Chapter 4:
Social Debut
A WEEK HAD PASSED SINCE CAIN HAD REVEALED HIS Status to the rest of his family. It was now time to reveal himself to the aristocrats and other influential people within Gracia.
Cain hadn’t made any new spells, but he had continued his daily training regimen, which improved his control over mana and increased his mana capacity. In addition, since God of War Sarnos had asked him to, he began practicing with a wooden sword in the garden—Garm had immediately provided Cain with the child-sized sword upon request.
“Master Cain, it’s finally time for your official social debut!” Sylvia said.
Cain accepted the embroidered aristocratic outfit prepared specifically for the occasion and put it on.
“Yeah. The only people I’ve met are the ones here in this mansion and the people at the church. I don’t know much about the outside world since I’ve otherwise never left the mansion grounds. I’m kind of nervous.”
“There’s no need for concern, Master Cain. You’re a genius, you’ll be fine.”
“I’m not a genius… Thank you, Sylvia.”
Cain had finished getting dressed and fixing his hair, and all that was left was to wait for the event to start.
Evening arrived, and there were already dozens of guests waiting in the great hall of the mansion. Garm, the lord of Gracia and host of the event, rose to the podium and began to speak.
“Thank you for taking time out of your busy days to join us here today. The Third Son of the House of Silford, Cain von Silford, has safely reached the age of five, and on this day he will make his first societal debut. He was baptized last week, and he was fortunate enough to receive favor from the gods. He will now introduce himself. Cain, enter.”
The door opened, and Cain walked through it. He stood next to Garm and looked out at the crowd from the slightly elevated platform.
Oh man, there’s so many people here. Cain was assaulted with anxiety. He had never spoken in front of so many people before, even in his previous life. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and began to speak.
“As my father said, I am Cain von Silford. Thanks to everyone’s help, I was able to safely reach the age of five. I’m still inexperienced, so I hope to grow under everyone’s guidance. Thank you for coming today.”
Cain offered a deep bow. He used the knowledge from his previous world to prepare, and he managed to recite his introduction as planned, but the guests didn’t respond the way he expected.
The great hall was completely silent. Cain looked to his side at his father, who had an awkward smile on his face. A few seconds later, a few people began to clap, followed by more, before finally turning into a wave of clapping that resounded throughout the hall.
Garm said in resignation, “That was not the typical introduction you expect from a five-year-old. Thank you, everyone. Cheers.”
The guests in the hall responded in kind, lifting their glasses. “Cheers.”
Cain had used the knowledge from his previous world to come up with that introduction, but it definitely wasn’t normal for a preschooler to introduce themselves the same way a high schooler would. Cain realized he had screwed up, but there was no point in dwelling on the past, so he just went with it. People began lining up to greet him.
Garm began the introductions. “Cain, remember this man. This is Tris.”
“Viscount Tris von Saravath. It’s nice to meet you, Cain. I oversee the fortress city of Lamesta, east of Gracia, on the border with the Visus Empire.”
Tris had blonde hair and sun-kissed skin with a well-toned body that pressed against the aristocratic outfit he was wearing. He was the very image of a warrior.
“Viscount Tris and I go way back. It is thanks to his efforts protecting Lamesta that Gracia is so safe despite bordering the Visus Empire. Remember that.” Garm explained.
“It’s Margrave Garm’s assistance that allows us to rally the soldiers we need. We’re always in your debt. I must say, Cain. With that self-introduction earlier, are you some kind of prodigy?” Tris asked with a hearty laugh. He gave Cain two strong pats on the shoulder.
“Cain spends all day reading books. He can already read and do math.”
“That’s wonderful news. He’s the third son, so I’m sure the other houses will be lining up to have him marry into them. I’d be interested too if I had a daughter of my own.”
Cain enjoyed the praise, but he couldn’t help but feel awkward—they were already talking about marriage, but he was still just five years old.
“Thank you. I still have a lot to learn. Until I’m of age to attend school, I’ll be making the most out of our family’s library.”
“Come visit Lamesta when you have the chance. I think it’ll be an eye-opening experience,” Tris said.
“Okay. I’ll talk to my father about it and get his permission. I’ll be in your care when the time comes,” Cain answered.
“You really aren’t like most five-year-olds. I’m looking forward to seeing you grow. I don’t want to hold up the rest of the line, so I’ll catch you later,” Tris said as he vanished back into the crowd.
The next person seemed to be some type of bureaucrat. He was slim and seemed educated. Cain had seen him several times before in the mansion.
“Baron Sarai von McClaine. I am the governor of the Gracia Territory. When Lord Garm leaves for the capital, he leaves the city in my hands. I believe we have met a few times before, in the mansion.”
“Yeah, Sarai always brings me a mountain of paperwork and never lets me slack off. I wish he would just stamp them all for me—I’d give him my stamp if he would,” Garm said. Cain wasn’t sure that was a good idea.
Sarai also stiffened at Garm’s words. “Lord Garm, it is necessary for you to look through the paperwork as well. That is your duty as ruler of Gracia.”
Cain found himself nodding at Sarai’s words.
“Yeah, yeah. Cain, if you have any questions about Gracia, it is best to ask Sarai. He’ll teach you whatever you wish to know.”
“Baron Sarai, I look forward to learning more about Gracia from you,” Cain said with a bow.
“I will always make time for you, Cain. If you wish, I can teach you the necessary skills to become a bureaucrat.”
Sarai seemed to be quite on board with that idea. He may have sensed Cain’s potential after hearing his self-introduction.
“Wait, wait. Cain is still only five. Let him decide for himself what he wishes to become once he grows up. If he wishes to become a bureaucrat then, I’ll leave him to you.”
“Very well, Lord Garm. I will take my leave.”
After that, the aristocrats located around Gracia and their families came to meet with Cain one by one. There was an order to follow when giving greetings.
After the aristocrats had finished, a heavy man wiping sweat from his forehead approached Cain. He appeared to be a merchant, and he had jeweled bracelets and rings on both hands.
“Greetings, Master Cain. My name is Matthias, I run the Gracia branch of the Narnis Company, whose headquarters are in the capital. Just say the word, and I will get you whatever you need—even slaves, if so desired,” the man said, rubbing his hands together.
Cain narrowed his eyes and said, “I’m not sure about slaves, but I may have requests for you in the future. When that time comes, I would appreciate your help.” Cain did his best to hide his distaste.
“Oh my, what an intelligent little boy. I look forward to dealing with you in the future, then,” Mattias said.
The cologne Mattias used made Cain uncomfortable.
Cain met with several more groups before the line finally calmed down. He went to his father and said, “My apologies, father. Permission to recuse myself for a moment.”
“Very well. I’ll hold down the fort, return as quickly as you can.”
Cain slipped through the gaps in the crowd and exited the great hall. After relieving himself, he headed back. On the way, he ran into a confused girl about the same age as him.
“Are you lost?”
The girl turned to face him. She had something on her head that humans lacked: cat ears.
Cat ears! They’re here! She has big round eyes as well! She’s so cute!
Cain had read many books, so he was aware of the existence of beastfolk, but this was his first time meeting one.
“Yes…” The girl answered with an uneasy expression, “I came with my dad, but after going to the bathroom, he was gone when I came out…”
“I’m Cain. What’s your name?”
“I’m Parma…”
“Okay, Parma. Let’s head back to the great hall together. If you take too long, your father will start to worry.”
Parma nodded with a big smile. “Okay.”
“We can look for your father together after returning to the hall.”
“Thank you, Cain.”
Crap, she’s way too cute. I want to pet her ears. Cain restrained his impulsive hands as he walked alongside Parma, however his eyes were glued to her ears.
When the two arrived back at the great hall, the guests were in the middle of socializing with each other as they enjoyed their drinks.
“I wonder where your father is…”
As they walked together, a voice called out to them from behind. “Ah, Parma. You were taking so long, I was getting a little worried.”
They turned around. Behind them was a kind-looking man who also had cat ears.