Episode 107: The Celebration (1)
The day of the celebration had arrived.
“Honey, the guests are arriving.”
Mrs. Haxen peered out the window, her voice tinged with both excitement and anxiety. Her words drew the rest of the family to the window as well.
Carriages carrying guests were steadily making their way to Spring Castle.
The family watching them wore expressions of unease.
“Do you think we’ll manage today?”
“Of course we will. You know how hard we’ve worked for this.”
Count Haxen tried to reassure his wife, though his voice betrayed his own nerves.
The Haxen family had never hosted, nor even attended, such a grand event before.
And now, they were the hosts, expected to welcome all these guests?
The pressure was immense.
“Ahhh…”
“Abel, don’t worry. I’ll be here to help.”
Abel was just as tense, but Olivia, who was more accustomed to such events, offered her support.
“My heart’s racing.”
Even Louise, usually so calm and composed, looked tense today.
Then she noticed Demian, lounging with a relaxed, almost lazy demeanor.
“Demian, aren’t you nervous at all?”
“Why should I be? It’s just a bunch of people to look at.”
Demian replied nonchalantly.
“But our family’s reputation depends on what they think of us.”
“There’s no need to worry about that.”
“Oh? Why not?”
“If anyone dares to speak ill of our family, I’ll personally set them straight.”
Louise laughed, waving her hand dismissively.
But when she saw the seriousness in Demian’s eyes, her laughter faded.
”…You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Of course. So, sister, just relax and enjoy yourself.”
Louise looked at Demian, half-amused, half-exasperated, before finally chuckling.
“Alright, I’ll trust you, little brother.”
Nobles from the west were gathering at the Gargar Plains.
Some arrived in their own carriages, while those with closer ties shared rides.
“Today’s the day. I can’t wait to see how the Haxen family embarrasses themselves.”
“Isn’t it obvious? The Haxen family has never been impressive.”
These nobles were part of a group known as the “Lofty Gentlemen,” a society of the most cultured and educated western aristocrats.
Despite the Haxen family’s elevation to a countship, they still referred to them as a viscount family, a deliberate slight.
“But why are we meeting at the Gargar Plains instead of the Haxen estate?”
“Indeed, I expected the celebration to be held there.”
“What’s so special about the Gargar Plains that they chose to host the event here?”
The nobles were puzzled. One of them pondered aloud.
“Could it be… No, it can’t be.”
“Hmm? Do you know something, Lord Southoden?”
“I heard there’s a royal castle near the Gargar Plains… but surely not.”
As the “Lofty Gentlemen” conversed, their carriage traversed the plains.
The nobles couldn’t help but be impressed by the vast expanse.
“I’ve heard the rumors, but I didn’t expect it to be this vast.”
“A river runs right through the middle. They won’t have to worry about irrigation.”
“They say the land is so fertile that anything planted here yields a bountiful harvest.”
Looking out over the Gargar Plains, the members of the “Lofty Gentlemen” couldn’t help but feel envious.
This was the most fertile land in the west, coveted by many but untouchable as it belonged to the crown.
No one expected the Haxen family to gain control of such a prized territory.
“The Haxen family has certainly received more than they deserve.”
“Exactly my thoughts.”
The members tried to mask their envy with disdain, convinced there would be nothing else to envy about the Haxen family today.
But upon arriving at Spring Castle, they were forced to reconsider.
“My word… what a magnificent castle.”
“Is this where the celebration is being held?”
The nobles couldn’t help but express their awe.
The Gargar Plains were remote, and most had never seen Spring Castle in person.
The castle’s walls and towers were built from pristine white stone, likely the expensive white marble. The contrasting black roof was made from rare, kiln-fired clay, as valuable as the marble.
It was a castle of breathtaking beauty, like something out of a painting.
“How did the Haxen family come to possess such a castle…?”
As they disembarked from their carriages, the nobles couldn’t stop marveling.
Spring Castle was impressive from the outside, but its interior was even more stunning.
Particularly striking were the two statues guarding the entrance, masterpieces that could easily be considered treasures.
Guided by attendants, the nobles made their way to the banquet hall.
“So this is why they chose this location for the celebration.”
“Indeed, no one in their right mind would have chosen their old estate for such an event.”
The “Lofty Gentlemen” continued to make dismissive remarks about the Haxen family, a feeble attempt to hide their envy.
“What’s important is the food and music, not the venue.”
“Let’s see if these country bumpkins hired the right people.”
Laughing, they entered the banquet hall, only to be taken aback once more.
As they stepped inside, they were greeted by grand music. An orchestra of over twenty musicians played flawlessly, their harmonious sound perfectly suited to the occasion—a testament to their skill.
“Well, they’ve hired a decent orchestra, I must admit.”
“Indeed.”
Just then, attendants bustled in, setting out the food.
The dishes were designed for easy consumption, perfect for a banquet.
Freshly prepared, the food emitted an irresistible aroma.
Sniffing the air, the nobles felt a sudden pang of hunger.
The scent was so enticing it was almost coercive.
Like the music, the aroma alone spoke of the chef’s expertise.
The banquet’s food was undoubtedly crafted by a top-tier chef.
“Mm, hmm.”
“Ahem! Ahem.”
The “Lofty Gentlemen” fell silent. No one dared to criticize the Haxen family now.
As seasoned nobles, they could tell the celebration was far from ordinary.
It was clear that a significant investment had been made, with the best talents brought together for the event.
“Our guests have arrived.”
A voice rang out. The nobles looked up to see the Haxen family approaching.
“Oh my…”
“This is unexpected…”
The sight of them left the nobles in awe.
They had already researched the Haxen family, aware of their reputed beauty.
They assumed the reports were exaggerated, or that their looks couldn’t be that remarkable.
But seeing them in person exceeded all expectations.
“I heard the eldest daughter was the most beautiful… How has she remained unknown until now?”
“That young man must be Abel, the most handsome of the Haxen men.”
“And that lady is Olivia Copperhead… or rather, Olivia Haxen now. They called her the Flower of the West. Truly remarkable.”
Each family member was striking, and their attire was equally impressive.
The nobles whispered among themselves.
While all were noteworthy, Demian Haxen drew the most attention.
Like the rest of his family, Demian was exceptionally handsome.
But it wasn’t just his looks that captivated the nobles.
His languid expression belied an inexplicable aura of authority.
It was as if they were in the presence of a sovereign.
“I am Theodore Haxen. Thank you for attending our celebration.”
With those words, the Haxen viscount shook hands with each of the “Lofty Gentlemen.”
“I hope you enjoy our humble gathering.”
More guests continued to arrive.
”…”
”…”
The “Lofty Gentlemen” found it difficult to enjoy the celebration. They sat quietly in a corner, their earlier plans to mock the Haxen family thwarted from the start.
The celebration was perfect, beyond reproach.
The Haxen family, once dismissed as country bumpkins, had proven themselves a distinguished countship.
”…Are we just going to sit here and do nothing?”
One member finally spoke up, drawing the attention of the others.
“Are we really going to acknowledge the Haxen family like this?”
The noble’s voice was firm, but the “Lofty Gentlemen” avoided his gaze.
They had already lost their resolve.
”…It’s too soon to give up hope.”
The member who had first spoken wore a determined expression.
“Do you have a plan?”
“Not exactly a plan, but… I have some information.”
The nobles leaned in, eager to hear more.
“I’ve heard that a certain someone will be attending this event.”
“A certain someone?”
“Who might that be?”
“The matter of Lord Topikan.”
At the mention of the name, the faces of the nobles lit up instantly.
Viscount Topikan.
As the head of the Topikan family, he wielded significant influence in the western regions for generations.
Though the Topikan family held the title of viscount, they owned vast lands. With such wealth and a retinue of loyal followers, it was an open secret that their influence far exceeded their rank.
“Lord Topikan is determined not to let the Haxen family off the hook.”
Despite his formidable power, Viscount Topikan had never been recognized as a high noble.
The reason was the Copperhead family.
The Copperhead family stood firm, preventing Viscount Topikan from even attaining the rank of earl, let alone becoming a high noble.
However, a major upheaval weakened the Copperhead family significantly.
For Viscount Topikan, this was an opportunity not to be missed. He planned to suppress the Copperhead family and finally ascend to the status of a high noble.
But then, out of nowhere, the Haxen family was elevated to an earldom.
It was enough to make Viscount Topikan’s blood boil.
“Once he arrives, the Haxen family won’t be able to act so arrogantly!”
At that moment, a murmur spread through the banquet hall.
The “Noble Gentlemen” turned their attention to the source of the commotion. Soon, their expressions brightened.
A man entered the hall, accompanied by several nobles.
A deeply furrowed brow.
Narrow, piercing eyes. Firmly set lips. A head half-bald.
It was Viscount Topikan, known as the eternal second-in-command of the west.
“Where is Viscount Haxen?”
Viscount Topikan raised his voice as he entered the hall. From afar, Earl Haxen approached.
“Welcome, Lord Topikan.”
At Earl Haxen’s greeting, Viscount Topikan twisted his lips into a sneer.
“Bold of you to act so brazenly in my territory.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t understand. It’s infuriating.”
The nobles of the “Noble Gentlemen” silently cheered at Viscount Topikan’s assertive stance.
This was exactly what they had hoped for—someone to challenge Viscount Haxen.
“I’m not here to enjoy the banquet. I’m here to issue a warning.”
Viscount Topikan shouted as he surveyed the nobles in the hall.
“Think carefully about where you stand—between me and Viscount Haxen!”
Abel couldn’t help but feel angered by Viscount Topikan’s demeanor.
To show up unannounced and ruin the atmosphere with such words.
Moreover, the way he kept referring to his father as Viscount Haxen was irksome.
It sounded as if he couldn’t accept the Haxen family’s rise to an earldom.
But Abel decided to suppress his anger for the moment. He had to manage the situation carefully.
“Brother! You mustn’t get involved! Viscount Topikan is incredibly influential in the west…”
However, Abel soon realized that Demian Haxen wore an unusually calm expression.
“Brother?”
“What is it?”
“Aren’t you angry?”
“You’re asking the obvious. I’d love nothing more than to wipe that smug look off his face and crush the Topikan family.”
His face was serene, but his words were chilling.
“Then why are you just standing there…?”
“There’s no need for me to act. It’s about time.”
“What?”
As Abel questioned, Viscount Topikan raised his voice again.
“I don’t make idle threats! Remember this well! I won’t hesitate to go to war with the Haxen family…”
“Earl Haxen! Sorry for being late!”
At that moment, someone interrupted Viscount Topikan, approaching Earl Haxen and clasping his hands.
“It’s the first time we’re meeting face to face! Congratulations on your elevation to an earldom!”
Viscount Topikan scowled, grabbing the man’s shoulder and shouting.
“Can’t you see I’m speaking here?”
He yanked the man’s shoulder, but upon seeing his face, Viscount Topikan froze on the spot.
“D-d-d-d-d-d-!”
He couldn’t get the words out. After swallowing hard, Viscount Topikan finally managed to speak clearly.
“Your Grace, the Duke!”