Time had flown by as my body recovered and I attended to my weekly responsibilities. I had felt myself develop more steadily now that I had increased the rank of my [Swordsmanship], and both the knights and knights in training treated me slightly differently. They had always been respectful in the past, and never hesitated to offer me advice or personal assistance. Even with this, however, I felt as if there was a barrier separating us as I was seen as the future lord and just a child. They found my actions to be more "cute" than actual training. After the duel, this attitude changed and their eyes began to reflect this. Their expressions were now more akin to actual knights looking to serve their lord, and one of mutual respect. At present, things have become more friendly as we exchange jokes and chat during our training sessions. What surprised me the most was Adrian's attitude during the week. He had immediately apologized to me upon my return to the training area, and had devoted to training himself for my sake. He hadn't gone as far as to make an oath because in his words "I am not yet strong enough to be by your side Master Ray, but I vow to be there one day as a knight under you." His actions had moved me, and we were on great terms now.

I wasn't allowed to spar for the time being now that the ball was coming up, and my body had taken a bit of time to recover. Of course, I could have used healing potions to hasten the progress but it seemed like such a waste considering their value. In this world, healing potions were expensive and mostly only available to nobles and high ranking adventurers. This would be until after the first year of the demonic war when a team of alchemists were able to streamline the process.

It was 4 days before the ball that I was finally reunited with Isabella. The atmosphere around the estate was electrifying as everyone had their own tasks and assignments to do in preparation for the ball. I myself, had finally felt pretty good with my dancing and had even been complimented by the instructor as a quick learner. Funnily enough, the [Swordsmanship] skill seemed to have helped in some capacity with the footwork, but the instructor excitedly told me that I could easily compete with any noble my age using my skills.

Instead of the study room, we would be meeting in the actual ballroom. There was an elevated stage for the musicians, but since they hadn't arrived yet we would be using that instead for my outfit preparation and inspection. Ana was busy with her own preparations to escort me, so I got myself ready and headed there to meet with Isabella. The ballroom itself was in a bustle as there were servants prepping the tables and arrangements. I slid past them so as to not disturb them as I saw Isabella with a wooden mannequin that had a cloth draped over it.

Noticing me she waved as I climbed up the stage and approached her with a small smile on my face. She was dressed as oddly as before, but I had gotten accustomed to her antics during our first meeting together.

"Ah, the main character of the show has arrived! I have prepared the best of the best just for you, and I would hope it matches your tendencies."

While saying this, she dramatically pulls the cloth off the mannequin revealing a stunning set of clothing.

"Ha! From your expression, it looks like you understand the beauty and elegance I was able to craft just for you. Come over here and undress! We need to make the final adjustments since your body has changed a bit since we last met."

The reason for my stunned expression was simple, the set of clothing in front of me was truly spectacular. The suit in of itself had gold highlights and trims adorning it which complimented the black parts. Then there was the white, contrasting with the black and as vibrant as newly fallen snow. Together, it created a yin and yang canvas that captivated the eyes. Lastly, there was the shoulder deep red cape attached to the left shoulder completing the masterpiece. It was no exaggeration to say that this piece of clothing would be considered priceless, but judging from Isabella's eyes there was more to it than that.

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I carefully undressed behind a temporary curtain that was placed for my convenience as Isabella handed me each piece of clothing. The texture was perfectly balanced for comfort and movement, and I had no issues putting them on. Once I had everything on, I exited from the curtains with my arms outstretched in a T like pose so that Isabella could inspect me from every angle.

She would mumble to herself as she would snip off any loose threads as I stood there awkwardly posed. After a couple of excruciating minutes, she stopped and placed her hands on her hips.

"It's a shame you'll outgrow this piece soon, but just contact me if you ever need another one in the future. I've got my eye on you, so don't disappoint me by being as boring as the other nobles when you grow up!"

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as her expression was deadpan while saying this.

"Of course, I'll let you know whenever I need a new piece for myself in the future." I flashed a cocky grin as I continued. "And don't worry about me being boring, I have plenty of fun plans for the future!"

We shook hands and had some small talk before parting ways. I had changed back into my regular attire so as to not ruin the new clothing and headed back to my room to store it in the closet. There wasn't much left for me to do because of the preparations so I decided to head out into Granbell these next few days and enjoy the weather and scenery.

The atmosphere was electric as the people greeted me more often now and the ball this close. It seemed that my constant walks around Granbell had left an impression on them and they had begun to become invested in me as the future lord. They were all truly nice folk, and the brief conversations we had would always make me smile as I thought about my role as the heir of the duchy.

Some of the guests had already arrived in Granbell, but it was common practice to not meet one another before the grand event, that being the ball. The reason for this practice was simple, the hosts were busy enough preparing for the event and getting things prepared. There was no need to further aggravate them with a visit or other activities. There would be plenty of time after the event to indulge in their company if one desires to do so.

To be more than honest, I was glad this was a thing so I didn't have to interact with any of them yet. It would be my first time actually having to entertain and be an actual noble in this world. I had rehearsed what I would say in front of a mirror and had practiced hundreds of times, but it would be an understatement to call this a big event. This event would define my future as a noble, and I needed to impress everyone...

That's why I've been frequenting a café I had found recently on one of my outings. The owner, Michelle, was a sweet lady. Her and her husband, Michael, have been running a small café that was tucked away from the busy main street of Granbell. I had stumbled upon it while exploring and fell in love with the coffee and quaint atmosphere. They had a small, but loyal group of customers which allowed me to quietly enjoy some time alone from the hustle and bustle of the estate. It was my secret hideaway when I wanted some peace of mind, and the couple were more than willing to accommodate me and talk with me whenever there was a lull.

Today was a typical day at the café other than the occasional question about the ball. I was reading a book I had recently purchased when the now familiar chime of the bell attached to the door went off alerting the staff to customers. I checked my wristwatch and noticed it was time for me to start heading out as well, and prepared to leave when I noticed a small group of people had entered the café.

A young girl with chestnut colored hair and turquoise colored eyes was scanning the café as if looking for something. Realizing that she was most likely here for me, I quickly tidied myself up and confidently approached her from the nook I was in. She turned to see who was approaching and the two people who I assumed were guards immediately tried to move in-between but were stopped by a swift motion of her arm.

She looked at me and smiled as she gave a neat curtsy.

"I apologize for their behavior, they can be a bit overprotective at times." She let out a cute giggle before continuing. "Before I continue, I should introduce myself shouldn't I? As I'm sure you know, my name is Amelia Bach of the Bach merchant family. You've piqued my interest after that little letter you sent me, so I wanted to at least see you once before the ball."

I nodded my head as I gave a slight bow out of courtesy. It seemed that the seed I had sowed using the letter was beginning to take root.

"Of course I know of you, it is my pleasure to meet with such a well-known rising figure. I am glad the letter was to your liking. By the way, I highly recommend the coffee here it is one of the best here in Granbell."

I gestured towards an open table as I say this.

"Oh? I'll take you up on that recommendation then. I always fancy a nice cup of coffee when travelling. I feel that it's a nice way to immerse yourself into the local culture."

She sat down at the table with her two guards as I thought about what I should do.

I was free for the rest of the day, so it would probably be best to be hospitable to an important person such as Amelia.

Seemed like today will be set aside for some networking...