Arthur spent a while making his way through the banquet hall.
One conversation after another.
Young Lords from noble families eagerly introduced themselves.
Some openly expressed their admiration for him.
Others were far more subtle, disguising their intentions behind polite conversation before eventually steering the topic toward marriage.
Several even went so far as to speak of the future.
The prosperity their two families could achieve together.
The influence they would gain.
The children they could one day have.
Arthur smiled through it all.
Remaining courteous.
Patient.
Careful never to promise more than a polite, "I’ll certainly consider it."
Naturally...
Not every conversation revolved around romance.
Several influential Star Lords approached him with offers to support House Ashbourne through trade agreements, military cooperation, or resource exchanges.
Of course...
None of those offers came without strings attached.
Every helping hand sought an even greater reward in the future.
Arthur accepted their goodwill with graceful diplomacy, neither accepting nor rejecting anyone outright.
By the time the last conversation finally came to an end...
He let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"...I finally get a chance to breathe."
Leaving the bustling banquet hall behind, Arthur quietly stepped onto one of the estate’s expansive balconies.
A cool evening breeze greeted him.
Before him stretched the magnificent Ashbourne estate, its countless gardens and marble courtyards illuminated beneath the moonlight.
Far beyond the estate walls...
Hundreds of luxurious spacecraft hovered peacefully in designated docking zones, each vessel bearing the crest of one of the noble families attending tonight’s celebration.
Even farther still...
The lights of the capital city shimmered like an endless sea of stars upon the horizon.
Above it all...
Two enormous moons hung proudly in the night sky.
One silver.
One faintly blue.
Together, they bathed the world in an almost dreamlike glow.
Arthur rested both hands against the balcony railing.
"...This really is another world."
A familiar voice suddenly echoed within his mind.
〘I didn’t know Master was such a smooth talker.〙
Arthur blinked before laughing softly.
"...Genesis?"
〘Yes, Master.〙
〘You seemed to be enjoying all the attention earlier.〙
Arthur couldn’t help but smile.
"I’ll take that as a compliment."
He paused for a moment.
"...Though..."
"When did your voice become so... smooth?"
Genesis answered almost immediately.
〘I learned by observing everyone’s manner of speech during the banquet.〙
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"...Oh?"
"You’re a surprisingly quick learner."
A grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
"So..."
"What else did you learn besides flattering your Master?"
Genesis was silent for a brief moment.
Then...
〘After analyzing the conversations that took place during the banquet, I have reached several conclusions.〙
Arthur leaned casually against the balcony railing.
"...Go on."
〘The majority of the noble houses that approached Master possess genuine interest in forming an alliance with House Ashbourne.〙
〘However...〙
Several holographic windows materialized before Arthur.
Each displaying the crest of a different noble house.
〘House Ravenshade.〙
〘House Orionis.〙
〘House Kaelthorn.〙
〘Although each expressed a willingness to assist House Ashbourne, their combined military strength is currently insufficient to meaningfully alter the outcome of the Hollow Brood campaign.〙
Arthur nodded.
"...That’s what I deduced as well."
Genesis continued.
〘However... not every valuable asset is measured in fleets or soldiers.〙
The previous windows disappeared.
Three new profiles appeared.
Young Lord Selene Arclight
House Arclight
〘Specialization: Interstellar finance and commercial investment.〙
〘Probability of increasing House Ashbourne’s economic recovery: High.〙
Young Lord Aurelia Voss
House Voss
〘Specialization: Diplomatic negotiations and political mediation.〙
〘Maintains cordial relations with over one hundred noble houses throughout Imperial space.〙
Young Lord Iris Nova
House Nova
〘Specialization: Galactic media and public influence.〙
〘Owner of one of the Empire’s largest noble media networks, with billions of daily viewers across Imperial space.〙
〘A favorable public relationship with this individual would substantially improve House Ashbourne’s reputation following the Hollow Brood invasion.〙
〘Positive public perception would increase investor confidence, attract talented recruits, strengthen diplomatic negotiations, and make additional noble houses more inclined to seek alliances and lend aid.〙
〘Recommendation: Highest strategic value among today’s attendees.〙
Arthur blinked.
"...I honestly wasn’t expecting that."
He looked back toward the banquet hall.
"So you managed to keep track of everyone’s conversations?"
〘Affirmative.〙
Arthur placed a hand thoughtfully under his chin.
"...You’re surprisingly capable."
A small holographic figure suddenly popped into existence beside him.
It was Genesis.
Or rather...
An adorable chibi version of Genesis, no taller than his hand.
She puffed out her chest proudly.
Except...
Her holographic nose had somehow become comically long.
She placed both hands on her hips.
〘Naturally.〙
〘I am a Divine Assistant.〙
〘Master should expect nothing less from me.〙
Arthur stared at the tiny hologram for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"...Where did that ridiculously long nose come from?"
The tiny Genesis looked away with exaggerated dignity.
〘It symbolizes my overwhelming superiority.〙
Arthur could only shake his head, still smiling.
"...You’re learning a lot more than I expected."
Arthur returned his gaze to the stars.
The evening breeze picked up slightly, causing the tails of his ceremonial coat to flutter gently behind him.
For a few peaceful moments...
Neither he nor Genesis spoke.
Then...
A soft voice came from beside him.
"...Do you enjoy stargazing as well?"
Arthur turned his head.
Stepping onto the balcony was a young woman with long emerald-green hair that flowed neatly down her back. Bright emerald eyes met his for only a brief moment before drifting away again.
Unlike the lavish gowns worn by most of the noble ladies attending the banquet, she wore a tailored emerald green military dress adorned with subtle golden embroidery around the collar and cuffs.
A white cape rested over one shoulder, secured by a jade brooch engraved with her family’s crest.
Arthur narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.
...Who is she?
He couldn’t recall speaking to her earlier.
Genesis answered almost immediately.
〘That is because Master has not.〙
Arthur listened quietly.
〘During the banquet, this individual attempted to approach Master on seven separate occasions.〙
〘Each attempt was interrupted by another guest before she reached you.〙
〘Likely conclusion...〙
A brief pause followed.
〘She struggles to find her footing in large social gatherings.〙