I Maxed Out My Luck Stat-Chapter 32: Rouge Naming Ceremony

The Blanc Family Carriage rolled into the Grand Manor of the Rouge Family Manor, bathing itself in all the splendor that oozed from this great sanctuary.

The Manor was like a monument to excess and power.

Most would gasp at its grand design and sheer size. The very nature of it displayed the prestige of this Noble Household and why it was worthy of being referred to as the most powerful.

Its crimson-stained spires pierced the night sky above the heart of Crimson City.

The resplendent walls were built from dark marble veined with scarlet, and the entire estate seemed almost alive, giving off a quiet, oppressive majesty. Vast iron gates stood at the entrance, although it was now thrown open for the occasion, allowing a steady procession of carriages and regally draped figures to pass through.

Within the estate, the grandeur only deepened.

Endless halls stretched beneath vaulted ceilings, where chandeliers of blood-crystal cast a dim, ruby glow over polished floors that reflected every movement like a pool of still water. Servants moved in perfect silence, their presence barely noticeable as they attended to the noble guests who had gathered from all corners of the Vampire State.

Not only did the descendants of the Vampire Nobles attend, but they brought their aides and a few vassals as a small entourage. There were also other guests who were not of Nobility.

For example, those belonging to the Noble Order.

There were also powerful Vampires who belonged to independent factions, Vampires who served as Explorers, and even Adventurers who traveled to other lands. The reach of the Rouge Household was truly unparalleled, reflected in the overall ambiance of its vast castle.

The gardens, usually serene and untouched, had been transformed into a spectacle.

Black roses bloomed unnaturally in abundance, their petals glistening as if kissed by fresh blood. Fountains flowed not with water, but with a dark, wine-colored liquid, their gentle trickling adding to the eerie elegance of the evening.

At the heart of it all lay the grand hall, where the Naming Ceremony was to take place.

Velvet drapes of deep crimson framed the chamber, and at its center rested an elevated dais, prepared for the child who would soon be given a name worthy of the Rouge lineage.

Seeing all of this in its majesty, Richard was internally stunned.

However, he had a stoic expression.

He would not shame the Blanc Household... no matter what!

Behind him was a single aide—a masked individual whose entire body was covered in a plain white hooded cloak. The gold lining on the cloak made it appear prestigious, but its design was still rather plain compared to what Richard wore.

His all-white suit was the perfect mix of majesty and glory... almost to the point of being wasted on him. It was though he was dimming the sparks that were flying from his luxurious attire.

Still, he carried himself with grace.

He displayed the etiquette befitting someone from a prestigious family.

Although most families had brought a sizable entourage to display their wealth and the importance of the descendants that they sent, Richard only came with one person.

Of course, it was Neia.

The two walked right next to each other, navigating the vast manor while trying to hide their awe.

However, they hadn’t even gotten very far when Richard felt his first murderous intent.

It came from someone who was just arriving at the event.

’It’s... him...!’

Richard’s face turned ugly for a moment, but quickly became calm once he cast his gaze on the teenager who alighted the carriage.

The obese boy was like a walking seal—or perhaps a whale?

He was simply too fat!

He had glorious blue hair and sharp blue eyes that displayed a hint of dignity, but his appearance just ruined the whole aesthetics.

He was also wearing a prestigious attire, though not as good as Richard’s.

Perhaps this was due to how stretched out the outfit was, thanks to his bulging stomach.

He was also escorted by five aides, all of them having a capable aura about them. Upon walking out of the carriage, he walked straight towards Richard and his sole aide.

A pompous expression dotted his chubby face.

However, beyond his pride... There was also something darker manifesting inside it.

—Rage!

Pure, unfiltered anger!

"Hmph! So you actually came... You bastard!"

Richard remained calm under this provocation, even though he was slightly shaken by the sight of this fat gentleman. This person, who was none other than Arthur Netora Re Von Bleu, was the one who had decided to kill him in this event.

Neia reported as much.

’But to think he would openly provoke me like this. Not a very subtle plan...’

Beyond that, there was also the question of motive.

’What did I ever do to this guy?! Why does he want to kill me? I have never even met him before in my entire life!’ Behind his cold, unmoving mask, Richard asked his question.

He even shuddered mildly in this large and overwhelmingly tall man’s presence.

It was simply too domineering.

"I believe this is our first time meeting, Arthur Netora Re Von Bleu. Resorting to such crude insults is not only unnecessary, but they reflect poorly on your family."

"W-what?!"

"You need to consider your actions carefully. This isn’t the City of Sapphire, where the Bleu Family reigns supreme. I think you would do well to remember that and appropriately compose yourself."

"Y-you bas..." Lost for words, Arthur could only point at Richard with an enraged expression.

His fat face displayed a flushed reaction to his current humiliation.

He could not stand it. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"W-w-what gives you the right to talk to me like that?"

"We are both Nobles, are we not?" Richard smiled calmly, still not changing his overall demeanor. "Besides, unlike you—who is the youngest—I am the only child of the Blanc Household, which gives me a much higher standing than you. Don’t forget that."

"Hmph! High standing indeed! Is that why you’ve only been escorted by one aide! I guess the Blanc Family really has fallen on hard times. Even modest Nobles chose to come with two, but I guess your family could only resort to one in the end."

Upon hearing this, Richard’s smile broadened slightly, displaying true emotion for the first time.

A look of pride filled his countenance as he spoke.

"This single aide of mine is capable of not only wiping you out, but everyone else in this event."

"W-what?!"

Arthur was stunned by the audacity.

It was one thing to insult him, since he was the one who made the provocations.

However, going as far as making such a bold statement in the Rouge Manor was completely unnecessary and truly ballsy.

’J-just who is this guy?! The spy reports told me that he is a recluse who has little presence in the Household and even keeps to himself. I didn’t expect him to be so formidable with his words and unmoved by my intimidation. He’s also very confident, and his audacity is...’

Arthur found himself nearly praising Richard and quickly shook his head.

’No! No way!’

He had come here for one reason alone.

To eliminate Richard as a competition and win back the lovely Lady Selica, the love of his life.

’I have the perfect chance here, so there’s no need to wait until he enters the Academy!’

While he was having these thoughts, Richard was also reeling from the conversation and had a very morbid internal expression.

’What the hell? Wipe out everyone in this event? Why would you say that? What were you thinking?’ He wanted to pull out his hair, but he controlled this urge and stood motionless.

Naturally, Richard had been meaning to brag a little.

If he could use bravado to raise his reputation, it would help him survive the harsh Noble world.

But this... This was a step too far.

Thankfully, no one heard the statement being made, so he was safe—

"Hello there..." A voice suddenly echoed amidst the tense atmosphere, completely shattering the silence.

A man with red hair suddenly appeared between Richard and Arthur, his tall gait and powerful presence displaying an overwhelming aura that neither side could ever dream of.

"One of you said something rather interesting, and I couldn’t help but grow interested in this conversation..." His bloody red hair and crimson wine eyes showed a sharp, ruthless glint, but his smile was that of pure amusement.

"What did you just say about wiping out everyone present?"