His eyes meet mine.

While I still in a state of shock it is clear that he is enjoying this moment.

I can't even hear what he saying.

For everyone else, they didn't even notice...

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

When he finished his greeting, everyone back to their conversation with one another.

Except for me.

The Grandmaster of the house seems wanted to talk to me. he walked in my direction and start the conversation.

"Yo Ray, still as ignorant as ever I see."

"Wait, master, you are a noble!?"

"Of course I am, now, you the one who froze after seeing me at the podium. Do you even remember my name correctly?"

"..."

"Wait, grandfather. You and Ray already knew each other?"

"Not now Lucia, 

Now Ray, say my name."

"King of iron?"

"You fool."

He smacks my head lightly 

"Ah... As I thought, so, you were learning one year under my teaching without even knowing my name huh?"

He said that after a sigh, 

"I'm sorry"

"Don't be, the fact that you remember me as a king of iron is a sign that you respect me as a blacksmith."

"...."

"Well, now. What about a formal introduction?"

"Ah- yes.

My name is Ray. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"My name is Wilfred Bright Astray. You better remember that this time."

After that, he turns his back at me and leaves.

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

"He is... Surprisingly soft toward you huh, Ray ?"

"Really? I always see him as a strict teacher. But, he strict because he is proud of his skill. He just wants his disciples to be successful."

"Well, at least he seems to also respect you as a blacksmith now. So it must be a good thing."

"Yeah."

"So, Ray... Wanna take me on a dance?"

"Is it fine with you? I am not a noble though."

"Well, everybody else here is kinda my relatives so...."

"Ah, I get it.

Would you mind to have a dance with me lady Lucia?"

"Hehe~ with pleasure."

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

"How is the situation, Lin?"

"There was nothing suspicious. Some people try to force their way into the party. But, we already take care of that problem."

"What about the party itself?"

"Except for one special guest that your husband invited, everyone is just a close relative."

"Hmm, I see. How's my granddaughter Lucia?"

"As for now, she is dancing with the said special guest."

"Hmm, it is unusual for Lucia to be dancing, more so with a guest that my husband invited. Who is this person, Lin?"

"He is a blacksmith from the village not so far west from here. He's probably around my age."

"A blacksmith, my husband's guests, and your age is 5 years younger than Lucia... Okay, it's acceptable. 

Is there anything else that you need to be reporting?"

"There is a group of kidnappers that we caught and interrogated. What would you wanted to do with them?"

"Who is their target?"

"It's the Grandmaster Wilfred."

"Hah, they never get tired of this huh..."

"Well, he works directly under the Queen after all."

"And more so, it is the weapon that he created who helped the queen single-handedly secure the throne."

"So, what's your order?"

"Kill them all."

"As you wish. Grandmaster Luka."