When members of the imperial family met, it held a different meaning compared to when siblings from other families gathered. While siblings from the same family had at least some level of intimacy, the imperial family members rarely had reason to meet each other under normal circumstances. Naturally, they couldn't help but view one another as rivals...

As a result, when they did meet, a ruthless competition would unfold, devoid of blood ties or tears. Each striving to be recognized as the most outstanding member of the imperial family in front of others!

"...At least it's fortunate that we're at Gainando's residence. As guests, they won't be able to make excessive remarks," Yi-Han said in a reassuring tone.

As guests invited to another family's residence, there was a limit to how arrogantly they could behave. If they crossed that line, they would be labeled as ill-mannered fools who didn't know proper etiquette despite being invited.

"Besides, his mother will be there too."

Although Yi-Han hadn't met her yet, based on what Yonaire said, she was certainly no ordinary person. Considering the power of the family, no one would dare utter nonsense in front of her.

"Mom went out for a moment," Gainando said.

"..."

"...Kids. Gather around for a moment."

Yi-Han put down the magazine and called his friends together. The topic of the meeting was <How to make Gainando look presentable during the imperial family gathering>.

Contrary to Yi-Han's worries, the imperial family members actually had no intention of picking a fight with Gainando. Having been invited to another family's residence, they weren't foolish enough to insult a member of that house. Moreover, considering the power of the family, there was nothing to gain by making unnecessary enemies.

The ones the imperial family wanted to pick fights with were each other.

"Bogajun. Long time no see. It was a pity about your failure in handling the Cleudran Town plague incident."

Crack!

"Judrantas... Thanks for your concern. I was worried about you too. Who would have thought your escort knight would get involved in a bribery scandal."

Crack!

The imperial family members heading to the residence glared and growled at each other from atop their horses. Their followers were the same, fiercely eyeing each other, waiting for any openings.

The imperial family, who had to prove their own worth, always strived to make their reputation known throughout the Empire. The best way was to intervene and resolve the Empire's matters, big and small.

Of course, such resolutions didn't always end well. There were many failures, and sometimes, before they could even do anything, their own followers would cause trouble.

Then they would have to endure other imperial family members gleefully expressing their "concern," saying, "Oh my, what will you do?"

'That son of a bitch.'

'Should have died last time.'

"It's truly a delightful sight to see you two concerned about each other's well-being."

"How could the Empire's future not be bright?"

"...Hahaha."

"Hahahaha."

It wasn't just the imperial family and their followers visiting the residence. There were also nobles who associated with them.

They played the role of spectators and judges.

If someone from the imperial family caused trouble at the gathering, they would spread rumors in the Empire's social circles, saying, "I heard imperial family member so-and-so caused trouble." And if someone from the imperial family achieved an outstanding feat, they would also spread rumors...

If it weren't for them, curses would have already been exchanged.

"Truly despicable, isn't it?"

"Indeed. A truly beautiful gem shines even when sunken at the bottom of a swamp. Compared to Princess Adenart, they are insignificant beings."

Adenart's followers clicked their tongues as they watched the other imperial family members.

As members of the imperial family, they should know to be dignified, but seeing them fighting so disgracefully as soon as they met was pathetic beyond words.

"Ha. Does she have any other achievements besides enrolling in Einroguard?"

"Someone who couldn't even enroll in Einroguard has no right to say that."

"The prince simply has no interest in magic. He is in a position to command mages, not use magic himself."

"That's what you want to claim."

"Now, everyone, please be quiet for a moment. We have arrived at the residence."

The nobles who weren't part of any imperial family faction stepped in to mediate.

Continuing the argument after passing through the main gate would be disrespectful to the residence's owner.

The quarreling followers closed their mouths and passed through the main gate of the residence.

A luxurious residence, rare even in Granden City...

Whoosh-

"!?"

"!"

The people entering were startled by the illusion of a dragon enveloping the residence and spewing out lights like lanterns.

At a glance, they could tell it was done by a fairly skilled mage.

It was the <Azirmo Summoning Enchantment> magic that Yi-Han had learned (forcibly) from Professor Verduus.

"Gainando. Hurry up and greet them."

"Wouldn't it be better if I summoned a skeleton too?"

"If you don't want to be hit with bones, hurry up and greet them."

"There's no need to get so angry..."

When Yi-Han growled angrily, the frightened Gainando coughed and shouted.

"Welcome. We are delighted to have you at the residence."

"...!"

The sight of Gainando and his friends standing atop the stairs left a strong impression on the guests.

"Come to think of it, I heard Prince Gainando also enrolled in Einroguard..."

"To think he can already use magic to this extent."

"He didn't cast it alone, did he? He must have borrowed the strength of his friends to cast it."

"Even so, it's still quite impressive. Look at that illusion magic."

The guests slightly raised their evaluation of Gainando, which they hadn't even been thinking about.

Even if he didn't cast it himself, the fact that he cast such high-level magic together with his friends was impressive enough.

Gainando tilted his head.

"But this was cast by Yi-Han alone..."

"Shh. Shut up and stay still."

"..."

Being silenced by his friends in his own mansion, Gainando puffed his cheeks in frustration.

Yi-Han spoke firmly.

"Gainando. Remember? You only say three things. 'Yes,' 'No,' and 'Hehe.' Got it?"

"Yes..."

"There was no need to do it already, but I like your proactive attitude. That's the spirit."

Yi-Han patted Gainando's shoulder.

All he had to do was sit still and keep his mouth shut until the end of the gathering. Then he would at least avoid any losses.

"Nice to meet you. I am Bogajun."

"I am Yi-Han from the Wardanaz family."

"...!"

"Pleased to meet you. I am Judrantas."

"I am Yi-Han from the Wardanaz family."

"!!!"

Whenever the visiting imperial family members heard Yi-Han's family introduction, they would look at him with greedy, shining eyes.

'They look at me even more greedily than when I look at gold coins.'

Of course, Yi-Han knew well why they were acting like that.

As someone from the renowned magic family and a student at Einroguard, it wouldn't be strange to judge him as a promising future great mage.

And the imperial family members were fundamentally those who enjoyed gathering talented individuals under them.

"I've heard a lot about the Wardanaz family. Coincidentally, a new magic book arrived at the residence. If it's alright with you, how about coming to take a look at it?"

"Thank you for the offer. I will consider it."

"I recently acquired an artifact..."

"Thank you. I will consider it."

Getting involved would only make life tiring. Yi-Han fended off the questions with tact, not showing a single gap.

When Yi-Han showed no openings, the imperial family members turned their attention to Nillia and Ratford.

The Maykin family was almost impossible to win over as they were related to Gainando, but they didn't know about the other two yet.

"If there's anything you desire..."

"This time..."

As the imperial family and their followers surrounded and harassed Yi-Han, Nillia, and Ratford, one of the guests curiously asked Gainando.

"Prince Gainando. I have a question. Who cast that magic? I have some knowledge of magic. That magic doesn't seem like one where other mages can assist."

"Hehe."

Gainando answered as Yi-Han had instructed.

The guest asked again.

"Did you cast it, Your Highness?"

"No."

"Then, by any chance, did Yi-Han from the Wardanaz family cast it?"

"Yes."

"..."

Yi-Han, who was answering the imperial family's questions evasively from a short distance away, inwardly lamented.

'I should have just sewn his mouth shut.'

"Was it you who cast it, Wardanaz? I would really love to hear about it! When would be a good time for you?"

"We can make time for you anytime. If a mage from the Wardanaz family is coming..."

The followers, who had been making proposals somewhat gently until now, began to charge forward with glinting eyes.

Their desire to invite Yi-Han to their follower gatherings at any cost was burning.

Gainando grumbled to Yonaire.

"We don't even have time to hang out together at the residence, so why do they keep trying to invite people?"

"Please, just shut up and stay still..."

After causing a commotion in front of the residence, the visiting guests were finally able to enter.

Each of them sat in the hall, calmly sipping their tea, but their eyes were as sharp as could be.

The guest who had asked Gainando unnecessary questions earlier, causing trouble for Yi-Han, was seated in front of Yi-Han.

"I was truly surprised. Wardanaz. Ah. I am Zolbabden."

Seeing the elf extending his hand, Yi-Han cursed inwardly.

Why did he have to say unnecessary things...

"I knew Einroguard was an outstanding magic academy, but for a first-year student to display magic to that extent... I am sincerely in awe."

"I was just lucky."

"Luck, you say? How could that be possible? Look at the expressions of the other imperial family members."

'It's because of you.'

If only Zolbabden hadn't said, "No! This magic was cast alone!" the imperial family members wouldn't be sending such passionate gazes.

Originally, Yi-Han preferred to associate with wealthy people, but the imperial family was a bit different.

Trying to get some gold coins by hanging out with them would only lead to paying more, wouldn't it?

There was no need to drink from a poisoned chalice.

'I will earn money with integrity and dignity.'

Yi-Han changed the subject.

"So, what are the imperial family members gathering for today?"

"Ah. The riddle will be presented soon."

There was only one reason for the imperial family members who disliked each other to gather.

To prove in front of other nobles that 'I am better than them.'

Of course, such proof required opportunities.

That's why at imperial family gatherings, nobles would take turns bringing a small riddle each time.

Thud!

Inside the transparent glass case was an egg with a unique pattern.

The noble who brought the glass case smiled meaningfully and said.

"Now, wise ones gathered here today. Can you guess which creature this egg belongs to?"

Zolbabden, who was next to Yi-Han, exclaimed in admiration.

"As expected, Lord Brodon, you are full of wit! Don't you agree, Wardanaz?"

Yi-Han, who had been thinking to himself, 'If you want to do that kind of thing, why don't you enroll in Einroguard,' smiled hypocritically and replied.

"It is indeed a witty question."

"Right? Ah. Wardanaz, why don't you try solving it too?"

'Are you crazy?'

Yi-Han's fingers twitched.

Of course, Zolbabden's intention was purely to promote the talented young man from the Wardanaz family in the Empire's social circles.

No matter how great a bloodline one was born into, no matter how outstanding one's qualities were, if there was no one to spread their existence, no one would know of them.

Zolbabden was someone who believed that as a noble in the Empire's social circles, it was his mission to widely spread the names of talented individuals.

Of course, from Yi-Han's perspective, it was just a nuisance.

The imperial family members were trembling with the desire to solve it themselves, so why get involved?

"I don't think I have any idea, so it would be difficult."

After answering like that, Yi-Han paused.

Strangely, that egg seemed familiar.

Where had he seen it before?