NOVEL WEB Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Friends
The atmosphere inside the mansion became even more chaotic.
Not only the main house, but even the annex separated from it displayed an urgent and disordered atmosphere.
[It felt like the king visited then, but now it feels like the emperor is here.]
Not only Reinhardt but any prestigious family wouldn’t respond sloppily when the head of the family visits.
The reason is partly to uphold the family’s prestige, but also to remind the family members who the true master of the house is.
[But shouldn’t he usually come with his son? Did they go out separately?]
“Young master.”
Before Leo could respond, the head butler, Alfred, spoke first.
“When returning, wouldn’t you normally come back with the head of the family?”
“I felt burdened, so I teleported back!”
[Ah, what an idiot.]
With that bold statement, the Sage acknowledged the future head of the family as an idiot.
“Is that so? Then I will relay that to the head of the family.”
After saying this, Alfred turned his gaze to Leo.
“Then Leonardo, shall we go meet the head of the family together?”
“What? Together?”
Typically, when welcoming the head of the family, servants would gather with other servants, and butlers with other butlers.
But for a mere servant to greet the head of the family alongside the head butler was unprecedented.
“Is it really okay for me to go with you, head butler?”
“It’s fine.”
Alfred took out a small letter from his sleeve.
“The head of the family himself wants to see you, Leonardo.”
…Something felt ominous.
***
At the mansion’s entrance, people were lined up forming a procession. Just like the Sage’s analogy, the knights stood with flags and swords, waiting for their master.
The people lined up in order: attendants, servants, knights, then the family’s executives and relatives, but there was a small exception to this rule.
[Oh, you really climbed the ranks. Is this the power of a joke…?]
A young servant standing next to the family’s high-ranking butler was the exception.
<…Ha… why did I have to make that joke…>
If he had only adhered to proper etiquette, it would have been fine. Making a joke about doing his best had become the root of his troubles.
Even now, the servants and knights were glaring at Leo. The reason being, a mere servant standing next to the head butler.
[You chose to be a joke killer. Endure it with grit and determination.]
He had no time to pay attention to the old man’s words. The sound of the trumpet signaled that the head of the family was arriving.
“Attention!”
At those words, the knights stood at attention with military discipline.
Srring!
When the captain of the knights drew his sword, the other knights followed suit, raising their gleaming blades high. The sight of the shining swords uplifted Reinhardt’s stature and honor.
“It’s been a while.”
With those words, a man riding a magnificent white horse led the knights into the mansion’s garden. Just like the knights who welcomed him, they seemed to have brought back glory and pride to Reinhardt from their expedition.
‘Gladio Reinhardt…’
The master of the family and a knight with six-star aura.
He was one of the top ten strongest in the kingdom.
“…You arrived quite early this time.”
A woman emerged from the knights to greet him. She was neither a knight nor a warrior.
‘Silica Reinhardt.’
She was the head of the family’s only wife and the mistress of the house.
‘Since it’s the past, she certainly looks younger.’
She had always taken good care of herself, so it wasn’t too much of a discrepancy, but seeing her in this life felt strange.
It reminded him anew that this place was indeed the past.
“I heard there were many matters in the family. As the head, I couldn’t stay away for long.”
Gladio, dismounting from his white horse, spoke while looking at his wife. At the same time…
[That man is looking over here?]
Gladio’s gaze also turned to Leonardo, standing next to the head butler.
The reason he recognized him was undoubtedly because of the newspaper. It would be more strange not to recognize the face blatantly printed on it, acquired from who knows where.
“Alfred, I heard you fainted. How’s your health?”
“I’m fine, sir. In fact, I feel lighter after having a good laugh.”
“Is that so? It’s a shame I couldn’t witness it myself.”
Then Gladio’s gaze slowly turned to Leonardo.
“Are you the infamous joke killer?”
He had to hold it in. If he lost his composure here, it wouldn’t be the interrogation room he’d end up in but immediate execution.
“…The rumors have been exaggerated, but I would like to refute that nickname. As you can see, Alfred is in good health.”
Leonardo started a formal greeting with a polite smile, adhering to etiquette.
“Servant Leonardo, it is an honor to meet the master of the family, Head Gladio Reinhardt.”
He bowed deeply, following the traditional manners.
“…Oh, a traditional greeting. Did Alfred teach you that?”
“No, sir.”
“Then who did?”
“As a mercenary, I sometimes needed to know etiquette. I learned from observing nobles I met in the past.”
The Sage, puzzled, asked.
[Is that true?]
In truth, it was close to a lie.
This etiquette was something he had learned directly from Alfred in his previous life while working as a servant. There was no time to learn etiquette while living as a mercenary.
“Hmm… I see. Understood.”
This time, Gladio’s gaze shifted to the other relatives.
“It’s been a while, father. Have you been well?”
The first to greet was the eldest son, Rios Reinhardt.
“Indeed, although we set off together just thirty minutes ago, it does feel like a long time.”
The problem was that Rios had also been on the expedition.
“Hello, father.”
The next to greet was the eldest daughter, Ariasphil Reinhardt. Unlike her brother Rios, her greeting was cold and disciplined.
“You’ve grown quite a bit in the past four months. Have you been well, Aria?”
For a moment, her eyes glanced towards Leonardo, then back to Gladio as she replied.
“Yes, I’ve had a fulfilling training.”
Though Gladio didn’t show it, he seemed quite surprised as he looked at his daughter.
“That’s unexpected. You always used to say ‘so-so’.”
“It was truly enjoyable this time.”
After the children greeted each other, the relatives of the main house began their greetings.
“Did your expedition go well, sir?”
Kneeling, Chris Reinhardt greeted her brother.
“It’s been a while, Chris. I heard you brought in a good servant.”
Once again, the attention of the Reinhardt family turned towards Leonardo. It was not just intimidating but immensely burdensome.
“It’s not just good, sir. I was going to write you a letter, but this is a good opportunity. Let’s talk over a meal.”
“Good idea.”
The head of the family addressed the surrounding relatives.
“Let’s have a light dinner. Everyone, follow me.”
At the head’s words, the Reinhardt family members responded and followed him.
<…Ah, finally a moment to breathe…>
“Oh, and.”
Just as Leonardo began to relax, Gladio, who was turning away, added,
“I hope you can join us too.”
“…Me?”
“I’ve heard that many interesting things have happened since you came to the family. It’s best to hear it directly from the person involved, don’t you think?”
[…It seems you’ve been targeted.]
Though he hated to admit it, the Sage was right this time.
***
Food was laid out in succession across the long, wide table.
Foods that were rare to see or eat in both his current and past life were presented all at once.
Leo felt certain that the total cost of the food would match, if not exceed, the value of the belongings he brought.
[Wow… the name Reinhardt truly stands for something.]
Sitting there, Leo maintained a gentle smile while suppressing his uneasy feelings.
[Test? What kind of test?]
Bringing a mere servant to the family dining table couldn’t be just for a simple meal.
Especially since it was ordered by the head of the family.
[So how do you pass this test?]
[That’s obvious, you idiot. Be more specific…]
“Please help yourself. I apologize for the lack of variety.”
“As expected of the joke killer…”
…Ah, his mouth had gotten him into trouble again.
“…Alfred, go rest in your room for a while. The meal might take longer today.”
Just as Leo cut a small piece of steak and put it in his mouth, Gladio began his questioning.
“Owes? Not at all. Rather, thanks to Lady Ariasphil, I realized many of my shortcomings.”
This wasn’t a lie or flattery; it was sincere.
In both his current and past life, he had learned countless things from her.
“Is that so? Thank you for thinking that way.”
“I should be the one thanking you.”
Gladio, lightly swirling his wine glass, asked,
“I’m from a village called Doron at the easternmost region.”
“That’s a place I’ve never heard of.”
His witty response brought a kindly smile to Gladio’s face.
The questions and answers continued throughout the meal.
Their first meeting with Ariasphil,
Information about mana training techniques,
As the conversation continued, Gladio’s interest seemed to deepen.
“Is there anything I’m not explaining well?”
“If you’re that interested, I’m more honored to answer. What’s your question?”