Chapter 16

The Banquet

I had only just learned that the bond type in the Weaver of Fate could be changed, but even more shocking to me than that was something else entirely.

* Additional skills available for copying will be unlocked!

The point I needed to pay attention to was this very sentence.

I had looked over Katya’s skill list a few times before, but when I heard this and checked her skills again, it was so absurd that I was left speechless.

‘…Unbelievable.’

As I scrolled through the list, I found myself muttering those words inwardly without realizing it.

I had only checked because I was curious what skills would be added.

‘…Every single class is in here?’

Even in the game, all the main characters grew along different paths, each taking their own route.

◈ Weaver of Fate

Only you know the truth of this world. Form bonds with the main story’s important figures to obtain new rewards!

…In other words, it was an opportunity to use this to its fullest.

◈ Weaver of Fate

…

『 Lionel XIII 』

* Bond: Level 1

* You may copy 1 skill.

The copy right I’d received from the Emperor himself.

It was time to use it.

[ Copying “Special Skill: Imperial Bloodline.” ]

▣

In the nobles’ circles, where the wind never blew quietly, the stories of countless people inevitably tangled together into a complex web that drifted from mouth to mouth.

Especially in an imperial banquet—an event that drew people from all over the Empire—the effect was all the greater.

A noble lady from somewhere had supposedly broken off her engagement, some high noble had allegedly taken a lover…

These gatherings were a hub of rumor, a place where gossip scattered in every direction.

And today’s banquet was being stirred up by one particular topic more than any other.

“They say His Highness the Prince will be attending the banquet tonight.”

“To think we’ll have the fortune of seeing that noble face again—it must truly be our lucky day!”

Among all the types of men admired in society, there were many different kinds, but there was hardly anyone as flawless in every respect as the Prince.

Status, ability, appearance—and on top of all that, he was still remarkably young, with an unshakable standing within the imperial family.

It was no wonder that just his attendance was enough to set tongues wagging.

Simply hearing his name brought bright laughter and a warm atmosphere drifting among the noble ladies.

“Oh, there is one other interesting tidbit I heard.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“They say the ‘Lionhearted’ will also be attending today, accompanied by her spouse.”

“…Ah, is that so?”

In stark contrast to before, a subtle tension spread across the table.

“The Lionhearted… She really is an extraordinary knight.”

“Indeed.”

They spoke the words, but on each face, what showed was derision—and a delicate displeasure.

There was no denying she was an impressive person.

To have built up that kind of standing by her own hand, at her age, was undeniably remarkable.

But.

“…So she really does have a husband. I’d heard she was married, but I assumed it was just nonsense.”

“I always wondered who could possibly like such an aggressive woman—but I suppose there must be men with unusual tastes.”

The noble ladies, who cared little for the intricacies of political alliances, tended to have little respect for the Lionhearted, even though she was the kingdom’s most renowned knight.

◆ Unique Ability: Imperial Bloodline

Those born of noble blood in the royal house possess an innate charisma that naturally captivates crowds. When under public scrutiny, their “charm” increases explosively.

Additionally, they automatically resist certain mental interferences, and while this effect is active, some “actions” will trigger automatically.

…Just as I thought.

It was worth copying this.

I looked at the system window floating before me, thinking so.

-System Message

[ The majority of people present are paying attention to you. ]

[ Many feel goodwill toward you. ]

[ These are optimal conditions to use “Weaver of Fate!” ]

…Perfect.

Seeing that message, I whistled inwardly.

Coming here prepared—dressed up, planned out—had been absolutely the right choice. I’d even succeeded in making a vivid impression on Katya.

‘Now all that’s left…’

Was to extract as many skills as possible from the “important figures” gathered here.

With that thought, I stepped forward, and from behind me, a sharp whistle followed. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

It was Katya, hidden in her full suit of armor, snickering as her voice echoed faintly from within.

“You said you’d give her some confidence, but you’re like a fish in water out here.”

Her voice drifted to Noel’s side, half-whispered, thick with the intention to tease. Perhaps she still held a bit of a grudge from their fight not long before.

“….”

Hearing that, Noel silently pulled her hat low over her face.

That gesture made it abundantly clear she had no intention of letting anyone see her expression.

But judging by how red her ears were, it wasn’t hard to guess.

“Now everyone will be gossiping that you’ve found yourself quite the husband. Wherever you go in high society, no one will dare to look down on you anymore, Lionhearted.”

“…Be quiet.”