New chapter of Nameless Hero is out (2/2 chapters)

 

 

The Aldridge Incident (2)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After the performance troupe finished setting up, we focused on tuning for a while in the garden. During that time, the servants completed the venue preparations, and nobles from the surrounding area began gathering one after another. The ceremony was finally about to begin.

The Stride Household arrived in a black-painted carriage. Stepping down from the carriage were the parent-child trio: Parcine, Charene, and Irene. The two men wore formal attire with black as the base color. I had not seen Charene-oniisan at all lately, but he had grown into a gallant young man, resembling his father Parcine. As for Irene, she wore a dress with yellow as the base color, decorated with orange floral patterns that seemed to be formed by the fabric’s folds. Her long black hair was compactly arranged and suited her more than expected.

Clothes make the horse.

Irene immediately lifted her dress skirt with both hands and ran toward me.

“Jaaack!” (Irene)

She waved her hand from afar. Seeing that, I only shook my head in response.

“…Stop that… don’t do this.” (Jack)

I have absolutely nothing to do with noble society. If a mere performer were seen having a connection with a count’s daughter, it would raise suspicion.

When Irene saw me shake my head, she returned with a dejected expression. I let out a relieved sigh.

“You there… could it be…!” (Old man)

The old man in the hunting cap who had spoken to me in the carriage earlier widened his eyes and focused on me.

He always reacts so dramatically.

“What do you mean, ‘could it be’?” (Jack)

“Hmm, unrequited love… That’s what youth is all about, full of romance.” (Old man)

The old man in the hunting cap gazed into the void as if reminiscing, with distant eyes, looking ready to start telling stories of his youth.

I have no idea what he was convinced about, but that’s definitely not the case!

 

—

 

The ceremony began with a stiff, formal atmosphere. Long tables draped in pure white cloth were arranged outside, with elaborate chairs placed in strict order. Nobles sat in rows. Irene also sat near the guest of honor seats. The Aldridge and Stride Households seemed to be on close terms, which probably made them special guests. However, it was also possible that my older brother was targeting Irene.

If Brother married Irene, then Irene would become my sister…? What a complicated relationship. Well, I have nothing to do with the Aldridge Household anymore, so that would be fine.

The ceremony was hosted by none other than that bulging-eyed butler who had turned me away at the gate. He strained his hoarse voice to its limit, shouting loudly. Since it was outdoors, he probably had to project his voice quite a bit.

But still, why have that raspy-voiced old man do it? I feel kind of sorry for him.

“From this moment, we shall commence the Graduation Commemoration and Coming-of-Age Ceremony for Isaiah Aldridge-sama of the Royal Academy of Magic! As an opening statement–…” (Butler)

A distinguished figure, like the mayor of Barwitch, came up to deliver the opening speech, offering words of congratulations before wrapping it up. During that time, the performance troupe supported the atmosphere with appropriate sounds, adding resonance during uplifting moments and playing solemn music during formal segments. The schedule was hectic. I struggled just to keep up turning the pages of my score. So, I had no room to pay attention to anything else.

Meanwhile, the nobles elegantly enjoyed course meals served on small dishes. This was the reality of a world ruled by social hierarchy. A society of disparity and class division.

Then, after several parts of the program had proceeded…

“And next, we shall receive a ceremonial address from the current head of the household, Isaiah Aldridge-sama!” (Butler)

I flinched at the mention of that name. At this point, the performance troupe was supposed to stop playing. I no longer needed to keep my eyes fixed on the score. I hesitantly looked up toward the podium.

A bold man was marching up the stairs. From a diagonal rear view, deep wrinkles could be seen on his profile. His thoroughly trained, muscular physique and large build were evident even under formal attire, his tendons standing out visibly.

That figure is the very embodiment of fear to me. A master magician? More like a veteran warrior. Compared to Isaiah, the difference is night and day. The aura is entirely different. Is this what they call charisma? He has something equal to, or even greater than, Anfan.

Upon reaching the stage, the man spoke with authority.

“Ladies and gentlemen of noble houses, esteemed guests, I offer my direct gratitude for gathering today to celebrate my son’s ceremony.” (Isaiah Aldridge)

I felt the nobles in the venue tense up. The atmosphere grew even more solemn. Up until a moment ago, the mood had been relaxed enough for hushed voices to be heard. But once Isaiah began to speak, not a single person made a sound. Everyone straightened their backs and listened intently.

That alone showed how commanding Isaiah’s presence was.

Then, Isaiah’s piercing gaze. It was so sharp that it seemed like it could shoot down a tiger. His emerald-green eyes captured something as he continued speaking. He gave thanks to the guests, expressed words for the ceremony, and offered congratulations to his son. All of those words were supposed to be directed below the stage.

Yet the tyrant, Isaiah Aldridge, was looking straight at me.

“And more than anything, I wish to continue watching over the prosperity of our family, forever. That is all.” (Isaiah)

I felt a chill run down my spine.

Why is he looking at me…? Is that sharp gaze truly fixed on me…? If so, that man–… he…

“That is what I would like to say, but in fact, there is something I wish to announce today. Isaiah.” (Isaiah)

“Yes? What is it, Father?” (Isaiah Jr)

Isaiah, who had been seated on the stage, stood up. It seemed this was not part of the plan, and Brother also appeared confused.

“This is something I have thought about for a long time… yes, truly, even from long ago, but as of today, I appoint Isaiah as the formal successor and head of the Aldridge Household. The succession ceremony will be officially held on another day.” (Isaiah Aldridge)

“Eh…!” (Isaiah)

The nobles in the venue all began to stir at once. The previously solemn atmosphere was suddenly shattered, and it became obvious that the nobles were confused.

“What did you say?” (Grace)

Grace-san, who was nearby, also looked overjoyed as her eyes sparkled.

“Then, I wish glory to you all… fuh…” (Isaiah Aldridge)

Even though the nobles were still murmuring, Isaiah forcibly ended his address. Then, after casting one more glance at me, he showed a suspicious smile.

As I thought, that guy recognizes me.

 

—

 

For a while after that, the nobles whispered among themselves, but the bulging-eyed old man raised his voice and continued the ceremony. Eventually, the room quieted down. Congratulatory messages from the guests were read aloud. Among them were telegrams from Second Junior and the Schwarzschild Household, who could not attend the ceremony, which surprised me. It was probably not Yustin who sent them directly, but Yustin must know about the Aldridge Household’s celebration.

Yustin said he would come back, but I wonder when he will.

The ceremony concluded with Isaiah delivering impromptu words of gratitude and expressing his resolve regarding the sudden appointment as head.

After the ceremony ended, there was still time until the celebration in the entrance hall. The guest nobles appeared to go rest in their assigned waiting rooms within the mansion, moving while exchanging greetings. During that time, Irene kept glancing at me, but I shook my head and urged her to go into the mansion quickly.

Right now, I do not have the composure to deal with Irene.

I was desperately trying to fulfill my role playing the viola while cold sweat was running down my face.

“Alisa, you heard about the change of headship, right? This is a chance. It saves a lot of trouble.” (Grace)

“…Yeah.” (Alisa)

Grace-san and Alisa seemed to be plotting something again. As I watched them out of the corner of my eye, I sat down on a bench placed in the shadow of the mansion. The sunlight, which had leaned quite a bit by now, obstructed my view and made my eyes dazzle.

Isaiah recognizes me…

If that is true, what will he do now that he knows I have returned? Will he give the order to throw out the suspicious man among the musicians? I came all this way, and I really do not want that to be the ending. I rest for a bit with that unease in my heart, but the servants show no sign of approaching or speaking to me. Is it just my imagination?

“You look quite pale, don’t you?” (Old man)

Saying that, the old man in the hunting cap sat beside me on the bench.

“Ah, no… not really…” (Jack)

What a meddlesome old man. I do not want to deal with him much, since it is mostly just a misunderstanding. However, regardless of how I feel, the old man starts talking on his own.

“…You look like someone who is rushing through life… but it’s okay to live more patiently. Even though people say you only live once, you can start over as many times as you want… even when you’re old.” (Old man)

Rushing through life. I feel like someone else said something similar. Why am I in such a hurry to act? I think it’s because I am placing too much importance on each and every moment.

“I am just a feeble old man with not much time left, but you should try living more slowly and calmly… Something good will surely come of it.” (Old man)

“–––That’s good, if you get angry, you lose.” (Medna)

Those words from Medna-san rose up in my mind.

To live calmly. It sounds simple, but it might actually be something difficult.

 

—

 

Elegant dresses floated softly. There were many of them. In tune with the music, the noble daughters swayed gently as they danced. Their movement looked like a top-tier form of art that had been meticulously trained. Perhaps this was what people called the “refinement of nobles.”

Weaving through the gaps between them, the Aldridge maids and butlers carried silver trays and busily transported champagne-filled glasses.

The entrance hall of the Aldridge Household had been transformed into a ballroom. There were decorations of pure gold, hanging drapes, and luxurious wall ornaments. Several round tables were arranged around the space, where the older generation of nobles chatted and drank together. The younger generation also engaged in conversation when they found common ground or enjoyed social dancing in the center. An elegant scene unfolded before me.

I am sure there are also people chatting in the garden or on the terrace.

Brother Isaiah, who is earlier appointed as the new head of the household in a surprise announcement, is now surrounded by noble daughters one after another and seems quite busy.
The obvious change in their attitudes seems superficial, but they probably have their own reasons and convictions for the sake of their family status. So, I do not want to deny that too easily.

But… if I had been born properly inheriting the Aldridge Household’s mana, maybe I would have been mingling among them, dancing joyfully with those beautiful noble daughters. It is not jealousy. I am actually fortunate with the life I have now. It is a different kind of mysterious longing that arises.

The people over there are from a world separate from mine. But if fate had been just a little different, I might have been one of them.

Thinking that way… No, I should stop letting my imagination wander.

For now, I will carry out the role I have been assigned properly. The evening performance is done in rotation. Since it is too long to play continuously, the musicians take turns playing their parts. The conductor, Alisa, is the same, and she too was ordered to switch out partway through.

“Alisa, come here.” (Grace)

Grace-san beckoned to Alisa from afar during her break time. Whispering something into the ear of the approaching Alisa, the two of them then quickly slipped into the interior of the mansion.

It had been like this since the daytime, but just what exactly are they plotting? I really hope they do not cause some strange incident. Well, I do not have the luxury to worry about that right now. While concentrating on my performance, I must also fulfill my other role.

I searched for an opportunity and, as the nobles indulged in their dancing, I looked around for Irene. However, no matter whose face I looked at, I could not spot Irene anywhere.

I shifted my gaze toward the back, beyond where the parent generation was lively with their small talk… and there she was, the selfish young lady, sitting stiffly in a chair by the wall with a displeased expression.

She looked sullen. The Stride Household entourage was trying to soothe their daughter, who had taken offense, encouraging her to join the dancing. However, Irene’s heavy body showed no sign of moving.

Then, from who knows where, a handsome nobleman suddenly made his appearance. With blonde hair swept to the side, he looked like someone who was born to be a noble. The man slowly, and with refined motion, knelt before Irene and extended his hand. It was clearly an invitation to dance. I could not hear their conversation from a distance, but it did not seem that Irene was speaking, since her lips were not moving at all.

When Irene turned her face away with a huff, the man did not give up and once more extended his hand. Despite Irene’s rude behavior, the man showed no sign of anger. He has quite the composure.

The man looked somewhat hesitant. He tried to take Irene’s hand by bringing his own closer… but in the next moment, Irene slammed that hand to the floor with a heel drop, and pressed down hard on it. Her slender leg rose smoothly, and the heel came down without hesitation. It was a splendid move for a martial artist, yet an unspeakable disaster for a noble daughter.

W-what a terrifying thing…!

Her family immediately divided into their roles. The one to move the leg away (the butler, Davi-san), the one to scold the insolent behavior (her father, Martine-san), and the one to heal the nobleman’s injured hand with healing magic (the maid, Leona-san) all acted swiftly and efficiently.

It seemed like the family had anticipated this.

The father was scolding her as a formality, but his expression showed resignation. Even though it was supposed to be a joyous party, the Stride Household was constantly sweating coldly. They must have a hard time.

Or rather, if she acts like that, there is no need for anyone to watch over her. She can protect herself… no, it would be more accurate to call it excessive self-defense. Could it be that my role as a guard was not to protect Irene, but to protect other noblemen from Irene? If that is the case, the family’s behavior makes perfect sense.

That aside, no matter how I look around, I do not see any other members of the Aldridge Household besides Isaiah. Neither Isaiah nor Mother. Where could they be?

My objective is simply to have an honest conversation with those two. Father is scary, and even Mother might be shocked to see me like this… But regardless, I want to see them. I want to talk to them, and then I want to completely forget about this household. Otherwise, I will never be able to step forward into my own life.

 

—

 

Break time had begun. This was my chance to search for my parents.

The break room provided for the musicians was a small, vacant space. It was like a storeroom, cluttered with chairs and wooden crates, and used to store decorations that had become a hindrance for tonight. Compared to the treatment the nobles received, the difference was harsh.

I set my viola on a chair and immediately left the room.

Now begins my stealth mission. Or so I would like to say, but this is the house I know well. I still vaguely remember the layout of this mansion from before I was confined, up until I was five or six years old. Or rather, perhaps I remember precisely because those memories are from childhood. I recall that Father’s and Mother’s rooms were on the third floor. If they are not on the lower floors, they might be in their own rooms.

For now, I should sneak up there.

One way to get to the third floor is to go up the grand staircase in the entrance hall, now used as the ballroom, to the second floor, and then take another staircase along the hallway. However, in such a large mansion, there are many other staircases.

I decided to use the staircase that would attract the least attention from my current location. I ascended to the second floor using the spiral staircase located at the far end of the corridor, then continued along the hallway. I turned right down a passageway, then left… Sometimes doubling back, sometimes pushing forward, and in the end, I got lost.

Saying I remembered was a lie. I am sorry for acting overconfident. In the first place, there is no way I could remember the layout of such a large mansion from a child’s point of view.

I had acted all composed, but I was completely lost. I was wandering slowly and aimlessly along the second-floor hallway, almost ready to give up, when…

“…” (Jack)

A single shadow passed across the far end of the hallway. Even though it was just a momentary figure, my body reacted instinctively to the nostalgic presence. I slid toward the end of the hallway and turned in the direction the figure had gone. But again, the figure turned the corner and disappeared. Just for a moment, I had seen that back… beautiful hair and a slender frame, with a calm presence.

“…Mother… was that…?” (Jack)

No doubt about it. My mother is just up ahead.

 

—

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