“Yes, it’s confirmed. Please enter.”

The palace hosting the banquet was as splendid as ever today. The attitudes of the servants dealing with the Ulphiram Ducal family remained the same.

Nevertheless, it was about time to adapt to it.

Every time Delina entered the palace, she could sense the gazes pouring down on Velion. She seemed to understand why he continued to wear a mask. Of course, Delina, who had completely adapted to the public attention, ignored their stares and entered the banquet hall.

“So many people are already here.”

Although it had become a familiar place after several visits, the atmosphere and the people attending each banquet were different every time. Today, many of her peers, young nobles, were visible. They were gathered together with excited faces.

“Delina!”

Eile exclaimed in a friendly manner as Delina entered, appearing more excited than expected.

“You came faster than I thought. I thought you might be a bit late.”

“I guess the carriage ran a bit faster. But there are already so many people. For a moment, I thought I was late.”

“Of course, there are many. Everyone has been looking forward to this day.”

Eile, who said so, greeted Velion, who was beside Delina.

“Hello. It’s been a while, Your Grace. You look handsome as always today!”

Certainly, apart from Delina, Eile was probably the only one who could speak so friendly to Velion. It was possible because she had visited the Ducal family several times with Delina.

“When I first saw your face, the reaction was really amazing.”

When Eile was explained about Velion’s appearance concealed behind the mask, she showed little reaction. However, after seeing Velion’s bare face for the first time at the Ducal mansion, she spent days praising his appearance.

To the extent that Velion later actively avoided Eile when he saw her in the hallway. Witnessing that scene, Felic greatly respected Eile as the first noble who made the Lord flee.

“Let’s go with Delina!”

Without waiting for Velion to respond, Eile dragged Delina away. Velion’s gaze, who was next to Delina, became entangled in a strange way. Soon, Calix shrugged, showing a slightly awkward smile, and entered the carriage.

“Oh, it’s already so fun… To miss such a sight…”

Felic, who was watching the scene unfold up close, lamented, pounding the ground in disappointment.
Appearance, power, wealth—Calix and Vansent had it all. Even from a distance, they stood out in terms of looks, drawing the attention of numerous young nobles, knowingly or unknowingly.

“No, not there.”

Surprisingly, Eile was firm.

“Why?”

“No matter how much I like meetings, I won’t touch a friend’s man.”

“Not a friend’s man, it’s not like that. Besides, you are anyway… No.”

Friend’s man was a no, but a friend’s brother seemed to be acceptable. Delina soon spotted Gideon in the distance.

“Ugh.”

As their eyes met, Delina reflexively furrowed her brows. Gideon’s face also wrinkled in response, and he soon gestured as if to say, “Don’t pretend you don’t know.”

“What’s up with Gideon? Why is he like that?”

“If you want to see him getting married, don’t pretend today. I told you the young nobles won’t come near if I’m around.”

“Well, if he’s going to inherit the marquisate, he must have a lot to deal with. But I’m curious who will marry Gideon.”

“…Yeah, me too. Really curious.”

As time passed, more people filled the venue. Then, the young nobles who had gathered around Delina started approaching her one by one.

“Hello, young lady. Your dress is exceptionally beautiful today.”

“Do you remember me? We met at a gathering before. At that time, you… ”

Most of the conversations were not genuine discussions but attempts to bring up various topics to become friendly. However, Delina was accustomed to it. It was because Delina received sponsorship from the Ducal family.

A jester sponsored by the Ducal family.

Except for the title of jester, the fact that she was sponsored by the Ducal family was enough to attract everyone’s attention.

Moreover, living directly in the Ducal family made it even more intriguing. Since the Ducal family was quite closed-off, people were curious about Ulphiram Ducal family, and Delina served as a convenient conduit to satisfy their curiosity.

Of course, the young nobles were different.

Until now, there was no noble with a higher status than Delina dominating the current social scene.

Therefore, Delina, closely associated with the Ducal family, became a considerably influential figure. Her existence was a suitable channel for satisfying their curiosity about Ulphiram Ducal family. The fact that Sylvia, after escaping from Delina as if running away, was a turning point.

“I hope you can come to gatherings more often. The last gathering was fun.”

“I have many things going on. I’ll try to attend next time.”

As the situation unfolded, the young nobles made every effort to get closer to Delina. While Delina was surrounded by young nobles, behind them, there were glances directed towards her—from Sylvia.

“…”

“…”