265: People who come to greet come in all kinds

"Lord Vilijanira, Lady Sata. Congratulations on your engagement. We have provided several items from our household for tonight's ball, so if you please, do enjoy them later."

"Thank you, Tote. I'll make sure to enjoy them later."

Tote, who had just visited us... Halwaa Tote Shimieakaha, the nobleman's daughter, cast a friendly glance at both me and Viridiana, her tone soft and gentle.

From Viridiana's expression and manner of speaking, she might be someone she gets along well with.

Since some of the dishes served at this matchmaking ball are provided by the Shimieakaha noble family, I'll make sure to enjoy them later when the chance arises.

Then again, there are certainly people who cast favorable glances toward me, just as they do toward Haruwatto-san, including Vilegianiara.

They’re either genuinely kind souls sincerely wishing me well, or individuals so carefully masked that I can’t tell their true intentions.

Either way, it’s probably wise to keep them in my circle.

They’re not the kind of people who’d make me uncomfortable just by being around.

"Good evening, Lady Vilijanira. You look most radiant today. Indeed, you are as beautiful as ever."

"Fufu, thank you for such kind words."

"...So you are the one known as Satu-sama?...Greetings."

"Nice to meet you."

The next visitor to arrive was... well, apparently the son of Baron Kyukirast Shimeunakko.

He casts a favorable glance toward Lady Vilijanira, but his eyes are filled with hostility toward me.

He's probably the type who had some interest in Lady Vilijanira, or at least maintained a certain level of acquaintance with her.

That's why I understand why a man would harbor hostility toward me, and even why a woman would eye me with suspicion.

Yeah, if someone like Baron Kyukirast here shows clear, open hostility or suspicion, I think demonstrating my worth could easily turn them into allies. No real problem there.

The issue lies with a few individuals who openly cast suspicious or hostile glances... I think we need to be cautious around them.

"Good to meet you, Lady Vilijanira, Lord Sata. I am Tarkotton, of the House of Baron Simeukars."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Tarkotton. I hope you find a suitable match."

"Fu fu fu, thank you. By the way, Lord Sata..."

"Miss Tarkotton. That matter is not something we should discuss here."

Oh, I'm sorry. Well, perhaps another time, if the opportunity arises...

The one who continued on was Lady Talcotton Simewkas.

Now that I think about it, the reason the Haruwaato family shares a similar surname is likely because the noble families living in the same plot of land are related.

And Tarkotton seemed to direct a kind of rivalry-like hostility toward Virijianira, but his gaze toward me was more like friendly interest or curiosity.

Virijianira’s attitude, as always, was nothing out of the ordinary.

And types like that… I often don’t understand them at all.

I'm sure the friendly gaze directed at me comes from knowing my true identity as a cosmic monster, and being interested in the various benefits they could gain from me... But I just can't understand why they'd choose to oppose Virijianira instead of cooperating with her.

If it were someone like Lord Tarkotton—someone whose negative intentions aren't palpable—I might consider them a rival, at least. But I just can't understand those who pour on such persistent hostility.

One thing's for certain: they're dangerous. I'll keep that in mind.

"Congratulations on your engagement, Lady Virijianira, Lady Sata. Then I'll take my leave."

"……What was that?"

"Lord Togotto Shimewunankun, the son of the baron. Lady Sata."

"I see."

Lord Togotto gave a curt greeting and immediately left.

He openly displayed hostility toward both me and Lady Virijianira, with no intention of hiding it.

To add to that, he seemed to be after something in particular.

Well, people like that... to be blunt, I generally consider them petty at heart.

It almost feels like I'm being used as a disposable pawn, just like those others who tried to ambush me during my solo mission a little while ago and were subsequently subdued.

Probably someone opposed to Viridianiola—maybe a member of a rival faction, or someone who suffered losses in the past, harboring resentment toward Viridianiola, and thus toward me as well.

There are many people who harbor resentment toward this type, like thick mud, and Viridianiola seems to be keeping a close eye on them... So, they're definitely a threat to watch out for.

"But there are many enemies and allies alike."

"That's true. But that's just how noble society is. After lasting for centuries, every relationship has become so complicated and bizarre that few people can truly tell who's an enemy and who's a friend."

"I see, I don't understand it at all, and I don't want to get involved."

"That's right. I don't want to get involved either, if I can help it."

Vilijanira replied with a weary expression.

In any case, there are roughly four types.

The way someone directs hostility toward me and Vilijanira generally determines the category.

And if that hostility is subtle and underhanded, that's the kind of person we should be especially cautious of.

As Vilijanira's guard, I'll keep a close eye on anyone who might try to harm her.