After going to the adventurer's guild with Rofland, I realized that there are very few skilled adventurers in this region—or maybe in this country altogether. I guess it's the same in every world. There are lots of people doing the same job, but only a few are truly talented. It's going to be tough finding people who can really become assets to the territory.
By the time I got back to the mansion, I just wanted to bathe and crash in bed. Listening to those men argue and then going on a fruitless search at the guild wore me out. As I was walking down the hallway, a maid approached me.
"Young master, the master and mistress are waiting for you in the main hall. There are guests," she said with a bow.
Guests? That was unexpected.
"Who are they?" I asked.
"They are also a noble family. The House of Veloras. The Aldehrt family and them have a long, friendly history."
Oh, that name sounded familiar. My parents mentioned them a few times, especially in passing—always with a smile. And if I remember correctly, they also had a child my age.
"Alright. Thanks. I'll freshen up quickly and head there. Can't meet guests looking like this, right?"
"As you wish. I will pass the message to the master."
A few minutes later, I walked into the grand main hall. Seated at the long, polished table were two well-dressed couples—my parents and, presumably, the Veloras. Their posture was elegant, and their aura screamed nobility.
"Steve! Welcome. We've been waiting for you. Come greet our esteemed guests," my father beamed.
Okay, here we go.
I approached and bowed politely, doing my best to follow the noble etiquette my mother taught me.
"Well met, my lord and lady. I am Steve Aldehrt. It is my honor to make your acquaintance."
The man across from me chuckled warmly.
"Hahaha! Robert, he really does take after his mother—look at those manners!"
"Oi! What do you mean by that, huh?!" my dad grumbled in mock irritation.
"Come on, you two," Lady Velora said with an exasperated smile. "At least try to act like adults in front of the children."
"Yes, basic decency, please," my mom added, rolling her eyes.
Okay, so they were that close. It felt like watching old friends teasing each other rather than stiff noble formalities.
And then—
A small girl peeked out from behind Lady Velora's dress. She looked about my age, maybe a bit younger. Pale lavender eyes peeked at me shyly under soft silver-blonde hair that framed her delicate face.
"Lealaine, sweetheart, say hello," her mother encouraged gently.
She hesitated, clutching her mother's gown tightly. Her feet shuffled against the polished floor, and she peeked up at me through her lashes.
"...H-hi..." she murmured.
Her voice was barely audible. She couldn't hold eye contact for more than a second.
So this was Lealaine Velora.
She seemed like the shy type, especially with unfamiliar people. I lowered myself slightly to her level and gave her a gentle smile.
"Hi, Lealaine. I'm Steve. Would you like to be friends?"
Her eyes widened slightly, and after a moment of hesitation, she nodded. A small but genuine smile appeared on her lips.
"Y-Yes... I'd like that."
The adults chuckled softly in the background.
"There you go! You have a new friend now," Lady Velora said cheerfully.
"Yes, mother!"
It was like flipping a switch. As soon as she sensed I wasn't someone scary, she started talking. A lot.
She told me about her puppy. Then about how she once chased a butterfly and fell into a pond. Then something about how she likes stars. It was adorable.
I nodded along, amused. So she was one of those shy-at-first, chatterbox-later types.
The rest of the evening passed in light conversation and dinner. Our families spoke of trade, land, and noble affairs, while I did my best to keep up. Lealaine, meanwhile, had latched on to me like a newly found best friend and showed no signs of letting go.
As strange as it still was, being treated like a noble and having a bubbly little friend who wanted to talk to me nonstop—it felt nice.
Even if I had lived an entire life before this, right now, I was just a kid. And for once…
I was okay with that.