"Master Cedric, it's time to attend your 5th birthday party."
"Coming."
"Young master, please be sure to maintain your image well. This time, it will be your first official appearance among the nobles."
The two people talking were Cedric and Shasha. Shasha, Cedric's personal maid, had been with him since his birth. Currently at the age of 11, she is Cedric's senior by 6 years, specializing in combat, politics, and general knowledge to assist her master in any field possible. Chosen for her looks, with a petite but growing body, if she were born a noble, even the royal family would desire her.
"I know, Shasha. Today is an important day for me, so please don't remind me. It makes me nervous just thinking that there are ugly old men looking to drain every single drop of blood out of my body."
"Haha, come on now, my little lord. They aren't vampires; they only live in the north."
"No, you don't get it. After the recent war, our barony has increased its influence considerably. They came here to see how the next lord is, not because they're happy about me growing up. If I appear like a fool, they will probably declare war the moment father goes to heaven, which might happen sooner or later given his physical situation after the war. And if I appear too competent, the faction leaders will choose to have their daughter marry me, which we can't afford right now. It will just create more enemies than friends. What we need right now is time."
"Yes, master. (Well, I knew that already, but it's just more fun seeing him determined. Kya!) But I am a little sad that you won't marry me."
"Don't be sad. I will make you my wife no matter what."
"Yay! I love you too, master."
And here comes today's star, young master Cedric, entering.
"Come on now, master. It's time for you to enter."
After entering the stage Cedric as the host was expected to give a speech although the contents we're already written by shasha prior to the party.
"I would like to thank everyone present here. It is an honor that I get to speak in front of such outstanding and distinguished people. Although as unworthy as I am, I will be the host for this feast in place of my father, who could not attend this celebration due to health issues. But I would really like, as the host, for you to enjoy this feast to the fullest."
"Woah, not bad for a kid."
"Yeah, filling in for his father at such a young age is a big thing."
"Hey, did you see him? He was a delight to watch."
"Yeah, having such a wonderful body at only 5, did he start his physical training already?"
"Ah, if only I was a little younger, there would be a chance to make him mine."
"Damn, God is unfair, giving brains and such a good face to a single person. It's really unfair."
"Not only that, but being the heir of Ravenshield, I really envy him."
While the nobles were talking, Cedric was observing each and every one of the guests. He noticed that the noblemen were complimenting him for how he behaved; the noblewomen had fallen for his looks, and the young lords were envious.
(Envy, huh? Do they really think that I am in a position to envy? If they were in my position, they wouldn't be able to survive even a day. The only thing to envy is my looks. If I were to say it, I am a lady killer; even the noble ladies think so too.)
"Oh well, well, if it isn't today's hero. How are you, Cedric?" said a fat man with wine in his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Viscount Clinton. I am happy to see that you are enjoying yourself."
"Haha, yes, young lad. I am happy too that you are now grown up. Very well, I will take my leave now."
"Yes, Viscount." (Fuck you; I am sure you are waiting for father to die so that you can take my land.)
And just like that, Cedric met with the nobles, and the party ended without any accidents.