As the night continued, more performances were held on the ballroom stage. After a while, the musicians played increasingly energetic music too, while so nobles danced across the ballroom floor.
The banquet tables were gradually emptied and replaced with a new round of desserts and late-evening refreshnts.
Lionel continued speaking with guests throughout the evening. He greeted older nobles politely and spoke to people close to his age.
Without realizing it, he was easily accomplishing his mission for the day.
Eventually, the celebration began approaching its conclusion. Many noble families started preparing to leave as the night went deeper.
Outside the mansion, servants were already arranging carriages for departing guests while soldiers organized the flow of traffic near the estate gates.
Inside the ballroom, farewell greetings could be heard everywhere.
"Thank you for hosting us."
"The celebration was wonderful."
"Duke, we greatly thank you for the invite."
"It was an honor attending this ball."
Elara and Arden personally saw off many important guests, such as the crown and crown princess, and also those that has the sa ranking as them.
Lionel also offered his farewells whenever guests approached him.
"You’ve grown into a fine young man."
"I look forward to hearing about your achievents in the future."
"Good luck, Lionel."
Lionel responded politely to each of them. And finally, after what felt like an endless evening—
[Ding!]
A familiar sound suddenly echoed inside his mind. Lionel’s eyes imdiately brightened at that. F
Finally!
[Congratulations, Host!]
[Mission Completed]
[You have received 1 Skill Point]
The corner of his lips rose to a small smile at that. Talking all evening wasn’t that bad at all because that one skill point made everything worthwhile.
After receiving the notification, Lionel quietly looked around. Most of the guests had already left.
With that thought in mind, Lionel made his way toward his parents. The two were still speaking with a few remaining guests near the entrance.
After waiting for a suitable mont, Lionel approached them.
"Mother, Father."
Elara and Arden imdiately turned toward him.
"Lionel." Elara’s expression softened.
"I ca to ask permission to retire to my room, mother," Lionel said politely. "The ball is already ending, and there shouldn’t be much left to do."
"That’s true." Arden glanced toward the ballroom before nodding.
"You’ve done enough tonight." Elara also had no complaints about it.
Honestly, Elara looked incredibly pleased. Not only was the celebration a success, but his son had also exceeded all of her expectations throughout the evening.
Every noble who spoke to her had praised Lionel. They complinted his manners, his composure, and also his maturity.
Several noblewon had even openly praised his appearance. Just rembering it made Elara feel proud all over again.
Elara took a step forward, "You handled yourself wonderfully," she said while reaching over to straighten a small wrinkle on his sleeve.
"Thank you, Mother." Lionel smiled helplessly.
"Many people left with a favorable impression of you tonight," Arden added calmly.
Although Arden’s voice remained as serious as usual, Lionel could tell his father was satisfied as well.
"You’ve represented the Exelio na properly."
"Thank you, father." Lionel nodded lightly. "I’ll continue working hard."
"See? He’s becoming more reliable every day." Elara imdiately looked even more pleased after hearing that.
Arden rely sighed. "Don’t spoil him too much."
"I am his mother. It is my duty to spoil him."
"It is also your duty to discipline him."
"That’s your responsibility."
The two imdiately began their usual banter again. Lionel finds his parents unbelievable. They were both mature and loving people, but sotis they had this silly banter.
Lionel could only shake his head as he watched them.
"Then I’ll head upstairs first, mother, father," Lionel said.
"Go rest," Arden replied.
"Go on. You must be exhausted after speaking to so many people tonight." Elara nodded in agreent.
"Get so sleep, dear. You only have 1 day left before your training begins."
"I will, mother." Lionel smiled and nodded at it. However, before sleeping, there were a few things he needed to do.
His skill point... and his bird.
"Goodnight, Mother."
"Goodnight, Father."
"Goodnight, dear."
"Rest well."
After saying his farewells, Lionel finally left the ballroom. He walked upstairs to go to his own room. As soon as he reached the estate, Diana greeted him.
"Young Master!" Diana practically ran over the mont she spotted him.
"Welco back." Diana looked relieved after finally seeing him return.
"Thank you, Diana." Lionel smiled faintly.
"We already prepared your bath, my lord," she said quickly. "The water should still be at the perfect temperature for you to relax on."
"Good."
Diana imdiately motioned for the other servants to follow.
"This way, Young Master."
Lionel followed him through the corridor.
As they walked, several maids politely greeted him.
"Good evening, Young Master."
"Welco back, Young Master."
"Congratulations on tonight’s celebration."
Lionel acknowledged them with small nods before continuing onward. Soon, they arrived at the private bathing chambers connected to his suite.
Warm steam drifted from inside the room the mont the doors opened. And in there, he saw that the large marble bath had already been filled with warm water.
"We prepared everything in advance." Diana visibly looked satisfied.
"You did well."
The praise imdiately brightened her expression.
"Thank you, my lord."
Several maids stepped forward, ready to assist him with changing clothes and preparing the bath properly.
However, Lionel raised a hand.
"That won’t be necessary."
The servants quickly stopped.
"I’ll handle the rest myself. I want to be alone." Lionel looked toward them calmly.
"But Young Master—" Diana blinked.
"You’ve all been working since early morning because of the celebration," Lionel interrupted gently. "You should rest too."
The servants exchanged glances at that. Even Diana hesitated too. However, when they saw the seriousness in Lione’s eyes, they eventually agreed to it.
"As you wish, Young Master."
The others followed imdiately.
"Good night, Young Master."
"Rest well."
"Good night." After receiving their farewells, Lionel nodded.
"Now, let’s see."
- - -
Na: Lionel Silvestre Exelio
Age: 14
Mana: D-
Swordsmanship: B (S )
Archery: D (S )
Horseback Riding: C- (S )
Hunting: D (S )
- - -
[Available Skill Points: 1]
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