Prime Minister, Duke Crocus. The fathers of Yuri and Celestine presented quite a contrast. While Duke Crocus wore a mild expression, Marquis Catreia’s face was twisted as if he had just bitten into a bitter persimmon. He likely harbored complex feelings toward Rest regarding his daughter.
I wonder... did they both really come? But who is the third man?
Though he had sent invitations to Marquis Catreia and Duke Crocus as a matter of etiquette, both were incredibly busy men. Rest had expected nothing more than a polite letter of regret from each.
"Welcome. Thank you so much for coming."
"Um... and this gentleman is...?"
"He is our companion."
"A pleasure to meet you, Count Clover. I am Count Walnut," the bearded middle-aged man said solemnly.
His rank of Count made him Rest's social equal, yet there was a profound weight to his presence, a strange dignity that commanded immediate respect.
I have a feeling... he might be someone much more significant than he lets on.
Even though he didn't recognize the name Count Walnut, Rest responded with the utmost courtesy.
"The pleasure is mine. I am still young and inexperienced, so I may fall short in some regards, but I look forward to your guidance."
"Umu. I look forward to our acquaintance as well."
Count Walnut gave a satisfied nod and extended his hand. Rest accepted the handshake, firmly gripping the man's hand.
"Hum..."
"............"
For some reason, a visible wave of relief washed over Albert, Marquis Catreia, and Duke Crocus. Based on their reactions, it was clear that Count Walnut was someone who could not be treated with anything less than total deference.
"Please, make yourselves at home."
"Here is a welcome drink for you."
Viola and Primula greeted the newcomers politely and offered them glasses.
"My thanks, young ladies."
"Then, Count Walnut. This way..."
"Umu."
Count Walnut walked toward a private section of the party venue accompanied by Duke Crocus and Marquis Catreia. Albert and Eilische followed suit, and the group began a quiet conversation.
Following them, guests continued to arrive in a steady stream. There were his school friends: Luid Gistal, Maurice Louis, and Will Edoart. Then there was his comrade-in-arms, Wilhelm Lyubase, who also held territory in the plains currently under development. Finally, the Student Council and Executive Committee members arrived: Andrew Aiwood, Yusgos Betras, Rilanda Marker, Isis Calvert, and Jack Yugroot.
"She's here."
And then arrived the current source of Rest's headaches: Ulula Lavender. Ulula was accompanied by her usual maid, and standing beside her was the formidable figure of the Margrave himself, Loser Lavender.
"...Welcome. We are honored by your presence, Lord Margrave Lavender, Lady Ulula."
Viola greeted them with a hint of tension in her voice. If it were just Ulula, she wouldn't have been so guarded, but the Margrave's presence demanded caution. As a man who advocated for aggressive foreign conquest and often disturbed the kingdom's internal stability, he was a potential political adversary to the moderate faction led by Marquis Rosemary.
"Ho-ho-ho! It is an honor to be invited, Count Clover."
"We are grateful you could attend..."
"Forgive me for my lack of hospitality the other day. Next time you visit my estate, please, do stay a while."
"...Of course."
The Margrave laughed like a kindly grandfather. Looking at him now, he seemed like nothing more than a friendly old man, but as always, his true thoughts remained impossible to read.
"Is that really Margrave Lavender...?"
"Loser Lavender... is that actually him?"
A short distance away, Albert and Marquis Catreia were knitting their brows in suspicion. Duke Crocus also wore a troubled expression, all three of them appearing utterly bewildered by the man's presence.
"I shall certainly enjoy myself today. Ho-ho-ho."
Regardless of the underlying tension, the majority of the invited guests had arrived, and Count Clover's first party officially began. The ceremony marking the mansion’s completion featured its fair share of uninvited guests and political friction; the celebration opened on a lively, yet distinctly ominous, note.