Just as Kevin's training was heating up, a single announcement made by Baron Romero turned the entire area around Dmitri upside down.
"The engagement between Dmitri and Lawrence has been called off."
Engagement annulment.
People knew what that word meant.
It meant that Dmitri's protection, which was supposed to resolve the conflict with Barca, had vanished.
As a result, the Lawrence family was now left to prepare for war alone.
In such a situation, people had a lot to say.
Baron Romero claimed that the Lawrence family's irresponsible attitude was the reason for the annulment, but the public's interpretation was different.
"The reason for the annulment? It's obvious. The Lawrence family's golden child decided on the marriage for the sake of the family, but when she actually experienced Dmitri's foolishness firsthand, she couldn't stand it. What other reason would there be for Lawrence to unilaterally demand an annulment? Even with Barca's blade at their throats, they made this decision. It just goes to show how much worse Dmitri's foolishness is compared to the rumors."
"Really? What if the family gets wiped out because of this? And there are rumors that Dmitri's eldest son defeated Blood Fang."
"Do you believe those rumors? A guy who's been called Dmitri's fool for over a decade suddenly defeating Blood Fang? That's impossible. They probably managed Roman's reputation in advance to prepare for the annulment. It's not that Roman Dmitri is lacking, but that even such a great man couldn't stop Lawrence from demanding the annulment."
That was the general public's opinion.
Reputation is a scary thing.
Roman Dmitri had lived his entire life as a fool, while Flora Lawrence was praised as the flower of the Lawrence family.
One incident.
Different reputations.
Naturally, people blamed Roman Dmitri.
Even though his image had improved after defeating Blood Fang, it wasn't enough to completely reverse the one-sided perception.
However, the Dmitri family didn't make any special moves.
They knew that no amount of explanation could change the facts, and it was undeniable that Roman Dmitri had indeed lived like a fool.
But.
They believed in Roman.
The recent Roman was completely different from the rumors, so they could laugh off people's reactions.
In such a situation.
The day of Barca's social gathering arrived.
"... Are you really telling me to wear this?"
Roman's expression stiffened.
His vision was dazzled.
The luxurious outfit, adorned with golden threads and eye-catching decorations, made Roman look disgusted.
Hans spoke up.
"Young master, this is the first time you'll be appearing in public since the annulment. Given the status of the Dmitri family and yourself, you can't just wear any outfit. Let me explain about this outfit.
It's the work of Pierre, a craftsman active in the northeastern region. We had to pay a hefty sum and wait in line for dozens of people to get this custom-made. That man doesn't just move for money, so even though we brought a sack of cash, it took quite some time to persuade him.
Surely, you're not saying you won't wear this masterpiece, the fruit of my blood and sweat, are you?"
Two weeks ago.
Right after Roman expressed his intention to attend the party, Hans had been searching for the perfect outfit for Roman every day.
Checking fabrics to see if they matched the right colors.
Contacting famous craftsmen.
Hans's efforts made Roman realize once again how extraordinary he was.
And now.
With a firm attitude that brooked no refusal, Roman could only smile and nod.
"Alright. I'll wear it."
In the past.
People associated the word "heavenly demon" with a devil.
A monster that would cut down even its own subordinates without hesitation, showing no mercy.
There had indeed been such times.
On the path to reaching the top, Roman had executed his subordinates with a heavy heart, but in normal times, he never ignored their loyalty.
Hans was someone who devoted himself to Roman.
Though the Dmitri family provided him with daily necessities and a salary, Hans genuinely cared for Roman.
Without being asked, he sought out craftsmen and presented Roman with this outfit.
That action.
What was the reward for it?
Hans didn't seek material compensation.
He only wished for Roman to accept this outfit with a happy heart.
And so.
Roman smiled.
It wasn't a particularly difficult action.
Even though the flashy outfit was burdensome to look at, Roman forced a smile, avoiding his stiff expression.
'Just looking at it makes me suffocate, but if this is the etiquette of the world, then I must follow its rules.'
There's a saying: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
This is the adaptation period.
Just as he adapted to reality by following instructions in the dark caves during his childhood, Roman knew when to take the lead and when to follow what was already established.
The decision to wear the flashy outfit.
It meant accepting reality, and Roman was adapting to this new world.
Changing clothes took quite some time.
When Roman finally emerged in his new outfit, Hans's eyes turned into hearts.
"... Truly, truly magnificent."
The harmony of black and gold.
Against the solemn and charismatic black background, the golden accents made Roman look like a renowned nobleman.
At that moment.
Hans was certain.
The protagonist of this social gathering would be none other than his master, Roman Dmitri.
There were two people accompanying Roman to the social gathering.
Chris and Kevin.
As they were going as escorts, they were armed differently than usual.
Clank, clank.
The sound of their armor echoed loudly.
Chris wore custom-made armor he received when he was knighted.
The silver armor fit him perfectly and shimmered in the sunlight.
And his golden hair fluttered in the wind.
His appearance proved why he was called the handsome swordsman, and his dignified posture accepted the splendid exterior as a matter of course.
Swoosh.
He checked the sword at his waist.
The sword, of a length that didn't touch the ground, bore the emblem of Dmitri.
"Why is this guy so late?"
Kevin still hadn't shown up.
As escorts, it was customary to finish preparations before the master, so Chris looked slightly displeased.
Then.
From a distance, a small silhouette came running in a hurry.
Clank, clank.
"... Sorry!"
It was Kevin.
His appearance.
Was the complete opposite of Chris.
Until recently, Kevin had been just a commoner, so he didn't have custom-made armor.
Being in his mid-teens, he couldn't find a perfectly fitting size.
So, he wore armor from the blacksmith that roughly fit.
The problem was that even that was too big for Kevin.
The helmet was so large that it covered most of his sweaty forehead, and Chris couldn't help but laugh in disbelief.
'To think I have to escort with this guy.'
Kevin.
He looked like a boy soldier.
Not even knowing the military system, Kevin's clumsy appearance matched his inability to properly balance in his armor.
On the day they sparred.
Chris didn't like Kevin's ferocity.
While he understood Kevin's situation, his lack of awareness irritated Chris.
Perhaps that's why.
As Kevin kept adjusting his slipping helmet, Chris spoke in a sharp tone.
"We are the master's escorts and the face of Dmitri. No matter what happens outside, don't act rashly. Our actions reflect on the young master's reputation, so be especially careful with your words and deeds."
During their last spar.
That incident made Chris decide to truly follow Roman.
In the past, he wouldn't have cared about Dmitri's fool being evaluated, but now he couldn't tolerate Roman being disrespected anywhere.
He was his master.
Roman Dmitri's reputation was his own, so from now on, he had to be especially careful with his words and actions for the sake of his master.
Therefore.
Kevin worried him.
Since Kevin knew nothing about etiquette, he might make a mistake at the etiquette-heavy social gathering.
At Chris's words.
Kevin nodded with a serious expression.
"... I'll keep that in mind, Sir Knight."
"Good."
The title "Sir Knight."
A smile appeared on Chris's face.
Though Kevin and he were of the same rank, Kevin still called him "Sir Knight," perhaps finding it difficult.
Maybe because his heart softened a bit.
Chris approached Kevin and adjusted his crooked helmet.
And then.
Before they knew it, it was time.
When Roman came out, Chris and Kevin gathered their things.
Now, it was time to head to Barca.
Barca's social gathering.
The most talked-about topic at this party was that the eldest son of Dmitri, who had annulled his engagement with Lawrence, would be attending.
The party had already started.
The fact that Roman Dmitri hadn't appeared yet led a noble sipping wine to say to the man next to him.
"What on earth is Roman thinking? He knows Barca's eldest son clearly wants Flora, yet he pushed for a political marriage, suddenly annulled it, and now he's expressing his intention to attend Barca's party."
"That's why he's called a fool. If he had any sense, he would have firmly pushed for one of the two options."
"Exactly. Either push the political marriage to the end to oppose Barca, or ignore Lawrence from the start to maintain good relations with Barca. Roman Dmitri has made the Dmitri family's position quite ambiguous. They are indeed a power in the northeast, but touching Lawrence and then trying to maintain good relations with Barca is just greedy."
"Still, Roman Dmitri is attending the party to make up for his mistake. What a funny guy, hahaha."
The nobles laughed.
Roman was the subject of ridicule.
A guy who ignored family relations and acted recklessly, only to be dumped by Flora.
The reason for attending this party was obvious.
Having been abandoned by both sides, he seemed to be trying to restore relations with Barca.
Throughout the party.
Conversations about Roman flourished.
Most of them had experienced Roman, so they didn't hesitate to belittle him.
Among the noble crowd.
Roman's reputation was at rock bottom.
Dmitri's background prevented him from being openly disrespected, but there was nothing they could do about the gossip behind his back.
In such a situation.
A noble lady who didn't know Roman asked.
"What kind of person is Roman Dmitri?"
"You'll know when you see him. He has a nasty impression and a small build, making him unimpressive. Yet, he acts all high and mighty as Dmitri's eldest son. His reputation among nobles has never been good. Frankly, if I were Flora Lawrence, I would have bitten my tongue to oppose marrying him."
"Is he really that bad?"
"Why do you think he's called Dmitri's fool? There's no smoke without fire, and the reputation at social gatherings is always accurate. Alcohol reveals a person's true nature."
At that moment.
As the party was in full swing.
A servant of Barca announced in a deep voice.
"The eldest son of the Dmitri family, Roman Dmitri, is entering."
Roman.
At that name, the attention of the chattering crowd instantly focused.
And then.
The doors opened, and Roman stepped into the party hall.