Chương 252: Chapter 235. Drunks and Invites

John Ericsson's Point Of View" Ah! I miss the days when we could all drink and laugh! Now we have all this work!"" It's not like I want to always act like a Noble! But respecting yourself and those who came before is important for not just us, but the Culture at large. If you forget the past and everything that they've done for you, you'll forget yourself, Phil."" I just want to find a girl who can love me for me!" I believe the drinking has started to get out of hand.

From Count Sark's nostalgic wants to Count Gorse's explaining and then, Count Tye's lonesome wailing.... It's getting a bit ridiculous! I'm reminded of commercials and signs from my world that reminds people to drink responsibly." Sorry, Marquess Drake. Uncle Phil tends to drag this type of behavior out of my Father and Uncle Ed. But it's only for parties like today. Usually, Father paces himself well. I guess cause it's one of Uncle Franz's Anniversary Birthdays?"

Gwaid started to apologize and explain the reason behind the Counts actions, but he really didn't need to." It's fine, Gwaid, a little annoying? Yes. But it's not bad to enjoy the night. Birthdays should be a special occasion after all."" Are you really not mad at them?" I shook my head to show it was fine." Yeah, Gwaid, relax. Marquess Drake doesn't sweat the small stuff. My Father tried to attack him the first time they met after all. Look at them now, they're halfway to being Friends!""

Do you really think that, Max?"" Yeah! you even healed me after all, Marquess Drake. I doubt Father doesn't like you. Plus, from the dinner yesterday, with the conversation you had with them, they've been looking forward even more to tonight. Because they knew you'd be here!"" Ah! Max! You shouldn't be sharing private conversations like that!" With a hint of embarrassment and slurred words, Count Sark tried to stop his son from speaking another word.

It's almost hard to believe this is the same guy that tried to attack me when he first saw me. Now here he is, trying to catch Max while stumbling over his own feet." Ah, I see Uncle Phil has already gotten sufficiently drunk. Perhaps we should've had a no drinks policy till the food arrived?" A familiar voice came from behind me. He seemed to be a little happy compared to the stressed and tired demeanor he had a few days ago. I turned to greet him since I was the only "adult" here that wasn't a mess currently.

I turned to see Byron and Lady Cindy walking over to me. Spencer was missing? Maybe the bathroom?" Hello, Lord Byron. You seem better than when we first met."" Yes, Marquess Drake, I was finally able to sleep for the first time in what felt like months. All thanks to you fixing that slight issue I had for tonight. Tell me, has tonight dealt any problems your way?" Byron seemed to be almost bouncing as he walked over to me. It seems my comfort as a Human in a party full of and for Demons was on his mind.

Even Lady Cindy seemed to be somewhat concerned. I thought back on the events of the night. Even with the few rough moments that have happened, probably the top of the list being that I almost started a fight with Count Tye. Even if that does sounds farfetched now, it happened. Though since he was currently muttering to himself while holding his head in his hands and looking at the sky... I think it's best not to mention it...

Then there's Lord Sark and Max, who were playing what seemed to look like a game of tag with each other. Count Gorse on the other hand, seemed to be feeling a little unwell at the moment and Gwaid seemed to be rubbing his father's back to make him feel better. While I was surveying our surroundings, Byron was waiting for my reply with a somewhat serious look in his eyes. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation." Eh... It was what I expected, I guess?

There shouldn't be any issues when it comes to tonight, I believe."" Yes, there shouldn't be, isn't that right, My Love?" Wrap. Wrap. Grip! Grip! Once the last word had slipped out of my mouth, I felt my arms being wrapped by somewhat cold fingers but they were attached to warm hands and arms. Even without Sarah speaking, it was easy enough to tell that she and Anna were set free from the Countesses and their daughters." Well, I'm glad to hear that, I hope you enjoy the rest of the night."" As do I." chill... Grip!

Grip! A chill ran down my spine at the mysterious voice that followed Byron's. I turn quickly to see who it was. 2 dark-red eyes were gazing at me. I gripped Sarah and Anna's hands as I began to speak." Count Fracks. Congratulations on your 175th Birthday. I hope you can enjoy the party that your son and daughter have worked so hard in preparing for you. Just as we all are."" Yes, I've left My Children to do far too much without me. I hope to start making up for that tomorrow.

It's just that, with the loss of My Wife... Well, I'm sure you can understand if you'd imagine your life without your own wives in it anymore, Marquess Drake. While it's not an excuse for my behavior these past 2 years, I find that I can't help but return to it every day." While Byron and Lady Cindy physically looked down at the mention of their mother, their father had quite the different reaction. He nearly had none actually. His eyes perked up a little. That was it though?

Like he just found out his favorite meal was being prepared for him. Nothing more, nothing less. But the feeling that I've been getting since I first saw this guy has only gotten more intense. It's like I'm staring into a dark forest or something similar. There's just something off? The mana he has as well. A malignant red was slowly dabbling out of Baron Fracks. It's so dark and thick, I haven't seen mana like that before. It's almost like it's diseased or something?

Is that what happens when depression affects someone with mana? I'm surprised that Sarah and Anna can't see it. I'll have to see what they think when we finish this conversation..." Yes, I'd very much be lost as well. But you have an advantage that I don't possess currently Count Fracks." A raised eyebrow above his beady red eyes seemed to indicate he had no clue what I was referring to." Your children, Count Fracks.

I mean, I stand as a witness, they've worked themselves to the bone to make sure today was as special as could be."

"..." It seems my words caused some kind of change in the mind of Baron Fracks. I can't tell what he was thinking, however. He didn't change his facial expression, but his eyes looked like they lit up very lightly. What is wrong with this guy?" Definitely, I'm Blessed with My Children. It took a long time, but today I really did realize that My Kids are definitely the keys to my happiness. I've been a fool not to realize it." Again, Byron and Lady Cindy looked away from their father again.

It seems that praise is a weakness for them, Sarah and Anna seemed to finally pick up that something was even more strange about this guy than what we thought originally. Maybe he's just holding back some kind of hate towards me? I mean, he did look at me when he was giving that speech..." Speaking of being a fool not to realize something, how did a Foreign Princess wind up at my birthday, Marquess Drake?" I followed his eyes and saw he was referring to Princess Alice."

Yes, my Wife is quite close to Princess Alice. We thought the trip here would be improved with good company, so we asked, and she said she would love to come." With some quick thinking on my feet, I came up with a decent lie." Yes, Alle and I spent a lot of time together when we were kids. She's basically my 2nd Little Sister." Sarah backed me up. It seems like Count Fracks bought the lie." I see. Well, like I said earlier, the more the merrier. Perhaps this is a sign of good fortune?

Maybe Cin can find a New Friend in Princess Alice? Maybe you could even find a wife tonight, By?"" Dad, maybe not imply I could marry a Princess? I'm only a Temporary Lord until you take back over as Lord of Zana."" Oh, come now, By. Tonight could be the start of the rest of your life." The family started to have a bit more interaction between each other. Lady Cindy seemed to be in a completely different headspace compared to our previous meeting."

Lady Sarah, can I actually try speaking to Princess Alice tonight?"" Of course, you can even join our table for dinner, if you'd like, Lady Cindy." Sarah offered an invitation to Lady Cindy; it seems that she's receptive to the idea. Lady Cindy looked to her father who nodded his head to his daughter." I guess with being busy with Phil, Gordon and little Ed, you should be able to speak to your own Friends as well?"

Lady Cindy smiled, and I had to put the thought of how much Count Fracks bothers me to the back of my mind for a while.