With the invitation on hand, I and my family go to the Bright family new year party. 

The distance from the village to the city is half a day using a horse. Of course, we already knew that, so usually we would go in the morning and find a place to stay until the party is started, then we go to the party from that place in the city.

That is what I initially thought. But, father points out that because this is an invitation from a noble, we wouldn't need to do that. They will send a carriage to take us.

Well, I never knew that. 

But with that, transportation is not a problem anymore.

----------------

It is half an hour before the party started. 

Even though only close family members got invited, in this place, there is still a lot of people.

Oh yeah, and when I mean about this place what I mean is the Bright family mansion.

We are in a certain room with a lot of windows with a wide garden just outside the said windows as its view. 

Now what's left is just to wait.

---------------

"Ah, you came Ray? I'm glad that you can make it to the party. I almost surely thought that you wouldn't come."

"Thanks for the invitation, lady Lucia. Of course, we would gladly accept your kind offer."

"Well, it is not me who decided to invite you though, it is the decision of my grandfather."

"Huh, really?"

"Yeah, he looks impressed with the work that you have done. He probably would like to meet you personally."

"I see."

"Well, he's still not in here just yet though. He will do the greetings from that place. Up there."

"Well, I think that is to represent his status in this family?"

"Yeah, that was mostly the reason for those who plans this kind of party, but he said this year he will do it because that is the place where he could see all the people that he invited."

"He seems like a pretty interesting person huh?"

"Well, he was born commoners after all. With his hard work, he is given the title of a noble from the Queen herself."

"Wow, that impressive...

More so knowing he becomes noble as a blacksmith."

"Yeah, but that is enough about my grandfather...

What do you think Ray? 

Is this dress suits me?"

"It really suits you."

"Eh, is that it... What about it that suits me?"

"Well, I am no expert and just know that it is good, instinctively. But....."

"......."

"But if I would say so, probably because of that red dress match with your beautiful red eyes."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it also makes your snow-white hair contrast, thus making your face the clear point of interest.

I could ignore everything in this room and solely focus on you."

"Okay stop it...

It is enough flattering for me.

So do you like it ?"

"I like it a lot."

"Good answer,

Ah, the party is about to start here grandfather would show up."

--------------------

From the podium upstairs, one man could be seen.

His posture is big even without being on the same level. You could know that he would tower over you.

"Welcome!"

And then I realize.

'Wai- huh !?'

That person is not the man I'm unfamiliar with.

He is.

'Master !?'

My blacksmithing teacher.