Episode 108: The Celebration (Part 2)
The moment the Duke entered, the atmosphere in the banquet hall turned as cold as a winter breeze.
What truly unsettled the nobles, even more than the Duke’s arrival, was the scene unfolding before their eyes.
The Duke calmly looked at the hand gripping his shoulder and spoke, “Would you mind letting go?”
Viscount Topikan quickly released his grip at the Duke’s words. The Duke brushed off his shoulder with a cool demeanor.
“Is that really the Duke of Goldpixie?”
“I heard he rarely attends social gatherings…”
“I knew he was acquainted with Damian Haxen, but I never expected him to show up so soon…”
The nobles whispered among themselves, some quickly pondering the Duke’s intentions for attending.
“The Duke of Goldpixie’s presence here means…”
“It signifies an official acknowledgment of ties with the Haxen family.”
“To think the Haxen family has the Duke of Goldpixie as their backer. This is monumental.”
While the nobles buzzed with speculation, Damian approached.
“Ah, Sir Damian! Thank you for the invitation. I apologize for being a bit late, but I hope you understand.”
The Duke greeted Damian with a bright smile.
“Your presence alone is a great honor.”
“Haha, I’m glad to hear that. I have much to discuss with you, but that can wait.”
The Duke turned to Count Haxen.
“Count Haxen, would you care for a chat?”
“I would be honored.”
Count Haxen replied promptly.
“Thank you for saying so. And Viscount Topikan?”
At the Duke’s call, Viscount Topikan, who was about to leave, turned back.
“Y-Your Grace… Is there something you need?”
“Why don’t you join us?”
In that moment, Viscount Topikan nearly cried out.
“I-I have some urgent matters to attend to…”
“I’m asking you to join us.”
The Duke’s voice lowered, leaving Viscount Topikan no choice but to follow, swallowing his tears.
Viscount Topikan felt as if he were facing his doom.
It was all because of the Duke of Goldpixie sitting at the same table.
The Iron-Blooded Duke, the Golden Demon, the Ruthless Meritocrat.
The Duke of Goldpixie was known by many fearsome names.
He was a man to be feared, known for eliminating any obstacles to his business without hesitation, and for dismissing even his own retainers if they lacked competence.
Anyone who knew even a little about the Duke kept their distance.
With such a monstrous figure beside him, Viscount Topikan felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles.
“Compared to Your Grace, it’s nothing.”
“What are you saying! The Haxen family is the only one to have been granted a countship in the past decade! That’s quite an achievement!”
Viscount Topikan had even dared to lay a hand on the Duke.
Though he wielded considerable influence in the west, compared to the Duke of Goldpixie, he was like a firefly before the sun.
The Duke wielded immense power not just in the west, but throughout the entire Apple Kingdom.
Viscount Topikan was practically offering his neck on a platter.
“Becoming a count means you’ll have much more to manage. You’ll need to choose someone to oversee your lands, and figure out how to keep an eye on them. It’s no simple task.”
“That’s precisely what worries me. I’ve only ever managed a small estate until now…”
Listening to their conversation, Viscount Topikan was taken aback.
The Duke, known for his cold and meticulous nature, was treating Count Haxen with surprising warmth.
“It’s natural to worry at first. But don’t fret. I’ll help you.”
“Really?”
“Of course. If you need knowledge or assistance, just send someone. No, I’ll send someone to you soon.”
The Duke was even offering proactive help.
This was a side of the Duke of Goldpixie that Viscount Topikan had never seen.
“Is it really okay for me to accept such kindness…?”
“Don’t worry about it. Compared to the help Sir Damian has given me, it’s nothing.”
During their conversation, the Duke glanced at Viscount Topikan.
“Viscount Topikan, you’ve been awfully quiet. Are you feeling unwell?”
“N-No! I’m perfectly fine!”
Viscount Topikan exclaimed hastily. The Duke chuckled at his response.
“Haha, no need to be so tense. Do you think I’m going to eat you alive?”
Viscount Topikan felt a chill run down his spine.
The Duke might have meant it as a joke, but to Viscount Topikan, it was anything but.
“Count Haxen, while we’re on the topic, may I offer you some advice?”
“I would be grateful to hear it.”
“Thank you for saying so. It’s nothing much, really.”
The Duke gestured for a servant carrying a tray of drinks.
He picked up three glasses and handed them to Count Haxen and Viscount Topikan.
“Power is a sweet and intoxicating thing. It’s like a fragrant wine that no one can resist. But as you know, a drunkard often makes a fool of himself.”
Count Haxen nodded at the Duke’s words.
“You mean to always be vigilant.”
“Exactly. But it’s not just about you being cautious. Power drives others mad as well.”
The Duke took a sip of his drink.
“Many will gather around you. Some with good intentions, but they will be few. Most will covet your power or try to take it from you.”
The Duke’s expression grew serious.
“So be wary of those who approach you. Consider their intentions. What do they want from you? Are they a threat?”
With that, the Duke downed the rest of his drink.
“If someone has impure intentions, do you know what to do?”
“Do I cast them out?”
“Haha, that’s not enough. You must crush them so thoroughly that they never dare to underestimate you again.”
The Duke looked at Viscount Topikan as he spoke.
Viscount Topikan involuntarily hiccuped.
“What do you think, Viscount Topikan?”
“Well… I suppose… giving them a second chance wouldn’t be so bad…”
The Duke let out a low, drawn-out chuckle.
“This is your second chance.”
The humor vanished from the Duke’s voice, and Viscount Topikan’s face turned pale.
“You may leave now. I have more to discuss with Count Haxen.”
Viscount Topikan quickly excused himself.
Though the Duke’s manner was dismissive, he didn’t mind. All he wanted was to leave as soon as possible.
After wrapping up his conversation with Count Haxen, the Duke of Goldpixie called Damian for a private talk.
“I never knew you had such a cunning side, Sir Damian.”
The Duke teased with a playful grin.
“Inviting me to bolster your family’s standing.”
“Did it upset you?”
“Had it been anyone else, perhaps. But since it’s you, Sir Damian, I wasn’t displeased. In fact, I was glad for the chance to repay a bit of the debt I owe you.”
Previously, Damian had exposed the identities of dark wizards infiltrating the Duke’s household, allowing the Duke to protect his family.
“I’m truly amazed. I expected you to become a prominent figure, but not this quickly.”
Damian had not only helped the church eliminate a notorious dark wizard but also thwarted a coup at the royal palace.
He was now hailed as a hero of the Apple Kingdom.
“Have you considered joining our family?”
“I have too many responsibilities to consider that.”
“I’ll provide anything you need.”
“I’m sorry, but I must decline.”
Damian’s firm response elicited a wry smile from the Duke.
“If that’s your decision, I won’t press. I should be going now. I have other engagements.”
With that, the Duke departed from Spring Castle.
The celebration continued for a week.
Thanks to the Duke’s presence on the first day, the guests who arrived afterward behaved themselves.
“Count Haxen! I’m Motal from the Barony of Bertlia!”
“I’ve brought a family heirloom to celebrate this occasion! Please accept it!”
Well, perhaps “behaved” isn’t quite accurate.
Every noble who visited was eager to curry favor, trying their best to impress Count Haxen.
Considering Damian’s status and the connection with the Duke of Goldpixie, it was only natural.
The speed at which information traveled was astonishing, and it was almost amusing to see how quickly the nobles changed their attitudes toward Count Haxen.
Thus, the Haxen family successfully concluded the celebration of their elevation to a countship.
After seeing off the last guest, the family members each expressed their gratitude to Damian.
“It’s finally over! Everyone did a great job!”
“I was worried at first about whether we could pull it off… I’m so relieved.”
“It’s all thanks to you, brother! Inviting the Duke made everyone behave!”
All eyes turned to Damian, who cleared his throat, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“It was nothing.”
“It’s nothing, really! If it weren’t for you, the whole atmosphere would have been ruined!”
“Exactly! Who was it again, Viscount Topican? That insufferable man caused quite a scene!”
Damian scratched his cheek with a finger, feeling a bit embarrassed by his family’s praise.
“Damian, come here for a moment.”
“What is it?”
Puzzled, Damian approached his father.
As he got closer, his father pulled him into a tight embrace and spoke softly.
“You did well. My son, my wonderful son. Thank you so much.”
In that moment, something inside Damian burst open.
In a past life, Damian had killed his entire family under Dorogo’s orders.
The screams, the resentment, the cries of his family at the moment of their deaths were unforgettable. They still echoed vividly in his ears. He had nightmares every night.
But with his father’s words, even if just for a moment, he could forget those horrific memories.
To keep his emotions in check, Damian had to bite his lip.
Yet he felt that the emotions of this moment would stay with him for a long time.
Even after the celebration ended, the family decided not to return to their mansion.
“We’re thinking of making this place our new home.”
Now that they were an earl’s family, they needed a residence befitting their status.
Moreover, the lands owned by the Haxen family were scattered in different locations.
Among their territories—the original estate, the land Olivia had received from the Copperhead family, and the Gargari Plains—the Gargari Plains were centrally located. Staying at Spring Castle would make managing the lands easier.
“Whatever you think is best, Father.”
Damian didn’t offer any particular opinion. He intended to leave family matters to the rest of his family.
Besides, they had the reliable Olivia. With her capabilities, managing these lands wouldn’t be a problem.
With the family event concluded, it was time to focus on personal matters.
“Time to visit the Order.”
As a reward for dealing with the necromancers and saving the punitive force, Damian had earned the right to access the Order’s archives.
He also planned to offer the core he obtained from destroying the cursed sword and receive his reward.
“And maybe get the holy sword repaired while I’m at it.”
With anticipation, Damian began preparing for his journey.