Marriage With A Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 26
Translator and Editor: Nana and Nabi
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Chapter 26
Today, I entered wearing a black dress chosen from the array of preparations.
I removed the patty coat and let it cascade down, cinching the waist with a sturdy leather belt that tied into a delicate ribbon, giving it a finishing touch with a sense of grace. The ensemble carried a somewhat substantial air akin to the visage of a warrior.
“May I offer you something refreshing?”
“Thank you.”
After receiving the champagne from the invitation, I ventured further inside. The Guild Association Gathering was said to be held annually at the Regian Hall.
As expected, this time as well, the banquet took place there.
Unlike me, who responded to the invitation for the first time, the guild masters, who were frequent attendees, had gathered in groups, holding large tankards of ale while engaged in conversations. The grand hall was already resonating with the melodies of musicians performing, and numerous tables, some twenty in total, were elegantly arranged throughout.
Although invitations were extended, the tables weren’t assigned to specific names. With no particular purpose in mind, I chose an unoccupied table and took a seat.
“It seems like everyone’s energy is quite exuberant, perhaps because they’re all guild masters. I’ve heard that even secretaries seldom attend such gatherings. It must be a bit overwhelming. I guess they all hover around the Sword Masters.”
As Nigella whispered from my side, I couldn’t help but smile at her endearing remark.
“Don’t I appear the weakest here? Honestly, you can be frank.”
“Actually…”
“Hmm?”
“I thought as much, but not at all. You’ve chosen your attire wisely.”
“I share that sentiment.”
With a giggle, I raised the champagne glass.
“Furthermore, you appear the most elegant here. There seem to be quite a number of people casting glances toward you.”
Sipping from the champagne glass as if in contemplation, I glanced around.
“Yes, your face carries an air of aloofness, which might be contributing to that impression.”
Although I contemplated whether I could initiate a greeting, barely five minutes into the conversation with Nigella, someone approached.
“It appears you are new to this gathering.”
Upon turning my head towards the source of the voice, I saw a man with neatly tied silver hair who gave a gentle smile as he raised his champagne glass. Overall, he emanated an affable presence, and his eyes were as captivating as his flowing hair.
“Yes, indeed. From which…”
“Ah, I came from the vicinity of the Northern Branch. Have you ever been to Sergal?”
“Though I haven’t visited, I am familiar with its location.”
“I see. Presently, it’s quite a vexing place.”
With that, he took a seat across from me.
“I am from Ferrarium.”
“A splendid locale you’re from. My name is Rham.”
“I’m Hazel. And this is my secretary, Nigella.”
As one person joined, more and more people began to offer greetings until my table was eventually filled. Guildmasters from various regions engaged in cheerful conversations spanning many directions.
“In the Ferrarium region, there hasn’t been a single guildmaster participating before. This is a first. I’m Tedalsida. This here is my wife.”
“I’m Linae.”
Ted, the man with tousled hair, was the sole one who brought his spouse along. It was indeed the case that there were guilds operating as couples in the southern frontier of Pyronthe.
Pyronthe was a region situated below the capital, sharing borders with several areas. Ted emanated a genial aura, yet his battle scars suggested he wasn’t to be trifled with. He seemed to have a history as a mercenary.
His wife, Linae, emitted a magical presence.
“I come from Castalt. Hermes is my name. This is my secretary, Melkin. It’s been just over six months since we started operations, and there’s much we’re lacking. Please do enlighten us greatly today.”
“Oh, you must be the rookie here. How’s Castalt doing these days?”
Ted chuckled heartily.
“Castalt remains as it always is. The land is cramped, and the populace is dense. If one were to fall, you’d likely bump into noses wherever you land. There are only two guilds, after all.”
“Nevertheless, the wine that comes from Castalt’s borders is utterly splendid.”
“I must concur with that, as well.”
In response to Hermes’ words, Ted burst into hearty laughter.
“That aside, Ferrarium’s guilds are also just two, right? Soul and… what else?”
As Hermes inquired, I nodded in agreement and responded to his query.
“Most likely Magius.”
“Ah, then you must be the guild master of Soul. I didn’t expect to see such a young person here. You usually abstain from these gatherings, correct?”
“Really? If you mean Soul, their leader seems to possess impressive prowess. Even though it was an area untouched by monsters, the guild quickly rose to prominence shortly after its inception. Am I correct?”
In response to Rham’s question, I inadvertently nodded, and everyone’s eyes glinted with curiosity. Evidently, matters closely tied to revenue and capabilities piqued their interest.
“Well then, we must certainly get to know each other better.”
Ted quipped, prompting a chorus of chuckles.
Before I knew it, the table where I sat had transformed into the epitome of conviviality. Consequently, gazes from other tables began to converge on our spot.
“Is it true that Ferrarium rarely witnesses monsters? I had heard it was a land of peace.”
It seemed that all those gathered shared a common purpose, as barriers between us crumbled swiftly. Particularly, Rham continued to engage me in conversation, clinking our champagne glasses together.
“While that used to be the case in the past, it is no longer so.”
“Then, you mean to say that monsters are seen now.”
I nodded in affirmation, which led to a palpable solemnity settling over the group.
“It’s bitter to hear that there’s no longer a safe haven. Though, the increase in activity could be seen as a positive development.”
“Easy there. Pyronthe is no laughing matter, either. With only five united guilds there, they are constantly grappling with minor monster disturbances.”
Ted commented, flagging down a passing server and ordering a round of beers.
It appeared as if he aimed to transform this table into a drinking den. As he placed the beer order, Linea’s gaze grew rather incisive though Ted remained oblivious to her demeanor.
“We’ve fortuitously met here, and let’s keep meeting like this. Everyone’s eager to boast about their respective guilds, creating an atmosphere that’s quite conducive to camaraderie.”
“I concur. Everyone’s insistence on breaking the walls is quite astonishing. It’s my second time here, and it’s my first time experiencing such conversations.”
Hermes spoke.
The remaining champagne was sipped in agreement when someone approached.
“It seems another seat could be squeezed in. Would it be acceptable to join in?”
In an instant, the attention of those seated at the table converged on the newcomer. This person possessed tousled blonde hair, a crisply tailored emerald jacket, an unusually hefty gold necklace, and noticeable gemstone rings.
He was a man who stood out.
“While there are charming lady representatives at the table, and the ambiance is splendid here, would it not be feasible?”
“….”
“….”
As the others hesitated in giving an immediate response, the man raised his voice once again. Coincidentally, his inquiry was directed towards the seat beside me.
Somehow, an empty chair had emerged to my left. However, with Ted having discreetly lifted Lena’s shawl and created a makeshift place for belongings, it seamlessly served as a spot to rest minimal items.
“Well, it’s regrettable that there’s no available seat.”
Rham spoke softly, a gentle smile adorning his face.
“Is this seat next to the lady vacant?”
He inquired, glancing at me before playfully winking. Despite feeling a surge of annoyance, I chose to let it pass, as no direct harm had been inflicted. I was inclined to conclude this situation without instigating a confrontation.
Perhaps the others felt similarly. Meeting once a year, with the possibility of encountering each other only twice, no one desired to mar the essence of this gathering.
“Wouldn’t it be a bit cramped? While there are many other unoccupied seats, if this particular one is needed, we can certainly arrange for it to be brought over.”
Linea’s words were lighthearted, her intent clear: ‘If you need a seat, find one elsewhere on your own.’
The primary purpose of this guild representative assembly was to foster unity, collaboration, camaraderie, and the sharing of information among guilds.
Our table had, sooner than expected, fulfilled all these aspects. Other tables did not differ much either—representatives who enjoyed bantering separately, those who dined quietly, and groups focused on information exchange. If not, one could leisurely roam around, enjoying a standard banquet.
“Since this seat is occupied, you might find it preferable to explore other options. There are bound to be better places available.”
Following Rham and Linea’s responses, Hermes chimed in with a courteous smile.
Subsequently, he leaned slightly towards me.
“I am truly interested in getting to know you better. Especially with this lady.”
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