I’m Not the Final Boss’ Lover - Chapter 191

Chapter 191: Getting Him Riled Up

Act 11: The Long-Awaited Reunion

Originally, banquets were reserved only for the nobility. The emergence of dungeons lead to the rise of expedition corps, and with it, the scale of power gradually tilted toward the latter. As a result, even commoners were given the right to partake in banquets, so long as they were a member of a corps.

The corps members of common birth taking part in a banquet for their first time were dazed at the splendorous sight. The chandelier hanging from the high ceiling shimmered like an illusion. The occasion was grand enough to impress even the Dark Knights, who enjoyed a wealthy lifestyle in Nochtentoria Castle. Without a doubt, it had an even greater impact on the others. Of course, while today’s banquet was opened for the expedition corps, the ones leading it were the nobles.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Marquess Carmel? It truly is hard to see you around as of late.”

“Haha, it has been long.”

“Come to think of it, I seem to recall that your son is nearing the age to get engaged…? I see you must have come in search of a bride-to-be.”

“Well, now. Bride-to-be? My son is yet lacking in comparison to the heroes of our country.”

Despite what the marquess said, everyone was aware that he was scanning the expedition corps members in the vicinity. Carmel was not the only one doing this. The other nobles were also vigilantly eyeing their surroundings, hoping to recruit a promising corps member or bind a relationship through marriage. Among the corps members, the ones who were especially high-spirited were those of noble birth. Like a fish in water, they swam about the banquet hall, acting as a bridge between the other nobles and expedition corps while flaunting their connections.

But when the sole grand duke of the empire and strongest corps leader Mayer Knox appeared, everyone could only lower their voices. Even the banquet orchestra lowered their volume out of respect, resulting in a complete silence with not even a murmur to be heard. I couldn’t for the life of me get used to this phenomenon, whereas Mayer kept on walking, accustomed to the attention.

“Grand Duke Knox, it is an honor to meet!”

“With Your Excellency present, the future of the empire is positively radiant even with the demon lord’s attack!”

Every step he took drew one flatterer after another, but flattering was all they could do. Since he didn’t even give them a glance, they only hovered at a distance, not daring to come close. Mayer made a gesture toward the orchestra in an irritated manner. They hurriedly grabbed their instruments to resume playing a dance song for pairs. As soon as the song began, people took their partners by the hand and stepped into the middle of the banquet hall, and the focus on Mayer was scattered. The music had started in such a timely fashion that I couldn’t help asking, “Did you intend for them to dance?”

“The person with the highest rank at a banquet has the right to choose the music,” Mayer replied, laughing quietly. Indeed, there was no one with greater status than Mayer since the emperor was not attending. He spread each finger of my hand as he continued explaining, “If you raise one index finger, it signals for a calm song suitable for conversations. Two fingers mean a dance for two. And if you hold all your fingers up, it calls for a group dance.”

“It’s the first time I’m hearing this.”

“It is normal to not know if you have no business opening banquets,” he replied casually, then pulled at my hand. “Let us join the dancing also.”

“But you don’t like dancing,” I pointed out.

“I prefer it over talking with the uninteresting.”

Hearing that, I looked around. While the majority had gone dancing, there were still people in their seats, waiting for a chance to talk to Mayer. Nevertheless, I didn’t feel comfortable at the thought of dancing with him. I hesitantly began, “But…”

“Why? Are you still worried that a scandal might arise between us?”

“Of course I am.”

Did he not know, or was he pretending not to…? Among those who were watching Mayer, there were many well-dressed ladies of nobility and even those of other expedition corps. Naturally, they were likely looking for a chance to butter up the man. Moreover, these women were shooting sharp looks at me. I could tell they were wondering what was really going on between Mayer and me, and if I had received his escort simply because I was his vice-captain. If I were to take things to another level in this situation by dancing with him, Mayer was sure to stick out like a sore thumb, especially since he wasn’t a regular dancer. Even in the first playthrough, I had never seen the man put on the grooves.

I felt it was better to refuse the dance offer after all. But as I made up my mind to shake my head at him, Mayer pulled me amidst the dancers first. On his part, he was just taking me along, but for me, it felt like the ground itself was inexorably pushing me along. I angrily snapped, “I feel helpless if you drag me like this!”