"It's a pleasure to meet you both!"
Roland could hardly show blatant favoritism, but as he greeted the two, he still wore a smile as warm as a spring breeze.
His efforts did not go unappreciated.
Perhaps the two had considerable social grace, or perhaps they had come intending to befriend him. Both smiled and made a point of shaking his hand.
Yes, their hands were warm.
Warm enough to make his whole day.
Next came young Arcanists at the Teaching Assistant level, renowned adventurers, blond travelers from other worlds, and reporters from such media outlets as the Arcana Communications Journal and the Arcana Review.
The last to arrive were several High Arcanists of expert and professor standing.
They were not members of the family's faction, but, like Roland, had received special invitations to attend as secondary guests of honor.
Several were familiar faces he had seen at the award ceremony.
These were all accomplished, eminent senior figures, and Roland dared not slight them.
When he saw the final two guests, Roland was somewhat surprised.
Both had blue eyes, silver hair, and wheat-colored skin, looking like foreigners who had stepped straight out of an anime.
One wore the light leather armor common among adventurers, but its elaborate design and fine craftsmanship made it clear that it was beyond the means of ordinary people.
Leon introduced him. "This is His Highness Prince Silaire, first in line to the throne of the Lainer Kingdom, known as the 'Eaglet'!"
Prince Silaire looked about fifteen or sixteen, handsome and full of youthful energy. Yet here in a foreign land, surrounded by the dignitaries of his kingdom's suzerain state, he seemed somewhat reserved.
Seeing Roland look his way, he hurriedly placed a hand over his chest and bowed.
"I have long admired you, Sir Roland.