Thus, House Clover's very first party was held.
The newly completed mansion made lavish use of its expansive grounds, resulting in a structure far grander than befitting a count's family.
The vast garden was lined with numerous tables, making it a standing reception.
The guest list was supposed to be small—limited to those with ties to House Clover—but every invitee turned out to be a leading figure in the Kingdom of Aiwood.
"Welcome. Here is your welcome drink."
"Thank you so much for coming. Please, enjoy yourselves."
Viola and Primula took the lead in greeting the arriving guests.
Viola wore a crimson dress, Primula an aqua-blue one, and the vibrant outfits suited them both beautifully.
"Oh, my daughters. It's an honor to be invited today."
"You've been working hard. Keep it up."
The first guests to arrive were Marquis and Marchioness Rosemary.
Both appeared in dignified suits and dresses befitting high-ranking nobility.
Rest, too, was smartly dressed in a black tuxedo and greeted the pair with a courteous bow.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law… Thank you both for coming from so far."
"No, no… It's a party at our daughter's new home. Naturally, we would come."
"By the way, are you getting along well with the girls?"
"Of course."
Marquis and Marchioness Rosemary—Albert and Irish—Rest nodded deeply to them.
"I'm the one who falls short in every way. They're always helping me, and I'm grateful for that."
"Is that so… I'm glad to hear it."
"Make sure you have at least three grandchildren each. Don't worry, I'll arrange for excellent midwives."
"……"
Why would she say that here?
At Irish's unvarnished words, husband, daughter, and son-in-law all fell silent at once.
"Hm? Why's everyone gone quiet?"
"Is something wrong, everyone?"
At that moment, more guests arrived.
Yuri Cattleya in a fresh green one-piece dress. Celestine Crocus in a white dress.
Behind them stood three men in tuxedos.
Two of them were immediately recognizable—Knight Commander Marquis Cattleya and Prime Minister Duke Crocus.
The two fathers of Yuri and Celestine… Duke Crocus wore a gentle expression, but Marquis Cattleya had a scowl like he'd bitten into a bitter persimmon. He must have had complicated feelings toward Rest on account of Yuri.
*(Both of them came… but who's the third one?)* They had sent invitation cards to Marquis Cattleya and Duke Crocus as a formality… but both were busy men.
Rest had expected only polite declination letters to arrive.
"Welcome. Thank you so much for coming."
"Um… and that person would be…"
"That would be our companion."
"Good day, Count Clover. I am Count Walnut."
A bearded middle-aged man spoke with solemn gravity.
As a count, his standing was equal to Rest's… but that peculiar aura of authority carried a depth that would not permit careless treatment.
*(Might he be… a bigger deal than I imagined?)* "Good day. I'm Count Clover. Thank you for making the trip."
Rest knew nothing of this Count Walnut, but he responded as politely as he could.
"As a young man, I'm sure there are many areas where I fall short. I humbly ask for your guidance."
"Yes, I'll be counting on you as well."
Count Walnut nodded with apparent satisfaction and extended his hand.
Rest accepted the handshake, clasping the man's hand in return.
"Hmm…"
"…"
Somehow, a sense of relief emanated from Albert, Marquis Cattleya, and Duke Crocus, who stood nearby.
Judging by their reaction… indeed, this was someone whose discourtesy could not be tolerated.
"Please, do enjoy yourselves."
"Here is your welcome drink."
Viola and Primula offered polite greetings as well, handing over glasses of drink.
"Thank you, ladies."
"Then, Count Walnut. This way, please…"
"Yes."
Count Walnut walked off with Duke Crocus and Marquis Cattleya toward a section of the party venue.
Albert and Irish followed, and conversation began.
After that, guests continued to arrive one after another.
Luido Gystal, Maurice Loui, and Wil Edouart—his classmates.
Wilhelm Lubeth—his comrade-in-arms, who likewise held domain in the plains under development.
Andrew Aiwood, Yusgos Bethras, Rilanda Marker, Isis Carbelt, and Jack Yugloot—student council officers and enforcement members.
"She's here."
And then… Urla Lavender, who had become a source of considerable concern.
Urla was accompanied by her usual maid, and at her side was Margrave Looser Lavender himself.
"…Welcome. Margrave Lavender, Lady Urla."
Viola handled the greeting, betraying slight tension.
If it had been Urla alone, she needn't have been so on guard—but with Margrave Lavender present, she could afford no lapses.
Margrave Lavender was a latent political rival to the moderate faction led by Marquis Rosemary. He was an unstable element who advocated aggressive foreign expansion and disturbed the kingdom's peace.
"Fo fo fo, it's an honor to be invited. Count Clover."
"Thank you so much for coming…"
"Sorry I couldn't give you a proper reception the other day. Next time you visit, be sure to stay a while."
"…Of course."
Margrave Lavender laughed with an amiable grandfatherly smile.
At a glance, he looked like nothing more than a pleasant old man—but as always, it was impossible to tell what he was really thinking.
"That's Margrave Lavender…?"
"Looser Lavender… It can't be—he's here in person?"
Meanwhile, at a short distance away, Albert and Marquis Cattleya had furrowed their brows.
Duke Crocus wore a troubled expression as well, and all three seemed bewildered.
"Well then, I look forward to enjoying myself today. Ho ho ho."
In any case… most of the invited guests had arrived, and House Clover's very first party was underway.
The ceremony to celebrate the completion of the mansion had opened to a lively but uneasy start, with uninvited guests among those in attendance.