Chapter 63: The Ball In Politics (2)

Chapter 63: The Ball In Politics (2)

Born in a commoner family, I couldn’t receive a proper liberal arts education. Thus, I barely passed the liberal arts subjects at the academy.

Even after I became a Professor, I wanted to avoid it as much as possible. However, one inevitable event existed for a noble and an officer of the empire: the ball.

In this era, attending a ball held more importance than politicians or elite figures playing golf in Korea.

I wasn’t from a noble family and never cared about dancing or my lack of a liberal arts education.

Usually, officers who graduated from the academy had to attend the ball held near their troops unless they were fighting on the frontlines.

There, it was common to meet families that could sponsor them or to dance with potential marriage partners.

Even if things on the frontlines were urgent, a military law existed that exempted lieutenants and captains from duty on the day of the ball due to marriage concerns.

So, unlike when I battled in war or on the political stage, I replied timidly.

“I come from a commoner’s background... You know that well.”

Understanding this, the Count sighed and said,

“Last time, you were just a Major, so both the Crown Prince and I asked you to feign illness and rest. Now, it’s different. You must attend.”The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

“I’m aware.”

“Still, everyone knows you come from a commoner’s background. Nobles from the Crown Prince’s faction won’t ask to dance with Peter Yaeger or demand such things. At most, they’ll gossip about you. Usually, such gossip leads to a loss of face, but your achievements will protect you.”

The heroes and noble ladies in novels and comics had practiced social dancing for at least 5-8 years.

For someone like me, who studied at the academy and served on the frontlines, dancing gracefully like those nobles was practically impossible.

To catch up then, I would have needed to devote at least two months to learning dance intensively, which was a ridiculous thought.

So, it was a great relief to be told there was no need to awkwardly learn to dance just to please others.

“But you aren’t considering attending in a military uniform like the students of the Staff College, right? Although it wasn’t against imperial army regulations, as a noble and Professor, it was inappropriate. Because, in reality, a ball was a political event.”

“Of course. I had also taken care to prepare suitable clothing and even hired a temporary servant.”

Hearing this, Count Benner waved his hand.

“If you were a noble with no connections, that would have been the best approach. But I couldn’t allow that. I asked the housekeeper of the Benner family to lend you a butler. With him, you should have had no issues preparing. Let’s discuss more productive matters.”

Then, the Count’s face, which seemed full of annoyance moments ago, became as serious as during meetings in Bisochea.

Having a majority of opposing votes would indicate significant opposition to the Emperor.

So, Count Benner’s concern likely revolved around how strong the next Emperor’s power would be, based on the votes he received here.

‘If I, who is expected to become the future commander-in-chief and handle the Emperor’s military, sided with another Prince, wouldn’t the Emperor’s authority plummet?’

Such a conclusion would follow, but talking too much might result in something similar to what happened to Yangsu in the Three Kingdoms.

“Obviously. If you get along with another faction after the Crown Prince has somewhat recklessly taken you in, how would he feel? And you know it, right? Apart from the Crown Prince, no one, including me, a general and a major in the chief of staff, treated a mere colonel like you well.”

Anyone with a brain would have agreed.

Who made an orphaned nobody a Baron? Wasn’t it the generous Crown Prince?

“Understood. If anyone approached me, I would cut them off within reasonable limits.”

Count Benner nodded, seeming pleased with my exact response.

“In situations like this, having a woman by your side would be helpful. Isn’t Laura someone who served under you? Have her accompany you.”

“Are you sure it’s appropriate for me to be with a lieutenant?”

“By the Prince’s orders. Since Laura has a better eye for these things, ask her to choose your suit too.”

After all, considering everything, Laura would have been better at picking out clothes.

“Understood. Then, I’ll take my leave...”

As I tried to leave, the Count shouted with a mix of exasperation and anger,

“Fine! Go home and rest immediately!”



After Colonel Yaeger left, Count Benner let out a deep sigh.

Because inevitably, given the circumstances, he was handing over his cherished daughter to that thief...

Though the Count’s daughter hadn’t even experienced her first love, and didn’t know her true feelings, she had expressed a desire to follow the Colonel even after leaving the Staff College. So, technically, he wasn’t a thief.

“Out of all the men of Laura’s age, excluding the royalty, Yaeger was the best. He has two Silver Knight’s Swords medals, the title of Baron, is a professor at the Staff College, and is the same age—he is perfect. Moreover, Laura also...”

Now that it had come to this, it was a father’s role to lay down the path for Laura to have a good relationship with the Lieutenant Colonel she respected and loved.

They had spent more time together as commander and deputy than most noble fiancés, so they should do well.