Now wearing an incredibly revealing and eye-catching green dress, Marcus walked out of the high-end clothing store along with Mrazivy and Diana.


    He was still feeling a bit upset about it since he was basically being used as a distraction to divert the attention of other young nobles away from Mrazivy, but since he was doing it for a friend, he would get through it.


    And Diana was in a worse boat than him with a shy red dress, so hopefully she would attract the majority of attention.


    Waiting just outside for them was Sir Heward who had already brought the princess'' carriage outside the store to pick the three of them up.


    Getting down from the coachman''s stand Sir Heward got on one knee and bowed towards the princess and said, "Your highness, I havee to get you and take you to the viceroy''s party, where everyone is expecting your arrival."


    Nodding her head Mrazivy thanked her guardian knight before waiting for him to open the carriage doors and stepping in.


    Marcus and Diana then followed sitting across from Mrazivy who once the carriage doors closed slumped over and sighed.


    "I really do hate these kinds of parties; they are so stuffy, and you have to act all prim and proper all the time. Not to mention all of the people kissing up to me trying to get something out of it by ying nice. This is why I like adventuring; it is only your own achievements that matter and not what family you were born to." Mrazivy tantlyined.


    Diana then began nodding her head in agreement and said, "I understand what you mean your highness. My father is just a humble bar with very little money or power and when I was younger no one would pay me much attention at these types of parties. But the second I became one of the grand archmage''s disciples'' people that had ridiculed me before would flock to me and try to get into my good graces. I would rather just be practicing my magic than attending such events."


    ''Is it really going to be that bad.'' Marcus thought, hoping they were exaggerating.


    He had never actually been to a full-blown noble party since he barely got any invitations and the ones he did get, he rejected since he was always busy working on forging or as an adventurer.


    Now however, he would be attending a major party where all of the most powerful nobles in the city and nearby territories would be gathering, and as Mrazivy''s guest no less.


    ''Worst case scenario I can make like a ghost and disappear.''


    Crossing over therge bridge that was the only entrance to the Viceroy''s castle, Mrazivy''s carriage that was bearing the crest of the royal family was let through easily and they quickly made their way to the front of the castle.


    The three of them then exited the carriage and were escorted by a servant that was already waiting for them to the main hall where the party was happening.


    Yet before they entered, they had to stop and gave their names to some type of announcer who went in before them and addressed the room saying loudly, "Now arriving her royal highness Mrazivy Borealia thirteenth princess of the kingdom, and her attendants Baress Irene Geist and Diana Grenvine daughter of Bar Grenvine."


    After that the three of them entered into the hall with Mrazivy going being in the lead, and as he entered Marcus looked out and saw the hundreds of people looking right at them.


    Feeling a bit nervous, Marcus did his best not to fall over as he walked down the stairs, but luckily with his high stats, a little nervousness was not going to knock him over.


    Getting down to the main floor the three of them first went over to where the viceroy was in order to greet him.


    "It is a pleasure to see you again Count Vendrick and I must once again thank you for the amodations you have given me during my stay in your wonderful city." Mrazivy said, as she held out her hand towards the viceroy.


    Taking her hand Count Vendrick bent over and kissed the top of it before saying, "No the pleasure is mine, just having someone of you station at my spring festival party has made it twice as great. It has been almost a decade since thest royal attended one of my parties, when your esteemed elder brother was here to train in the dungeon, like yourself."


    Once the two of them had finished up their pleasantries, the count turned towards Marcus and said, "And I do not think I have had the honor of making you acquaintance before Lady Geist. "


    Bowing slightly Marcus said, "Ah yes I am actually a rtively new noble from the capital, and I came to train in the dungeon that this city is famous for."


    Nodding his head, the viceroy then said, "Ah I see, so you must be an adventurer like her highness, are you maybe a part of her party?"


    "No, we are just friends. We met back in Loursend when we were both still going into the Ocean Bluff temple and since I already knew her cousin Wade Orphiria we got to know each other."


    Hearing this Count Vendrick''s eyes went a little wide with fear, and a hint of sweat began to fall down his face. He had heard of Wade and knew he was a royal investigator that was known for arresting corrupt nobles.


    "Well, it has been a pleasure to talk to all of you and please feel free toe see me at any time princess, but I need to attend to the other guest right now."


    The viceroy who was now afraid that Marcus was sent by the royal investigators, quickly scurried off towards arge congregation of other guests.


    ''Wow Wade must be more infamous than I thought.''


    After that a number of the nobles approached the three of them, most of them wanting to talk to the princess, but both Marcus and Diana seemed to get the attention of the young male nobles and unfortunately Marcus was on the receiving end of most of them.


    "Lady Geist you simply muste by and visit my family''s estate while you are staying here. We have one of the loveliest gardens in the city and I would be happy to give you a personal tour." The son of some baron said to Marcus vying for his attention.


    Many second, and third sons, of mid and low-ranking nobles were trying to get Marcus to visit them in hopes of possibly kindling a rtionship, and some of them just came right out and asked if they could have marriage discussions at ater time.


    Of course, all of them were actually more interested in Marcus'' title than his appearance though the fact that he looked like a beautiful young girl did not hurt.


    None of these young men were going to inherit their families'' titles but Marcus was a rare chance for them to try and obtain their own title by marriage since very few people with titles would not already be betrothed.


    And to add to Marcus'' strife, after a bit an entire orchestra came out and began ying music.


    "Ah would you like to apany me for a dance Lady Geist." The third son of Count Vendrick said.


    He had been one of the more persistent men seeking Marcus'' attention using his status as the viceroy''s son to stay at the head of the pack.


    ''Now I understand why Mrazivy wanted me here, otherwise she would have been taking the brunt of these attempts.''


    Internally sighing, Marcus epted since he did not want to ruffle any feathers with the viceroy.


    Unfortunately, there was a big problem in that Marcus had no idea how to dance, but he had a solution that he hoped would help.


    ''I was nning on selling it but whatever.''


    Taking out the dance skill orb he had obtained, Marcus quickly learned the skill and hoped that it would help out.


    As they got out onto the dance floor, Marcus said to the viceroy''s son, "I must tell you that this is my first-time dancing so sorry if I step on your feet."


    "Ah yes you were amoner until just a few months ago, but do not worry I will be sure to lead."


    However, for the confident way that he talked, he really sucked at dancing actually stepping on Marcus'' feet.


    There was a reason he was not in a rtionship yet and it was because he was incrediblyzy to the point no one wanted much to do with him.


    Sighing Marcus did his best to watch the people around them and emte their dancing with the help of his skill and agility stat, and after a few minutes managed to dance passably well and keep from being stepped on anymore.


    "Lady Geist you certainly are a natural at dancing and incredibly beautiful."


    The viceroy''s third son then sent his nce downwards, and his right hand moved lower.


    Yet before his hand reached its destination Marcus'' foot had already stepped on the viceroy''s son''s foot and a unsettling cracking sound could be heard.