Regressor Instruction Manual

Chapter 1367. An Unexpected Debut (2)

“The debutante ball...” I mumbled.

Of course, I was aware of it. In the Union of Kingdoms, the debutante ball was an extremely important event. Among the nobles and upper class, only a few people considered it trivial, but the Union was far more particular about it compared to other nations.

There was no reason to ponder why. Just by looking a little deeper into its background, anyone would understand and nod in agreement. Unlike the Empire or the Republic, the Union was a coalition formed by multiple kingdoms.

Each kingdom’s power alone wasn’t remarkable, but when united, they were a force to be reckoned with. In other words, it was a delicate balance of power, which was being maintained through blood alliances to keep up with the larger nations around them.

Naturally, the rulers of the Union couldn’t help but search for ways to strengthen their unity, and marriage became one of the most effective means to do so.

Even a short visit to a nearby kingdom would reveal numerous nobles who had married into other royal families. Those born within the Union considered marriage to nobles of other kingdoms a natural thing to do, and this system had taken deep root in their society.

The leaders of the Union even turned the debutante ball into a practical social gathering aimed at arranging marriages. Those who had just come of age and were debuting into society had wanted to become a part of the debutante ball since they were young.

It was no wonder the Union’s elite put so much effort into the event.

‘Tsk...’

The debutante ball had been growing more extravagant as time went on. By now, even commoners who could never attend the debutante ball found themselves longing for it.

Rumors naturally spread about which young lady was talented, which young lord was handsome, and who was extremely wealthy. Some even believed that making a successful debut here and showing their face in the marriage market was the very purpose of their life.

“...”

“...”

It was often said that nobles of the Union of Kingdoms had been training their entire life just to attend this ball. They dreamed of showing off their knowledge, swordsmanship, and breadth of magic here. They would even take up instruments and art to prove their elegance. They would dance until their ankles teetered on the edge of breaking, and they would sacrifice countless things in the name of beauty.

Even in the second life, debutante balls like this were still popular. Of course, in our continent, where the Union and the Federation had both declined, it was impossible to hold events on this scale, so they had become rather ordinary gatherings.

However, the Union was at its heyday at the moment, and it resulted in a debutante ball so grand that even I, who had attended many events, couldn’t help but gape in astonishment.

‘What the...’

Even the commoners were celebrating like it was a festival.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the greatest event in the entire history of the Union of Kingdoms. It had been a long time since the woman, who introduced herself as Amy, brought us to the inn, yet the festivities were still going on.

The walls weren't soundproof, and we could hear people shouting and cheering all over the place. Perhaps it was because we couldn’t get proper rest, but Commander Jin’s face was twisted in irritation.

“Damn it...” Commander Jin mumbled.

“What now? You should be glad we’re not rolling around on a battlefield,” I said.

“...”

“The situation is actually pretty good. We’ll be safe here and can gather information without having to keep running around and scraping by. It’s better this way, right? The most prominent nobles of the Union of Kingdoms are gathered in one place, and even representatives from the Empire are going to attend.

"There’s bound to be something worth gaining there,” I explained.

“So what, you’re saying we’re going in there?” Commander Jin asked.

“Of course we are. Isn’t that obvious? Once we’ve entered the gate, it’s our job to deal with whatever’s happening inside. There’s a reason we were sent here.

"They say the debutante ball lasts for over a month, so we should get everything we can before it’s over. You don’t seem too thrilled about it, but don’t worry, I’m not asking you to participate in the ball. I already know how bad your dancing is...” I answered.

“...”

“...”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I have basic manners,” Commander Jin said.

“Excuse me, Commander,” I said.

“...”

“Do you really think this ball is some kind of joke? Do you think the young ladies preparing for it are doing it for fun?” I questioned.

“What?”

“You seem proud of yourself for having learned a bit of etiquette, but that doesn’t cut it here. I’ll admit, you aren't bad, but the people here are putting their lives on the line for this.

"You know you can't polish a turd, right? You’re a gambler at heart, and you're from the Republic, which is a place totally disconnected from party culture. Do you really think you can just waltz into a ball full of nobles?

"You’ve never even known what it means to be a noble. Dance for three hours and dine for four, and then you’ll finally understand why people say, ‘These noble bastards are something else.’ In their own way, they're damned superhumans,” I explained.

“...”

“You think talent only applies to swordsmanship, martial arts, or magic? This takes talent, too. I’m not saying you don’t have any. You’ve got presence and are somewhat qualified. You know the basics as well, and you’re not stupid. You’re actually pretty knowledgeable about the arts, but knowing and having trained in it are two completely different things,” I continued.

“What do you know to be spouting off like that? Have you even checked it for yourself?” Commander Jin asked.

‘Don’t even need to. Obviously not.’

“Want to test it out? I’ll make sure you understand what a difference in talent really means,” I said.

I couldn’t help but quietly rise from my seat. This time, I wasn't bluffing.

‘Damn it, it’s not like I’ve only been to one or two parties before.’

When I looked down at him, I saw Commander Jin just staring up at me silently. I could guarantee that I had to be looking enormous in his eyes right now. After all, I was the top dog of high society.

‘I might not know much else, but this... I’m confident about this.’

Only those born to draw attention and those who had to be in the spotlight could pull this off. I was pretty clumsy, but when it came to exuding grace and dignity, that was a different story.

The difference between me and Commander Jin was like the difference between Kim Hyun-Sung and Rafael.

‘We aren’t even on the same level. Once we dance, he’ll see. I'll destroy him out there.’

Just then, Sun Hee-Young chimed in, saying, “Mr. Lee Ki-Young is very famous even in the Democratic Country’s social circles. It’s not just because of his title as the honorary cardinal. He’s praised for his dignity, elegance, intelligence, eloquence, and everything needed at a party.”

‘Ah, I don’t need the praise.’

“Since the Democratic Country’s imperial days, he stood out through relentless effort. The parties hosted by Mr. Lee Ki-Young were famous not only in the Democratic Country but throughout the Union of Kingdoms as well,” she added.

“Do you think I did that alone? It was all thanks to you, Miss Sun Hee-Young,” I commented.

“Many nobles within the Union wanted to have tea with him. In fact, those invited often returned and exerted influence in the Union’s social circles, simply by being invited to Mr. Lee Ki-Young’s tea parties. Do you now have a rough idea of his standing?"

‘You heard her. Do you see it now? The difference between us?’

He looked like he was refusing to acknowledge it, but what could that even do?

‘This is reality. Mind your place, Commander Jin.’

If he was upset, he could try to challenge me.

‘Tsk. I said to mind your place.’

“...”

“...”

“Tssk. Don’t do anything reckless and know your place!”

Eventually, Commander Jin slowly turned his head.

“I don’t cling to such useless things.”

Despite saying that, he couldn't hide his resentment. He probably thought he had made a name for himself, but...

‘You don’t need to be so disappointed. Your opponent is me, after all.’

There was no way someone from the Republic could compare with me. When he was wasting time at the gambling dens, I had been training my heart out. While this bastard was poking around the black market, I was having tea with noblewomen.

‘Effort doesn’t betray you.’

The fact that he had finally conceded made the corner of my mouth lift.

“Don’t be too disheartened. As I said earlier, you’re talented. With effort, you’ll improve quickly,” I said.

“I told you I don’t cling to such pointless things,” Commander Jin repeated.

“Anyway, I’ll take full authority. Just follow my orders. First of all, we need to find a way in since the ball will start in a few days. Find a noble from the Union of Kingdoms and bring them here.

"You know what I mean? Ideally, from a well-known family, but that may be impossible. A completely fallen noble who has been cut off from society would be suitable,” I instructed.

“...”

“A noble without any territory, you know,” I added.

“I’ll check. Though I doubt that alone will be enough to get us into the ball,” Commander Jin said.

“That’s why you need to handle it properly, Commander Jin. Judging by the scale of it, there’ll be hundreds making their debut this time, maybe over a thousand participants in total. And the ones who couldn't find partners last season will be coming, too.

"This parallel world’s system is a mess compared to our continent, so as long as your identity looks legitimate, you can fake your way in. Nobles from all across the Union of Kingdoms are flocking here. What do you expect? There are so many fallen houses that no one even knows where half of them live anymore,” I continued.

“...”

“If you can’t even handle that... you do realize that there would be no reason for me to have brought you along, right?” I questioned.

“...”

“Why are you making it so obvious that you’re upset?” I asked.

“I’m not,” Commander Jin replied.

“Really? You sure don’t look like you want to do this. Or is it that you just don’t like it?” I asked.

“I told you that’s not it,” Commander Jin said.

‘Yeah, right.’

Just seeing him suddenly stand up and slam the door was more than enough to tell how irritated he was.

“Tell Miss Ha Yeon-Soo to come here on your way to your room,” I requested.

“...”

Apparently, he heard that part because a few minutes later, Ha Yeon-Soo quietly stepped into the room.

“You called for me, sir?” Ha Yeon-Soo asked.

“There’s no need to be so formal. We’re not strangers,” I told her.

“Ah... right,” she mumbled.

“So, were you able to confirm it?” I asked.

“Yes, but since we didn't have enough time... I couldn’t verify whether all the individuals are actually in the city,” Ha Yeon-Soo replied.

“So you’re saying the reliability of the information is questionable?” I questioned.

“Yes,” she answered.

‘That’s fine. It’s fine. I wasn’t expecting too much anyway.’

Ha Yeon-Soo quietly handed over the organized documents, and of course, I accepted them with a slight nod. As expected, the pages were packed tightly with words.

[Empire Participants List]

The names of the nobles attending the debutante ball were listed. Some names were unfamiliar, but I recognized many of them.

‘Lady Marilyn is participating, too.’

Lady Caitlyn was coming as well... Seeing that several prominent figures from the Empire were included, it seemed even the Empire considered this event to be pretty important.

I wasn’t exactly sure why, but there had to be some reason for them to intervene in the Union. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t think much of it, but calling the precious child of Castlerock to a battlefield like this? That said a lot.

And then...

“There he is.”

[Count Kim Hyun-Sung]

‘Of course he’d be here. He had to be. If he weren’t, there’d be no reason for him to come here.’

He was probably the hottest prospect this season. I had no doubt about it. Countless noble ladies would surely be after him. Of course, the winner was already clear.

“...”

“...”

Lee Ki-Yeon had rejected Kim Hyun-Sung a total of three times, even though he had never even confessed.