I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 54: Beginning of the Banquet

After the Saintess, with the help of the coachman, alighted from the carriage following the High Priest, she glanced at me and seemed momentarily inclined to approach, but then she straightened up abruptly. It seems she’s been thoroughly educated at the temple.

Well, that’s to be expected. If it had continued like that, it would have tarnished the reputation of the temple. The reason I’m here is because His Majesty instructed me to escort the Saintess.

“High Priest, Saintess, we’ve been waiting for you. Allow me to guide you to our waiting room. Saintess, please.”

Even though it’s a small group, proper etiquette must be maintained, as the nobles from the marquis and duke families are being escorted nearby by their butlers. Otherwise, who knows what might be said behind one’s back.

“Eh!? Um, well…”

It seemed like the Saintess was either surprised by my polite language for the first time or shocked by the escort. She glanced back and forth between my outstretched hand and my face. When I lightly fluttered my hand and signaled her to put hers on top, the Saintess timidly placed her hand on mine.

“Others are watching, stand tall and face forward with dignity.”

When I whispered advice as she was looking down, she suddenly straightened her posture. Seeing her like that, the High Priest smiled warmly. This High Priest is on good terms with His Majesty. They’re both shrewd individuals who don’t show their true feelings.

I led the two of them to a room near the grand hall where the banquet was to be held, leaving only us once the maids with rooms left. If it’s a maid assigned to this room, she probably won’t spread what she sees and hears elsewhere. In other words, we can relax a bit here.

“We’ll be waiting here until summoned. I’ll likely be called first. High Priest, you probably know, but if you want anything to drink or eat, just tell the maid over there. Also, it’s okay to relax a bit in this room.”

“Yes, thank you very much, Captain Justin! Um… I’m in your care.”

The Saintess bowed her head to the maid with a room. The maid responded, but very formally.

She’s probably heard rumors about the Saintess, from her bravery in the trial to her reputation with Miss Diane. It’s certain that she’s perceived as a threat to her position. Will it be okay when they meet face to face later?

After a while, only I was called first. The attendant announced my name, and from the grand hall’s perspective, I entered through the door above the stairs. There, lined up above the stairs, were members of the royal family, and even Prince Ernest, who was recently under house arrest, was there.

“Everyone is probably aware, but Justin de Vandière, who is here due to the recent dragon incident, has formed a contract with a dragon. And now, in recognition of this achievement, it has been decided to confer the title of Earl upon him. This decision has already been discussed in the Noble Council. Furthermore, the ennoblement ceremony will be held at a later date. Now, let’s show them the dragon!”

His Majesty gestured to me, and I called out to Jest.

“Jest, come here. Please greet everyone.”

“I was just about to fall asleep…”

“Don’t say that. Once you greet them, you can go back to sleeping on my back.”

“Got it”

Flying out from the shadow of the cloak, Jest settled into my arms. Voices arose from the nobles at the sight of Jest, especially from those seeing him for the first time, a mixture of half-fear and half-curiosity.

“Currently, due to the dragon’s magic, he’s this size, but originally, he’s large enough to reach from the grand hall to here. Never entertain any indecent thoughts! Those who lay a hand on the dragon should be prepared for their lineage to be severed!”

“Can I go back now? Am I a good boy”

Half-drowsy, Jest nuzzled against my chest, seeking affection.

“Yeah, you’ve been good. Want to go back on my back?”

“Yeah.”

Unlike when he came out from under the cloak, Jest snuggled against my clothes and slipped back to his usual spot on my back, drawing everyone’s attention. Even Prince Ernest, who had been glaring at me just moments ago.

By the way, the reason Ernest is here is largely due to my recommendation. While it’s true that I can’t forgive him for falsely accusing me, my guilt over my past actions played a big role.

He hasn’t been completely forgiven; His Majesty made it clear to Ernest that it depends on his future behavior. There’s hope for him if he views me with impartial eyes going forward. But judging from his gaze just now, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before he’s disinherited.

In that case, what will happen to Miss Diane? Although Prince Lancelot, the second prince, has a fiancée, will there be a change in the engagement since she hasn’t received the education befitting a queen?

I believe Lancelot is a year older than Miss Diane. Personally, I find him less overbearing than Ernest.

Glancing at Ernest, I caught Miss Diane’s eye next to him. She seemed to have something to say, but in this situation, it’s not possible to have a conversation. As I pondered this, the attendant announced the entrance of the High Priest and the Saintess.

With a nervous expression, the Saintess entered from the door I had come through, accompanied by the High Priest. When she saw my face, her expression softened with relief.

And at that moment, I cursed myself for noticing Ernest staring at the Saintess with admiration in the corner of my vision.