"Uh?"

Upon hearing Sylvia's question, I was confused, trying to understand the situation. It was at that moment I realized everyone's gaze was fixed on me. Their reactions were remarkably odd; their eyes were wide open, as if they couldn't believe what they were witnessing.

Was it because of the dress? I mean, it was just a regular dress. Why were they making these expressions? Did I do something wrong? Someone, please tell me. Putting these thoughts aside for a moment, I turn my attention back to Sylvia.

"Well... I had this dress custom-made, and then I asked Shade to add some magic to make it a bit more unique"

As I spoke these words, Shade, who was beside me, gracefully nodded in a presentation gesture. Upon hearing this, Sylvia was visibly more surprised than before; her hands trembled as she held the dress. Then she stared at it as if she couldn't believe what she was holding.

The murmurs around us intensified. In general, conversations always seemed to circle back to the topic of artifacts, but I didn't know what they were, let alone how they should look. I mean, this was just a dress I had ordered.

"Makoto... I really loved the gift... but I don't know if I can accept something so valuable"

Upon hearing Sylvia's words, I was surprised and looked at her with a concerned expression. Did she not like it and was just delicately turning down my gift to avoid hurting me? Honestly, I didn't know; the situation was unfolding in a strange way.

"You didn't like it?"

Upon hearing my words, Sylvia gave me a look and drew a sad smile on her beautiful face. Then she gently shook her head from side to side.

"It's quite the opposite, but I don't know if I'm worthy of owning such a treasure"

Listening to Sylvia's words, I looked at her again with a puzzled expression. I understood her thoughts, but after all, hadn't the dress been specially made for her as a birthday gift? Denying my gift in this situation actually seemed a bit strange.

"Even if it's just a dress?"

Upon hearing my words, Sylvia let out a cute little laugh. Then she looked at me as if finding something amusing.

"The way you see it is quite interesting, Makoto. It seems like you don't know, but clothes or armor with magical properties are called artifacts. These items are so rare that sometimes their values are enough to buy a small territory"

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My genuine reaction to Sylvia's words was my mouth opening and my eyes widening. Honestly, had I made something so valuable as if it were nothing? There were limits even to my lack of awareness about how this world worked.

"Even if you say that..."

I said, scratching my head. Then, I turned my gaze to Sylvia with a smile on my face.

"This dress was made especially for you, or rather, it's a dress that only you can wear because it has an identification magic. So... could you just accept it?"

Upon hearing my words, Sylvia examined my face seriously, and after a few seconds, she sighed as if giving up, nodding in agreement.

"Since it's like that, I'll gladly accept your gift. I promise I'll treat it with care"

Ignoring the peculiar way Sylvia referred to the dress as if it were alive, I was genuinely happy that she accepted my gift. After that, I bowed, following the example of the nobles, and said goodbye, heading to meet the girls.

After this little incident, the party continued smoothly. During the dance, I danced with Saemi, Ana, Aoi, Fujiwara, and Leona. I noticed several looks from men in my direction, but there was nothing to be done. I was just dancing with various beautiful women in sequence; it would be odd not to attract attention.

Anyway, I ignored all the glances around and focused on my dance partners. They all seemed to be having fun while dancing, and that was enough for me. Sylvia also danced with some nobles who appeared important, and I had the opportunity to dance with her.

Although my identity was unknown, both the girls and I were treated as honored guests by the royal family. Just before the end of the party, I was invited by Sylvia and her family to stay until the end, as they had something to discuss with me.

As requested, the girls and I waited in the drawing-room once the party ended. While they chatted about various matters, I, on the other hand, was entertaining myself playing with spiritual magic.

Well, to be honest, it was nothing extraordinary. I was just creating a small ball of black energy and launching it towards a glass. Ironically, I managed to hit the glass in every attempt, probably something related to the increase in my powers.

Meanwhile, the door opened, revealing Sylvia and her family. Honestly, I felt a little uneasy to see them again, as I was the one who killed Sylvia's brother. Don't get me wrong; I don't regret what I did. He certainly wouldn't give up trying to kill Sylvia. However, I feel sympathy for his family; whether I like it or not, he was still a member of that family.

The king and queen had a completely different air than some time ago, or rather, they seemed relatively more relaxed than before; it was quite clear that this was an informal meeting.

"Sorry for the delay. We were settling some final matters so we could come here"

Said the king as he settled in. He genuinely seemed regretful for making us wait, although, in reality, it took less than two minutes. Honestly, I didn't mind.

"No problem, I was playing, so I didn't even notice the time passing"

I said. When I spoke those words, the king looked at me with a comforting expression on his face.

"Is that so? I'm glad to hear that"

After these words, the king briefly closed his eyes before starting the conversation.

"Well, now let's talk about the real reason why I called you here"