Cain couldn’t exactly tell him that the knowledge came from his previous life, so he dodged the question by saying he invented them himself.
Duke Eric, having finished a light meal, approached Cain and asked, “Cain, these wine glasses are amazing. How about sending a few of them over to my place?”
“I’m planning to present a pair of matching wine glasses to everyone attending today, as a souvenir to commemorate the occasion.”
“Oh! That is wonderful to hear. If possible, I’d also like to receive some of this drink you’ve invented.”
“I’ll have a few bottles sent over to you, then. It’s best to drink them cold to maximize their flavor.”
“Yes, yes. Thank you. Take a look over there. They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but it seems like Silk is the one whose heart was stolen.”
Following the direction the smiling Duke Eric was pointing, Cain saw Silk was with Reine, completely absorbed in enjoying their food together. Seeing Silk enjoy herself made Cain smile. As Cain chatted with Duke Eric, Colan subtly came over and whispered into his ear.
“His Majesty and Her Majesty, as well as Her Highness Princess Telestia have arrived.”
“Got it. Prepare to receive them.”
Cain nodded and headed towards the platform. Looking around from the slightly elevated position, he could see guests engaged in lively conversations with fine drinks in hand, their smiles clearly visible.
“Everyone, sorry for the interruption. I’d like to just announce that His Majesty will soon arrive. Carry on, thank you.”
The nobles gathered in the hall were astonished once more. The royal family was going to attend a party hosted by a newly minted baron? That was completely out of the ordinary! While they were caught off guard, they still parted ways and created an open path.
The doors to the grand hall opened and the royal family entered, with the king leading the way. The line of aristocrats bowed their heads. The king walked straight forward towards the platform and stood next to Cain.
“Everyone, sorry for interrupting your conversations. This young hero here saved the life of our precious Telestia, so I saw it fit to attend his housewarming party. The focus today should be on Baron Cain. Pay me no mind and enjoy yourselves.”
Once he had finished speaking, the king left the platform and followed the servants towards the food table. A maid filled a platter with food and presented it to the king alongside a glass filled with sparkling wine. The king glanced at the wine glass and opened his eyes wide in astonishment. He cautiously raised it to his mouth and took a sip, before opening his eyes even wider in shock.
“Mmh?! What is this drink?! Also, this goblet is made out of glass?! I’ve never seen glass this transparent, or with these kinds of markings. Cain! Explain!”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I created the wine glasses and plates here myself. As for the food and drinks, I provided some ideas that the chefs acted on.”
“Send some to the royal family as well. You will be paid handsomely.”
“If that is what you desire. The existing stock was supposed to be all used up today, and there isn’t any left in storage. I’ll send some over once I can.”
“Good. Also, how was this made? The meat is tender yet overflowing with juice. You also came up with this?”
“Yes. I provided some advice to the chef, who used it to create this dish. This soft meat you are referring to is called a hamburger. Please pay your compliments to the chef. If you’d like, I can send the recipe to the palace as well.”
The king nodded in satisfaction.
“Cain, I am very satisfied. Teles, you are as well, yes?”
Telestia, who had been sneakily stuffing her cheeks with hamburgers next to him, looked up and said, “Yes, Father. Sir Cain, thank you for inviting us here today. Your outfit today looks wonderful.”
Cain pretended not to see the sauce smeared around her lips.
“Thank you, Your Highness. The dress you’re wearing today is wonderful as well, Princess Telestia.”
Telestia blushed at Cain’s words, unaware of the sauce around her lips. The Queen noticed, and hurriedly used a napkin to wipe it off. The queen whispered and told Telestia what happened, causing her to blush even more.
“Jeez! Sir Cain! Say something next time!”
Although Telestia was scolding him, Cain found she looked rather cute. The heartwarming scene froze with a word from the king.
“Cain, I have a question for you. That red dragon placed in the entrance hall. Did you slay that yourself?” The king had a serious look on his face.
“…Yes. I did.”
“I see. It looks like we’ll have to have another conversation at a later date.”
“…Very well, Your Majesty.” Cain bowed and left the royal family to their own devices.
Colan approached him and whispered into his ear. “Marquess Corgino and his son, Sir Habit, have arrived.”
Cain frowned in response to Colan’s report. He had sent them an invitation for appearances’ sake, but had not expected them to actually come. Slightly upset at the appearance of these unwelcome guests, Cain went out to receive them. Cain exited the mansion right as the two of them were getting out of their carriage.
“Oh? What a small place. This so-called housewarming party is being held in a dog kennel? A baron doesn’t amount to much, in the end.”
“You speak truly, Father. This place is nothing compared to where we live.”
Cain maintained his smile as he greeted the two complaining guests.
“Oh my, if it isn’t Lord Corgino and Sir Habit. Thank you for coming today. It’s a bit small, but I hope you find it to your liking. I’ll show you the way to the grand hall, please come with me.”
Cain led the way and opened the door to the entrance hall. He naturally had no intention of warning these two about the dragon.
“Eek! A-a-a dragon!”
The two guests crumpled to the ground on the spot and began crawling away in a panicked attempt to flee.
“Oh my, how thoughtless of me. This is simply a taxidermy red dragon. Gracia is next to the Forest of Monsters, so I saw it fit to decorate my mansion with some of the monsters I have hunted and slain.” Cain bowed his head, partially to conceal his dark smile.
Marquess Corgino regained his vigor upon learning the dragon wasn’t alive. Revitalized, he addressed Cain heatedly.
“You chose to decorate your home with this monstrosity rather than artwork? How tasteless. I suppose one can’t expect much better from someone who was raised near the border.”
“Indeed. I only received my title recently, so I don’t know much about art yet. I hope to receive some advice in that realm from you in the future, Lord Corgino.”
“Very well, then. I’ll make sure to educate you properly.” Cain’s submissive response had immediately put Marquess Corgino in a good mood. He nodded with an unsettling smile.
“Everyone else has already arrived. I’ll show you the way to the great hall.” Cain bowed his head again and continued to lead the way.
“Good. It’s only right for the most important guests to arrive last.”
“Father, the attendees are likely to be no one of note since this party is hosted by a mere baron. Let’s hurry up.”
Cain also neglected to mention that the king was in attendance tonight. He also kept silent about the fact that Duke Eric and Prime Minister Magna were here as well. He opened the door to the grand hall and showed them inside. He guided them through the crowd in a way that they wouldn’t notice members of the royal family or other high-ranking aristocrats.
The viscounts and barons, low ranking aristocrats, sent cold looks in Marquess Corgino’s direction, as he had dared to arrive later than the royal family. Corgino and Habit didn’t seem to notice as the two of them strutted through the hall.