The name reminded me of a social gathering in a bar, but the scale was different when the main participant were the children of the 12 northern families.
The social gathering of the 12 northern families was not just a gathering of their children but was also a banquet attended by various people.
These people attended the social gathering every year, and those include people who wanted to associate with the 12 northern families, Langestheiâs influential people, celebrities whom the children were usually interested in, etc.
As such, the social gathering was one of the big events expected every year for the community near Langesthei, and oneâs evaluation in high society also changed depending on whether they were invited to the social gathering or not.
Anyway, for that reasonâŠ
ââWow.ââ
Jude and Cordelia were in pure admiration after the two came out of their respective rooms and faced each other in the drawing room.
This is because of the eye-opening beauty of an incomparably beautiful girl and an absolutely handsome boy that have made every effort in dressing up for the social gathering.
âBeautiful.â
If the Cordelia I saw in the valley was as mysterious as a fairy, the Cordelia today was as beautiful as a goddess.
She had pinkish, slightly curled red hair that not only gently fluttered but even glistened, and a lively white complexion.
She was wearing a red dress.
Cordelia usually looked much younger than her age because of her innocent face but wearing a mature dress that totally revealed her shoulders made her hidden seductive beauty be seen.
The skirt width was quite narrow unlike the usual wide skirt, and the beauty of her leg lines and her slender legs captivated the eyes of every person at first glance.
Of course, Jude looked great too.
It was only a month ago, but thanks to eating the various kinds of miraculous medicine that Count Chase gave him, his Cheonmujiche, and his sweating from physical exercise, his skinny body that had once lost weight was rapidly improving.
With his naturally good body shape plus his recent body improvements, his clean suit stood out properly. However, Jude proved that the completion of all fashion is in the face.
His face had strong-willed, mysterious green eyes that lie between his gentle facial lines.
When the two looked at each other and were fascinated for a while, Dahlia and Maja, who were mesmerized together, soon exchanged glances with a warm smile.
âYou did great.â
âYou too.â
âIn fact, he naturally looks good in any clothes.â
âShe does too.â
Either way, they were both very satisfied.
Furthermore, a smile was drawn on their mouths when they thought that the two would enter the banquet hall together.
Should I say I canât wait to see other peopleâs reactions?
âLetâs go now.â
âYoung master, you have to escort her.â
âAh, oh.â
With Maiaâs urging, Jude reached out to Cordelia, who came to her senses too and took Judeâs hand.
âWow, seriously. My heart would have been throbbing if you werenât Outboxer.â
âYou too? Itâs the same for me too.â
After exchanging glances, the two smiled as if they felt the same, and entered inside the carriage after passing by the knights who could not hide their admiration.
âHuuâŠâ
âHaaâŠâ
Rather than the large four-wheeler carriage they used on the trip, the two rode on a small carriage that operated inside Langesthei, while Maja and Dahlia were going to ride another carriage.
Thanks to this, there were only the two inside, and as soon as the door closed, Jude and Cordeliaâs straight postures collapsed.
âYouâre very much dressed up.â
âYou too.â
Cordelia snorted, looked back at herself in the carriage windowâs reflection, and grinned.
âWhy?â
âBecause sheâs pretty. Cordelia is the prettiest.â
âOh, narcissism. Donât do that in front of others.â
âWell, itâs true that Cordelia is pretty though. Sheâs pretty even when you look at it, right?â
âWell, itâs pretty butâŠitâs a relief.â
âWhat?â
âWhen I saw you talking in third person, it woke me up.â
My heart is pounding at seeing Yellow StormâŠis something that shouldnât have happened.
Jude breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Cordelia who was laughing loudly and snorting. He straightened his posture and said.
âMoving on, letâs not get carried away. Because todayâs an important day.â
âDid you get some rest? You went through a lot yesterday.â
He had worked hard yesterday.
If I have to say, itâs not stage 4, but stage 3.5.
At Cordeliaâs question, Jude looked sad for a moment because he remembered what happened yesterday, but soon smiled bravely.
âWell, itâs worth the trouble. Though, itâs best not to use it at all.â
If things went well, I wouldnât be able to use it.
Cordelia nodded her head as if agreeing with Jude, and then reached out her hands to Jude.
âWait a minute.â
âHuh?â
âStay still.â
As she approached with a serious face, Jude unconsciously felt nervous, but he soon found out her purpose.
âThe tie is crooked.â
Cordelia grabbed the bow tie that Jude wore, and smiled contentedly after straightening it with a few touches.
âOkay, there we go. It looks right now.â
Cordelia patted Judeâs chest with a thud and sat down again, and Jude tried to clear his throat.
âAhem, ahem.â
âWhy⊠Are you shy?â
âF*ck.â
âOh, you had such a cute side?â
Should I say that her âufufuâ laughs resembles that of the Fairy Queen?
âLetâs focus, focus. Itâs a very important day. You know, right?â
âI know.â
It was like the time I met Leisegang.
The tension he felt like back then made them continue talking nonsense to each other.
Jude took a breath and looked out the carriage window.
The sunâs red glow spread as it slowly set.
***
The social gathering was held in one of Langestheiâs most famous restaurants, which was a place owned and funded by Count HrĂŠsvelgr.
Despite the fact that the social gathering had not yet begun, the banquet hall was crowded, and there were a few places where people were especially crowded.
âThe children of the 12 northern families.â
There was Lucas HrĂŠsvelgr, the host of this social gathering and the HrĂŠsvelgr heir, whose family currently leads the 12 northern families.
There was Sylvia Crossbell too, daughter of Count Crossbell, whose family boasted immense wealth.
Among the children of the 12 families who gathered today, they were the two people who were particularly prominent, and as evidenced by this, there were many people who gathered around them.
âWell, there some children who are marginalized.â
The 12 families were not equal in power.
On the left wall, among her escort knights, stood a dreary-looking girl with a dejected face. She was Viola Langue of Viscount Langue.
She spent most of the year in the mansion, or in her own room. However, she was afraid of people, so she couldnât speak properly in a place where people gathered.
âIf you survive, youâll be a good friend of Cordelia.â
To be exact, they would be like older and younger sisters.
Jude turned his gaze again.
The male twins of Count Dahut were gazing at Lucas with discontented eyes. Felix Durant of Marquis Durant, the oldest child in this social gathering, was sending a passionate gaze to Sylvia.
Therefore, a total of 8 people, including Jude and Cordelia, were the children of the 12 families who attended this social gathering.
In an instant, the banquet hall stirred with the appearance of the new face, Jude, who had never made an official appearance before.
âThat guy?â
âHe has an ideal beautiful face like the rumors.â
âDoesnât he look fine despite being called the Countâs anguish?â
âHas he recovered from his disease?â
There were lots of chattering here and there in small voices.
The scattered children of the 12 families moved towards Jude and Cordelia, and the way opened at once as if it was split like the Red Sea.
Cordelia glanced at the coming Viola from afar. Jude chuckled at the approaching twin brothers and looked at Lucas and Sylvia after moderately turning away from Felixâs gaze, who will not appear at the social gathering next year.
âThey both stand out.â
While Cordelia still retains her girlishness, Sylvia has grown mature not only in her eyes but also in her small gestures, even though they were only a year apart. Of course, her body had distinct curves too.
She had long sky-blue hair and was wearing a snow-white dress, and with her blue eyes full of curiosity, she looked at Jude and Cordelia.
And Lucas HrĂŠsvelgr.
Todayâs most important figure, a blond attractive-looking man, strutted his way to their side. Although he was 16 years old and younger than Jude, he was much taller by almost a head.
He has been training since he was young, so his body was firm.
âItâs been a long time, Cordelia.â
âItâs been a long time, Sylvia.â
When Sylvia smiled and spoke to her, Cordelia answered with a slight blush in her cheeks.
Sylviaâs beauty was so alluring that even people from the same sex were enchanted.
âBut itâs surprisingly bearable?â
Jude had prepared his heart firmly if he ever gets caught up by her beauty, but surprisingly, he felt like he was just watching a Hollywood actress in a movie.
âMaybe Iâm used to seeing an incomparably beautiful girl.â
Sylvia was also an incomparably beautiful woman.
In any case, Jude was able to introduce himself in a calm manner in front of Sylvia, a woman of great beauty.
âIâm Mr. Jude Bayer of Count Bayer. Itâs a pleasure to meet you.â
Sylvia gracefully smiled at Jude with a slight but observant look, but unfortunately, now was not the time to talk to Sylvia.
After entrusting Sylvia to Cordelia, Jude saw Lucas approaching and about to greet him.
Lucas opened his mouth first as expected.
âIâm Lord Lucas HrĂŠsvelgr of Count HrĂŠsvelgr.â
He put out his hand as if he were asking for a handshake, but his blue eyes did not contain any emotion.
Itâs not that heâs indifferent, but itâs just a feeling of welcoming new guests?
âWell, Jude was rumored to have a body unable to master martial arts due to a chronic illness.â
As a person who had a great talent for swords, Lucas enjoyed being strong himself, so he had a bad habit that once he met someone, his degree of interest changed depending on whether they were strong or not.
âIs heâŠtoo?â
There is another reason Jude left for the social gathering and paid attention to Lucas.
âPlayable character.â
The playable characters Jude and Cordelia were the reincarnation of Outboxer009 and Yellow Storm, respectively.
So what about other playable characters?
Maybe Lucas is someoneâs â for example, the reincarnation of the 3rd rank in the server rankings?
âI canât figure it out by just looking at his eyes.â
If his opponent was a ranker of Legend of Heroes 2, he wouldâve had similar thoughts.
Whatâs more, the mysterious sensation I felt when I first met Cordelia was not at all felt when I met Lucas.
âPsst, I canât help it.â
I have no choice but to experiment as I did when I first met Cordelia.
âIâm Mr. Jude Bayer of Count Bayer.â
Jude smiled and held Lucasâ hand, and then said with his upper body slightly forward.
âHey, you too?â
âMr. Bayer?â
Lucas, who was shaking hands, was puzzled and looked at Jude as if he was strange.
He was thinking along the lines of âWhat are you talking about suddenly while shaking hands?â
âAhâŠum, no. I abruptly spoke some absurd words for a moment. My Gueumjulmaek is not completely cured yetâŠâ
âAhâŠis it because of the chronic illness?â
âIâve shown you my embarrassment. Itâs gradually getting better, so it wonât happen anymore.â
âNo, itâs an illness. I hope you fully get well.â
Lucas had a handsome guyâs cool-looking smile on his face. Cordelia who was watching from the side, said with her eyes.
âYouâre a fool, but isnât this too much?â
âAhem, ahem.â
Jude had nothing to else to say, so he hid his embarrassment with a cough.
âBut there are results.â
Lucas wasnât a ranker of Legend of Heroes 2.
He didnât feel anything special when he bumped into Cordelia, and I was genuinely embarrassed by what I just said.
âI donât know if itâs unfortunate or fortunate.â
There were pros and cons for both rankers and non-rankers.
âBecause the playable characters are not just one or two.â
Legend of Heroes 2Â has over 10 playable characters.
What if more than 10 rankers start moving with different ideas?
There was no guarantee that the rankers would unite with one mind like Jude and Cordelia.
Moreover, he did not enter Legend of Heroes 2 as a ranker, but he lived as a Legend of Heroes 2 character and awakened his rankerâs memory.
Among the playable characters, there are not only villains but also demon followers, so there was a possibility that rankers might become powerful enemies blocking Jude and Cordelia.
âIâm Lord Felix Durant.â
âIâm Mr. Jude Bayer.â
Jude also greeted the other children of the 12 families in a perfunctory manner.
The twins of Count Dahut, who disliked Felix and Lucas and were obsessed with Sylvia, didnât have much impact in the scenarioâs progress, even if they lived or died in the social gathering attack.
âOf course Iâm going to save them all.â
Thinking moderately, Jude looked around the banquet hall.
A total of six wizards, including two newly joined wizards who were convinced by the original four on the first day, were scattered around. They were under the leadership of Ronin, and it seemed like they had decided on an area to cover.
In addition to them, more than 30 knights were guarding the banquet hall, combined with the 6 knights from the Order of the Blue Lion that were sent by Sir Barua, and the escorts brought by each member of the 12 families.
âThis is much better than the original.â
Whatâs left is when they come in.
There was no guarantee that they would attack at the same time as the original because Jude had already shaken the board a lot.
âIn the first game, it just displayed the lines, âTime has passedâ.â
And time did pass.
Has it been more than an hour since the banquet started?
Suddenly, the music that was flowing in the banquet hall changed, and Jude and Cordelia realized that what was coming had come.
âDance time.â
It was a scene that was depicted in Legend of Heroes 2.
I danced with Sylvia when I went to Lucasâ route, and I danced with Lucas when I went to Cordeliaâs route.
But today was different.
âDo you feel it?â
âI feel it.â
Maja and Dahliaâs eyes are looking at our side with eager eyes.
In particular, Dahliaâs gaze was stinging because she was really showing a lot of excitement for the two of us.
Actually, it wasnât just the two of them.
A lot of people showed interest in the engaged couple from the 12 families who first appeared together at the banquet hall.
âLady Cordelia, will you give me the honor to dance with you?â
âMy pleasure, Mr. Bayer.â
Cordelia answered with an awkward smile, and small cheers and applause came from around.
Moving to the center of a naturally made stage, Cordelia said quietly.
âHey, do you know how to dance?â
âWhatâs wrong with you? Have you forgotten that I have Cheonmujiche?â
Jude smiled and answered gently, placing his hand on Cordeliaâs waist and gently grasping her hands, which were flinching for a moment.
âLetâs dance.â
âHmph.â
Cordelia, who snorted like Count Chase, entrusted herself to Judeâs guidance, and the two began to dance in rhythm.
No, we were just about to start.
Bang! Bang! Boom!
The whole building shook with a loud roar. Losing their balance for a moment, Jude and Cordelia leaned at each other and hurriedly turned their eyes.
There was a loud roar, an explosion, and a huge amount of smoke in the air.
âKyaaa!â
Dozens of unidentified men wearing black masks broke into the balcony windows and walls as people screamed.
At the same time, the escorts everywhere also pulled out their swords.
âMiss!â
âYoung master!â
It wasnât just Dahlia and Maja. The escorts called out the names of the children they served, and fighting began everywhere.
In a fleeting moment, Jude and Cordelia had the same idea at the same time. Even if we had gone to the center of the banquet hall to dance, our eyes had still chased the position of a certain person.
âLucas!â
Lucas HrĂŠsvelgr.
As a sword genius, he tried to fight in the current situation by pulling out his own sword.
And there was another person.
He looked at Lucas the same way, and their eyes crossed with each other.
Beyond the broken wall, the demonic human, Minos, was standing.