11

I'm at a social event with my sister.

Social gatherings are such a pain.

Why do people come to these on purpose?

There are tons of nobles here.

Lots outrank me.

I hate being in a place where I can't show off.

I'd rather sit at home, sip tea, and watch my servants work.

I'm the boss at home!

But oh well, I'm still pretty important overall.

That's just a fact.

Even though I'm a count, there are some places I can't fully brag.

My sister's in the middle of the hall chatting with some fancy noble guys.

She's doing that "Ohohoho!" laugh, and it's creepy.

Her eyes aren't smiling at all.

It's weird how scary she can be.

She used to be so happy when handsome nobles paid attention to her.

What happened?

Maybe I pushed her too much, and something snapped.

When did she get so popular, anyway?

Everyone used to ignore her.

Whatever.

I'll just let her be and enjoy the fancy food.

This is a noble party, after all.

All this stuff is way too expensive for commoners.

I'm not gonna miss out!

Hahaha!

Being rich rules!

I'm not even sure if it tastes good, but they say these are the three great delicacies.

I can't really tell, but the fact they're pricey makes them taste better somehow.

Food is eaten with your mind, not just your mouth!

I tried all the costly-looking dishes.

Indulged in every luxury.

This is why being a noble is so addictive.

I also talked to some other nobles for a bit.

A lot of them who used to look down on me are now bowing.

Fwahahaha!

Feels awesome!

But I'm a bit tired now.

I let out a sigh and look around the room.

No more fancy dishes around.

Hmm?

I see an older guy I kinda recognize.

Where did I see him?

Ah! Got it!

He looks like my old boss who blamed me for wrongdoing in my previous life!

I get mad just thinking about it.

I grab a wine glass.

Time to settle an old score!

◇　◇　◇

Baron Bird's daughter, Barrett Fromarrow, felt out of place.

The Bird Baron family is poor.

Her parents, proud of their noble status, forced them to come, but they really can't afford to attend such a lavish party.

On top of that, Barrett knows everyone is mocking them.

So she tried to stay unnoticed, barely moving from the wall.

But then Viscount Hagenau cornered her.

She'd heard a lot of bad rumors about him.

Especially about his terrible behavior toward women.

He preys on girls from lower ranks and does awful things to them.

Barrett, a poor baron's daughter from a powerless family, was the perfect victim.

Viscount Hagenau is rich.

He lends money to many families, including Fromarrow.

No one would come to their rescue.

They have no power against him.

So Barrett was the ideal target for Hagenau.

He smirks as he touches her behind.

"U-um… Viscount Hagenau…"

Barrett can't help but squeak out a protest.

"Hm? Yes, my lady?"

He pretends nothing is happening, even though his hand is obviously on her rear.

"Well, it's just…"

"Yes?"

"It's… well…"

Tears well up in Barrett's eyes.

Being groped by a man more than thirty years older is horrifying.

And it's Viscount Hagenau, who could destroy her family if he's angry.

She can't fight back.

Then—

"Viscount Hagenau."

A boy's voice calls out.

Both Barrett and Hagenau turn to see who it is.

In that instant—

Splash.

Barrett can't process it right away.

Hagenau is covered in wine from head to toe.

She realizes the boy poured the wine all over him.

"Wh-what are you doing?! You little pest!"

"Oh, sorry. My hand slipped."

The boy doesn't sound sorry at all.

"You insolent brat! Think you can get away with that?!"

"Forgive me. Let me get you a change of clothes. Maybe a new wig, too?"

Viscount Hagenau's wig is sliding off.

"Y-you…!"

He's furious.

"Where's your family?! Who are your parents?!"

"Oh, excuse me. I'm Count Garm. Nice to meet you."

Barrett's eyes go wide when she hears "Garm."

He's famous: at eight years old, he became Count Garm, revived his territory, personally fought bandits, and is known as a one-person army.

Lately, Garm has grown amazingly, and everyone in high society respects him.

No noble is unaware of Count Garm.

And apparently Viscount Hagenau knows him, too.

"C-Count Garm?!"

"Yes indeed, Viscount Hagenau. As nobles, we must act in a dignified manner, don't you think?"

"O-of course! We nobles rule over the common people, so proper behavior is vital!"

"Then do you believe your actions match how a noble should act?"

"Well… um… my hand slipped—"

"Oh, did it? Well, that can't be helped. My hand slipped, too. Let's call it even."

Arc laughs loudly. "Hahaha!"

Hagenau joins in with a weak "Ha… haha…"

"I was careless. I'll cover the cost. I'll even get you a custom wig."

"H-haha… no need… I'll just… excuse me now…"

Hagenau tries to scurry away.

Arc calls after him.

"Oh, by the way, Viscount Hagenau. I've known about you for quite some time. Way before today."

Hagenau flinches as if he's terrified.

"And I know you have a far bigger secret than just your wig."

He goes pale, mumbles "E-excuse me…" and leaves.

Barrett looks at Arc's face.

He seems very heroic.

In her eyes, he's like a prince on a white horse.

Arc, however, is thinking, "Serves you right, stupid boss!" but Barrett has no idea.

And so, Arc accidentally ends up saving a young woman.