The knights checked Nielle’s badge and face and turned away without further interference. Delina cried out in surprise.

“Wait…!”

But Delina’s voice did not reach them. Charlotte raised her hand to cover Delina’s mouth.

“Now, Delina. Let’s go home?”

“……!”

In the end, Delina, unable to make any sound or resistance, was helplessly dragged away by them.

(This is a time separator.)

Unlike the hall where the debutante ball was taking place, the balcony was quiet. Sitting quietly on the balcony, Duke Bellion turned his head at the sensation of someone’s presence behind him.

“I have come to see you, Your Grace.”

In the place where the curtain was opened, Edwin was standing. But Bellion just stared at Edwin and turned his head back.

“It’s been a while. Won’t you even receive my greeting?”

At Bellion’s reaction, Edwin, who was chuckling, approached.

“I saw her too, earlier.”

“…….?”

“That young lady.”

At the mention that he had seen Delina, Bellion finally reacted.

“A clown, out of nowhere, when I first heard it, I wondered what you were talking about. I thought it was some code or something, but you’re not the kind to do something so complicated, so you must have really brought her in as a clown…….”

As if recalling the dance of Ashud and Delina a moment ago, Edwin chuckled.

“I got to see a very rare scene without paying, thanks to you.”

“…….?”

“So, what’s the deal? Did you really bring her in as a clown?”

As Bellion nodded, Edwin spoke with a face that said he had expected it.

“I’ve heard. She’s being tested and sponsored.”

“…….?”

“Noah is also showing interest in it for some reason. Certainly, she doesn’t seem to be an ordinary young lady.”

The Duke Bellion family and the Diamon Duke family.

Though the two seemed to have little in common, they conversed comfortably as if quite close.

“You look rather grim. Did you talk privately with His Majesty the Emperor?”

“…….?”

“Why, again. What did he say?”

Edwin asked, noticing the furrow in Bellion’s brow.

“He’s curious about the children we’re sponsoring.”

“…….?”

“Are you okay with continuing to send the child to the Duke’s house?”

Now Noah is secretly receiving education in the Duke’s house, but if that fact is discovered, the Diamon Duke family will surely not escape the imperial court’s scrutiny. Bellion looked at Edwin as if worried.

“Um, well. Then just continue not getting caught.”

“…….?”

“Of course, it’s not completely uncatchable, but it doesn’t matter.”

However, Edwin’s face was calm.

“Noah knows that and is going to the Duke’s house. It’s the child’s will, and I have no particular intention to stop it.”

“…….?”

“Besides, both the imperial palace and the Ulphrim Duke’s house are our precious customers. I can’t give up either.”

It was very much like Edwin. Bellion’s face said he had expected it too.

“Ah, but I want to talk more with that young lady. Is that not possible?”

“No.”

“Hey, what am I going to sell in front of you? I just want to ask some curious things, and we can have a warm time together.”

“You’ll sell something warmheartedly.”

“I’m not going to.”

The conversation continued between the two, revealing more about their relationship, their concerns, and their views on the ongoing situation.
Bellion’s reaction was as if he were hitting an iron wall, and it was then that Edwin sneered and laughed. The loud curtains opened and Felik came to the balcony.

“Your Highness. Something has come up.”

“What.”

“It’s about the young lady…….”

Bellion’s brow narrowed gradually at Felik’s continuing words.