T Y D O T S F

160

The banquet went smoothly. I took a sip of champagne and looked around slowly.

People with conflicting interests were gathered here and there and talking. But... ... .

Why does it feel like everyone is watching me?

As I walked, gulping down the champagne, my back felt warm as gazes that had been scattered around focused on me.

It's weird. It's very weird.

"Why does it feel like everyone is looking at me?"

"If it bothers you, should I clean it up?"

"Are you sure you're looking at me right now?"

Arban giggled, asking why he was asking such an obvious question. Why was everyone so interested in me?

Even if you pay attention to me, there's nothing you can gain from it.

Although I had received cute looks from my family members when I was young, this was the first time I had received such burdensome and explicit looks.

I was embarrassed and at a loss, so I tried to tell him something, but Arban tapped me on the shoulder.

"Enjoy it. This kind of gaze."

"How can I enjoy something like this with peace of mind?"

"I'm going to keep following you from now on, so it's better to adapt. You'll be struggling for the rest of your life."

Arban nodded his head, looking around, with a leisurely expression and his hands in one pocket.

His red eyes were already beyond tired and seemed to have no emotion whatsoever.

It's clear that the one who became an adult and appeared at an official event is the same as me.

Did something happen to Arban?

I opened my eyes wide in wonder and looked at him. He spoke to me in a low, cool voice.

"There are quite a few who wish for the division of the Astrophel family. They can easily contact you secretly if they wish."

"...How can that happen? Before becoming an adult, all contact with the outside world is blocked."

"That's the way it is in principle."

Arban turned his head towards those who had been anxious to make eye contact with him for some time.

He looked obviously annoyed. It was as if he had no choice but to deal with me.

"My father didn't necessarily try to stop me from making contact with the outside world. It seems he wanted someone more capable to become his successor."

"ah."

Kaid said so?

I stared blankly at Arban, unable to believe it.

As soon as their eyes met, he blushed and clicked his tongue slightly as he watched those trying to approach him.

"Or maybe he just wanted to deal with the external forces that were interfering with the family line, so he left it alone."

Or maybe it's both.

Clearly Kaid was aiming for both and left them alone.

"I'll be back soon, so stay here quietly."

Arban was instantly surrounded by people from other families.

The expression on his face from a moment ago that looked like he was dying of annoyance had disappeared, and he was replaced with a perfectly happy smile.